The move.

Well, it has been so long since I blogged. I don't know if anyone even cares what I have to say at this point but I will write for my own sanity. For the mother who changed three messy diapers today and got pooped on yesterday. I write for the lady who gets tired of hearing "more? More? MORE? MORE MORE?????".

I have not written since the move. It was a lot harder on me than I expected. I didn't deal with the stress very well, and have learned that I hate change. And here all this time I thought I hated Oak Harbor. I actually grew to love Washington, and the very dear friends I made there. I was at church last week at The Chapel and realized that not one person there knew us, nor probably cared that we were there. It made me sad for Living Word.

I know that God is working on me, and I am dragging my feet. Why is it so easy to take a nap, or even clean the kitchen-instead of picking up the bible. Or getting down to the nitty gritty?

On a happy note, its so amazing to live close to our family. We absolutely made the right decision in getting out of the Navy, and I see God working in amazing ways. Steve was offered an interview for a part time Human Resources job, and he got the job a few days later. In this economy this is huge. Buffalo is a dying city, and God is breathing life into our future. This also allows him the time to go to school 3/4 time in order to use his GI Bill. I am returning to Buffalo State in the Spring, and am happy to get back to school and glad that I still get to spend time with Blake at home.

Our new house is just beautiful. My Dad coordinated a cross country purchase, and we are so happy with our little abode. Blake's room is one of my favorite parts of the house, along with the picture window in front to display our big tree!

Blake is starting to adjust to the change slowly, but it has been hard on him too. He doesn't quite know what to think about his new room, but he is starting to talk a lot more and give lots of hugs and kisses. He is the joy of our life, and such a blessing. Merry Christmas to You and yours!

Playground games- all grown up

Today was just a crazy day for people encounters. I have one more to add before I lose the laptop for the night! Blake and I went to the playground next to our house where we encountered some preteen girls, I overheard their laughing and cussing, and "SHHHH don't swear in front of little kids". I just smiled at them, and thanked God I am not a preteen anymore, I overheard they were texting and calling boys. Pretty soon it became obvious that they were being propositioned by an older boy, to send inappropriate pictures. These girls were in SIXTH and EIGHTH grade. They giggled and clearly enjoyed the attention via text, although one could tell they were looking at each other for cues as to how to respond. I felt Beth Moore come over me in an instant. I tried to ignore. I tried to pretend I didn't know what they were doing. But i couldn't help it. Luckily Blake marched over to them, so I said "you girls aren't sending dirty pictures to guys are you?". They quickly said "no no no, but this guy wants us to". I told them "don't do it!!" I didn't know how to convey that they were beautiful, innocent, and worth so much more. So I sputtered, But i did manage to say that they were beautiful and they clearly already had the interest of young boys, there was no need to take it further. I implored them to have more self respect. We got to talking and they talked about how they hated this town. One girl told me she has moved 12 times, from foster mom, to real mom, to navy dad. Another said that she can't even remember how many times she has moved. As they ran off to another playground (probably to escape me!) , I smiled big and said "Remember girls, make good choices!".... they promised they would. Lord, help me if I ever have a daughter to instill a sense of worth in her so great that she will never doubt her value for a moment.

My Post Office Angel.... and whoaa!

Today is the first time in awhile when I have walked in the door just bursting with excitement, and I had to blog it down :). First off- if you know me AT ALL, you know I have been struggling with Joy lately. (Not my best friend Joy :), just the concept). Today I had to go to the post office, and while there I had to get an envelope and try to address it, all while containing a squirmy toddler. I hate going there, and its NEVER been a pleasant experience. Well today Blake sat still in my arms. I heard a giggle and I turned around and a sweet older man was making faces at him and playing peek a boo. He continued to entertain Blake the entire time we were in line, and there was no struggle. As It neared my turn he said "I want to thank you for doing the toughest job in the world, being a mommy" ... I smiled and said thank you, figuring he was just being nice. Then he continued "And, I also want to thank you for being such a motherly, nurturing wife. You know.." At that , I started to really tune in. This sweet man, didn't know what I had been dealing with lately, he didn't know that I am trying to be the best mom, and wife and daughter and friend all while wanting to pull my hair out. I was so touched. On the way out I got to hold the door for him, and he said "You have a nice day now", he said each word slowly, I could hear the sincerity dripping off each word. "God, ... Bless you!". It was then that it hit me. I had just seen the face of God. Whether you believe in angels or not, .. there is no denying that God had some hand in that! Imagine, at the Oak Harbor Post Office, one of my most dreaded places!!

