The Erdmann Family

sadness

2010-03-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

This past Tuesday, TJ got word that he was going to be making a quick trip up to Washington for work. He would leave Wednesday morning with Malaya in tow. I wanted to take the whole family but I had Chemistry on wednesday afternoon and a quiz. They left and then I got the call that my class had been cancelled for the day. I was pretty bummed given the fact that we could have all gone to Washington and saw our family. Last night I sat at home and cried, TJ & Malaya were getting ready to go to dinner with my parents and I was sitting here in Arizona with nothing to do but clean up poop from my lovely 2 yr old. I wanted nothing more than to be there with them going to dinner and catching up. The reality that we live so far away hit me pretty hard last night. It's not easy but it has to be done.

Oh my grossness

2010-03-06T09:18:00.001-08:00

When your 2 year old walks up to you with no diaper on and saying "poo poo' you just know it's never going to be a good thing. My lovely Carter, I love you but you are GROSS!!! Leave the diaper on before you come to me with poo poo on your hands, your legs, your feet and all over the carpet. Thanks.

It's Been a While

2010-03-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I have updated my blog! I've been out of it. Anyhow, we are all settled here in Arizona. It's been so crazy. For the first 7 months I felt like I was just on a very LONG vacation. When Christmas came around and we had our first holiday here, that's when it hit that we live here. We can't just drive over to mom's for christmas, I missed cookie exchanges and holiday parties. It was rough for me. But we made it through and here we are with another summer coming upon us. The kids are doing fabulous in school, I couldn't ask for better. However, schools here are very different than they are in Washington. Not necessarily in a bad way, just different.

TJ's work is going great, he has never worked so much in his life. He will probably tell you though that being in charge is not always what it cracks up to be. It's more like babysitting than anything. He does more paperwork and moderation of employees than actually working himself. But he enjoys it and we are happy so that's all that matters.

I am going to school FT and it's going really well. I enjoy most of my classes and the challenge of learning again. Won't be too long before I get my degree and am working as a nurse.

That's about all that is new with us, same ole same ole.....have a fabulous day!

You know you want to!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-23T08:31:00.001-07:00

Hey all, well I finally did it. I entered Malaya into the GAP casting call. A chance for her to be a GAP model for a year, something she has been begging me to let her do and I finally think she is old enough!

What I need from you is votes. Lotsa votes! You can vote once a day for her if you think she is the best in her category. WHICH SHE IS!!!!!!!! he ha....If she wins she gets to be a face of Gap as well as take a trip to NY to see the Lion King on Broadway.

Here is the link, log on daily and give her your support. Fan votes count for a prize as well!

http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/Ambererdmann/525762111/

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!

It's been a while

2009-08-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

Wow, it's been so long since I have updated this. But life has been crazy! Our move to Arizona has been a great one so far. We are happy and busy and lost all at the same time! The girls started school on August 6th. I was so ready, I can't stand all the bickering and fighting that comes along with summer vacation. However, now I find it silly that it's 90 degrees out and they are in school. But loving every minute of it and doing so well at the adjustment. They have new friends, like their teachers and plan on joining some after school programs very soon.

TJ is leading up a $54 million dollar contract at work. This means he works 90 hours a week. Seriously, he goes at 5am and gets home at 11pm. But we do get to see him everyday. Etiher at lunch or dinner for a while. And of course every weekend we do something Sunday as a family all day. it's really ok. I'd rather him work that much than be gone for 2-3 weeks at a time and not see him at all.

I finished my first class at college. Algebra. YUCK!!!!!!!I did not care for it, it was not my cup of tea. However, I did pass with a B and can put math behind me and move on! Tuesday begins the fall semester for me. I am taking 9.5 credits which is FT. I get to tackle Biology 181 and my Nursing Assistant Training. I am looking forward to some change and being busy. Don't get me wrong staying home all day everyday does keep me plenty busy. But this will be a different kind of busy.

Carter Rylan is turning 2 in just a few weeks. I cannot believe it. but he is a full blown 2 year old let me tell you. BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!!! I think it should be almost illegal to be as busy as he is. But he is the sweetest most loving little boy ever! I cannot imagine my life without him.

Here are a couple photos of the first day of school. It's been a while since I posted pics. I promise to update this thing a little more often!

Prayers are needed

2009-07-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all my fellow bloggy's....

Please keep my friend Nichole in your prayers as you go about your day today. Last night she lost her unborn baby boy. She was 23 weeks along. The reasons are unknown right now. She has a rare blood disorder that makes it hard to carry children, this one wasn't planned. but nonetheless, it's just as hard. They have grown to accept this pregnancy, find out he was a boy and even give him a name. She emailed me early in the afternoon concerned that she hadn't felt him move in about 24 hrs. But sometimes babies just don't move alot and sometimes that early on it's hard to feel it. She had a doppler so kept checking the heartbeat and all was ok. Before she went to bed at 9:30 she checked for HB again and nothing. Her husband drove her 1.5 hrs to the hospital where they couldn't find a hearbeat. She has placenta previa so cannot deliver him for risk of bleeding to death. She also cannot have a c-section for the same reasons. She is sitting in the hospital right now waiting for them to decide what to do with her stillborn son still inside of her. upon ultrasound this morning they found that he weighed 13 oz but, there was no more amniotic fluid, thus for some reason, he did not survive.

2 years ago, on July 5 this exact thing happened to Nichole, except her baby boy lived. he made it to 22 weeks and weighed 1 lb. Was in the NICU for 4 months and is now a thriving healthy and busy 2 year old little man. Nichole almost died during this as that delivery is how they found out she had a rare blood disorder. Jordyn had stopped growing at 22 weeks but lived until she went into shock at 25 weeks and made it to the hospital. they have been so strong and endured so much in the past couple years.

Please keep them in your mind today that they get through such a difficult time. Thanks.

Thursday with ME!

2009-07-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

I kinda like this Thursday with me post. Stolen from my dear friend Tiffiny over at The Story of My Life......here is this week's episode....about all I have time for these days!

I am Thankful For......
Coffee. Yes that is shallow, I know but it has saved my life a few times this week. I am thankful for it and that's all there is to the story. also, that gas prices are dropping. I filled up for $2.39 a gallon yesterday. Woot woot!

I am Looking Forward to.......
Seeing my mom and dad hopefully at the end of the month. It's hard to go from seeing them everyday to not seeing them for over a month. I am having withdrawls.

I am Missing......
again, my family and friends. And my mind. And some new triple A batteries I just bought. And Carter's new swim shorts I just bought him. Moving will do it to you.

I am Listening To....
Handy Manny on the TV, Carter singing Handy Manny and the kids argueing. So what's new?

What's For dinner tonight?
Whatever the kids can find since i have a math test at 4pm and class after that at 5 until 9. Maybe I will call TJ and have him get a $5 pizza on his way home from work. They are really $5 here, no joke. Not $8.55 or whatever they have raised them to in Lynden now.

That's about all I have time for. Our weeks aren't too interesting around here. But wait until school starts for the kids!!!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

Thurday with Me.....stolen from Tiffiny

2009-07-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well she said if I do it once I must continue to do it so here goes........this is my first blog since we moved to Arizona.......

I am Thankful for......
My family and my husband who is working very hard to support us while I go to school. It's going to be a long 4 years but worth it in the end. I am also thankful that my cousin Aaron and his wife welcomed a new baby boy into the family on June 30th. wish I was there to see him.

I am Looking Forward to........
4th of July. I have no idea what we are doing yet but the 4th is always fun. They just legalized fireworks in Arizona yesterday so it's kinda scary to think of people who could torch our entire state but hoping people are safe and responsible. Also starting school on Monday, me that is!

