Livin' the Life We Dream

Removing That Which Knocks You Off-Kilter

2012-02-15T14:57:00.001-08:00

How do you maintain Balance? One of the tasks I assigned myself this year to facilitate my goal of achieving greater, more consistent Balance is to recognize the triggers that knock me off kilter. Then, with that knowledge, determine whether I have any power or control to reduce the impact of or eliminate the trigger. Then, before exercising any power or control, to question: if I can cause a change, is that change for good? Whose good?

For so many reasons, I find myself digging deep today. I'm off-balance. I identified a trigger, and I ultimately took action. I made some tough decisions and said hard words, and, even though I stand behind each one, there are emotional and relational consequences that I need to accept, potentially respond to, and move through as I steady and regain Balance.

Although I caution that these did NOT cause me to act, here's some of the mantras in which I've found peace and affirmation:

I'm a lover, not a fighter. But I'll fight for what I love.

If you don't like something, change it.

Keep your head, heals, and standards high.

Because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean did that they don't love you with all they have.

The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn.

When you have to start compromising yourself or your morals for the people around you, it's probably time to change the people around you.

Maybe it's not always about trying to fix something broken. Maybe it's about starting over and creating something better.

Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher. - Oprah Winfrey

Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Be who you are because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. -- Dr. Seuss

And here's some of the mantras that I'm smiling to as I steady:

Don't look back. You aren't going that way.

Things will get hard, and it's perfectly ok to let them weigh on you. I think if we don't let these experiences get to us, then we aren't learning all the lessons.

All emotions are awesome.

Sometimes it's ok if the only thing you did today was breathe.

Smile. It confuses people.

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. -- Abraham Lincoln

BElieve THEir is GOOD in the world.

Close your eyes. Clear your hear. Let it go.

Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires ... -- Charles Dickens

Do what you love, and do it often.

You're only one workout away from a good mood.

Always wear your invisible crown.

Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together. -- Elizabeth Taylor

And each day:

Live your dream and share your passion!

Off to a Great Start

2012-02-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

In January, I worked out over 28 hours. I practiced yoga, did P90X resistence routines, and ran at least 66.79 miles! I'm feeling "fit" again, and I've shed most of the "flubber" I created October, November, and December, when I enjoyed holiday feasts and treats and allowed my back injury (bulged discs) to recover. *Those months were tasty, but January has ROCKED! Recap: I LOVE when I'm more fit. I feel GREAT!

Taylor and I laying in the sun at "The Compound" August 2011 at the Carmody/Marshall Family Reunion.

Two Current Challenges to Consider in February:

(1) I absolute can not do any plyo-type exercises. Three days in a row last week I tried to expand beyond resistance and running into some more hoppy, challenging routines (12 minutes tops of Insanity and Bodyrock workouts), and I had to refriend ice and ibuprofen. Not fun. If I don't pay heed to this knowledge, I may have considerable struggles this summer riding downhill at Whistler. That is unacceptable. I MUST take care of my lower back so it's ready to take on the mountain! : ) *Great news: Running doesn't hurt my back so long as I add in stretch and PT exercises.

(2) I have discovered that I am a chocoholic. Literally. This is new to me. I used to love sweets, desserts ... but now it's specifically chocolate. I developed this insane craving during my pregnancy with Eli ... he gifted me that and a nice large vericose vein in my left shin. Ha! Back to the chocolate ~ chocolate brownies, chocolate truffles, chocolate chips (white chocolate Ghiradelli, to be specific). If chocolate is near, I am struggling to muster will power. Basically, I don't stop eating until it's gone. This has got to be tackled!!

Here's to February!

Leprechaun Traps and Merry Mischief

2012-01-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever created a Leprechaun Trap?! A friend of mine shared this idea with me last March, and I will forever be grateful! I have always enjoyed St. Patrick's Day, but the mischief and fun in this tradition has literally turned my St. Patrick's Day thoughts upside down, inside out, and sideways! I LOVE St. Patrick's Day now! Check out our Saint Patrick's Day 2011:

STEP ONE: In the weeks before St. Patrick's day, have your kids start gather materials to build their traps.

STEP TWO: Start theorizing the components and strategies those merry makers might apply! Collin used old coasters we'd picked up at the fair, pipe cleaners, the mesh bag our clementine oranges came in, etc. His goal was to lure the Leprechaun in with his one-way doors ~ and trap them inside!

STEP THREE: A day or two before, if you need to, glue the foundation of your trap. Collin glued his walls and doors ahead of time, so he could decorate his trap and apply the attractions the next day.

STEP FOUR: Get together with friends to build and decorate your traps! Apply your theories and test Leprechaun strategy! Tip: don't let them know they are "traps!" Layer disguise and create "attractions!"

Kate got into a little mischief herself as she created her trap! She painted green fingernails: :)

Isaac created a stick maze:

Eli created a Leprechaun Park:

Kate used corks and gold paint, paper clovers, yarn, and green glitter paint ... and lots of glue:

STEP FIVE: Set your traps before you go to bed March 16!

Owen put his favorite XBox game, Madden NFL, inside his trap to lure in the Leprechaun!

STEP 6: Let the mischief begin!! The Lephrechans tracked in gold glitter with every step, left a green footprint trail, tipped over nearly all of our furniture ~ even topsizing our shoes! ~ decorated our living space and left chocolate gold coins and a note!!

STEP 7: Enjoy the Memory Making!!

Miss Natalie was still helping us get out the door back then (our lifesaver!). What a perfect morning to share our lives! (We love you!)

Green Milk! How about Green Hair?!

Hee Hee!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, Everyone!! I hope this post inspires YOU to join in the fun! Rumor has it that those Leprechauns have quite a few new tricks up their sleeves this year ... things like spray painting sleeping kids' hair and green water in the faucet! Have more ideas! Please DO SHARE! And have fun!

Here's a link to a page I found on Pinterest that has loads of cool ideas! She is a Super Mommy!

Balancing my Posture

2012-01-26T21:49:00.000-08:00

As I think about Balance, posture is an inevitable subject. I have terrible posture. I hunch over everything, and I HATE that habit! And when I try to correct my posture, my lower back starts to hurt (can you say weak?!). I just stumbled upon this most excellent advise for those of us poised before our desktops all day:

Pretend there's GUM stuck to your butt!

I love it! Sitting here now ~ mindfully pretending ~ I am sitting straight with much less effort than usual. Try it!

*Right now, I'm thinking silly things like: I wonder what brand of gum would hold best? Which refreshing smell would last longer? Which gum would you choose to be stuck on? : )

January Snow Adventures

2012-01-24T23:11:00.000-08:00

When the snow hadn't hit by the last day of Winter Vacation, Kevin and I decided to take the family and seek it out! We packed the sleds and headed up to Mt Baker for a day of fun! Turned out we were super lucky!! It was nearly 48 degrees and as we loaded up to head home, it started raining. But, although warm, we had an awesome time in the (melting) snow:

Kate turned out to be our sledding maniac! She quickly moved up to the steepest slope, ditched her sled (smart because it was easy to bounce off them and since it was so warm, you could sled just as easily on your bum), and went from bum to tum and head first. Freaked me out!!

See the steep hill the boys are mountain climbing up? See that little purple thing at the bottom? Kate went down the steep hill face first and on her belly, laughing the whole way!

Eli slept in the car much of the time at Baker. But he awoke in time to work on a snowman and get a couple runs in with me!

Turns out we were destined for snow afterall though!! Last week we had a fantastic snow storm that left us with 11 inches and a whole week of snow days!

Apple cider and hot cocoas were huge hits with the neighbor kids. Kids were outside from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day!!

