A Lovely Morning

Here was today's project: finishing planting bulbs for spring.  I'm going to be looking forward to these all winter long!  The front bed is weeded and Corey took out an ugly railroad tie on the corner, and took our rock wall to the corner of the yard. 

Our front yard has been something of an eyesore this year.  It feels nice fixing this up, and just in time for Halloween.  We've never had a trick or treater (we the only occupied house on the block) but we're trying this year!

I made this beautiful wreath with a friend from the branch.  She found it on ourbestbites.com.  I love it when crafts turn out! 

Speaking of other things that have gone by the wayside (to borrow your words, DeAnne) I have missed blogging.  This year has been a tough one, but things are looking up.  I am thankful for a patient, loving family and good friends. 

I have written this post in my mind many times.  I think I'll save it for another time- but I have enjoyed this morning.  With Ezra in kindergarten, Audrey at preschool, and Claire sleeping, it was just the time I needed.

Happy fall!

School Days



Ezra is now a kindergartener!  This is us on the morning of orientation where we met his teacher, Mrs. Aploks, and toured the school.  I really enjoyed watching Ezra's excitement, eating lunch with him, and spending the morning together.  He did well his first week, enjoyed recess and P.E. and playing on the computer at the library.  His best friend, Josh,  from preschool is in his class, and he's made some new friends, too.  

This is such a milestone.  I'm glad that Ezra was really ready for school, to be challenged and be with other kids.  And I am loving the time I get with the girls.  We walked to a little diner just a little ways away for ice cream to celebrate Ezra's first week at kindergarten and Audrey's first week of preschool. 

 I had a hard time getting Ezra to look at the camera, he was pretty tired.

 Audrey had her first day of preschool this week, too.  She was thrilled that it was finally her turn to go to the preschool. 

Audrey's teacher is Miss NJ, she is new to the co-op and is fantastic.  Audrey has told me that she loves her teacher, who hugs her and calls her "sweetie." 

I am very excited because both kids seem to have great teachers who are a good match for them. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays are a little hectic, running Ezra and then Audrey to school, and then doing pick-ups.  The next stage in parenting, taxi-ing the kids!  Next month Ezra will start riding the bus, which he is excited to do.

I am excited about this stage, especially for some one-on-one time with this cutie. 



On the Road in February

February we spent a lot of time on the road, which was just fine by me.  At the beginning of the month, we drove down to southern Idaho for Corey's friend from college's wedding.  We stayed at Erik (Corey's older brother) and Gretchen's which was special since we don't see them very often.  The kids really enjoyed themselves, playing with the cousins. 

Maryn busting a move! 

Katelyn and Alaina came down for the wedding, too!

McKay introduced Ezra to Mario Kart and Star Wars.

Ezra really enjoyed playing with McKay, who was so sweet to him.

We ate delicious food and to work off those calories, danced!

Shake it DeAnne!

Madalyn, the grown up teenager with Claire-Bear

At 7 months, Claire had just begun crawling. 

Two weeks later, she pulled herself up on the couch.

Later, we went to Spokane for Dean, my father-in-law's 77th birthday and visited with Travis, (Corey's youngest brother) Tabitha, and their children and met a special new family member.  We also went to Port Townsend for a retirement party for Corey's sergeant while we lived in Forks. 

Salmon la Sac 2012

****Disclaimer:  Prepare for a whole bunch of back-blogging, these are for the archives!

Sometimes, it seems like more hassle than it's worth to bundle and load up children, move carseats, pack gear, etc. and I'm not even the one who loads it all up.  That's all Corey.  But this day, it was worth it...

Because the kids actually skiied!
This year, Ezra was cruising along and Audrey really picked it up.  It was great to watch Audrey's face light up.  I think the breakthrough when she saw me fall down coming a hill. 

Our little snowbunny.

Thank goodness for a patient, talented, outdoorsy dad!

 

7 months

It's funny, there are so many thoughts running through my head during the day and yet when I find the time to post....nothing.  I guess that is just how life is for me right now.  Tonight was a sweet time because Claire and I got some one-on-one time.  The dog ran away while we were in Spokane  and Corey took Ezra and Audrey to Spokane to collect the dog. 

I was reminded of what life was like with one. 

  It was special, being able to give Claire all of me for the evening.  I've been meaning to do a special "Claire post" to write about her personality and all the cute things she's doing, but haven't.  Oh well, just too busy enjoying her I suppose.  She really is a sweet, accommodating baby.  Claire started crawling just before she turned 7 months old and is so proud of herself.  For the most part, she's happy cruising the floor and loves to watch her siblings.  I just set her where they're playing and check for small toys and she's good to go.