I am Missing......
my family. My moms, dads, sisters and extended family. It's weird being 1800 miles away knowing that I can't just drive to my mama's house and visit. I miss my house, i love my new house don't get me wrong but I think I more so miss my old neighborhood. The friends and kids and ability for my kids to play with their friends and ride their bikes around without a care.

I am Listening to......
Carter run around saying crash crash on his 4 wheeler.....the girls bickering (what's new) and the TV.

What's For dinner tonight.......
hamburgers on the BBQ and homemade mac and cheese. And probably a BEER for me!

Have a great week everyone!

Thursday with ME????

2009-06-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Alright she said to copy her and tell us about our week........tiffiny! so here goes......

I am Thankful for.....

SUN. I love the SUN!!!!! Warm, that's even better. Water, it's good when you have sun and WARM! I am thankful for my husband who works so hard and will continue to so I can quit my job and stay home with the kids/get an education. I am thankful that I still have a home and a car when alot of people right now are going without. I am thankful for my family. Especially my mom who I am going to miss SO MUCH when I move. I get to see her almost everyday. I will miss her more than she knows.

I am Listening To......

Go Diego Go, a lawnmower and Carter whining to go "side" (aka: outside) He is very sneaky and if I am not careful will just let himself right out and into the garage to play on the tractor.

I am Looking Forward to.....

TJ coming home tomorrow night. Watching my girls cheer in the Farmer's Day parade, going to the carnival and demo derby. So many fun things happening this weekend. I also look forward to being together as a family all the time pretty soon. finally.

What's for dinner tonight....

oh gosh I haven't given it a thought yet. Either hot dogs and fruit or we are hitting up Subway!

Missing.....

nothing at the moment but ask me in about 2 weeks.....ha ha...well I am missing this $10 American Eagle gift card that was hanging on my fridge for months. I went to go use it yesterday and it was gone. I mean who would take something like that? I bet it blew off and I scooped it up in my sweep pile and tossed it in the garbage. yep, sounds like something I would do! I also miss my REAL bed and living in a house with furniture.

Well there you have it.

Summer Days!

2009-06-04T08:43:00.001-07:00

Could this weather get any better? I don't think so. I love it! What a wonderful stretch of hot days! So it's been a while since I have updated this blog. Between moving, packing and end of school year it's just been a busy couple of months. However, last night at 9pm it was 80 degrees still so I turned on the sprinkelers and just let them go for it! Here are some shots of the kids. We are sure going to miss having GRASS here in Washington!

Let's Get This Show on the Road!

2009-05-07T17:56:00.001-07:00

Ok ya'll........we have a house in Arizona....I have registered for nursing school......let's get this show on the road! I am ready to move. Ok maybe mentally. In a real life situation if movers came to my house today they would laugh and walk away. I have not 1 box packed but I am ready! The more I think about being together everyday the more anxious I get to just do this. I am dreading the thought of getting boxes and packing them carefully as they are going to travel 1600 miles in a trailer. I dread the unorganized chaos of my house while we do that. I dread the mess that comes with moving anywhere. But the end result will be totally worth it. I hope.

Today I woke up to the heat coming on in my home. Brrrrrr. It was 40 degrees and pouring down rain with a fierce wind blowing as well. You gotta be kidding me? What is this Moctober?(that's me jamming May and October together). Anyways, I got on the computer like I do every morning and checked the weather where we are moving and at 8:20am there it was 70 degrees. Yes sir....70. And sunny. Long range forecast......80's for the next 10 days straight.

I don't like to wait for anything. Everyone who knows me knows that. I am enrolled in nursing school. I start in July. VERY excited and just want to be a family again. Together and happy.

What a rip off

2009-05-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

I am not usually one to stew on things but this has got me in a tizzy. Back in Feb I signed up Malaya for Lynden Action soccer. Which was supposed to be kind of an "elite" team, where they learned more and played harder teams so they were supposed to be challenged more to prepare them for 4th grade soccer. BIG MISTAKE! the season cost me $75. She doesn't even get to keep her jersey. The season started April 21st....that was their first game. When did we get a call from her coach? On April 19th. One practice, if you could even call it that. and they were off to their first game. The coach is a joke, pracitice is a joke and some of the kids on the team are a joke. they are obviously not there to learn soccer skills, but to play with their friends and chit chat on the field. I feel terrible for Malaya. They have not won a game yet. 8 games, all losses. They hardly practice...one week the coach just decided to not show up and we sat in the school parking lot for 45 minutes waiting for him to show but nothing. And no follow up phone call. to me that is inconsiderate and rude. When they do practice they don't learn soccer skills, they scrimmage for an hour and when girls goof off he says nothing! It takes all Ihave to not stand up and say something. Other parents are also discouraged and I have a strong urge to write the Lynden Action director and ask for my $ back and to really put a bug in his ear that this is not ok. Today, there was a tournament. When did I find out about it? Last night when Malaya told me after finding out at school from a teammate. No call from the coach or anything. I was tempted to tell her we aren't going that this is the last straw but she loves soccer so I just couldn't. Last night she got no sleep and isn't feeling well today so she opted to stay home and not play. Guess they weren't going to miss her anyways since they didn't bother calling to tell her about it. Ugh. I don't know if I can send the letter. I want to. But at the same time I wonder if i should just say whatever and forget about it?

For all you carbohydrate addicts.

2009-04-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

.....like me! Well, usually you hear people say that over the holiday's they gained weight and la de da de da. Yeah well I had strep, tonsilitis AND the flu over Christmas so I think I may have been the only person on Earth that lost weight over the holidays. but boy oh boy did I make up for it in February. I don't know what it was about February...ok maybe I do. We went on a cruise. Enough said. For anyone who has ever been on one they will tell you that it's all bout the FOOD!! and more food and food everywhere. I think we did mostly eating on vacation. Blah. The cruise director said the average adult gains 7 lbs on a cruise and he was right! I put on 5 lbs over a 10 day vacation. Which isn't too hard since you eat constantly and drink alcohol then do nothing but lay around in the sun and be lazy the entire time. Then when we got home it was depressing being home and not on vacation, the weather sucked and I was bored. I went from 134 lbs before vacation to 140 lbs in no time. So I finally decided this is it. My clothes started fitting tight and I got sooooooo uncomfortable it was making me cranky.

10 days ago I decided to start the Atkins Diet. I also added a diet pill supplement and a One A Day womens weight loss support vitamin. 5 days into it I had lost 1 lb. Then my friend Shawna told me about the Carbohydrate Addicts diet. And thank goodness she did! I am down another 3 lbs for a total of 4 lbs weight loss in 10 days. If you have been considering dieting but aren't real good at restricting yourself or just don't want to give something up all together I suggest you check this out!

You are allowed 2 mini-meals a day. That contains little or no carbs at all. For instance in the morning I have scrambeled eggs with cheese (no carbs) and a cup of coffee with 1 tsp of half and half (also, no carbs). For lunch I usually have a salad.....chicken ceasar, taco salad, steak with blue cheese.....(all no carbs) and am fully satisfied! For dinner, you may have WHATEVER YOU WANT!!!! That's the best part. You can have bread, pasta, beer whatever....it's up to you. The trick is that you must eat your entire meal in 60 minutes and not one minute later. Dessert and all within 60 minutes. This diet has alot to do with your insulin and how much your body produces in a day and it's ability to break down sugars and complex carbs and not let them turn into fat.