Next is very humbling. AS we transition into the civilian world we have imposed a very strict budget on ourselves. No more starbucks, or mcdonalds, and eating out is very rare. As we keep getting hit with unexpected expenses it has become clear that money does NOT grow on trees. When it came to tithe "joyfully" at church yesterday, Steve asked if I had any cash, I knew he had a $20 in his wallet, so I reminded him of it, and told him to put it in. I didn't want him to put it in . That 20 should have gone STRAIGHT to savings, It was almost painful to watch 20 whole dollars disappear into the burgundy velvet abyss of the offering bag. I wanted to run after them and say.... "OH whoops, your mistake, that $20 is to pay off the vet bill, or the cell phone, or to save and buy christmas presents this year!", Alas, I began to worship, and I just kept hearing in my head "The Lord will provide". I claimed it, and felt much better.

Today I went into the NEX and saw a big sign, fill out a survey for a $5.00 coupon. Thats a free $5.00 , not off a certain amount, just free stuff! Then, Blake was so wild, the lady running the survey offered to chase him around the Halloween displays while I filled it out!! Then I went to Walgreens, to browse, and buy a few things with coupons, trying to learn how to earn register rewards. Basically every week you get a certain amount of register rewards for certain purchases. This week, pampers diapers had a $2.oo reward. After two transactions, the diapers had been on sale, I had a dollar off for each one. I ended up with $4.00 register rewards. Again- thats free money, no minimum purchase. At the very least I can go get eggs, or milk. Or more likely more diapers! As I was driving home it hit me , I "made" $9.00 today, thats almost HALF of what we put in the offering. The LORD does provide, and gosh he is creative about it!!! :)

A little Perspective

It is truly amazing what a difference a day makes. Yesterday, I spent the day lamenting my problems, and wondering how such things could happen. Reading yesterday's post makes me want to slap myself silly. Today Steve and I went to a memorial service for a dear lady who befriended me when I moved to Whidbey Island. I was new here, and had no car and no friends, (I know, you know the sob story), anyhow, Mary Ellen was friends with a family friend back in NY. She met my mom on a trip home, long story short- she got word that I was new here. She promptly mailed me a letter and asked to get together. I figured I had nothing to lose, so we did. I didn't know what to say, I was a homebody who ended up with friends by default, I never really "made new friends". Mary Ellen would come and chat, tell me great stories. She worked with unwed mothers and their babies, she survived a terribly abusive marriage, and finally found the love of her life. As Steve and I sat in the back of the tiny catholic church, I got a glimpse of her husband. I had never met him, but I saw the pain in his eyes, ... and I knew. I choked up at the sight of him, and as the eulogy was delivered i had to choke back tears over and over.. until I couldn't anymore. They recounted stories of how she fought her way into the hospital room and demanded a bed for herself so she could spend the night with her husband after open heart surgery. He laughed as he told us how she went to the bathroom, came back in her nightie and curlers- and hopped into her bed. The last month of her life she was in a care facility, where he requested a bed next to hers, so he could hold her hand every night.

To have such a love, is such a gift. I am so blessed for a husband that I love dearly, and I made sure he knew it when we left that church. Seeing the mourners, the emptiness in her husband's eyes made me SO GRATEFUL for all that I have. I don't care about money, or stains, or dog intestines. My loved ones are safe, and sound, and for that I thank God.

1 Thess. 4:3

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.

The priest read this, and I wondered, what about those who have no hope? Those who don't know Christ. Were there people in that church that really believed this life is all we have? This is it? Nothing after. I am sad for them, because there is more. Christ has SO much more for us.

The Journey..

It seems like I haven't blogged in such a long time. I enjoy blogging to make people laugh, and to share fun anecdotes but lately, the fun times have been few and far between. As we prepare to transition out of the navy, I am learning just how resilient I truly am. I cannot believe the amount of stress and frustration we have been dealing with. First and foremost we have our health, and we have a loving and supportive family. For those things I am grateful. The Lord has taken care of us always, and through the most recent fiascos, he still is. People keep asking me "Whats wrong" ? So many things keep going wrong, I can't even remember them all!