   Although she is sweet, Claire is very focused and when she wants something, uses her lungs.  Half a week after she began crawling, she started trying to pull herself up on the ottoman.  Take it easy, kid!  One developmental milestone at a time!  Yesterday I was feeding her carrots and she was crying so I tried feeding her more quickly.  After she slowed down, I gave her some Gerber puffs (which has sugar listed before sweet potatoes on the ingredient list I just noticed) and she started chowing down, happy to be feeding herself.  Guess most of the kids nowdays come with lots of "spirit."

My little imp is growing up so fast. 

I cherish this age-

how she holds onto me when I am holding her

smiles when she sees me or Corey like we're the greatest people in the world

is so pleased splashing the water in the bath, or feeding herself

I was rocking her for a nap today and sat holding her, wishing I could hold on to that moment.

It's tough.  Three young ones who need so much of me.  It's been a little rough lately.

Trying to figure out some things.  What my children need and how to help them.

Often I'm not the  mother I wish I were.  I yell.  Sometimes I cry.

But it's okay- I'm trying to give my best effort.

It's different everyday.

Received the advice again today

"enjoy it while you can"

and there are times when I do...

and times when I don't.

I think that's alright.

As they say, joy comes in the moments.

That's enough for tonight.

Graham Cracker Goodness

 Last week we invited friends over to make gingerbread houses.  It seems like when I invite people over, I'm more accountable to make things happen, am I alone in this?

 

 After the house was built (and repaired) Ezra enjoyed decorating and made a cute marshmallow snowman.

 Emily and Pearce with their creation.                      
Still trying to figure out how you made
that licorice bow, Emily!

                                                                         Audrey's house

Ezra's house

Emily said her sister's family does gingerbread houses on Christmas Eve.  I just may steal that idea, I've been trying to think of things to keep the kids busy on that very exciting day. 

 That afternoon we made cookies for a cookie exchange and then went to Ezra's preschool Christmas concert.  His class sang "Up on the Housetop" and "Jingle Bells."  We practiced at home and it was fun to see him sing and watch his improvised actions.  He definately was the loudest one singing.   

At one point, Audrey said "Hi, brother!" and Ezra waved.  Corey caught it on camera.  Another kid said, "Look, Mom, I'm sitting!"  which cracked everyone up.

This one was watching very closely, it may be her turn to sing with the 3/4 year olds next year. 
A busy, fun day. 

New Peterson Family Sport

 This is Sitka, our new dog.  A month after our black lab Wyatt died, Corey fell in love with this female husky mix.  He ordered a harness for Sitka and has started skijoring (where he cross country skis and she runs in front pulling him) and rigged up the sled. 

 Hike!  Hike!  Hike!

(command for go!)

 Ezra loves this, Audrey prefers to watch.

 These pictures were taken in the alley behind our house.  We have some interesting, Roslyn-esque buildings around us.  These old garages are everywhere, only most are smaller and could fit only a Model T inside.  A local historian believes that our old shack and this one below might have been used as wash houses for the coal miners, who would wash and change clothes before going inside their homes. 



Traditions

Growing up, my dad always went on a week long hunting trip after Thanksgiving.  My two favorite parts were my grandma coming to visit us and the Christmas tree my dad would bring home.  Our trees had "character" and I didn't know most people bought their trees until I was older.  I don't have anything against nice, full trees from a lot but I've always enjoyed our humble "Charlie Brown Christmas" trees.  Maybe it's because a permit to cut down a tree only costs $5 and there are plenty of trees up here.  (That is my cheap frugal side coming out.)

Our first few Christmases, Corey and I cut trees from our property in Newport.  One year we did buy a tree in Forks (the logging capitol of the world, no less!)  This year we continued the tradition.

Why do we always forget that every tree looks good until you're ten feet away?

This one showed promise except for that gigantic gap!

 The kids romped around and found an impromptu sledding hill.  Such a simple thing, but we really enjoyed ourselves that day.  This year has seemed busier than years past for us and I get torn between celebrating and keeping things simple.   

That's my man, hauling the tree and the baby while I take pictures.

 This year I started a countdown to Christmas.  I didn't take a picture of it because they're only pieces of paper with numbers on it and a simple activity written inside.  My way of scheduling in some holiday fun.  :)

The countdown is on!

So...what is your favorite Christmas tradition??