A Few of My Favorite Things.

We had a mellow, mellow Christmas. Everyone was out of town, so Christmas morning Granny (Elaine) came to our house, to watch the boys open stuff. We had Christmas dinner at Granny & Grandpa's...it was so nice that Grandpa came up for dinner.

I got a Flip video camera for Christmas. I've been wanting one, because I feel like the boys' life is passing me right by. I thought the Flip would be a wonderful way to capture little snatches of it.

I asked Ashe, Granny, and Finn what their favorite gifts were. Here they are (as filmed with my new camera):

1. Ashe's favorite thing:



2. Finn's favorite thing:



3. Granny's favorite thing:

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Here's our 2009. (click to make bigger)

Sorry this scanned-in version isn't as clear. I had this done in October (except for my birthday photos) and I still haven't gotten it mailed to many of you. Soon. Very Soon.

Ashe and his Blog: A Boy's Life

How can you not love this kid?!?

So, I can't tell you how cute I think it is that Ashe wanted to start a blog. I feel like it can't do anything but help his writing skills and give him an outlet for his thoughts, likes/dislikes, ideas...I don't know if this online world is necessarily the best for kids (or anyone, for that matter), but if I monitor it, I think it'll be a good thing.

I know. It's just a little blog...but it's his. He can do what he would like with it. I told him I wouldn't touch it or tell him to change it (as long as it's appropriate)...even capitalization and spelling are up to him. :) Please take a look. Leave a comment. Tell him what you think. It's so sweet and I hope it's good for him.

http://aboyslife1999.blogspot.com/

Finn's Thoughts: My brother, Ashe.

From Finn:
I love my brother, Ashe. He makes me not feel scared when I'm scared.

The Cutest Blue Metallic (!) Shoes Ever.

Yes. I said blue metallic shoes. I got blue metallic heels. It seems very weird...o.k., they are a bit funky, but I am a bit funky. They are beautiful. Love them.

If you want a better look at the color, click here, but if you are interested in actually buying them - in a more reasonable :) color (it doesn't bother me if you think my color is ugly!! :), they have them on sale at zappos, click here.

Forty. Yes, I'm really 40.

I had a lovely 40th birthday. It's weird that I'm really 40. I don't feel 40. That's a good thing, but I REALLY don't feel 40. I feel about 20. Every year gets better for me. I'm happier every day. I'm luckier every day. I have friends and family who are way too good to me. I have the best kids. I have a good job. Life is really grand (knock on wood, right!).

I had a fabulous party. Dennis organized it all. He set up a dinner in the Wine Room at Jake's Grill. We had two nights at the Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland. A suite. The boys came for one of the nights. He is a thoughtful husband. As I said before, I am lucky. He was very modest about it all.

I only celebrated with a few friends and family. I didn't want a big celebration. I get too overwhelmed. (I can visit with each of my friends in time - it's nicer for me one-on-one.) My family was there: the boys and Dennis, my mom, dad (with me in the fifth picture from the bottom - it was really special he was able to come), and Caver's family. Lisa's family (third from last pic) was there. Sandy (bottom pic, with my mom) and Yvette (second to last picture with Lisa) also came. That was it.


Thank you everyone who sent birthday wishes. It felt so good to be appreciated.

Catching Up! First up: Finn's 7th Birthday.

Finn & his Star Wars cake.

Whew. I have been a bad blogger lately. I typically enjoy it, but haven't felt like blogging lately. I figured, why force it? It's not something I HAVE to do. I definitely like the idea that it's a diary of sorts...especially like that my kids may have something to look back at. Instant memories (even when you don't remember!!). ; )

Finn turned seven years old on September 25th (yes, two months ago!!). He's Mr. Social Butterfly, and wanted to invite all his buddies to his party. We invited about 14 six-seven year old boys to our house, for a traditional birthday party with games, snacks and cake. Dennis thought I was crazy. I knew that's what Finn wanted - nothing fancy, no going to lazer tag or jumpy houses, or pizza...he just wanted a regular 'ol party. About 12 friends/cousins came to the party.

We had a pinata and played a version of musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, and telephone.

The boys were great (crazy, but great!!) and had such a fun time. Happy birthday, baby. I can't believe my littlest boy is seven. It's wonderful - because I love the little person he's become, but it makes me sad - because I miss the little boy he was. It really does get better every day, though!! Love you, Finn.

Scooter Town 2009

finn goes through the car wash.

Finn had Scooter Town at school today for PE. Every year, his PE teacher does this. I'd never been invited, though. Ashe did it, now Finn's doing it for the second year. She's great. It's really

cool how she sets it up for the kids. She even has a working stoplight that points two directions. She has a train crossing, where they have to wait, if the train is crossing. Here are photos of some of the fun!!


Ms. F. controlling train.

Finn waiting at stop light.

Listening to directions from Ms. F.