1. Chance at a tennis ball, which nearly killed him, and cost more money than you want to know.

2. Both dogs got worms (TMI i know!)

3. I began having chronic wrist pain requiring the use of a splint all the time, (try changing a gross diaper in that!)

4. Roxy knocked the laptop on the floor nicking the finish.

5.I threw the laptop across the dining room making the top sit funny and it doesn't close quite right

6. My brand new expensive front loaders make my clothes stink, but i cant find mildew anywhere!

7. Blake busted red nailpolish all over my master bath, and bedroom carpet.

8. Roxy threw up and (....) all over the livingroom, staining the carpet.

9. Roxy chewed up the blinds. Three sets of expensive blinds.

10. Blake is cutting two teeth, and is very upset by it!

11. I got a flat tire that could not be repaired.

12. A dear friend from Whidbey passed away after a long and grueling battle with many health problems.

You know, now that I look at all that, it doesn't look as bad. Yes it is all bad, but through it all I am working on being faithful. I haven't even counted the times I have forced myself to sing "This is the day the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it", through my tears.

So in the spirit of faith and my journey, I will return to blogging. I have also started the study "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. It is a study about release from bondage of any sort, whether you call it bondage, baggage, or crap.... we all have it, do you want to get rid of it?

I am very excited and have been diligently working on it.

"A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit - filled life that God planned for her" - Beth Moore

Well let me tell you friends, I am sick of being afraid. Fear has always been my bondage. Not butterflies, but full on terror. No more, I am giving it to God. I AM DONE!

Getting out of the Navy is the scariest thing I have faced in awhile, because we are safe in our little bubble of paychecks and healthcare, a house, 2 cars, and an island full of wonderful friends. We are so blessed to go home to loving families, but the fear of employment, unemployment, and not being able to make ends meet would have been enough to throw me for a loop two years ago. Now, I know that the Lord will provide. As my very wise mother says "XYZ... is not my provider, God is my provider".

The United States Government is not my provider.

Navy Federal Bank is not my provider.

My debit card is not my provier...

God is. And he will.

Stellar Business Woman

As I write this post, I realized that I really enjoy the word Stellar. Its so cool sounding, and edgy. Anyhow, I really am not the businesswoman I thought I was. Many of you might recall the blog I made for my craft stuff, "Wiggly Island Creations". Well I tried to pull it up the other day, and I can't find it! I lost the link to my own business blog. "Oh shucks", I thought- I better pull up the bookmarked sites. Its not there either! I have sites bookmarked on how to make dresses out of pillowcases, but not even my own blog! So then I did what any genius would do, and googled it. Nope, no luck. So now my Wiggly Island Blog is lost in cyber land so that creepo-s can look at it, and I cant. Oh well, when i make new things I guess I will post them on here. Anyhow, stay tuned for pillowcase dresses (one done, one almost done), and more crafts, I am really getting my craft on, and I will be at the farmers market with Brooks and Elysia weather permitting next Thursday, so come see me!!

Did you get pooped on?

Did you ever just feel like life was pooping on you? Wow this past week has been just that. First Blakey was sick with a fever. Fevers scare me, almost as much as birds. So you can see how this would send me loopy. Finally he got better, and i got.. cold. I got very very cold. Then very hot. Thus began my feverish bout. Day one was bearable because I 'got sick' right as Steve came home from work. Day two was horrible. My body ached from head to toe. I had shooting pains in places that I didn't even know had nerve endings, and my body was hot and cold all at the same time. Poor Blake was bored to death, but I mustered the strength to draw him a bath. I leaned against the tub playing with his toys halfheartedly. He then decided to squat, and i knew. I just knew something bad was coming. You guessed it! He decided to poop in the tub. I started sobbing and said 'no no no', I pulled him out and carried him to his room. I called Steve in utter desperation. I dont know what I expected he could do, but he is my knight, he always makes bad things go away. So he agreed to come home for an early lunch. At this point he came in to find me crying on the couch feeling sorry for myself, and having visions of dying of this yellow fever or whatever i had ( i told you, fevers scare me). I called my dear friend joy at his suggestion, and she agreed to come take Blake so I could rest. I honest to God would have given her a million dollars if I had it, to prove how grateful I was. I felt like the Israelites when the red sea parted. I just had visions of snuggling in a warm (then cold, then hot) bed with no one pulling my hair, punching my face or throwing pacifiers on the floor. The cavalry arrived, and I practically ran to bed. I felt a lot better when I got up, and even managed to get a coat of blue paint on Blakes dresser before he got home.