Anyway it is supposed to work, well it's working and I love it! My goal is to get to 130 lbs by the end of April so hopefully this will happen. I would recommend this diet to anyone who asked or is looking to just lose a few lbs and a healthy way to maintain it. I feel a million times better even only 4.5 lbs lighter. I can't imagine what another 5 is going to be like! If you want to check it out here is a link!

http://www.carbohydrateaddicts.com/

A Summer Tease??

2009-04-07T21:34:00.001-07:00

My my it has been one heck of a last few days. SO Beautiful out!! I believe summer is teasing us, mmmm hmmm...yesterday the temperature was 78 degrees. Can you believe that? 78 on April 6th....but I am fully prepared for that rainy spring to come back and knock me back to reality. Luckily, it is Spring Break for the girls so they have been able to take full advantage of it. I was armed with camera in hand for a while they other day and got some shots Sunday afternoon of the kids playing at Grandma's house. they were supposed to be picking up sticks and throwing them in the fire...ha ha. Enjoy!

It's Official

2009-04-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well we have been tinkering with the idea of moving to Arizona ever since TJ got his job there. Immediately, he fell in love with the place, the people, his job....so he asked me to come check it out and attend his company Christmas party with him. When I arrived, I too fell in love with the place. It's beautiful, serene...yet not too small. I asked him to at least stay 6 months before we thought anymore about moving and he still loves his job and everything about it.

June 15th we will be moving to Lakeside, Arizona. What a big change from small town Lynden it will be. But I welcome change and we are so excited. I am saddened at the thought of leaving my family and friends but I know that this is the right decision. My gut tells me that we belong there and we certainly belong together. I can't do this alone all the time anymore and the kids need their dad.

Wish us luck on this journey of transition. I am confident that the kids will adjust well and we will be happy there. I have enrolled to start FT nursing school in the fall. So I won't have to work and most my classes can be done from home online. I love that I will get to spend most my time with the kids and every night we can eat dinner as a family!

Formal Bunko

2009-04-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

These are my Bunko girls. I love them. We have so much fun together playing dice and eating and drinking.....and drinking.....we should really call it Drunko. Ha! Anyhow, it was Shari's month and she decided to make it a formal bunko night. So we all dressed up in old prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and Monica even wore her wedding dress! I think we spent more time taking pictures for our Facebook than anything else. But regardless, not matter what we do we always have a great time. I am going to miss them so much when I go. :-(

This Week

2009-03-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

So much has gone on this week and even though many probably don't care to know I like to reflect on what has gone on. Malaya had a great music concert Tuesday night, TJ left again on Thursday, only for 2 weeks. He is coming home for Easter. When he goes back on the 23rd of April......yep, I am going with! YAY! Mainly to scout homes because the girls and I are 99% sure we are going to be spending the summer in Arizona with him. His boss has offered to rent us a house for the summer so why not right? We are contemplating moving there as a family and weighing the pros and cons right now. He loves his job and the people and it's a wonderful place to be, but how do we leave everything we have here? This is weighing heavily on my heart this week.

Tonite my 2 oldest nephews (14 and 12) are coming to stay the weekend with me. Oh boy. How can I entertain 2 teenage boys? Yardwork, video games???? HELP! They should be a big help around here though and i am happy to have them. Sunday night I am hosting 11 extra people to sleep wherever they can find a place to lay their heads down. I like to open my home to friends and family though and they are all welcome with open arms. Even if that means that the lineup for the bathroom in the morning is going to be 5 people long at each door!

And today I bought the person's coffee who was behind me in line at Starbucks. I have cut down to only hitting the coffee shop once a week due to budget cuts.....I usually save it for Friday mornings on my way into Bellingham to do my errands. I didn't really have the extra $ but I know I made somebody's day and it makes me feel so good to know that I did. At least I hope so!

Blogging

2009-03-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

I really am no good at this blogging thing. I have friends who's blogs are so stinking interesting to read. mine, BlaH!!!!!

Here are just a few updates on the kids.

Malaya is back playing spring soccer. She loves soccer and would play year round if she could. She is on a 4th grade team and is one of the best players. It's challenging for her and we hope she learns new skills and stuff for next season. Her 2nd trimester report card came in and she is doing exceptional in school. We couldn't be more proud. She is coming up on her 9th birthday in 2 weeks.....gotta find something fun to do. she is very sweet and we love her... However, where did this new "I am in 3rd grade and so much smarter than anyone else" attitude come from? Nobody told me this would happen. LOL!]

Natalya, well not really into sports yet but the other day she gave us a list of the "lessons" she plans to take next fall......gymnastics, tap, jazz, piano lessons and guitar lessons...ya ok and I am 6500 people all at once..hmmmm. She just celebrated her 7th birthday with a big party and is also doing amazing in school. She is at and above grade level in EVERY subject!!!!!!! Following right in her sister's footsteps.

Little Carter....not so little anymore. He is a monster. A good monster. He sleeps like an angel which I am soooooooo thankful for. But when he is awake it's like a circus at my house! i seriously need one of those child leashes they make. If you are outside or in public and put him down he takes off and he is FAST!!!!! For reals! His vocab is expanding daily...he pretends to be a dog alot and crawls on the floor saying arf arf arf......everything is mine mine mine....everyone is MOOOOOOMMMMMMYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If the girls leave without him he stands at the door yelling GUYS GUYS.....if we are getting ready to go he gets his shoes on and waits at the door for us. He is totally becoming a little person. And boy can he dance. the boy has got moves!!!!! ha ha...we love him. I cannot imagine our family without him.

So many things

2009-03-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

I find myself lately finding so many things I wish I could do. Money is tight right now, I am not working much, TJ is travelling far to work and yet here I am wanting to try a million things. I know I have a calling out there I just don't quite know what it is. I watch Food Network all the time in hopes of finding new recipes to try so that we don't eat out as much and that has worked, however, now I want to be a professional cake decorator. Actually, I just want to make those super awesome cupcakes that those 2 Smart Cookies ladies do, they are sooooooo cute. Simple, you think and then you buy all the stuff to try it but they turn out nothing like that.

I have started a new business selling Sensaria, natural body products and that has been doing well. I can supplement some of our income in just a couple hours a few nights a month and I have fun doing it. Right now, for some reason I am having a hard time finding people who will host a party and people who said they would to actually follow through. It's frustrating but I do what I can.

I really have been feeling the urge to go back to school. My dream since before having kids was to work in the Labor and Delivery part of the hospital but having kids put that on hold. I really want to get started on this soon, but time and money are not at my dispense currently. I'd love to take photos more often........again working and being alone most the time with the kids makes that difficult as well.

I want to do so much, but how can I be 50 people at once? I can't. So for now, I be super mom and do what I know best. When the time is right I will pursue these dreams.....

Addictions

2009-03-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Guitar Hero.......Seriously..........WHO invented this game? We got it as an early gift for Malaya's birthday and our entire family has been glued to the Wii playing the guitar for a week. Malaya is really good and TJ, well you all can probably vision this in your head.......my hot husband with the guitar wiggling around playing "La Noche" with the volume turned up to 58! Holy headache. I tell ya, I think he just likes the name of the song, the beat is catchy though, I found myself bopping to the beat at 12am while trying to sleep...damn guitar hero.

Then there is Bejeweled Blitz, a Facebook game that sucks you in like the plague. I swear all I think about these days is beating my friends' scores and lining up as many shiny jewels as I can. I want to know where Jenn gets her super speedy mouse in order to get 181,000 points.......HOW is that humanly possible???

Guitar Hero....oh wait I already went there......ha ha, yes it IS that bad!!!!!