The first night, amazingly, Collin and I ended up outside - just the two of us. What a treat! We caught and examined snowflakes, had a snowball fight, ate snow, and made snow angels. It was so fun!! I can't remember the last time I laid down and make my own snow angel. We both laid in the snow and looked up as the snow fell above us. It was truly magical! One of those moment I will always cherish.

Here's my snow angel:

After everyone warmed, the crowd returned:

We even stayed out late! (It was the first day, and we weren't about to miss a single minute in fear that the snow would melt while we slept!)

Me and my neighbor Barb:

It did not melt overnight though! Instead, it accumulated like crazy!

11 inches

Collin borrowed a pair of skis and showed me that he's absolutely ready to hit the real slopes! (*Unfortunately the boots were too small, so he only went down twice, and this is the only picture that I captured.)

Brannon caught a ride nearby and hiked in to play:

The boys built fortresses and had snowball fights. (except, Collin, that wasn't really a snow"ball"!!) Then Eli snuck in and Collin's crew declared that he was a decoy and part of their strategy: Don't Hit the Baby!

These geese flew overhead. It was awesome!

Mahonia Snow Bunnies 2012:

Brannon dumped a sled full of snow on Collin as they were working to build a snowfort!

Kate made snowballs to stash inside the fort while Brannon and Collin created the walls.

Eli's first solo night sled:

Fun with our Cousins

2012-01-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

The Cyrus Girls came to visit Saturday and Sunday! What a blast!

Kacie is now 4 and a 1/2 months old!

Owen drew a heart around his face!

Marley is super proud of her loose tooth! She lost her second tooth Sunday night!

Happy 8th Birthday, Marley! A toast to you!

Slumber Party!!

Owen, I know what we're going to do today ...

2012-01-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Sausage Links Breakfast for the Birthday Kids! Marley turned 8 January 20, and Owen turned 6 January 17!

Yes, they play football/wrestling/soccer (you get the idea) in the house ... the pictures are all crooked but the panes are still intact! ; )

Beyblades: Still a Top 5 in the Tepker House

After breakfast, play, and gifts, it was off to Comcast Arena in Everett where we had a picnic lunch (in our cars, thanks the the heavy rains!) and went to see Disney's Phineas and Ferb Live! As you may recall, Phineas and Ferb is both my boys' favorite cartoon show. They absolutely love it! Before the show, Isabella's character came out and prepped the audience and issued a quiz. Our crew knew a stunning load of P+F trivia! But when that's your number one go-to show ... So glad it came local and live!!

Kate, Isaac, Collin, Marley, Owen, Taylor, Ethan, Eli, Kai (Missing - Rikki and Lily)

I happened upon Phineas and Ferb Pez dispensers at Fred Meyers two weeks ago ~ such a score! I'm not super big on party bags, but these were a must! The kids were psyched ~ and I avoided a lot of pleas for the myraid P+F parapharnalia for sale at the event. Zoinks!

Happy Birthday, Owen!

Owen's Birthday Dinner

2012-01-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row, Owen asked to have ribs for his birthday dinner. A six hour cooking process, and three full racks were demolished - literally licked clean - in less than half hour. : )

Three Cheers for Owen!!

Cupcakes in the Falling Snow

2012-01-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

Lucky Owen had 11 inches of snow fall the night before his 6th birthday! Such a remarkable event created a unique opportunity to enjoy an impromptu neighborhood birthday bash!

Eli, Landon, Kate, Max, Owen, Unknown, Brennen, Collin, Trevor, Emery, Rylan, Natalie, Evan, Sawyer

Kevin made cupcakes for every kid on the block!

Owen was thrilled to enjoy a cupcake as the snow started to fall again!

He wasn't the only kid enjoying the afternoon treat:

Older Siblings Teach the Young Many Tricks ~ Tuesday's Lesson: How to Throw a Snowball

2012-01-20T23:40:00.000-08:00

I should have edited these photos and brightened them up ... but if they post at all, I'm going to be so happy! So this is just a test. And what a sweet test! These two have become sweet friends (well, in truth, Eli's wiggled his way into every sibling's sweet spot!). And this photo strip shows just how sweet they can be ~ even as Kate teaches him to throw snowballs at ... me!

Then they started throwing them at each other, and both were CRACKING up in fits of giggles!

Snow sprayed on his hat and flittered to his face but E didn't care in the least! Hilariously funny!

Three cheers for snow days and the joys of a winter wonderland!!

Checking In

2012-01-17T00:54:00.000-08:00

Fixing the photo problem ... I hope. In the meantime, here's another blogger who's Balancing 2012! (Sounds like we chatted before we posted! At minimum, it's written proof that I'm not the only one going batty trying to do it all! : )

Photo Storage

2012-01-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

I've exceeded my photo storage on blogger. Until I make up my mind on how to resolve this, I'm outta space. No more pics. So not cool. But do I want to pay to share photos?? Maybe. This IS the digital scrapbook of our life. If I don't pay, I won't have it. Or I could just journal on my personal computer, but then i can't share. And my kids are so fabulous ~ their moments so grand ~ that I want to share them with you! (especially family ... because this world is so big, but this is a way to keep you near.) Oh my. Time to look at that budget again. Until then ... sorry.

What's in your Lunchbox?

2012-01-12T12:24:00.001-08:00

One of the things I was most nervous for as the boys started public school this past fall was the Lunchbox Debate. I queried every mom I knew. What do you put in? What do your kids actually eat? How are the hot lunches? The answers were quite varied. Now that we're 1/2 way through the year, I can share with you what I've learned about my kids and for myself.

FIRST, if they are hungry, kids will eat whatever you pack.

SECOND, they DO NOT mind eating the same thing every day - as long as it's their favorite.

THIRD, they like different things. And that's ok. It's not something to stress over, and yet it's not something to ignore either. You can choose to make two different lunches OR you can choose to recognize that some meals Collin will eat; others Owen will eat. [*We only make one dinner a night. Half the kids dig it. The next night we make a meal the other half will love. But if they are hungry, everyone will eat it.] When it comes to lunches, I most often make double everything, and the boys have the same lunch. But some days, I cater. Sometimes Collin has turkey two (or three) days in a row because he's happy with that (and because it's easy for me - no real "thinking" involved!). On those same days, Owen has PB+J two (or three) days in a row, and he loves it.

FOURTH, a little creativity REALLY goes a long way!!

Thanks to Pinterest (love it!), with hardly any extra effort, I turned a basic turkey sandwich into the boys' favorite cartoon character this morning! The meal was made in the same amount of time as it always takes me BUT it was eaten lickity-split!

I know this because I was at the school volunteering this morning, and when I walked outside during Owen's morning recess - when they are allowed to grab a snack from their pack - he was giddily showing Ferb off to his friends. It was super cute! He devoured his whole lunch before the bell rang (by 10:15)! This was somewhat shocking to me - and a good reminder about presentation! He - of my two school-agers - has a tendency to skip the morning snack in favor of chatter and a race so fast for the soccer field. Likewise, he gets so anxious to get to recess "after lunch" that he typically eats two of three bites then claims he's "done" so he can sprint out the door to play! He winds up finishing his lunch on the school bus or within moments of getting home each afternoon (which doesn' t really bug me, but I think he'd learn more in school - or have a better time - if he had a full belly all day). BUT ... turn a sandwich into fun and lunch is "game on!"

UPDATE 1.23.11 - Owen asks me at least once a week now if his lunchbox has "Ferb" in it!

If you do a search on Pinterest, you'll find all kinds of creative ways to display lunch food as well as some creative items to eat for lunch. For my kids, the reality though is, it's all about the presentation. Here's another way I took a basic sandwich and "broke it down:"

FIFTH, you don't have to give them candy bars and Twinkies for them to be the Talk of the Lunch Table. Cut a cherry tomato in two to create monster eyes and use pretzel sticks to add a silly mouth (easy sandwich adaptation!). Or, if they say "everyone else has chocolate" (which I acknowledge is some days true), take a whole grain cereal and turn it into a "special treat" with mini mallows and chips. They're sure to say, "May I have s'more, please!"