Then came Friday. I felt so much better I decided to run errands. I got my cap and gown , Class of 2010! I took Blake to the library and we came home for lunch and a nap. I woke up from the nap FREEZING cold (i had a blanket on!). Then we moved to the bedroom with more blankets and I woke up with a 102 fever. I called Steve freaking out that I had to go to urgent care, because I felt like I was on fire, plus my body ached horribly. We got there, and the doctor quickly looked me over and said "yep your dry you need an iv". I felt like the world had closed in on me. an iv? I hate needles more than I hate birds. Can you believe that? Speaking of which a creep-0 bird is living in my vents on my house-more on that later.

The nurse came in for the iv, I freaked out some more. And cried. But Blake and Steve came in with some fresh picked Dandelions, which helped. So i got 2 liters of iv fluids and a lot of tests and I was pretty much dehydrated and sick. Finally we got to go home.

Saturday I went to a new salon to get my hair blonde. THe stylist informed me that she could only color my hair if i purchased her high end priced out the wazoooo shampoo. I foolishly agreed. now i own shampoo that costs more than a filet mignon. That is wrong.

Despite this- I love my hair, I graduated with a 3.4, and I love our little life! I am very blessed!

Boxer Speech. The beginning of my career as a motivational speaker!

our bedroom

Freecycle, stop messin with me!

So today I signed on to check my email (who I am kidding , i never even sign out), and saw a great freecycle post. Some lady was cleaning out her craft room. Vintage fabric, other fabric, yarn, misc. Great! I call the number, and i was actually the first to respond. I drove to her house, a cute neighborhood I hadn't been in before. I was greeted by three beautiful big barking dogs, all aussie/shepherd mixes. Her and her husband were just getting home from yoga, with their homemade yoga mat bags slung over their shoulders. He looked like a hippy from the past, and they were very nice. I walked inside, and saw a giant pile of junk, and thought, oh well I am sure thats not all for me. (Mind you the ad said "must take all"). Before I could think too much, I started to wonder why they were being so nice and inviting me in. They started telling me stories and told me to 'come on in!'. Then I started thinking about that craigslist killer guy. And then I started thinking what if they put up that craft ad just to lure me here. So i started mentally plotting my escape, and meanwhile, she directed me to my 'pile'. So i start gathering things, old mens shirts, and packing peanuts to name a few. I haven't done crafts with packing peanuts since third grade. But whatever, who I am i to judge. Besides this is WA, we go green here. So we get outside and in the fresh air I realize this house reeked like cat pee. Horribly. These people were really nice but oh jeepers! I have a friend with 10 cats and her house smells great- i have no idea how many cats these people had. I only saw 2, but yikes. So then i realize that all the stuff smells like cat pee too. Great, now i have packing peanuts and old mens shirts in my trunk that smell like cat pee. As i drove away, I said a quick prayer thanking God those people didn't entice me with their crafts and then rob me or worse. (hah, what would they rob, my public speaking textbook??) anyhow, i am done freecycling for the time being. now i have to get rid of all this stuff!!!!

self disclosure

I am taking an interpersonal communications class and learning a lot about why we self disclose. For me, I think I just like to be up front with people. Here I am! Also, I think it helps us connect as humans. I know a lot of people are closed books, but I just don't like to roll that way. Besides my mouth is too big, as Steve says "Did you let the cat out of the bag"? LOL I have a habit of bursting surprises. Now, one example I recently encountered was in public speaking today. I complimented a girl on her speech and she said 'thanks, i have bad panic attacks and I just wrecked my moms car, so i was so nervous'. That was a LOT of info, instantaneously, I said "I have panic attacks too" and another girl added "I do too!!!" Now that Is a LOT of self disclosure, but in that split second, we suddenly had a support group-in that class , of people who understood our struggles. Oh and FYI, freaking out, getting upset, or being nervous is not a panic attack. so before all you drama queens go pop a xanax, take a step back. Anyhow, it is just nice to connect with humans. I think this 'so long insecurity' Bible study is awesome as well. I have to say, if you are a woman, you NEED to read this book. It is by Beth Moore, and it is fabulous. It is bringing out all sorts of insecurity in me, and i love every second of it. I love knowing how i can own these things, and beat the poop out of them. Spiritual warfare is so real, and i am ready to take it on, because knowledge is power. Now that I KNOW things .,... i can fix em! For instance, I didn't put make up on before bible study last week because i was too rushed. I worried about it, but then thought- "ok i am secure enough to go out without makeup. I may not be a barbie doll, but i am no freddy kreuger either!"