Spring Photos

2009-03-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

Nice title huh? That's called "wishful thinking".......um spring??? Where are you????

I am soooooooooo tired of this cold and snow. It's so cold, I am chilled to the bone. My poor little feet haven't thawed out in weeks! I had to actually put the heating pad on them tonight to warm them up. Anywho, the point of this post is to share photos of my friend Tammy's little girl, Ella Jo. I have had the pleasure of taking her 3 month and now her 6 month photos. Luckily for us her photos can be done indoors.

I have been itching to take the kids somewhere cool and get some great photos with my new lens I got in January but have hardly been able to use due to the wonderful NW weather we have been having. Please, please, please old man winter...go away and bring me warm sun!

Here are some of the photos of Ella. She is so beautiful and happy. It was truely a fun time taking her pictures.

A newfound obsession

2009-03-07T22:10:00.000-08:00

Carter has discovered a newly found obession for climbing things. Anythings. Chairs, stools, furniture, toys, people........you name it and the kid will climb it. A couple of nights ago he decided to climb a barstool, which is not a good idea since they are kinda tippy to begin with, add the weight and stature of an uneasy 24 lb toddler!

I wasn't watching as this was happening, I was in the other room. I hear the chair hit the floor and the sudden screaming sounds of a hurt little boy. Normally, Carter cries a minute then wriggles his way back to the ground to go get into something else. But he cried this time for a good 15 minutes. We headed up to bathtime and that is when I noticed that he hit the chair back right square between the eyes on the bridge of his nose. At this point his nose was as wide as it was long and turning more purple by the minute. I called the Dr afraid that it might be broken, but luckily he is still growing bones in his nose so she said there was a very minute chance it were broken. We iced, gave Motrin and headed off to bed. Expecting to see black and blue the next morning, I was very happy to be awaken by a baby with a tiny red dot on his nose. And one of the first things he did when he got up that morning was try to climb that same stinkin chair!! Boy, he keeps me on my toes!

On a good note, Carter turned 17 months last week and I promised to update his photos monthly for family who doesn't get to see him on a regular basis. Most of my photos of him are in the bathtub because that is when he is the happiest!!!! He is also one of my favorite creatures to photograph because he just loves it! Enjoy

It's been 7 years.......

2009-02-27T22:07:00.001-08:00

Since I brought this precious angel into the world.

My little Natalya is not so little anymore. I remember the day I had her. We thought she was a boy. We didn't even have a name for her and she looked so much like her sister, we felt as though we had a repeat birth of just a short 22 months prior when Malaya was born. She came flying into the world with no time to waste, the Dr was darting through the birthing center only to catch her as she flew out. She took one look at the world around her and went right back to sleep. Almost as if she were saying.....ah, no biggie, I've got this covered. Ever since that day she has continued to have a slow paced, laid back, relaxed look at life. She reminds me everyday to slow down and enjoy the day instead of being in such a hurry all the time. Which can also be extremely frustrating when we are actually in a hurry!
She is so soft and sweet and gentle. My girly girl for sure. She doesn't leave the house without primping or a mismatched outfit. She is my snuggler, my lovebug and a homebody for sure. From birth until now, Natalya has always been most comfortable at home. As I get older, the more I am at peace with that. She is very strong willed, opinionated and passionate about things. Especially, when it's her idea. Extremely smart and studious in school. My baby girl is the most compassionate soul I know. Even though she isn't the "baby" anymore, she is still and will always be my baby girl. I love you Natalya Elizabeth. Keep being the beautiful butterfly you are. I love you always.
Here are a few snapshots from her birthday party. Until next year.......

Week in Review

2009-02-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

Well regretfully, I will say outloud that it is nice to be home. Yes I miss the hot sun and carefree days with nothing to worry about besides making sure the sunscreen is applied every couple of hours and what to have to eat next. Gotta love vacation. But I missed my baby Carter. I missed my comfy bed and my computer! Lame, I know.

This week took some adjusting to. We have all been on East Coast time so passing out before 8pm and up at 4:30am. All of us. We are slowly adjusting to "regular" time again though. The girls are happy to be back at school, TJ is back to work as am I.

My mama got to go on a much deserved trip to Mazatlan this week so she is gone. Going to go to dinner with dad and the kids tonight. This should be an adventure!

Tomorrow is the kick off of my new PT business selling Sensaria Body Care products. It's going to be a busy day. But with the great weather and my motivation I am hoping it turns out to be a great day.

Sunday brings no plans, hoping it's still nice out so we can head to the park.

Monday night is my first home party at Julie's house. Should be great fun!

I just signed Malaya up for spring soccer, just what we need is another activity but since they are taking a break from cheer right now it won't be so bad.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and hopfully I will have more to blog about next week!

Cruise Photos

2009-02-19T09:12:00.001-08:00

So I took 437 photos on our trip. I narrowed it down to some of my favorites to share. I have so many more but here is just a small snapshot of our amazing vacation!

Friends Brian and Stacy

Self explanitory

Our drink of choice this week

Valentines Day dinner

Sunset

TJ being silly on the bus ride in Belize

Malaya enjoying a nice cold beverage

At the Mayan Ruins in Belize

Natalya at the Ruins

In Belize City, Belize

In Honduras

Our monkey friend Sonny

The monkeys were SO fun!

Scooby the monkey

Roatan, Honduras

Roatan

Roatan, Honduras

And we are BACK!!!!

2009-02-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

From the most amazing vacation ever. I have to say that it was simply amazing and even though it left our bank account something to be desired.....it was something I will never forget and neither will the kids. We left on Saturday the 7th and stayed in South Beach, Miami the first night. Wow, what a place. It's kinda like Vegas, the city that never sleeps. the next morning we boarded the Norwegian Pearl and right there is when it began.......the nonstop eating that is. We chose Freestyle cruising which means you do what you want, when you want. Instead of being on a meal schedule and what not. During the first show that night they said the average adult gains an average of 5.8 lbs on a 7 day cruise....well, I don't think they were lying. LOL!!! Food everywhere. Hunger was never an issue. Our first port took us to Roatan, Honduras. I could honestly live there. It was stunning. Beautiful pristine beaches and warm water....we went to Gambambalimba park and got to play with the monkey's. By play I mean hold them, feed them and anything you could ever want. They were a blast. We also got to hold and play with huge Parrots and Macaws. I didn't want that day to end. The next day took us to Belize City, Belize. I don't know if it was just me but that place leaves something to be desired. We took the kids on a tour of the Ancient Mayan Ruins of Altun Ha and snore snore snore....can you say boring?? Not to mention it was 95 degrees, 98% humidity and the sand fleas were biting any skin they could see. I am still itching. Not my favorite. The next day took us to Cozumel, Mexico.....another gorgeous port. We went swimming with the dolphins here. Our dolphin was named Pakal and he was only 8 months old but what a creature he was. So sweet and gentle and just amazing. Then after that we took the kids back to the boat and TJ and I went tequila tasting......enough said. LOL. Our final stop was at the cruise lines private island Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. It was great weather and we hung out on the beach all day long. 7 hrs of sun, snorkeling, shell hunting and of course, buckets of beer!!! We met another couple from North Carolina and another couple on their honeymoon who live only about a mile from us in Lynden. We hung out with them that whole day and went to valentines dinner with them. It was a lot of fun. After docking Sunday morning back in Miami we got to have a wind down day and night at the Embassy Suites near the airport. I am so glad we did. We got there around 11am and took naps outside by the pool, ordered pizza, played video games and went to bed nice and early so we could be somewhat refreshed for our 7 hour plane ride home Monday morning.