LASTLY, the hot lunch is not all it's cracked up to be. My kids do opt for hot lunch on most pizza days, but not all. The truth for them is that they'd rather eat something mom or dad made with love - even if it's just a cup of water and crust of bread. (J/K ... sort of. Hhmmm ... that'd be a fun test! ; )

Balancing my Event Calendar

2012-01-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

I came across a blog today that hit home. Ellie G at "Less Cake, More Frosting" was identifying her One Word for 2012: "Refine," and I liked her take ... because it identified another of the ways I will obtain Balance this year.

"I can’t have 10,000 hobbies and do them all perfectly. I can’t have kids in 10,000 activities and still have them feel stress-free. I can’t have an awesome marriage when I never see my husband. I can’t have a clean home when I spend all my free time on my blog.

I think I just need to “REFINE” all the GOOD things I want to do. And take the GREAT ones."

She shared this quote from Dallin H. Oaks:

“We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.”

It occurs to me that as I "choose to act with behavior that aligns with what I believe is really important," as I stated January 2, I need to balance my own and my families activities, just as I am seeking to balance my home/family/work time. When choosing our activities, I need to balance the good against the great. What is the goal of the activity? What do I expect myself or our family to get out of it? What benefit or impact will it have? Is my expectation realistic? Is the realistic expectation in line with what I believe is really important?

This message rings especially true to me today because I was caught up in the idea of running another marathon. However, deep down, as I searched the race events calendars, I knew that I did not have the time to commit to such an intensive race if I also wanted to experience other opportunities (like family time, mountain biking, getting back into yoga, etc.) Although another marathon would certainly be GOOD and is on my list for Potential Future Goals, it is not a balanced goal for 2012. The relief at this realization was amazing. I immediately shut down the internet brower, took a deep breath, and got back to work ... with peace.

*I'll schedule a 1/2 marathon with a girlfriend (or two or three!), which IS realistic and aligns with my balanced goals. And I'll work it into a trip that includes a family day and some time for Kevin too. Much better. : )

I also crossed paths with this blog that had a good One Word: "Us."

2012: Week One and an Update on Kate

2012-01-05T08:52:00.000-08:00

We're into 2012 only 5 days today, and I believe it's going to be a good year. Here's a few good things:

1) Kevin has woke up every morning and made breakfast for all of us! Nothing like waking up and smelling breakfast cooking and a fresh pot of coffee brewing!!
2) Kevin and I have each worked out four days in a row. I did yoga last night. It is one of my favorite (and if I do P90X yoga, hardest) workout routines because it requires you to be patient even as you workout, to push through challenging poses and patterns, and to breathe into every part of your body. The day after yoga always feels so good! For example, today I feel straighter, taller, and stronger -- not stronger like I could lift heavier weight, but stronger as in each of my muscles is "engaged and supporting" my frame today. What a good, balanced feeling!
3) My whole family is consuming good nutritious food. My body feels like it's gone through a detox as I've cut out all the fun treats I imbibed over the holidays and given it a balanced diet again!
4) I was asked to cover a case in Blaine, where I worked for seven years. That was a nice compliment, and it was great to see everyone!
5) The boys are enjoying being back in school.
6) Kate and Eli LOVE being home with Daddy, and Daddy is taking advantage of the opportunity!
7) Kate's skin is clearing, her breathing is less wheezy, and she's sleeping through the night.*

*Kate has suffered from a pretty severe skin rash over the last year. We knew she was at least lactose intolerant, but we were also certain she was allergic to more. She would wake in the middle of the night, crying and itching. She had blotches all over that would over burn and bleed. We took her off all dairy the last week of December, and her skin is slowly but surely clearing.

We also learned (after a much anticipated appointment with an allergist) that Kate is asthmatic. She was on a steroid for the last 5 days and is now taking a daily and an incidental inhaler treatment, and the effect is amazing!! For example, when we went sledding January 2, Kate was up and down the hill, climbing, running, laughing, and, quite notably, never tiring. She loved it! (Prior to the asthma treatment, she would likely have gone down once or twice and tired of the climb back up -- because she probably couldn't breathe well.) Another example of the effect is that she's sleeping through the night. Prior to the treatment, once she was in a deep sleep, her body struggled to breathe, and she would wake up extremely panicky. And of course, she wasn't able to describe the symptoms to us in her sleepy, panicked state. (We thought she was having an allergic reaction to something. The doctor keyed us in to the impact of untreated asthma during deep sleep.)

Kate will be tested for other allergies in the near future. The doctor is concerned that she might also be allergic to eggs, peanut butter, possibly grain. We're keeping our fingers crossed that if she is allergic to more we are able to tailer her diet or environment to prevent reaction.

Happy Thursday!!

One Word: Balance

2012-01-02T21:58:00.000-08:00

Although I have a list of things I'd love for my self and my family to do or enjoy or focus on in 2012, one word defines my personal commitment for 2012 …

balance

I aim to take a deep breath and work at maintaining a sense of balance.

bal˙ance
1. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of amount, etc.
2. something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
3. mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behaviour, judgment, etc.

Why Balance?

One thing I know for certain is that when I lose balance ... juggling my roles as wife, mother, daughter, friend, sister, attorney, etc ... when my life is "out of balance," nothing flows quite as well. Everything that is usually "easy" and fabulous becomes "hard" and chaotic. It's like when my scales are tipped, there's a ripple-effect onto every aspect of my life and onto those dependent or relying on me. In addition, I begin to feel guilt (for one or more areas that I feel I'm missing or neglecting) and my enjoyment levels decrease. So my goal this year is to live my fabulous, wonderful life with a greater sense of balance so that I can enjoy it even more!

This all sounds a tad corny to be blogging to the great unknown, but I hope that with patience and reflection I will ask myself tough questions. That I will choose to act with behavior that aligns with what I believe is really important (balance). I hope that this manifests in the words I speak and the mannerisms I choose. For example, I hope that I arrive more "on time" to events. I hope that I speak in ways that motivate my children. I hope that I get enough sleep so that I have energy to run for a football pass. I hope that I work my body enought that it is tired at night and gets a solid night of sleep. I hope that I feed my body nutrition sufficent to fuel my active days. I hope that I keep focus at work, so I get home with god-speed and get to enjoy every opportunity. Ultimately, I belive that in achieving a greater sense of balance, I will be healthier ~ emotionally, physically, mentally ~ and better able to relax, enjoy, and give more freely to those I love.

*I already have a few good ideas for next year's word! But I want to live this year first. Happy New Year! And welcome 2012!

Holiday Cheer Bucket List

2011-12-31T12:10:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY CHEER 2011 ~ HERE'S some of the WAYS WE ENJOYED THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Christmas Eve Seahawk's Party with Grandpa Bob and Schillingers
Jacobs Christmas Celebration
Yanasak Christmas Celebration
Solstice Party
Carmody-Marshall Christmas Celebration
Christmas Caroling + Food Drive
Christmas Tree Waffles
Pancake Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus @ the Barn in Sudden Valley
Gingerbread House
Nutcracker Ballet @ Mount Baker Theater
Old Fashioned Snail-Mail Holiday Cards
Carousel Ride in Downtown Seattle
Wish Lists for Santa
Santa Visit in Downtown Seattle
RACK It!
Family Ice Skating Adventure on the Magic Season Ice Arena
Snowflake Lane on Bellevue Way
Holiday Treats: Christmas Tree Brownies
Family Ornament Craft-Time: Snowmen, Puzzled Rudolph, and Cupcake Delights
Deck the Halls
Christmas Tree Farm Search for the Perfect Famiy Tree
Holiday-Themed Books and Movies

Tepker Kids Wrap-Up 2011

2011-12-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

What were the greatest things that happened in 2011?
Collin + Owen: Shaw, Whistler, Train Car, Playing with the Schillingers, going to Wade King, riding Galbraith for the first time, soccer, ice skating, Christmas

What was your favorite trip in 2011?

