Dec1:  Erika and Sophia arrived last night.  Woke up this morning and decorated the tree.  Since the kids had late start this morning we had plenty of time.  Jim took the day off to spend with us.  Erika treated us to lunch at Pad Thai.  Did some fun shopping at the mall and found a cute Santa dress for Madison.  Later found a seam that had come undone so we'll have to exchange it.  Enjoyed a nice dinner of potato sausage (made by Jeremy and thought that it was the best I've ever tasted), mashed potatoes and broccoli.  Also made a batch of Krusteas chocolate crinkle cookies--delicious.  Zachary started his first guitar lesson and I think it went well.  The intructor, Jason, offered to teach Jim at the same time--free of charge.

Took off around 8:45 to take Sophia and Erika to the airport to see if they made it on their flight back to Okinawa.  Sophia was so broken hearted to leave Madison.  It was so sad to see her cry so hard.  She fell asleep within 10 minutes though.  Checked in the Radisson which is right across the street from the airport.  Nice location.  We had fun experimenting with the sleep number beds.  Erika got checked in to Space A--and then we waited.  Lucky we brought our camp chairs--there were no seats available to wait--a lesson learned from last time.  Sophia crashed out on a sleeping bag and Erika propped her feet up on the luggage.  We visited for 2 1/2 hours waiting and expecting and hoping only to find out there was no space available on the flight.  We were all so excited to go back to the room and crash from exhaustion.  In bed by 1:45 a.m.

Dec 2:  woke up to my cell phone ringing at 8:00.  Jim seemed surprised that I was still sleeping.  Got ready and had a great breakfast at Panera Bread, shopped at DSW ( major score with 3 pair of new shoes), checked out Nordstrom Rack (not impressive) and then went to Southcenter.  Discovered a new tea store called Teavana and found a great Christmas present for Kate.  The teamaker we got her is awesome and I want one just like it.  Got her a cannister of Youthberry and Wild Orange Blossom.  It smells amazing and tastes wonderful.  It's suppose to reduce wrinkles.  I got a little for myself so I'll see if it works;).  Next we found a Sketcher's store and I got another pair of beautiful white sparkly tennis shoes.  Shared some teriyaki chicken and soba noodles at the food court.  Erika bought a box of peanut brittle from See's candy--the most amazing peanut brittle in the world.  Had and easy trip home just in time to unload, warm up the house and pick up the kids from school.  I loved Southcenter and I'm going to plan more trips there throughout the year.

Jim found 2 one-way tickets to Okinawa on Monday for Erika and Sophia.  We lucked out and get to spend the next three day with them.  And  they are guaranteed  a trip back home to see Jusen.  What a relief and it only cost $1,200 to make it happen.

Yesterday I took Zach to see Dr. Alexander, our orthodontist.  Everything is looking good and if all goes as planned we won't have to start braces for another 2 years.  We'll revisit again in one year to make sure nothing weird happens that might require early intervention.  After the appt., we had a little mom and son lunch together at Arby's. 
After dropping him back at school I came back home and spent 1 1/2 hours catching up on this blog. Whew!  Felt good to get that done.  Spent what was left of my free time by going to Costco to gas up and pick our photo Christmas cards.  Missed out on the $5 coupon by one day.  Jim kept trying to get me to go to Costco to pick them up--but I refused.  I really don't like going there when I know it will be crowded--which is EVERY weekend.  As I pulled into the gas station I noticed that a big wall has been build next door.  Our future Super Walmart.  I really dislike this chain of stores and avoid it like the plague.  I'm so disappointed that it weaved its evil, greedy tentacles into our lovely side of town.  It's all doing downhill now.  While at Costco I  picked up some almonds for a new recipe I want to try out--hope they work out well because I want to use it as part of my gift giving. 
Wandered around Fred Meyer a bit and picked up a few more Christmas presents.  Collected our wreath that we ordered at the school, it smells so good.  Nice and fragrant.  Hurried up and took advantage of cyber-Monday and ordered some sweaters for Jim from Eddie Bauer and just barely finished up when he got home.  Much to his delight, he got to grill hamburgers outside whilst it rained and blew and was quite chilly outside.  He's a good man.  Should I start consulting the weather forecast as I plan the weeks menus?  NO. 
Started decking the halls by bringing in the boxes of Christmas decor and putting up the tree.  It's all ready now for Erika and Sophia to help decorate as per her request.
After Jim gets off work today he's driving straight up to SeaTac to pick up Erika and Sophia.  It will be such a short and bittersweet visit as I have to take them both back to the airport late Wednesday night (11:00p.m.).  That is a very late night for me.
It is down right ugly outside with all the wind and rain blowing.  I have many errands to run but all I want to do is curl up on the couch and watch "When Harry met Sally".  As per my November Sunny Day calender, we have had 8 1/2 days of sunshine this month.  I can only imagine what December through February will bring us.  I'm also going to track ugly days like today.  Days that make me want to move to Arizona, California or Hawaii for the winter.
Oh yeah, we refinanced our home today.  Jim did all the research and paperwork as usual.  I just sign my name on the line.  We now only have 10 years left to pay on the house at 3.75% interest.  We will be saving close to $70,000 in interest by refinancing.  Our monthly payment goes up around $700 but we'll be able to pay off the mortgage before Jim retires.  The money we save in interest will help pay for the kid's college.  We still have a Home equity line of credit around $60,000 that I plan on helping attack next year when I go back to work. 