We learned about false positives.

"I would just be more secure if I had more money..."

"If I just got rid of these wrinkles by my lips,"...

"If my husband got a promotion..."

"If I was thinner..."

Whats your false positive? Beth Moore says fixing only one of these areas, is like sticking your finger in a dam, ...it will hold for a minute, but pretty soon all of your poopy issues are back on you. Ok she didn't say poopy. I added that for emphasis. When you are worldly you say %&$! , when you are mommy you say poopy, and when you are a christian you say "praise Jesus".

So Praise Jesus for my insecurities because at least they keep me humble. well sometimes!

my chains are gone, i've been set free

do you ever just feel confined by insecurities? I do. I have been doing a study by Beth Moore and I am only in chapter 2, but already I am ready to buck all these insecurities and tell them to take a hike. I didn't even realize how insecure I was, but now that I do... i am ready to say so long. The worst part is when you realize that insecurity can be confining. For instance do you ever just want to throw your hands up in church and really get into the worship? I do. But gosh, have you ever actually watched someone worship? Like HONESTLY and with an open heart. It looks weird. Really weird. But of course it looks weird we have nothing to compare it to. we might worship money or fame, but we don't actually physically display that. With God, we do. WHich brings me to my next point-I was really having a hard time getting into worship night. I accidentally sat with the youth group, which wasn't bad except that i probably just looked like a pregnant teenager with a baby on my hip. So I felt disconnected, stressed about the paper I should have been writing and waiting for Blake to shriek or pull my hair- and make me shriek. Then pastor Russ got up and said how he knew people were not tuned in, he could feel that people were really in a funk and it wasn't going well. I usually am not the person who the leader is 'speaking too' but this time I was . SO in the essence of beth moore I threw my hands in the air and sang my heart out. With a baby on my hip, who waswatching my every move. And as I sang, and opened my heart to God, he opened his heart to me through a sweet little boy who threw his hands up and smiled at me. And when Pastor Russ proclaimed that God loved us for who we are, Blake clapped his chubby little hands together as if that message was for him personally. And it was.

Good Grief!

My weekend has been so insane (at times) that I feel like I owe it to the world to share my grief. And nuts has it been. Steve's grandparents came to visit us from California for the first time. We were so excited to see them, and have them meet Blake. It all started with a 2 1/2 hour drive to Seattle to pick them up, where I realized that I had to go to the bathroom. No problem, right? I have a GPS, I can't get too lost. Well what I didn't anticipate was how to do the aforementioned while controlling a wild almost-but not quite yet - walker. I thought that I would just stroll in, and maybe have him stand, and be done. Well, no he wanted to get down and crawl to the garbage can which was overflowing with all manner of toxic substance. ( I knew I should have went to Nordstroms!) Anyhow, I went about my usual routine of papering the seat-because Lord knows what devilish germs were living on it. Every girl knows, always paper the seat. Unless you can do that crazy squatting thing, which always leaves me fearful of peeing on myself. So I papered one side, then the other, and blake removed it. And so this went on for three times, until I finally papered, and while he was distracted by the garbage-i made my move. At this point he decides to throw a tantrum, because I won't let him crawl away into the abyss of transient traveler germs. So, I did what any desperate mother would do, I held him out with two hands, went to the bathroom in record time, and tried to high tail it out of there. This was all well except that the toilet kept flushing on me , over and over, and it was like some sort of terrible contaminated sprinkler system. Lets just say-thats the last time I get a coffee before a uber long drive. We made it out, and to the airport.

We found Grandpa John and Grammy, and made it home safely. They kept asking "Are you sure there is a Whidbey Island", because we just drove, and drove and droooooooooove.