Collin: Shaw with the Schillingers, the Cyruses, Uncle Jared, G&G Yanasak and Grandpa Bob when we celebrated Eli's birthday

Owen: Going to Whistler and Shaw Island

Kate: The train car! I like trains. (Ocean City, Oregon ~ we spent a weekend with Evan and Lisa Lenz and family in a renovated train car, played on the beach, and went in the hot tub.)

What is your favorite thing to do?

Collin: Go the Schillingers (or have them over to our house) and Hang out with Family

Owen: Play football

Kate: Color

Who are your best friends?

Collin: Owen, Eli, Kate

Owen: Collin, Isaac, Eli, Kai, Ethan, Kate, Eli, Mommy, Dad, Uncle Jared, Marley, Taylor, Brannon

Kate: Ava, Marley, Taylor, Owen, Collin, Dezi, Daddy, Mommy, Kacie,

What is your favorite meal?

Collin: Pizza and burgers

Owen: Boomers Burger

Kate: Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Soup

What is your favorite cartoon character?

Collin: Phineas

Owen: Phineas

Kate: Dora the Explorer

What is your favorite book?

Collin: Jack and Annie (Magic Treehouse Series)

Owen: The Bob Books

Kate: Winnie the Pooh

What are you a little afraid of?

Collin: Caves

Owen: Going to sleep by myself

Kate: Monsters

What would you do on your "perfect day"?

Collin: Watch football with the Schillingers

Owen: Eat waffles with syrup, play with Eli, play Madden on the XBox, trade football cards with Kai, go the Schillingers to play football outside and Wii inside, eat a donut for lunch, eat chicken pot pie for dinner

Kate: Color

If you had three wishes, what would you wish?

Collin: 1) Play my iTouch, the Wii, or XBox whenever I wanted for as long as I wanted; 2) Go ice skating every week; 3) Celebrate Christmas every 5 months

Owen:

Kate: 1) For Mommy; 2) For Daddy; 3) For Owen

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Collin: A Football Player

Owen: Maybe a dad. No, a football player. Maybe both.

Kate: I want to read books.

What is your goal (complete, do, enjoy) for 2012?

Collin: I want to put all of my football cards into my binder and go to Whistler to play putt-putt golf and do some riding.

Owen: I want to go to Whistler and go riding.

Kate: I want to go the park and the swimming pool and find a waterfall.

21 Questions I asked my Kids

2011-12-31T11:55:00.000-08:00

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
Collin: Do the dishwasher. Actually, we need to do that today!
Owen: No thank you, Owen!

Kate: Yes. Yes you can draw.

2. What makes Mommy happy?
Collin: When I do the dishwasher! Or snuggle.
Owen: A hug

Kate: Smiles

3. What makes Mommy sad?
Collin: When she's asked me like 15 times to do something, like get off the itouch.
Owen: A kick

Kate: When I color on the table, but I don't really do that now. When I was a little baby, I colored on the table. Now I'm a big girl. If you color all over the table, you make bad choices. Or if you hit. Makes Mommy sad.

4. What does Mommy do that makes you laugh?
Collin: Tickles me

Owen: Tickle

Kate: Play

5. What was Mommy like as a child?
Collin: I don't know.

Owen: Soccer

Kate: Little tiny

6. How old is Mommy?
Collin: 34. 33?

Owen: 34? 36?

Kate: 2 and a half

7. How tall is Mommy?
Collin: 8 foot?

Owen: 9 foot?

Kate: Let me see (spreads hand far apart). That tall. Really tall. Super tall.

8. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
Collin: Play with me

Owen: Clean the dishwasher! Ha! That's not really you're favorite!! Playing with us is.

Kate: Play

9. What does Mommy do when you're not around?
Collin: Go to work

Owen: Go to Whistler

Kate: Look for me

10. If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Collin: I don't know.

Owen: Cleaning the dishwasher!!

Kate: You are great!

11. What is Mommy really good at?
Collin: Helping me.

Owen: Dishes. What? You are!

Kate: Driving

12. What is Mommy not very good at?
Collin: Gymnastics!

Owen: That's hard!

Kate:

13. What does Mommy do for her job?
Collin: Go to court.

Owen: Go to work.

Kate: Take your purse.

14. What is Mommy's favorite food?
Collin: Chicken Pot PieOwen: Chicken Pot Pie

Kate: Chicken Pot Pie

15. What makes you proud of Mommy?
Collin: That she can do the dishes everyday and still be happy about it

Owen: When she lets me grab her throat

Kate: Your smile

16. If Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Collin: WordGirl

Owen: The mom on Phineas and Ferb

Kate: Dora

17. What do you and Mommy do together?
Collin: Read

Owen: Play with Eli

Kate: Play ~ teaparty, dolls, color

18. How are you and Mommy the same?
Collin: We both have the same colored hair and neither of us have birthmarks!

Owen: We both have a body

Kate: We look the same.

19. How are you and Mommy different?
Collin: I'm young, and she's an adult.

Owen: We have different colored hair. I have blond, and you have brown.

Kate: We don't look the same.

20. How do you know Mommy loves you?
Collin: Because she hugs me and kisses me.

Owen: Love - hugs and kisses

Kate: You really do love me! (How do you know?) Because you love me really much!

21. Where is Mommy's favorite place to go?
Collin: Whistler

Owen: Grandma and Grandpa's Property (Shaw)

Kate: The park

*I borrowed this idea from another blog, and I loved asking my kids these questions today! I can't wait to ask them the same ones about Kevin!

Toilet Bowl: The Sequel?

2011-12-29T23:58:00.000-08:00

Sadly, Owen has been ill for the past two and a half days, and he just came downstairs as we were finishing our movie (The Hangover II), snuggled in with me, asked for a glass of juice and said: "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I threw up in your bed before I came down. On dad's side." (lordy, lordy!)

(Kevin cracked a joke about the stunt on his side of the bed, and O just grinned. It was classic! Thankfully, my camera was right there, so I caught a quick shot while it was still genuine!)

I sure hope this doesn't match the historic landmark of last New Year's Eve! EPIC!! Looks like we may send out 2011 the same way we brought it in ... over The Toilet Bowl. Click HERE and HERE for a refresher (wish we could forget it)!

Many cheers and happy times! To 2012!

Soft Molasses Cookies

2011-12-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous holiday, and it included some delicious food! Here is a recipe for soft molasses cookies that were delightful! Let's put it this way: the recipe yields about 5 dozen. Lani made them Friday. We showed up Sunday night, and there were only three cookies left. Clearly, my dad would agree with the quote highlighting the recipe, which they found online and forwarded to me: "The best soft molasses cookie I've ever eaten!"

Soft Molasses Cookies

You may substitute 3/4 cup undiluted evaporated milk with 3/4 tablespoon vinegar for the sour cream. Cookies can be iced with a mixture of confectioners' sugar and milk, or just sprinkled with confectioners' sugar.

Prep Time:
15 Min

Cook Time:
12 Min

Ready In:
55 Min

Original Recipe Yield 5 dozen

Ingredients

3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup molasses
3/4 cup sour cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon; set aside.
Cream butter, and gradually blend in sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. Mix in sour cream alternately with sifted dry ingredients. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

Caroling Food Drive ~ Take 2

2011-12-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

We head out for a second night of Caroling and Food collecting Wednesday night, and it was another huge success! We collected 103 pounds of food! Both neighborhoods and our carollers donated a total of 253 pounds of food!