It was the vacation of a lifetime and I am so glad we did it. If you have never been on a cruise I definitely recommend going on one. You will be glad you did. Once I get my photos loaded on here I will post them. Probably tomorrow. We are glad to be home and hope everyone is doing well!

I'm not TIRED!

2009-02-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it's the weather or if she is growing or what. But I sure hear alot of "I'm not tired" from Malaya lately. She sleep walks from time to time and I will find articles of her clothing scattered throughout the house in the morning that she has shed while walking around in her sleep at night. She also snores like a horse....possibly wondering if I should talk to her Dr about sleep apnea...she is just always tired. But will never admit it. Well, maybe when she is exhausted. But this is what I found on Saturday evening, about 5 minutes after I asked her to go get her jammies on and her response was "I'm not tired".

For Grandma Joanne

2009-02-03T09:47:00.001-08:00

He finally sat still long enough for me to take a picture of him riding the horse. The VERY expensive horse! You will be glad to know and see that he rides it everyday at least twice a day. He gives it hugs and kisses and loves to play with the tail. Thanks Gramma!

In Memory Of....

2009-01-29T09:26:00.001-08:00

My blog today is dedicated to my beautiful Aunt Karen who went to be with the Lord exactly one year today. At just 47 years old, she was taken from us and taken to heaven where I know she looks down on her family and smiles, knowing that we all miss her so much but are celebrating her life and time here with us rather than dwelling on our loss. She suffered with Ovarian Cancer for I believe was about 2 years.

I miss her so much.

This might be a really crazy thing but it's still not real for me. Even a year later, I still go to family events and expect to see her smiling face. When out and about I have had to take second looks when I see someone who looks like her. I dream about her and it's so real. But reality is, she is not here.

A couple weeks ago all the family gathered to celebrate her life once again and spread her ashes on her property where she was the most happy. It was a somber, yet humbling time. But it still doesn't make it real for me.

Today, as I go about my day I will be thinking of her and be reminded once again, how precious our lives are. How we should never go a day without telling our loved ones just how much we love them. Forgiving, caring, loving and cherishing. Every moment. For we never know what tomorrow will bring. She will never, ever be forgotten. I love you Aunt Karen

16 Months

2009-01-27T21:27:00.000-08:00

Carter is turning 16 months old today. He is the funniest thing ever. I enjoy watching him learn new things everyday. He is really starting to come into his own these days...running. Yes, running everywhere. Especially in the opposite direction when he has something he isn't supposed to or he sees the diaper changing materials! His vocab hasn't really expanded much more beyond Mama, Dada, cracker, cookie, mine mine mine, pee pee, this, that and who is it? LOL!!! Everything is a cracker. All food at least. It's hilarous. He gives high fives and knuckles and is starting recognize body parts such as his pee pee (oh boy), the belly button of himself and others and noses! He really likes to squeeze them as hard as he can. He brings a certain light and laughter to the day of each member of our family. The girls are really getting a kick out of watching him learn things, it amazes them how fast he picks up on stuff. Happy 16 month birthday Carter!

Life is too precious

2009-01-27T21:18:00.001-08:00

I am so in love with all of my kids. They are the best things that EVER happened to me! Today a young life was lost. There was a tragic car accident in which a local 7 yr old girl so quickly lost her life. I don't know the family, nor the girl but for some reason this has touched my heart so deeply. I cried for her off and on all day. It made me think, what if that had been me? What if those girls in the car were mine and one minute they were here on Earth with me and the next minute gone? Why did God choose to take such a young life today? I can't answer any of these questions but I can tell you what will become of this for me. When I got home today I hugged each of my kids and told them just how much they are loved. I have made a promise to myself to tell them over and over everyday just in case that next moment is my last moment with them. My heart is aching for the mother of this girl who is surely blaming herself at this moment and grieving like nobody who hasn't lost a child will ever understand. What was the last thing she said to her daughter and will it haunt her forever? I have decided to relax a little more and don't sweat so much of the small stuff.....for tomorrow anything can happen. And if something does I don't want anyone to leave me with my last words being anything other than I love you.

Have you ever?

2009-01-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Here's a little ditty going around the blogosphere. You are supposed to highlight the things you have done, and supposedly this is a list of things that people should do in life before they die. Or something like that. Either way, I think things like this are fun, even if I do not like someone telling me what I need to do to be fulfilled. Let's have some fun! The stuff in red is the stuff I have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (My brother says I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket with a lid on it. Nuff said.)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/ world
8. Climbed a mountain (Does a hill count? Of course, our hills would be mountains to someone in, say, Kansas!)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (No, thanks. Rubber bands break.)
12. Visited Paris (Does Paris in Vegas count?)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea(Gee, that sounds safe.)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked(No, thank you, I choose to live)
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (does on the Wii count?)
32. Been on a cruise (ok, going on one in 12 days, it counts people)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied(It never should take money to be truly satisfied. We're broke, but I am satisfied.)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving/ snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served in a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood/ platelets
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the changing of the guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Been to the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

OK, if you want to, play along! Have fun!

Rants and Raves

2009-01-22T15:16:00.000-08:00

Are we all familiar with Craigslist famous column Rants and Raves?? There are some funny people on there and some obnoxious people on there. I am feeling the need to start my own Rants and Raves.....if you don't mind. I have some Ranting AND Raving to do. I don't know if it's because I am going on week #3 without TJ, or just plain antsy today but writing always makes me feel better...here goes.

Re: Driving
Why oh why must people drive with their blinker on for 20 minutes from Lynden to B'ham? Just bugs me. You never know if they are really turning or not and it just bothered me today on the drive into town. I mean was his music really up loudly enough to not hear the clicky clicky on the dashboard the whole way??

And on the way home I had the pleasure of being behind a Toyota Tundra with NO, and I repeat NO brake lights. The sun is shining and it's hard enough to see when someone is breaking but to flat drive without brake lights to me is just plain irresponsbile and dangerous. I don't tailgate, I leave a few cars distance between me and him and I found out about his no brake lights when my front bumper came within an inch of his while he slammed on his brakes for the car in front of him to turn left. JERK!!!!!!!!!!

And on to Raves.......I ventured into the mall today because I had several returns to do from Christmas that I had been putting off. With money tight I was only going to return, not buy. But when you walk into Kohls and see Carters brand footed jammies for Carter for $3.80 I would be stupid not to pick up a pair. He needs them and why spend $18.00 when I can get them for $3.80? Old Navy....once again. Jeans for the girls for $6.99 then 50% off that? I'd be stupid not to.

So my rave for the day is great sales at the mall.

Oh and the sun. I love you sun. You make me happy. I am so glad you are still here. Please never go away.

A Day in History

2009-01-20T13:55:00.001-08:00

So as well all know, and will never forget thanks to the media, today our new President Barack Obama was sworn into office. I got up this morning and turned on the TV and forgot what today was. I was very quickly reminded. I have to admit that I am a pretty conservative republican and Mr. Obama's plan for the next 4 years don't exactly entice me. I am skeptical of any government who bails out crooks and of all people, auto makers. Yes, I am bitter about the bailout because I know if something happens to my family and we lose our home and everything we have the good ole US of A is NOT going to be there to bail my ass out now are they??

Anywho, after a while I decided to look at this as an opportunity. A wonderful opportunity for Mr Obabma to prove so many of us wrong. I will embrace him and his changes and pray that our country and economy can stay afloat in these hard times. Although I have a feeling it is going to be a bumpy long ride. I cannot dwell on the things I cannot change and he is going to be the President for the next 4 years and there is not a darn thing I can do about it!