Then yesterday we went to Port Townsend, WA which is a 40 minute Ferry ride away. We went to visit Steve's cousin Philip and his family. They gave us a spectacular tour, and an amazing dinner, complete with beautiful artichokes! Ahhh I love artichokes. Steve says that eating artichokes makes him feel like he is eating a wild animal. THe good wife I am- I helped him conquer it! We had a wonderful visit with them, and some family friends, and then we had to rush out to the ferry. I started questioning whether I had remembered the right time. When we pulled in, I saw the ferry, and breathed a sigh of relief. We pulled up to pay, and a very gruff man who looked like santa claus after about 344 bad days stated "NO BOAT" and slammed the window shut. We all said "NO BOAT?" . I thought it was a sick joke. A VERY sick joke. Steve made him open the window and he said "Boat cancelled due to weather, next boat is at 6:45 am" ...this might not sound like a big deal. Well, remember we live on an island, and that boat, was our only chance at getting home in reasonable time. Lets just say, it took two ferries, and FOUR hours to get home. Luckily grandpa kept us laughing, by falling asleep and then waking up and saying silly things, and then falling back to sleep. We made the Kingston/Edmonds Ferry by 20 minutes, and we caught the Mukilteo Ferry by TWO minutes!! Thank God, otherwise we would have had to wait an HOUR for the next ferry. It was a very very wild drive. Talk about cutting it close. We all stumbled into the house at 12:15, exactly four hours after we departed the Port Townsend Ferry terminal. And why am I up at this hour? My little alarm clock went off at 7:45. All I can say- Thank God he slept in!

What a character, seriously!

Open Mouth, Insert.... Body?

Oh dear. That about sums up this week so far. Thankfully my mom arrives Thursday and she can rescue me from myself. Let me start out by saying the cable guy finally came. Now comcast said that he would arrive between 8-12. So in laypersons terms that means that the lazy bum service man will show up at the latest possible time, just so he can ruin your morning-right? Wrong. I was sitting on the couch in a bleary eyed sleep hangover, Blake was crawling around eating Kix and throwing them all over the living room. Keep reading, let me really draw a clear picture for you. I had makeup smeared around a little bit, from the night before. I was wearing a hot pink T shirt that said "cowgirls do it better" and blue shorts. Blake was in his pj's. And my hair was sticking out in all directions. ( I know, and you thought I just rolled out of bed looking this great, didn't you??). Anyhow, the living room floor was covered in books and mega blocks. You really couldn't even see the floor. But who cares right, I have four hours! I sipped my tea and surveyed the mess, when all of the sudden "DING DONG". The dog started barking furiously. I freaked out. Threw on a bright purple sweatshirt, grabbed the baby (so cable guy wouldn't step on him) and ran to the door. I put on a nonchalant smile like "oh i know, i look so well put together, just the average american mom!" and answered the door. I can honestly tell you the cable man looked horrified. He just kind of looked at me.. and I said "oh I will put the dog out!!" . He nodded. still looking perplexed. I ran back to let him in, then he tracked mud in my house, so now i don't care if i looked like big bird, i was annoyed. Needless to say, he informed me that I would still get a few channels, and that was a blessing because I just want to watch the news. Now you might be thinking that he let me in on this little secret because of my good looks, I can assure you that no.. it was because of my charm.

Then.. i got an email from the command spouse group about a weekend camping trip. Hubby ALWAYS teases me that he will make me go camping and I always say I am not an 'outdoorsy' girl. So I email him back a very dry humor "when is spa weekend? I will sign up. " . I didn't know why he didn't respond.. i thought it was funny. Oh why didn't he respond? Because I sent it to the entire spouse club. NOT my husband. ahhhh open mouth insert foot. Thankfully they are all ladies and can probably appreciate the joke :) off to bed!!

I am back in the saddle!

Well because of the fact that my son is ridiculously cute, I am back in the saddle of blogging. I am hoping to get 4-5 posts up per week to keep all of our family and friends updated, as well as to keep my writing sharp as a tack. Or as dull as a cotton ball... depending on how you look at it. This weekend we had a really great time together, as usual but we spent a lot of time outdoors in the local WA beauty, which was a nice change from hiding from the rain inside. Above are some pictures of our trip to the beautiful tulip fields in Mount Vernon, WA. We went a few weeks ago, (those pictures are in the post below) and most things were not blooming. We also went through the whole

Steve:So where do we go to see the tulips?

Me: I don't know just keep driving til we see flowers.

Steve: Turn here or go straight?

Me: Um either way, I don't know..

Steve: ?????