Mark is laughing at Kate, who was belting at the tunes so loudly!! (She didn't have much tune at this point though, so she was almost shouting the songs!)

Family Unites for Annual Christmas Celebration

2011-12-18T23:23:00.000-08:00

What a day! As I scanned through the pictures of our Christmas gathering, I realized I had a soundtrack running on repeat in my head. Bryan Adam's "Christmas Time" was the featured tune:

We waited all through the year

For the day to appear

When we could be together in harmony

It's the time of year when everyone's together
We'll celebrate here on Christmas day
When the ones you love are there

You can feel the magic in the air- you know it's everywhere

I couldn't have termed it any better! This is a day we all look forward to ~ a day to relax, to enjoy, to catch up, to see who's doing what, where, and when! Oh - and checking out the new babies is also a yearly treat!

Joe and Tiffany hosted 2011 Saturday, and it was AWESOME! They just moved into a new home, and it was a fabulous venue. *I told them in no uncertain terms: if they will host every year, we'll rotate who does the food, we'll look into housecleaners, etc.! Upstairs, they had a bouncy house for the kids. On the main floor, the great room connected to the kitchen (always a hub). Downstairs, two air hockey tables and a big screen entertained both big and little "kids."

Tepker Kids

James

Uncle Jared tossing Kate all about

"Hey, that's MY favorite blankie!" Tug-of-War between Uncle Jared and Eli

Every little kid seems to love olives! (That's Kate.)

Collin

Owen

Nella, Christina, and Great Grandma M enjoy Kacie's little coos!

Bob, Marie, and Baby Ben catch up on the family's latest move: back to the Northwest! Welcome Home!

Alex and Eli are only a few months apart. They enjoyed taking cups out of the kitchen cupboards and playing kitchen!

Joe rolled that huge beanbag over the kids, and the kids LOVED it!

Eli at the Top of the Bouncy Slide

Bob's Grandkids

The Cyrus Girls

The Cyrus Family ~ Tracey, Christina, Marley, Taylor, Kacie

Kacie

Uncle Mike caught the kids and tossed them over the the wall and into the bouncy house!

Kate

Uncle Mike lifted Kate by her ears!!

Marley

Alex, Gabby, Megan

Piper was caught in the act! Yummy brownie!

James the Elf

Alex

"Wait, here I am! Don't take it without me!" - Jim

("Not that I'm going to pay attention as you're taking the photo." - Jim)

In all honesty, I did not mean to or notice that he then was cut OUT of the next photo (the one where I set the timer and jumped into it as well)! Sorry, Jim!

Back Row: Brannon, Lucas, Brian, Aimee, Bob, Theresa, Jordan, Kathy, Kevin, Marian, Tippy, Tracey, Piper, Aaron, Eli, Christi, Jared, Alex, Todd, Don, Marge, (and Jim)

Next Row: Mike, Evan, Ben, Reason, Kim, (Rob is there in the other pics?), Lisa, Morgan, Nella, John, Sarah, Gabby, Scott, Megan, Joe, Marie, Tiffany, Kacie, Loren

Front Row: Sammy, Brooklyn, Michelle, Haley, Owen, Christina, Marley, Kate, James, Taylor, Jenny/Me

Owen, Marley, Kate, Taylor, Sammy (and the back of Collin's head)

Piper

Eli purposefully and successfully went down the stairs head first for the first time! (Ironically, in 2008 at the Christmas Party at Brian and Christi's, Kate climbed UP the stairs for the first time!)

Kim played a tag game with Reason and the girls!

The little kids did an ornament gift exchange. Very cute! They were SO excited to open their gifts! *I had my kids decorate their own gift bags. That was NOT appealing apparently! The fancy wrapped packages were all picked first.

Gabby

James

James was so excited about his ornament that he rushed up to hang it on the tree! So sweet.

Kevin stuck a bow on Owen's back unbeknownst to O.

(When he saw this pic, Owen said: "Mom! Why do I have that face? ... Oh. I'm eating a candy cane!")

This "Guy" was my favorite wrap-job of the season! It was a "Man Gift" or I'd have snagged it up for sure!! Turns out everyone was afraid it housed "The Bear," a golden plague that is regifted as a gag every year.

But in the end, Loren opened the gift with "The Bear," and the man was made of candy bars, pistacios, and a Visa gift card!)

As it approached 9:00, Kate perched on Kevin's man gift and nearly fell asleep. We immediately got her in jammies -- and she got her second wind and raced upstairs to the bouncy house. :-)

Brannon and Kim

Baby Ben

"One dark night in the middle of the day, two dead boys got up to fight. Back to back, they faced each other, drew their swords, and shot each other. A deaf police man heard the noise. Came over and shot the two dead boys. If you don't believe this lie is true, ask the blind man, he saw it too." - Bob Carmody

Ok, that's not really what he was saying there, but I'm sure it was something similar!! He taught us cousins that tale of opposites on a camping trip when we were little. :-)

Tiffany and Joe ~ Our Hosts

(Jared admitted that he'd made the Candy Man ... moments after Tiffany declared "only a woman could be behind a wrap-job like that!" Quite contrare! The Carmody/Marshall men are famous for their "jerry-rig" antics!)

Christina and Jared (my siblings are looking good!)

Kathy and Granddaughter Gabby

I thought it was ironic that Kevin's Male Gift was wrapped in a diaper box ~ and that Eli opened it!

I love this photo.

Joe and Brooklyn

My grandparents have lived in Eastern Washington (first Leavenworth where they ran a quaint, beautiful Log Cabin Bed and Breakfast, then Wenatchee after they closed the B+B). But they have put their house on the market and are hoping to move back to the West side! For Christmas AND for their 50th Wedding Anniversary, the family pitched in to raise a little money to help them afford professional movers and other travel expenses!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!

There's something about Christmas Time
Something about Christmas Time
That makes you wish it was Christmas every day

Holiday Funny

2011-12-16T14:11:00.001-08:00

This cracked me up!!!

Caroling Food Drive Manifests the Spirit of the Holidays

2011-12-16T00:03:00.000-08:00

After last year's fantastic Christmas Caroling, I was stoked to sing again! But this year ~ with our RACK It! project in full swing ~ we turned the caroling into a food drive! The boys passed out flyers three days prior with pictures of the kids caroling last year and notice that we'd be collecting for the Bellingham Food Bank, and we thought: "Let's see how it goes!" I had no idea we'd meet such generosity!! As I drove into our neighborhood tonight, I got teary-eyed as I noticed the many front porches already hosted bags awaiting pick-up! And we hadn't even sung a note!

Neighborhood kids gathered at 6:00 at our house for cocoas, a holiday treat and rehearsal! Last year during rehearsal we discovered that - as a group - we could really only belt out "Jingle Bells" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." But this year, we were easily able to add "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!" What a treat! (Trust me, even to the kids "Jingle Bells" over and over - 23 houses! - gets old!)

Hats and antlers on and jingle bells in hand, we headed out in the drizzling rain (that I don't think a single kid even noticed) to spread Christmas cheer!

Far Back: Collin (you can barely see his reindeer anters back there!)

Middle Row: Abby, Naomi, Kate, Owen, Kate (can't see her but you can see her antlers above Trevor!), Trevor, Jackson, Corey

Front Row: Laura, Eli, Natalie

Eli rode in the wagon for the first half of the route ... but it started to fill with donated food quickly!

Kate was on a mission! She especially enjoyed collecting the bags of food. "Thank you!!"

Eli got to the top of each set of steps just as each song was ending. "Where'd everybody go?!"

I just thought this was terrific:

*You'd never guess, but after she got home, Kate threw up three times. Oh golly! But she didn't let on until our task was complete ... the kids seriously were having such a blast! They got a kick out of the idea that their "fun" was going to help others in need. It didn't hardly even add up! You could almost see the gears turning: "If helping is this much fun, we can do it every day!" Exactly. RACK It Food Drive = Success!