I hope that he can create jobs and solve this mortgage crisis. I hope that he can help more people get medical insurance without messing with the way the system already is. I hope that he does not raise taxes, cause well that will just piss me right off. I hope alot of things. But most of all I hope that he will be a unique President.....I hope that the 44th President will go down in history as the first to actually keep his promises and follow through on his plans.

Here's to a new year and a New President. Let's all hope and pray for good change and health for everyone!

What a week

2009-01-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

Well I am almost at 2 weeks without TJ. He left on the 5th and isn't returning home until Feb. 4th. When he is gone I get lazy, especially during the winter when the weather is nasty. I am so busy working and taking care of the kids that on my days off I don't want to do anything. But today the sun came out! It was all the motivation I needed to get out the garbage bags and de-clutter my post Christmas house.

I have to say Carter was a big help. He likes throwing things away. We filled a bag just upstairs alone and got those bedrooms shiny clean! We also went through all the clothes and filled up 3 big Costco sized Huggies boxes with clothes to take to the consignment store. Tomorrow I am tackling my closet. That is the scariest one of all. There is just something about doing this that makes me feel so good today.

This week school was back to normal. Thank goodness. We had cheer night on Tuesday, Adventure Club last night and cheer practice today after school. It's been a busy last few days but it does help my days go so much faster when they are filled with things to do.

Tomorrow, I am helping out in Malaya's classroom and then coming back to finish my post-Christmas cleaning and hopefully get some time to relax while Carter naps. I am so glad it is suppossed to stay sunny out for the rest of this week and the weekend. It keeps me happy after not seeing the sun for almost a month!

I have missed you sun!

Rah, Rah, Rah

2009-01-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

The girls are doing Lynden Lions "Mini-cheer" this year and it has been great. Every Thursday they get to practice with the real highschool cheerleaders after school. They learn cheers and chants and even dance routines. It so cute and they both love it. Following right in their mama's footsteps! Mind you, this was something they asked me to do...I am not attempting to relive my glory days through them or anything but it has been fun and I love when we all do it together at home.

Last night, the young girls had the opportunity to cheer at the HS basketball game during halftime. They both did wonderful.....I am so proud! The lighting in the gym however, bouncing off the bright yellow walls was not the greatest so I only have a couple of pictures that turned out. I will try to get more at their next performance on July 30th.

A clean house?? I don't think so.

2009-01-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

Ever since we bought our first house I have been the spokeswoman for cleanliness. I will admit, I might be a little OCD but I love a clean house. I can't stand dirty dishes in the sink, laundry in the basket or garbage in the garbage cans. I can tolerate toys just fine as long as they aren't in my walking path. Before we had Carter, it was so easy. Now I have this little walking tornado who I believe was put on this earth to destroy anything in his path. I fold laundry, he is right behind me unfolding. I put dishes in the dishwasher, he is right there taking them back out! You get the picture. But I have come to terms with the fact that I am going to have a messy house. He is just learning and playing and I love to watch him discover new things as he undo's my day of hard work. I have been so blessed to be home alot with Carter since he was born and I didn't realize how much I was missing out on. Make messes little one, these days will be over faster than I want them to!

Yesterday, I got something out of the fridge, tapped the door closed as usual but about 2 minutes later when I came back into the kitchen this is how I found my loving son............

Favorite Things Party

2009-01-10T15:05:00.001-08:00

Last night, Tiffiny and I threw a Favorite Things Party. Tiff hosted at her house since she is host extraordinare! We had 11 girls, each of which brought with us our favorite thing. Same idea as Oprah's show, but on a much smaller scale. Some ladies brought one item and some bought several. After some good food and fun games, we each presented our favorite things and explained why they were our favorite. Some were emotional and some were really funny. But what a great night. I went with 10 packages of my thing and came home with a great basket full of items I have never used! Thanks to everyone for sharing their stuff. Thanks to Tiffiny for opening her home to us, spending the day cleaning and getting her house ready to host. And for everyone who brought food...it was a great night and I cannot wait for the next one!

Just a few of the gifts

Jenn's most adorable polka dot boxes

Emily and Tiff sampleing the food

Julie, Michelle and Heidi

Dyona

The wonderful spread of goodies

The take home totes

My favorite things....B&BW Anti-Bacterial soap and Breathe body lotion.

This one is for Tiffiny.

2009-01-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Every week I look forward to reading Thursdays with Tiffiny. She makes my, what seems like a complicated life, look like normal! Love ya Tiff! She encourages us to share our weeks on here so here I go! now that I have alot of extra time on my hands I can!

I am thankful as well that the snow has melted and the rain has stopped. I can see the sun today!

I am thankful to not be in my waders sweeping and shoveling water and mud out of my garage like some of my very unfortunate neigbors.

I am thankful that the holidays are over and somewhat of a chaotic order has been restored at my house. When school is finally back on time everyday it will be perfect!

I am thankful for my husband who is away for a whole month to make sure that we are taken care of.

Today I am making goodies for a girls party at Tiff's tonight, finishing up the baskets and cleaning the house.

I am watching Carter unroll an entire roll of wrapping paper just so he can smack his sisters with the empty cardboard roll.

This week has been a strange one...missed days, late days. My hrs at work were cut down to 18 so financially I am taking any tips on how to live on a budget! I am enjoying the extra time at home with my babies and making the best of a bum situation.

I am looking forward to girls night at Tiffiny's tonight.

The sun coming back.

Watching my girls cheer at the basketball game on Tuesday night.

And most of all getting the heck outta dodge on Feb. 7th when TJ and I take the girls on a cruise through the Western Carribean.

Well that's my week in a nutshell.....more to come next week!

New Years at the Great Wolf Lodge

2009-01-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

We took the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA for New Years and what a place it is! They have everything....hotel, arcade, treasure hunts, restuarants and the biggest and best indoor water park I have ever seen! The kids had a great time with their cousins. Carter wasn't too sure about the place, it was very loud inside the water park. I think his history of ear infections and the tubes make his ears a little sensitive. But he sure loved the arcade! My favorite part was that while the kids are playing in the water the parents can walk up to the snack bar and get a beer! What a great idea. Parents chill with a brew while the kids entertain themselves in the wave pool, playing water sports or on the gigantic howling thunder waterslide! If you haven't had a chance to go, I suggest you make a trip down!

Happy New Year

2009-01-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

Ah, finally. A moment of silence. The kids are playing, dishes are done, laundry is folded. TJ is gone for the month of January.....yes a month :-( But it's quiet. Ahhhh.. My New Years Resolution is to not be so "snappy" this year. I find myself snapping at the kids when I get stressed out and I am not going to do that anymore! We had a great holiday season and New Years but I am ready for normality back in the Erdmann household. School (which is an hour late tomorrow due to weather) STILL, sports and activities and no more staying home all day bored with nothing to do so all they do is fight! I am done with Christmas vacation!

We have so much to look forward to. We have an upcoming family vacation on Feb. 7th. My big girl Natalya is turning 7 next month and then Malaya will be 9 this April. Where has the time gone? I swear Malaya was just a baby. I am looking forward to Spring soccer and watching the girls cheer at basketball games. And maybe some warmer weather. I love snow, but just the first snow. The rest of this junk can go away.

I hope everyone had a great New Years and we wish you all the best in 2009. Let's hope this year is better than 2008 was!