OMG, what has happened?  My intention with this blog is to write something daily so that the days don't just blend together and pass me by unnoticed.  I want to remember every day as if it is the most special day offered to me--and it is.  My ability to remember the little details of my life and even some momentous occasions is dissappointing.  Writing here is my way of keeping track of what happened, what's important and what I find interesting at that moment.  Practice, practice, practice...........that's what I tell Zach and Madison when they get frustrated with learning something new.  That is the only way to get better and I am no exception.

So off the top of my head this is what I can remember of the last 9 days.

Saturday 20th:  In expectation of a designer visiting our house at 1230 to look at our master bathroom to suggest some ideas for remodeling, I did some super cleaning of the bathroom storage closet and our regular closet.  It has been neglected for way too long.  I cannot believe how many clothes I have removed from that space to make room for order and new items that I plan on purchasing soon (Black Friday).  The dude came and left within 10 minutes because we were not a candidate for the shower liner he was able to provide.  He didn't really seem like a "designer" type so I refrained from picking his brain on any ideas for the house as was sugggested by the Home Depot I met on Thursday.  Oh well, our house looks fantastic right now.  And I am going to keep working on that closet.  Donate some, consign some, save some for repurposing.  Have I mentioned that I want to learn to sew?  Well, I might as well practice on some fabric that is Free.   Now that's some smart thinking.
I think Madison had a playdate at Emma's house in the afternoon.  Spencer was over here playing with Zach all morning and stayed until around 230.  Those two boys get along very well and I'm glad Zach has a friend like Spencer who is so conventiently located.  Just this last summer we have given Zach more responsibility and allowed him to ride his bike by himself over to Spencer's house.  The distance is not that far but just the idea of letting him out of our eyesight, while being alone and vulnerable is a huge step to take as parents.  We just have to remember that he knows the basics as far as safety goes, and that this is just the first step of many in which we prepare Zachary to be on his own eventually.  It's so hard letting go.  I just want to let him stay my little boy forever, sweet and loving and safe in my arms.
Skyped with the Robbins' family that went to visit Erika in Virginia.  It was so great to see Dawn, John, Jenny, Deb, Tom and Kate.  I am so happy they all made to trip to see the Garcia's.

Sunday 21st:  Madison had a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party to go to for her friend Audry.  She had a blast and the plan is to have her birthday party there too.  This may be the last year that that is cool with the peers so I am in full support of this idea.  Plus any kid party that takes place outside our home is a huge plus. Talked a little to Julie Gallager, Hannah's mom, and found out that Kevin lost his job down in Portland last week.  How disappointing for their family--and right before the holidays.  I hope he finds something wonderful soon.

Monday 22:  Today it snowed.  A lot.  It was beautiful and I got to bask in the glow it provides into our home.  The lighting becomes bright but soft.  I went in to Mrs. Rowell's class today to help the kids make pumpkin fluff pies.  Jim is working swing shift this week so we had lunch at the Thai Garden and I got a Pad Thai fix.  It was delicious as usual and Jim's Chicken Fried Rice was excellent.  We sat by a window and watched to snow fall, it was lovely.  Zach went over to Spencer's house to play in the snow.  As a bonus, Ft. Lewis closed due to the weather and approaching storm front so Jim was on his way home at 7:00.  It took him over an hour to get home--but at least he made it here safely.

Tue 23:  Snow day.  The temperatures remained in the 20's so the roads didn't have a chance to melt and recover from our 4 inches of snow.  We gave the kids a pair of sleds to play with, an early Christmas present.  They played out there most of the day and had a blast.

Wed 24:  Another snow day.  Got started on my Thanksgiving contributions.  Made pumpkin bars, bumble berry pie, oyster dip and sweet potato casserole.  Caught up on Dr. Laura shows, I think I listened to 6 or 7 of them while I was baking and cleaning.  That is 3 1/2 hours of work.  I was ready to sit down and relax a little.  But instead I took the kids out.  Dinner at Arby's in Lacey, shopped at Sears for snow boots for Zachary, dessert at Heavenly doughnuts and a movie, "Tangled", a modern day version of Rupunzel.  We all loved it and thought it was funny and delightful and we found many characters that we loved.