Finn's First Futbol Game 2009

Finn had his first real soccer game last Saturday (the 12th). He had the best time! He played soccer last year. No games in kindergarten soccer (last school year), so this was his first soccer game ever. Finn is not really into sports, and sometimes fights going, but after his second practice, stated he loves it. After this game, he was sold!! He says it's his favorite sport. I believe it.

He scored a goal too!! Yay for Finn.

(click on photos to make bigger)

It ended up being pretty hot. Finn, taking a water break

Coach Arve

Finn, on right

Finn, facing camera.

Nico, one of finn's closest buddies

I Don't Wanna Be Learned

Tuesday, September 8, 2009...the boys started school yesterday.

Finn is a 1st Grader. Ashe is a 5th Grader. Growing up WAY (!) too fast. I could gush about the wonderful teachers they got. It's so funny how you get caught up in that. I have never been one of those parents to freak out about that, simply because the kids' school has great teachers in general. This year, though, I wanted Finn to get a certain teacher, because of her art focus. Finn loves art. I don't know where it came from, but he does. I want to foster that love. He got the teacher I wanted him to get.

Ashe's teacher is well thought of, but I know less about her. I think Ashe is honestly smitten with her. He wanted me to come up and "see" her...he didn't want me to meet her, he wanted me to see her. It's sweet. I hope it helps his interest in school, ;) rather than interferes with it.

Here's to a great 2009-2010 school year.

Down on the Farm

We had a great vacation last week (Aug 14-Aug 19). We went to the Sierra Foothills (Garden Valley, California, 47 miles from Lake Tahoe, CA), where our friends, Barbara & Rusty, have property. I went there every summer for much of my youth. When I didn't spend it on their farm, I went to their Bay Area home.

I wanted the boys to experience what I did as a kid. I wanted them to be able to see something other than a major US city (they've been to Vegas, San Francisco, and Seattle, Palm Springs). It's fun for me, being in cities, but I knew they'd enjoy something else. I also was sentimental to re-live my childhood, in a sense. I mean, I have actually spent time with the B&R in recent years. I see them all the time, but I think the last time I was on the farm was 2002.

Matthew brought Cornhol(io :), a game that people like to play in the city (SF in Chrissy Field)

The boys got to roast marshmallows; "sleep" in a tent; see the sheep; paddle the boat on the pond; and, spend some time with my oldest friends. Barbara was my babysitter from the time I was two years old, and I grew up with her, Rusty and their three boys. One of them lived with my mom when I was a teenager. I love B&R as if they were my mother and father. I adore them and their boys, and their boys' families. Again, the luckiest lady on the planet I am, to have such great people in my life!!

Elaine drove to the farm with us, and Dennis flew down to meet us for a few days.

Evening Art Project - Piggy Banks

I promised the boys a "toy" today. They had a good night last night (we spent the night at my mom's), so I told them I'd get them something...Finn was cute in that he said I could surprise him. Usually, he and Ashe want to go with me. They want to look at every single action figure; fondle each one; and, make me crazy waiting for them to pick SOMETHING. Today, Finn allowed me to surprise him: "Just don't get me any Star Wars Action Figures." Funny that he would specifically exclude those, but good enough.

I got them some cute little piggy (Ashe's was actually a cow - but Finn's was indeed a pig) banks. They were ceramic, came with paint & paintbrushes, and the boys painted them. The boys were VERY excited and started them immediately after receiving them. Yay! It's hard to find something, not associated with television or video games or some weird character (Bakugan - Pokemon - Ben 10), that these two monkeys like.

Summerteeth

Finn looks so freaking cute with these teeth missing!! He had a loose tooth since before school ended. He really wanted it out, but was nervous about messing with it too much. Finally, last Saturday night, we were at Sean's (Caver was out of town - in Lake Tahoe at a Yoga and Meditation Festival - Wanderlust - which is hilarious to me in itself, but, I digress!!). The boys were running through the sprinkler. Finn and Tucker had a collision and loosened BOTH of Finn's front teeth to the point where they were hanging. Luckily - they were baby teeth!!!

Tuesday the first tooth came out, and he most likely swallowed it...it came out in Finn's sleep - so he drew a picture of it for the Tooth Fairy. The second came out on Wednesday. He had that one in his hot little hand when he walked into my room and woke me that morning...sweet little thing. Isn't he so cute!!??

Ashe finished up summer league b-ball last Wednesday as well. His team won the game, 30-15. Ashe scored eight points!! He had a sweet hook shot that made it (see pic on the right - ashe is in blue to the left of the basket with his hand in the air as if he just shot a fresh hook shot ;) !). Wasn't the best shot selection, but he didn't have many options. Thankfully, it went in. I'm so happy he had fun in this league.

There are a couple of more pictures of the boys below from the day of the game, and the tooth losing...

Ashe shows off his beautiful choppers.

Finn before the second tooth loss - snaggle tooth.