Little Carter

2008-12-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

Oh my little baby Carter.....I just had to blog about him because I think he is the most curious, sweetest creature on the face of the earth. Everyday he amazes me. I thank God for bringing him into our lives, I cannot imagine our family without him. the girls adore him and he is sick of them bugging him. He turned 15 months this past week and is a mover to say the least. He has started running and he runs away all the time. Especially at diaper time. He would love to be naked 24/7. This morning I called him a "big boy" and he repeated me and said big boy over and over. Everything is a "cracker". He loves his milk and his fruit snacks. He has 15 teeth and a full head of hair that I have had to cut 5 times now since he was born. He is a mommy's boy at times and a daddy's boy at other. Last night TJ was putting together some shoe racks and Carter went to get his drill to help, while making the brmmm brmmm sound. the kid never stops, unless he is sleeping. He is on constant go but he loves his bed and his sleep (thank the lord). He has a blankie.... the first and only one of my children to have a blankie. He won't go to bed without it. He loves music and will dance whenever he hears it. He could care less about toys...just give him a cell phone, remote control or anything electronic and you are good to go. If he doesn't do something technical with his life in the future, I will be very surprised. Well, that's my sweet baby in a nutshell....I love you baby Carter!

Snow Days!

2008-12-27T16:25:00.000-08:00

The snow fell in Lynden....and fell and fell and kept on falling! What a beautiful MESS!!! As the temperatures warmed up and mom started to feel better I figured I would be depriving Carter of a great experience by not taking him out to play in the snow. So we bundeled up and went out. As you can see he didn't know what to think...he was half in awe and half watching his dad on the tractor clear the snow and wanting to ride instead of standing waist deep in the cold wet snow. He took a face dive and that really made him mad, so after about 20 minutes we went back inside. As you can see the girls had a blast and were outside all day.

A White Christmas

2008-12-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a while, but here we are. Christmas has come and gone in a flash once again. It all goes so fast....this year Santa was good to us. As usual. Except that Mommy was sicker than a dog. I ended up at the Dr's office Christmas Eve morning and walked out with a diagnosis of Strep and Tonsilitis and a possible secondary viral bug. I spent most of Christmas in bed but was up to endure the festivities with all the family. Carter got some great new toys and the girls each got an Ipod. Other than that, we didn't do too much since we are taking a big vacation the beginning of February. The big story was the SNOW! We got so much snow. a couple of feet I imagine...it was beautiful and perfect and the kids loved it. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

The Klander Kids

2008-12-08T12:47:00.001-08:00

I had the pleasure of taking photos for Tammy Klander and her 4 beautiful children this weekend. I still have so much to learn about lighting but it was a fun experience. Luckily, Tammy wanted most the photos in black and white so that was easier with the sun shining as bright as it was. Thanks Tammy! Your kids were great. Here are a few samples of the pictures I got.

I Hate Teething!

2008-12-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

I normally don't say I hate anything but I have had it. I hate teething. The one thing I didn't think about when deciding to have another baby was the darn teething. Vomit on me, poop on me, slobber all over me all you want...I can handle the crying and the screaming and the whining but damn teething is killing me! We are on the 3rd night in a row of raging high temperatures and gnawing on anything in site, in hopes of some relief. We got 4 hrs of sleep last night. My Carter who normally sleeps 8-8 did not sleep at all. Did he nap today? Oh no....he cried and ran fevers and darnit you stupid teeth where are you? I wish it would be over already!

Ok, I feel better for that little vent. Now I must go sleep while he sleeps because I know it's going to be short lived....goodnight!

Tis the Season to be Jolly!

2008-12-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season is in full swing and I have so many things to be thankful for! I have a wonderful family with kids that are good (most of the time) and a kick butt husband who works so hard to provide for us even with the terrible economy. He travels all the way to Arizona to work 160 hrs in 2 weeks, making no more than a job here would make. But he has to do something. Everytime I think about how much I give up for my family I think about how much he gives up as well.

The house is decorated and I have baked up a storm. But Christmas shopping???? I haven't even started. Well that's not entirely true but I have maybe 2 gifts. Since we are going on a cruise in February we have decided that the girls are getting 1 gift each and stockings, they'll thank us when we are swimming with the dolphins in Belize. They just don't realize it yet!!! ha ha.

Carter....well what to get? He is 14 months old and could care less about toys. Give him a laptop, remote control, cell phone, electric drill, anything electronie and the kid is in hog heaven. Do you think he is too young for a tool set??

This time of year is the time to be thankful for everythng we have. Even though times are tough and it seems like it's not getting any better just remember your family. They are all that matters. I cherish my kids and the time I have with them everyday. I cherish my husband and the things he does for us. And I cherish God and the belief that he will never give me more than I can handle. Although, some days I could have a pretty strong arguement about that.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas Bunko

2008-12-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

It was my month to host Bunko, so I decked out the house and got very excited! We had yummy food and festive drinks. We opened presents and listened to Christmas tunes. I think we may have played 2 rounds???? LOL. It was more of a social night but no complaints here. Thanks for the great night girls!!!!!!!

Julie's Girls

2008-12-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting a friend and her 3 girls at the City Park to take some pictures. All 3 kids did wonderful and the setting couldn't have been better. Thanks girls!

The Joys of Motherhood

2008-11-18T21:28:00.000-08:00

For those with a weak stomach stop reading now please. Oh I must share, mostly with myself and my sweet son when he is older. I hope he reads this and realizes that he owes me one! My sweet sweet Carter, so innocent was running around the house with just a diaper on. I swear it was only for a minute, we were in transition from clothes to jammies. I went to throw the dirty diaper away and get his jammies as he darts up the stairs....like he always does. The girls are up there so I am not worried. A few minutes later I hear a scream from Malaya and run up to find Carter's diaper on the stairs? and POOP all over the carpet. Yep my sweet boy took it off and did the deed all over my carpet. Why oh why do sweet boys do such nasty things?

I would have taken pictures but I didn't think that would be too appropriate! Carter when you can read I am going to give you this to read.........I love you baby boy. But no more poop!

I've been Tagged!

2008-11-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

Jenn has tagged me! She tagged me to post my 3rd picture of my 3rd folder.....here it is.

Man this picture is from 2005 when Malaya got bit by our cat Slibs. It bit her so hard that the bacteria got into her blood stream and gave her blood poisoning. This picture is her in the pediatric floor of St. Joes where she spent 3 days on IV antibiotics. Pretty scary. She loved it though and wants to go back because they "have cool video games and you can eat in your bed. And play video games at the same time!"........$2500 later..........lifes lessons. Never learned the easy way.

Brooke I am tagging you now! Post anything from 2006!

Black Friday

2008-11-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

Ok it's time to give kudos.........to 2 dear friends Tiffiny and Jenn.....they are diehards. They are shoppers.....they are stay up all night on Thanksgiving and go shopping in the rain, sleet, snow and hail cause gosh darnit......the deals are way too good not too! And they are. I was just reading Tiff's blog, poor woman has a sprained ankle, 4 kids and a hubby that works 2 jobs. She is amazing, she is a giver and a lover and an inspiration to all of us trying to be the best darn moms we can be. and then I see Jenn's comment about good thing she isn't in a cast for black friday and I seriously laughed out loud and had to walk away from my table for a moment. I love it. I had the pleasure of accompanying these 2 on black friday 2 years ago. It was my birthday and we left at 10pm. Tiff drove us in the "mini" all the way to the Marysville outlets (it was snowing by the way), we gambled at the casino, ok they gambeled and I lost all my money then just watched, and then headed over to the shops for midnight madness. What did we score? a gravy seperator. yep. all the way there and the only purchase was Jenn, a gravy seperator. I am laughing outloud again. Then we hit the Skagit casino on the way home and got kicked out at 2am. (I am telling you, these girls are diehards). We then proceeded to go visit Jeremy, (Tiffs hubby) who was waiting in line at Best Buy at 3am for a Wii.........crazy huh? I took a nap in the mini while they kept Jer company and then we made our way to Kohls for the 4am early bird specials. We waited in line outside in the freezing cold, almost got our butts kicked from some crazies outside and then the madness began. I am telling you some of those people would have shot someone for a $99 portable DVD player on sale for $49.99.............all in all it was an amazing experience with 2 very great women. There is never a dull moment when hanging out with them so I have to laugh that Jenn is already thinking black friday, don't worry Tiff I am sure if your ankle isn't healed all the way the 2 of you can rent electric scooters and get around that way together! and heck they might even give you special treatment for being handicapped!!!!!!!!! I just love these girls!