So this time I was prepared, I went looking for those flowers with guns blazing. I had a color coded map, of which i had the most mature fields circled. I navigated us to Roozengarde's beautiful fields, where we were met with a $4.00 parking sign, then I navigated us back into LaConner to find an ATM, where Steve nearly ran over some avid bikers in uber nerdy spandex (thats a whole 'nother blog). While I am at it, let me just say, I have no respect for bikers who *think* they are cars. No, you giant outstretched arm is not a turn signal, its an arm, and if you don't put it down and get on the sidewalk, i am probably going to run it over , and you will be out one arm. And those outfits? Really? Do you really need to wear neon spandex to ride a bike. They are all like 'oh look at me i am a super rider, i ride with the flow of traffic, i'm just like a car riding down the street'. Except you don't have a MOTOR!! Well you get it, I am not a fan of 'sharing the road' with a bike. Roads are for cars. period. end of story.

(disclaimer, if any of you, my friends are closet nerdy bikers, I still love you, and i will try really hard not to run you over)

Anyhow, we walked all around the fields, I wore khakis and flip flops because really i thought they were lying on the website when it said 'fields are very wet and muddy, dress accordingly'. Oh well, I mean they couldn't possibly be too muddy for my cute get-up right? Wrong. It was like walking on the back of a big dinosaur, the mud was all crackly and springy, it was weird. Like Jurassic Park meets Skagit Valley.

Speaking of Skagit Valley, I am returning to the PRESTIGIOUS Skagit Valley College this week to finish my associates degree. Yes I am sure you are all very impressed. Skagit Valley College is on the list of like 100 best community colleges in the nation. Either way, I am excited to put all my knowledge into a degree, because if you don't already know, I am just bursting at the seams with knowledge. I can tell you the pediatric dosing charts for a 20lb baby taking a motrin/tylenol alternation. I can tell you the way to make a roux, I can tell you Maslows Hierarchy of needs, and I can tell you that this Mama needs to go to bed so that she can greet the cable guy bright and early to unhook the cable. Hahhaha Comcast, you won't be taking advantage of our wallet anymore. No siree, thanks to Hulu, Cbs.com, and the like- We don't need you! Enjoy the pictures!

Long time no see...

**Attention:Blake looks dazed and confused in the above picture because he can't believe what I actually look like with a little makeup and without a rats nest for hair** (take a picture buddy, doesn't happen often these days!)
Well it has been a long time since I have blogged. But to all my adoring fans, (all 2 of you) I apologize. I have been very busy, being a stay at home mom is wild. Playdates, and excercise and cooking, and cleaning, and lounging and eating bon-bons, and painting my toes. Oh wait, scratch that I haven't done the last three things in over a year. Well i wouldn't trade it for all the world. Tonight Blake was covered in green beans, carrots and tuna fish-and let me tell you, he smelled like it. It was atrocious. He had boogers coming out his nose, drool coming off his chin and he was the cutest thing I ever saw! Now you might be thinking I haven't seen many cute things. No. I have. Puppies, bunnies the whole 9 yards.

Speaking of cute things.. this whole twilight debate is getting pretty crazy. Now I only have eyes for my husband... (yea yea 'all my single ladies' keep yo' eyes to yo'self) But the Team Edward /Team Jacob thing is getting nuts. T shirts, bumper stickers, I am sure someone out there even has a tattoo. I personally will not get involved in the immature madness-because Jacob is clearly the better option. Bella better open her eyes. Oh right, I forgot, sleeping with one eye open in case your love is going to gobble you up is so romantic.

The real reason I am writing this is vanity. You see, my husband and I were driving to Mt.Vernon a few weeks ago, when he casually mentioned that he would like to write a book. I froze , I put on a fake smile and said "hahhahah". To which he replied "yeah,... i want to write a book". No more Miss Nice Girl. Doesn't he KNOW who he is married to? The next Jane Austen+Ellen Degeneres-Lesbian+Barbara Walters. Yes. Me! That is who he is married to. (For all you math gurus yes the above equation does = me when solved for X). I heard my voice raise a few decibels "UM NOOOO I am the writer in this relationship. I am a way better writer than you anyhow" He just laughed and that led me to continue "well if your such a great writer, write me love notes". SO now I am on a mission. I will write my book before he writes his. What will it be about? I don't know... something that will appeal to the masses, yet be funny too. Here are some titles I am kicking around:

Married A Crackerjack: Super sweet and Always nutty!