In the end, we collected nearly five "Costco-sized" boxes of food to donate! Thank you, Neighbors, for your generosity and for helping us to teach our children to give, to serve, and to appreciate. And thank you, Kids, for your holiday spirit, your fun-loving energy, and for making a memory with me!

**UPDATE: We collected 150 pounds of food for the Whatcom Food Bank! That's awesome!!**

Pancakes with Santa 2011

2011-12-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

We headed out to Sudden Valley (which we have affectionately called Sunflower Valley for years, thanks to "Bob the Builder") for Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus Saturday morning! Santa greeted us at the door, red mug of coffee in his hand and happy grin on his face. The kids chatted with him about their week, and he told them stories about his adventures since we'd seen him (he's visited a couple of local agencies this week!). Then it was time for breakfast! Collin said: "Mrs. Claus makes the BEST sausage links!" So I went back to tell her ... and to take note of the brand for breakfasts at home. They were the exact same ones we buy at Costco!! Funny that they taste better when served by Mrs. Claus. :-)

The kids wolfed down pancakes and sausage then set up camp at the Arts and Crafts tables!

The good news for them was this: the syrup dispenser poured fast and generous! So they had a little pancake with their syrup!! (far cry from the way I serve it to them in a small dipping bowl!) They loved it! And as the full impact of the sugary syrup hit, I was happy we were in a Barn (more of a community hall). The kids could run and jump and dance! And they did, of course!

And then it was time for pics with Santa! Kate wasn't shy this time. In fact, she'd woke up saying, "I'm going to sit on Santa's lap this time. Not like the last two times. I'm going to sit on his lap!"

And back to the tom-foolery:

Eli was having a blast playing ball with the kids. He was also the perfect size to collect the ball each time it was lost under the stage:

Fun with Food

2011-12-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning breakfast featured green Christmas tree waffles, bacon for a stump, syrup garland, and a few candy gems I snagged from the Gingerbread House Kit! FUN!

We delivered these Christmas tree brownies to a neighbor as a RACK It! one night!

Holiday Traditions

2011-12-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

Collin's first grade class has been exploring family, culture, and tradition over the past month. He's made a family tree, his family timeline (from the day Kevin and I met until the present), and collected data about the roles of family members in the family, in the community, and in the world. This week they are discussing holiday traditions, and Collin was charged with created a collage that would encapsulate his favorite holiday traditions. When asked what he thought of as our traditions, he said: "First of all, we always get together with family!" And so family became the center of his collage!

Santa Hat = Christmas Caroling

Snowflake Ornament = Snowflake Lane

Santa Figure = Annual Santa Letter & Visit

Christmas Tree = Cutting Down Our Tree and Decorating It and the House

FAMILY = Family Gatherings

Saucer and Tray = Christmas Eve Highlights, including Cookie Making, PJ Gift, and Setting Out Cookies & Milk for Santa and Carrots for the Reindeer

RACK It = Random Acts of Christmas Kindness (I love that this made the list in its first year!!)

Reindeer Ornament = Annual Ornament Craft

Ice Skates = Winter Fun, such as Sledding and Skating

Uncle Jared came up this weekend, and Saturday we had breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus! What a treat! (Blog about that later.) Afterwards, we decorated our Gingerbread House then went ice skating again (we had so much fun last week!). Pic above was taken just before we loaded in the van to go see Santa! **Collin asked for pants again ~ and the washer is fixed! He said he really just wants more variety and selection! Geesh! And a life jacket and swim goggles. And an educational book called Kidbit. Practical kid.

Holiday Crafts

2011-12-09T10:04:00.001-08:00

The holidays are a fantastic time to get crafty! Each year the kids make at least one ornament to add to the tree and a "duplicate" (or more) to gift. This year so far, we've made foam snowmen, cupcakes, and puzzled reindeer (love these!!):

*Those are my girlfriends BreeAnne and Kristen. They shared a Saturday with us and got their craft on! Fun to have not-yet-mommy friends spend a whole day with me and my kids!

Collin was experiementing with ornament hangers, hence the candy cane! GREAT idea, but it's unwrapped and sticky! ; )

Puzzled Reindeer: Take old, mis-matched puzzles pieces. Glue together to form your head and antlers. Spray the trio with paint (we used metallic gold). Add a nose and two eyes. Hello, Rudolph!!

I haven't taken a pic yet, but these look FANTASTIC on the tree!!

Tree Farm 2011

2011-12-09T09:42:00.001-08:00

~ Manthey's Tree Farm ~

Keeping with tradition, we went out to get out Christmas Tree Friday afternoon, the day after Thanksgiving! It's always a fun time as everyone points out trees, and I veto until we've found the perfect one. ; ) By the time we're narrowing down, the kids' spirits are even higher, and they are laughing and pointing out "Charlie Brown Trees" to see my reaction.

This year was sunny and bright, and the kids were all about racing up and down the rows of trees! Eli did his best to keep up.

Owen's trying to convince Eli to race him! It was cute because then Owen took off with a super slow start. They didn't make it far ~ what with all the ruts and roots ~ though. After a bit, Owen asked if he could rush off. Go for it!

And Eli jumped aboard Grandma. Hilariously, I guess he's never had a piggy-back ride before! He didn't know to hold on!!

Like I said, I take my time and find the right one! Kate was quick to find an alternative mode of transportation as the hunt lengthened.

Collin and Owen eventually let me debate between three, and they played football between the "obstacles." AWESOME!

RACK It!

2011-12-08T08:16:00.001-08:00

Wanted to update you on our RACK It! This week the kids are doing things like modeling good behavior at school, trying to recognize and assist when someone's sad, and helping to clean up the classroom.

I've allowed someone to go in line in front of me at Starbucks (she looked like she was in a bigger hurry than me), passed out genuine compliments, watched a girlfriend's daughter in a pinch, and brought treats to a work staffing. And last night Kevin noticed a neighbors garage had its lights on and the door open for over three hours, while the rest of the house was dark and still. He put on his jacket at just after 11 p.m. and ran across the street to shut the garage (probably scaring our neighbors in their sleep!).

Role Model and Friend ~ That's Our Kate!

2011-12-07T21:53:00.001-08:00

Today when I picked Kate up, her teacher was overwhelmed with pride! She shared two fantastic stories with me!

(1) Late in the afternoon, one friend was tantruming and did not want to come inside for Circle Time. Kate rushed up to her, leaned in with a smile, and said: "If you come inside, I'll sing you a really cool song about your name!" They rushed together inside, and Kate belted out: "Sweet Caroline, Bum-Bum-Bum!" The teacher said it was a fabulous moment as the kids learned the song and sang along!

Pic Taken at a Downtown Seattle Waterfront Pier

(2) One kid had pointed out that a teacher was fat. Soon all the other kids had joined in the discussion, calling the teacher names and pointing. Kate listened for a minute, looked at the teacher, and then turned to her friends and said: "I'm not going to say that. It will hurt her feelings, and that's not nice." All the other kids stopped talking. Kate REDIRECTED them and they started to build a structure out of blocks and random objects!

You are AWESOME, Kate!!!

Nutcracker Ballet @ Mount Baker Theater

2011-12-07T21:48:00.001-08:00

Tonight Kate, Lily, and I went to the Mount Baker Theater to watch Rikki (Lily's sister) in her first ballet production! It was also Kate's first ballet! We had excellent seats: 4th row, right in the center! And oh how Kate loved it! She sat on her knees, upright, the entire first half, grinning and clapping! After intermission, she sat on my lap, leaned forward, and bounced to the music. She leaned back once and whispered: "If I put on my ballet slippers and a really pretty dress, I could get up there and twirl too! That would be cool!" She commented on the costumes, the set design, and even the lighting (there were purple lights!). It was a two-hour performance, and it was a perfect night! I loved every minute and shared in her absolute excitment!