Thurs 25:  Thanksgiving day.  Watched the Macy's Thanksgiving parade.  Read the paper and looked over the adds--considered going out on Black Friday, we must be losing our minds.  Got over to Jeremy's around one o'clock.  We enjoyed 3 turkeys, all prepared differently.  One was baked and basted frequently in the oven, one was brined and injected and then bbq'd and smoked (my favorite), and then one was deep fried.
The mashed potatoes and gravy  were amazing (usually I don't get too excited about these two items but today they were that good).  My bumble berry pie was terrific but Samantha's chocolate Cyrus O'leary's pie won the award for best dessert--no leftovers there.  Jeremy made a huckleberry pie that was very good too.  He made the pie crust from scratch and hand picked the berries himself.  I'm proud.  Got to skype with Erika and Suzanne which was a great way to connect with family that couldn't be here in person.  Played a game of Catch Phrase and Cranium.  That was pretty much it, not much of Christie's family was represented this year.  Of course her parents were there but Jason left before dinner and no one from Spokane was able to make it.

Friday 26:  Ventured out to Ann Taylor Loft and Eddie Bauer to do a little Christmas/Birthday shopping for myself.  I can't stop myself from doing this--every year.  But the deals were so good and I got some new  and very beautiful clothes.  I'm happy.  Jim had to work and I spent more time in my closet, making room for the new items, out with the old. 

Sat 27:  Shopped at Lowes, needing a water filter for the fridge, a white elephant gift, a glance at wallpaper (for behind the bookshelves in the family room).  Lunch at Rambling Jack's--not the best but we will return since this has been the only mediocre experience we have had at this great restaurant.  Plus, their sweet potato fries are delish.  Zach went over to Ranjan's house to play.  Ranjan is leaving tomorrow morning early to Las Vegas for the week.  This is how he gets to celebrate his birthday--lucky young man.
Watched "Adam" a movie about a man with Asperger's.  Lovely and a great soundtrack.

Sun 28:  Picked up ski's at Alpine Experience.

Spent the morning volunteering in Madison's class.  The kids were working with clay making bells.  I can't wait to see how great they turn out.  During recess I helped count laps for Track Stars, a new program started this year to help get the kids more active.  They can earn charms for completing a card.  Each kid has to run 12 laps for every card they complete.  It is so awesome to see these kids out there running their hardest.  Today we noticed some kids were trying to cheat and get laps marked off that they didn't complete.  Already, in grade school the kniving has begun.  So sad.

And brrrrr it is getting so chilly outside.  We are expecting snow on Sunday.  We are very excited about this.  Usually the weather is too mellow around here for snow.  Reminder:  Madison needs new snow boots.

36 days til Christmas.  Already the parking lots are getting crowded.
OH, yesterday I made a trip to Home Depot to pick up some paint samples for the family room and kitchen.  Swung by the Christmas decoration department and saw a Charlie Brown Chrismas tree.  At only $10, I should have bought it.  There's something charming about that little twig of a tree hanging over lopsided from only one red ball.  Cute.  And the poinsettias were soooo pretty.  I want to get like 20 of them and put them all over the house.

I get excited when I see mountains.  And if there is a view of a lake at the base I am awestruck.  Here I am living in such a great area that I get to see mountains often.  On a clear day I can see Mt. Rainier (my fave), the Olympics (stunning).  Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Hood are all close by.
My dream would be to have a home that had a view of mountains.  I want to sit in my kitchen, drink my french-pressed coffee, and  look out at magnificense.  I cannot think of a greater daily pleasure.



"I Just Want to Light You Up"  by Shawn Mullins.  I like the way this song makes me want to dance.  With a class of Cupcake Chardonnay in my hand.  Maybe have someone I love watch the show.

Recently watched "Invictus" and it left me wanting to learn more about Nelson Mandela and his life.  I'll be looking for a book about him at the library today.

 ”Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.  There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.  We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us…And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”   ~ Nelson Mandela

mantra I’m applying – “Does this add to my life or does this take energy away from my life?”  Period.

Blog I discovered today and I'm enjoying each and every one of her posts.  Lovely writing style and nice pictures.  She started selling her paper cuts on Etsy.  This is one I'm thinking of purchasing.

smoothpebble.wordpress.com

Taking the 21 complaint free challenge.  Yes, starting right NOW!

Anti-theft lunchbags

Hilarious!!
I am amazed at what people come up with.  Somebody must have been just "fed up".
thinkofthe.com