Picking Someone Else's Boogers 101

How to Let Your Personal Appearance go to Rot in 9 easy months

Lessons in Dada:How the become the bilingual mother you have always wanted to be

The Dumbing Down of America; A Scathing look at Drugs, Alcohol and Mommyhood

I can produce food.. what can you do?

My husband is a Sailor and yours is a big fat loser frat boy.

Ok... Now that I look at this, I am thinking maybe I should go into the bumper sticker business.

I would also like to write greeting cards. But again, I want to reach the masses. How about:

I'm Sorry (for not taking out the garbage for the bazillionth time)

With Deepest Sympathy (that the stretch marks on your stomach look like a road map)

Happy Birthday (even though you forgot mine, you jerk)

Congratulations (on your 4th child of the same gender, I would LOVE to come to the shower and buy you yet ANOTHER gift)

Well... Its 9:39 and this wild party mama is ready for bed. Steve was telling me that the new nightclub in town is having new water themed nights. Hot tub this weekend, and wet tee shirt contest next weekend. I told him that I should automatically win the wet t shirt contest because who else can make their own t shirt wet from the inside out?? Yep.. This GIRL! Now how many of those chicks down at element or lava do you think can do that?

I guess I'm kind of a superstar!

(to Blake anyhow ) :)

Signing off-thats all folks!

Valentine's Day and the like.... and i need to go blonde.

Well It has been a darn long time since I have blogged. And i really want to get better at it. Not only for the sake of vanity (I love feeling like a journalist), but also for the sake of documenting my life for loved ones far away, and for finding the beauty in every day. I am blessed to be a stay at home mom right now, and I feel like I see a little glimpse of the world that the working folk miss out on. What I miss in terms of adult conversation and math equations, I make up for in smiles and boogers.

This weekend was my first Valentine's Day as a mom. To be honest I was just so excited to go out to dinner that I didn't even care about presents or anything else. I woke up on Sunday morning, and totally forgot it was Valentine's Day. I stumbled out to the kitchen in a bright orange jaegermeister tee shirt, and my ponytail half on the top of my head, and half falling all over. Steve was busy arranging a bouquet of roses in a vase, and Blake was hopping up and down in his bouncy. I was so excited. I had completely forgotten, and in my less than sleeping beauty state, my sweet husband had remembered. He had chocolates and a card too, and those little rascals had snuck out before I woke up and gotten all these goodies to surprise me. It just delights my heart to think of them running around, on Valentine's morning finding presents for me. The fact that Blake was still in his Alien footie pajamas made it even more endearing!

On Saturday we went to Hip Hop Bounce, the baby/toddler gym in town. It was a blast. The place is filled with bounce houses and big bouncy obstacle courses. And a ball pit. No indoor playground would be complete without a flu and stomach bug infested ball pit. Steve and I got to go in all the bouncy houses with Blake and all was going great until....we met the worst child ever. Yes, she was a regular nightmare. You never would have known by looking at her. She had Blonde hair, and a pretty plaid dress. Complete with matching tights. I knew something was amiss when she ran up to us, jumping all around, and said to Blake "Watch this BABY HEAD!" She said it with such disdain. My mama bear instinct kicked in and I almost decked her. BUT, instead I just tried to escape her. Not so easy. She started chasing us through the obstacle course. The highlight being when she came up behind Steve and smacked him on the butt. Alarming, yes? Then she called him daddy. Ahhh just more Whidbey Weirdos. She continued to chase us around, and we could not escape her. Then she started calling Blake 'cry baby'. ( he wasn't even crying, so nah nah nah nah) (insert stuck out tongue here!) Steve asked her where her mother was, but why would she care? She had already claimed her daddy. Maybe her mom sent her there and told her to find herself a daddy. Well she can go find her own baby daddy, this one is taken.

Today we went to Anacortes, WA and went to the beautiful Washington State park. It was Gorgeous! We walked the 'loop'. On the website it just says scenic 2.3 mile loop. They fail to tell you, its 2.3 miles up hill all the way... (ok almost!). We huffed and puffed and wheeled our stroller down. We took the dog too, and she was beat! The scenery was amazing, walking through the moss covered woods was so serene. Now if only I had a BOB jogging stroller, I would be set.