A Christmas Story @ 5th Avenue Theater ~ 2010

2011-12-07T10:00:00.001-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa J gave us tickets to see "A Christmas Story" at the 5th Avenue Theater last December! It was the kids first playhouse production, and we were SO excited! We met up with Grandmpa for lunch at Rock Bottom first, where the kids made their own pizzas and enjoyed root beer (their favorite!).

Then Grandpa took off with Eli, and the big kids, GGG, and I headed across the street for the show!

It was a BLAST! To this day (one year later), the kids and I still belt out a chorus from the show: "Ralphie to the rescue! A-ah!" Sometimes we alter it, like this: "Eli to the rescue! A-ah!!"

*GGG joined us because Kevin wasn't able to use his ticket (had to work).

Carousel Delight 2011

2011-12-06T00:18:00.001-08:00

We took off for a family day last Friday, and it was perfect! This year the excitment was so great! Owen couldn't wait to see Santa, Collin couldn't wait to see the Snow fall on Snowflake Lane, and Kate couldn't wait to ride the "Ponies!" It was as if we'd intentionally created the day with a little something for each of them! The joy of learning to ice skate almost put it over the top! It was truly a fantastic family day!! Enjoy these pics from our carousel ride:

I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus ~ 2004

2011-12-05T23:46:00.001-08:00

Yes, that's Kevin dressed up as Santa Claus at his Holiday Christmas Party!

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-12-05T23:26:00.001-08:00

Time to bake cookies for Santa!

Owen went to work on some very detailed Gingerbread Men!

Eli's First Christmas Eve!!

You get to open ONE present! *Last year was the first year Collin put it all together and guessed it'd be pajamas (we give pajamas every Christmas Eve ~ just sounds SO fun to be warm and cozy in soft new pjs for the holiday!). It was almost as if as soon as he held the wrapped present, something clicked, and he said: "It's going to be pajamas. It has to be ... but it doesn't feel like it!"

Tricked! Two gifts this year! The kids opened their gifts to each other AND their pjs. Kate opened a flashlight from the boys, and the boys opened Beyblades from Kate and each other.

Adorable!!

Beyblades ~ the Hit of 2010

Beyblades make for great Christmas Eve fun!

Four Generations of Women

Eli is eyeing those cookies and that carrot!

Cute, little monkey! 5 Months Old

Christmas Cookies 2010

2011-12-05T23:02:00.001-08:00

The kids made sugar cookies for teachers and other special people for Christmas gifts this year! Although the cookie cutters were fun because you had to use so many tools, the candy cane cookies were a HIT! And they were ten times easier too! Simply use your basic sugar cookie dough, divide it in half (or thirds if you want to do green canes too), and add red food coloring to half the dough. Then roll into "snakes" like you do with playdoh. Grab one white snake and one red snake, and twirl them around each other. Bend the top to form a "cane" shape, and Viola! Candy Cane Cookies!

Gingerbread House 2010

2011-12-05T22:57:00.001-08:00

Decorating the Gingerbread House every year is SO fun ... and TASTY!

Caroling 2010

2011-12-05T22:47:00.001-08:00

My neighborhood of kids is absolutely amazing! We gathered together last holiday and went caroling! True, traditional caroling! It was truly delightful! I had to laugh though ~ at home before we headed out, we practiced 4-5 songs. Once we were "on stage," we could only put together "Jingle Bells" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," but it was awesome!!!

Ornaments

2011-12-05T22:38:00.001-08:00

Every year, I guide the kids, and they make an ornament for our family tree. These are the boys' 2007 ornaments.

Carmody Christmas 2010

2011-12-05T22:26:00.001-08:00

We hosted the Carmody/Marshall Family Christmas 2010! It was a fabulous time, complete with Christmas Carols, many games, lots of laughter, and uproariously good fun!

22 people crashed at our house that night!

Carousel 2010

2011-12-05T22:18:00.001-08:00

Attempt at a Christmas Card Shot

My Little Elf

Let's Ride the Carousel!

Above and Below are Two of my All-Time Favorite Holiday Pics

The next three pics made the 2010 Christmas Card:

Snowflake Lane 2010

2011-12-05T22:10:00.001-08:00

The kids and I snuck down to Bellevue and met up with Grandma Y and GGG to witness Snowflake Lane!

We started with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

Catch a falling snowflake!

Wish List 2010

2011-12-05T22:06:00.003-08:00

Deck the Halls 2010

2011-12-05T22:00:00.001-08:00

Love that cheesy Santa Grin! (And I love that she's wearing - inside out - a pair of football pjs that her big brothers passed down to Eli!)

What a goof!

Notice National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is on in the background. We watch it every year as we decorate the tree!

Family First: Ice Skating!

2011-12-04T13:54:00.001-08:00

We took the kids ice skating at the Bellevue Magic Season Ice Arena Friday, and it was a BLAST! It was our first time out on ice skates as a family, and it was a treat! At first, everyone hovered along the wall and was cautiously optimistic about the adventure. But in time, they were keeping their shoulders forward, knees slightly bent, and cruising around the rink! I skated backwards (very grateful for my childhood times at the roller rink), and pulled Kate along. So sweet! If she got going too fast or lost focus, she grabbed onto my leg and rode with me. We were even able to do a few spins. : ) By the end of the session, the boys were stoked on the sport and begging to plan another skate time! I, too, had an absolute blast! Watching them learn and skating on the cool ice in the crisp, outdoor air ~ it was exhillerating!

*Eli wanted to SO desparately to join us on the ice - kept racing towards the entry gate and trying to walk onto the ice - that Grandma Y, who had offered to watch him so the rest of us could all skate together, had to leave the ice arena completely and take him to the park! We could see them from the arena ~ looked like the park was a hit! Kids and Swings = Fabulous Fun! Thanks, Grandma Y!

Snowflake Merriment

2011-12-04T11:05:00.001-08:00

Grandma Y, GGG, and Uncle Jared joined Kevin, the kids, and me at P.F. Changs for a family-style dinner after our day with Santa, carousel ride, and ice skating adventure!

Kate dished and ate her whole meal using a set of "kid-friendly" chopsticks!

Eli entertained us all as he belted out a Christmas Carol at the dinner table!
"Ah-a-ah-a-ha, Ah-a-a-ah!!"

Then we headed outside and onto Snowflake Lane for music, bright lights, and real snow! This was our second year, and it's sure to be an annual tradition!!

High Five, Christmas Mouse!

Everyone was laughing and dancing as the live Toy Soldiers and Sugar Plum Fairies led the merry-makers in Christmas carols under falling snow!

Collin jumped up on the pillar to play air-drum to the joyous music!

Kate-isms

2011-12-02T23:53:00.001-08:00

Tonight at Bell Square in Bellevue, Kate wanted to go up the "alligator!" (aka escalater)

The day after Thanksgiving as we unpacked our Christmas stuff, Kate carefully enjoyed pulling all of our "glassables" out of their boxes. (aka breakables)

When she refers to them as a group, Kate calls her brothers "My Boys." Kate also calls Triple G (Great Grandma Groom) "Purple G."

I love Kate.

RACK It!

2011-12-02T23:31:00.001-08:00

2nd - Donate to a Charity: The boys remembered that last year after they'd seen Santa, Grandma had given them change to give to the Salvation Army. So this morning after breakfast, with absolutely no influence or direction from me, they rushed upstairs and pulled out some spare change "to give to the man with the bell!" They carried it around and looked for him all day! *Seems like last year there was a bell and bucket on every corner; not this year! But they found one with a very nice man, who was incredibly surprised at their enthusiasm to give their "spare change for a change!"