It's Beginning to look alot like Christmas!

2008-11-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

Wow.....here it is. November 17th already. I honestly haven't a CLUE what happened to 2008. The past year has flown by so fast. I was just telling TJ that it feels like Christmas was just a few months ago.....to him it feels like a year but for me, it's a vision of the very distant past. Everywhere I go, whether it's Costco or Target or even to a restuarant the places are decked out in Holiday decor. Even if you wanted to procrasinate......this year the retailers aren't going to let you! I have to admit though, it's been out for a couple of weeks now and I have done a bunch of Christmas shopping already. Mainly for Christmas parties and my kids.......but there will be no waiting until the last minute at my house this year. I have had the decorations ready at the garage door for weeks wanting to put them up but I just can't do it! I have to wait until at least next weekend to get them up, then I can turn them on after Thanksgiving. I don't want to be the crazy holiday decoration lady on Bentgrass Way!

If you drive towards Bellingham on the Guide there is a house already completely decked out in lights and animation and it was on last night! Talk about getting in the spirit early! The kids are already asking to listen to Christmas songs in the car.......ok I guess, whatever makes them happy. I am just glad to be in the midst of the season......getting together with family, eating great meals, visiting and just spending time together. The chaos and business of the season keeps me in high spirits......along with the occasional egg nog latte or peppermint mocha!

So I guess what I am trying to say is...........Happy Holidays everyone! Let the season begin!

2008-11-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

It has been a while but I have some time today so........I decided while Carter was down to get the girls outside and snap some pictures. They are very photogenic......and did so well! I got a new camera in September and it has taken a while for me to get used to it but now that I am, I LOVE IT! this has become a passion of mine and I just cannot seem to take enough pictures! Here are a few samples of what we did today.

Stoney Ridge Farm

2008-10-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

The kids had no school on Friday so we took them to Stoney Ridge Farm to pick out pumpkins, go through the corn maze, ride the tractor and eat yummy pie! It was so fun. The weather was great, nice and sunny but it was a tad windy so down at the patch if you were in the wind just right it was chilly! Carter thought the pumpkins were pretty cool but his favorite thing was the tractor. He freaked out when we got off and it drove away. The girls loved everything of course, especially the pie! Malaya picked out a 40 lb pumpkin and dad hauled it all the way up to the farm only to find out it was going to cost us about $20. So we had to leave it behind, we did come away with a pumpkin for each of us and a fun filled day!

Ready for Fall!

2008-10-08T15:58:00.001-07:00

I love fall. I love decorations, candles, pumpkins, scarecrows, apple cider, pie, pot roast, fall leaves and foggy nights. I love it all. time to get out the Halloween decorations and put them up. All our corn has been harvested so I have all the stalks I need from my own backyard this year. We are looking forward to taking Carter on his first trick-or-treating trip around the neighborhood this year. He is going to be a horse, Gramma got him a horsey outfit several months ago and it's sooooooo cute on him! Natalya picked out a princess dress (imagine that!) but this year she doesn't want to go trick-or-treating, she wants to see all the kids dressed up and hand out the candy. She told me the other day that she will just steal some of Carter's candy since he can't eat it. And she doeesn't want that much anyways because it's not good for her teeth. How's that for levelheaded??? Just like her mama! Malaya is going to be a Lynden Lions Cheerleader this year. It should be a lot of fun. Hopefully Gramma and Papa will be over to help hand out candy and scare the little ones. It's a family tradition around here!

I think we will make a trip to Stoney Ridge Farm this friday since there is no school and get some pumpkins and some fresh cider. Hoping to get some great pictures so I will post again friday afternoon after our trip. Happy Fall Everyone!

"Brownie" the bunny

2008-10-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

So we got a bunny. Yep. The girls have been bugging me for a year to get a pet. First it was a dog, then a cat but we just don't have the time to pay real attention to those animals that need a lot of human contact and attention. So as we are walking thru the barns at the fair a great thought came to my mind.....a bunny! They are low maintenance and cute. They totally went for it. Browine is a part of our family now. She's almost like a dog, she stays near the house and comes when you call her.....what more could you ask for right? So the other day the neighbors cat came over and had her eye on Brownie. We thought....uh oh, there goes the bunny. But much to our surprise Browine stood up to that cat! She even had her running away and up a tree! We got out the camera just in time. Pretty comical.

Soccer Days

2008-10-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Malaya is playing soccer again this year. She loves it and is a really good player. Although sometimes we have to remind her that she needs to pay attention and stop socializing with her friends on the other team during the game! Ha ha....like I can talk right? Ah to be in 3rd grade again. We are very proud of her and are trying to teach her that it's about learning the game and teamwork and not about who wins or loses. She has a pretty firm grip on the game and has great sportsmanship! She plays 9am Saturdays at Bender Field if anyone would like to come watch.

Carter's 1st Birthday

2008-10-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Carter's 1st Birthday on his actual Birthday,Sept.28, at the Lynden City Park. It was wonderful and the weather was fantastic! We had almost all our family and friends there to join in the fun. Carter loved his cake! And his presents. Thank you to everyone who came and for the gifts. He plays will all of his toys everyday. We appreciate all the love you give to all our kids.

Our Life

2008-10-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Well TJ has started his own business with a partner and I have to say for right now things are going great. Business is good and work is steady. I am very thankful for that. What really sucks is that he is gone all the time. He was in Fort Collins, Colorado for 3 months and this week he is in Maui.........yes Maui. Everytime he calls I ask him to tell me it's terrible and raining but I know that is isn't and it's not!!! He will be home this weekend and then it's back to a new job. I hate being alone. It's very lonely and really stressful sometimes but I do what I have to do. I am a good wife and promised to support him in anything he does so I love you honey and I miss you!

I am back to work 4 days a week and it's crazy. I don't know how some of you do it 5 days a week. I find myself exhausted at the end of the day. My housework and laundry is way behind. All 3 kids want my attention and it's hard to juggle housework, homework, attention, playing and keeping up with Carter and getting to and from activities in a 3 hour time period after we get home and before bedtime. I miss staying home and having a clean house and being in a state of mind at the end of the day to really focus all my attention on the kids. But in the current economic situation we are in, I just don't see myself not working right now. I mean don't get me wrong I love my job and the people I work with. I really do. I just feel stretched so far right now and am struggling to find a happy medium that everyone can be happy with. Hoping I will soon! So come on over and have a drink or a cup of coffee, these days I am up for either!

I Finally Did It!

2008-10-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

For months friends and family have been bugging me to start up one of these blogs and I have decided it's finally time to do it. I mean who am I kidding? Life is not going to slow down for me anytime soon so now is as good a time as ever. The kids are growing and changing so fast and I have come to a conclusion that this would be a great way to document my daily chaos and pictures. So someday I can look back and remember what life with 3 small children was REALLY like! I will try and update as often as I can!