Kate was kind by giving Eli hugs when she thought he needed them and by remembering to cover her mouth with her elbow to reduce the spread of germs!

Today was a RACK It! day of discovery! Everywhere we went and in everything we did, the boys were looking for opportunity to be show kindness. They were psyched to see gentlemen holding open doors, ice skaters catching fallers and/or helping fallers up and checking on them, people using their manners. Earlier in the morning, Collin chose to give Kate a penny so she would have something to put in the bucket (she lost it). Then Grandma Groom found a penny as we were walking and gave it to him! He smiled and shouted: "Mom!" and went on to discover that his kindness had gone full-circle! So. Good.

Hello Again, Santa!

2011-12-02T22:32:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays from the Tepkers!!

The kids were SO excited to see Santa this year! Kate woke up in the middle of the night last night to ask if we were flying to the North Pole today. When I said no, she asked if we were taking the train to the North Pole "like Frosty the Snowman!"

Owen also was especially excited! He made his list two days before Thanksgiving, and he's been tweaking it almost daily to make it just right.

Sadly, Owen took his list to school Tuesday and lost it. Wednesday night he awoke around 2:00 am crying that we couldn't go see Santa yet because he'd lost his list. Good news! He was able to rewrite it (leaving off an item or two! AND using his own spelling skills! see pic to the left) in plenty of time to bring it on our family holiday to visit the Jolly Ol' Elf himself.

I love that my kids asked for such practical items, such as life jackets. They outgrew their old ones over the summer, so they need them anyway ~ awesome!

Collin's list was smaller than Owen's. He pointed out that he made it strategically: no toys and ONLY stuff that he really wants so hopefully Santa will bring it all!

Owen said: "That's cool. I really want it all."

Waiting in line to see Santa is never uber fun. But the kids were in excellent spirits! Eli practiced his flying; Kate played a game then honed her jump rope skills; Owen drew for a bit then paced around and eyed the cookies; Collin snagged Grandma's phone and played a game.

Collin is an old pro at mailing the list now. He showed Owen exactly how it's all done.

Owen is trying really hard to stay on the nice list ... but candy canes and mischief are SO tempting! While we were waiting, Collin and Owen did a "run through." Owen sat on Collin's lap and told him he'd been good ALL year! He couldn't say it with a straight face! I think his plan is to win Santa over with his charm instead. ;-)

*Don't worry, O, you are definitely on the Nice List! :-)

Santa: What do you want for Christmas?

Owen: A pocketknife.

Santa: Oh! (looks at me) What are you going to do with that?

Owen: Whittle.

Santa: What will you whittle? Rocks?

Owen (as I'm snapping the picture): Hee, hee! You can't whittle rocks! I'm going to whittle wood!

Santa: What do you want for Christmas?

Kate: A backback and a lunchbox like "My Boys."

Santa: But you aren't even in school yet! What do you need with a lunchbox?

Kate: (No comment. ... Just an incredulous look that seems to say, "Um, because I want one. Because the boys have one. Because that's the "it" item this year! Because everyone who's anyone has one at my house these days. So I need one. Doesn't everyone want a lunchbox?")

Santa: What do you want for Christmas?

Collin: Pants!

Santa: Ho! Ho! What size are you now?!

Collin: Seven.

Grandma: He's getting so tall, Santa!

Me: I ruined the washing machine (too much of the wrong soap; clogged the system) and the dirty baskets are piling up, and now my kid is asking for more pants!! Zoinks, Santa!

RACK It! - Day 0?!

2011-12-01T11:44:00.001-08:00

I didn't expect to be posting about the success of RACK It! so soon, but last night, as we were rolling out the plans and getting psyched for our month of kindness, Kevin lit up! He suddenly announced: "I am not going to wait until tomorrow. I'm starting right now!" And with that, he grabbed our ladder from its hook in the garage and trekked down the street (in the dark!).

You see, a few days prior, Kevin and I had been discussing a need that we could meet easily. An elderly neighbor of ours is in a wheelchair. He and his wife had had family over for Thanksgiving, and the family had strung Christmas lights along the roofline of their home. What a sweet treat! However, the next day a windstorm had blown the lights off their track and up onto the roof. And there they sat because the couple could not get to them themselves. When Kevin and I first saw the windblown lights, we had the best of intentions to go over to help out, but we also were on the go at the time, balancing our work and family, and shrugged our shoulders, saying, "It'd be really nice and we should do it, but not today." Over the next few days, we continued to ignore the need "because of our busy lives." When Kevin walked out the door and down the street last night, I was in a bit of shock! I mean, it was dark! But he was right. The whole point of this project is to remove our preconceived notions that might hinder acts of kindness and instead take positive charge. My heart swelled with love for him. (I love when simple acts resolve our love!)

Rack It! is going to be an amazing, family-building experience for us!

While he was gone, Owen and Kate went to work and made holiday cards, on which we wrote "You've Been Hit by a Random Act of Christmas Kindness." The intention was to leave the anonymous notes on the front door and surprise the neighbor with the good deed. BUT, while Kevin was down there, the neighbor came outside to see what was going on. He and his wife were so blown away with gratefulness and surprise! Kevin offered to return today to help with other projects.

Kevin came back into the house beaming (and were his eyes even watery?). The kids and I could not believe how excited he was to have witnessed such grateful hearts and joy result from such a simple, quick act of genuine kindness. It was EXCELLENT testimony for the kids! Owen and Kate then walked back down with Kevin to deliver their RACK It! cards with big, happy smiles.

And Mission: Spread Joy 2011 is a GO!

Holiday Memories

2011-12-01T11:26:00.001-08:00

I entered a contest at OnlineShoes.com, and the entry requirement was to write about your first holiday memory. I thought I'd share this quick answer!

Some of my first holiday memories are of cutting down our tree, hanging ornaments, and driving around the neighborhood to check out Christmas lights. But some of my favorite memories include the year that we stayed home all Christmas Day, just our immediate family, and put together a 500-piece puzzle of a farmhouse and “millions” of cows, the year each and every one of my siblings and cousins received a Cabbage Patch Kid, the stuffed animal that was always sticking out of our stocking Christmas morning (or large and seated front of the tree!), and the couple years that my sister, brother and I “performed” "Twas the Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve for our parents, grandparents, aunt, and uncles! (I was always the narrator, and I honestly can't remember which was which ~ my brother and sister may have alternated being “the jolly ol’ elf" and being a reindeer!)

One of my most frustrating memories is of the year that Santa skipped present-wrapping and tucked each of our gifts inside a duffle bag each! I was dismayed to unzip the bag and find all of my gifts. The surprise and suspense was too short lived for this little girl that year!

RACK It!

2011-11-30T12:28:00.001-08:00

My cousin Jen asked me if I had heard of "Random Acts of Christmas Kindness" (RACK). (I hadn't.) She said: "It sounds just like something I would read on Facebook that you and Kevin would do with your kids!" GREAT suggestion!

And just like that "Mission: Spread Joy 2011" materialized! (aka RACK It!)

Here's the basics: each day leading up to Christmas, we Tepkers have a mini-mission to give, serve, and help others. In doing so, the hope is that we will spread a little Christmas joy AND develop a greater understanding of kindness and learn more about the ways our thoughts and actions impact ourselves, others and the world around us.

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles. ~ Washington Irving

There are SO many ways to spread joy! As I was researching and planning, many of the suggestions I found were monetary-based. Because I want to encourage my children to learn acts of kindness that THEY can practice and repeat, I have asked them to create our list with simple, cost-effective ways to be kind and spread joy.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ~ Aesop

I am super excited! I can’t imagine a more simple and fun way to broaden our experience of the MAGICand JOY of the Christmas Season. We starttomorrow! Check back over the next month for updateson our Missio

*Check out RACK Project for links to more info and ideas! I'd love to hear back if you do RACK too!