1st Birthday Milestone "16"

Do you remember how exciting and cool it was to finally turn 16?  It meant driving, certain freedom from your parents, status at school and too many other great things to count.  My first born is "16" today and I can't believe how emotional I feel.  He's been an amazing kid and now that we are in the home stretch with only 2 more years of high school I think I'm feeling panicked that it's not enough time.  People always say how quick it goes, yeah yeah whatever.  Well they are right.  When Ralph gets home from work he's taking him down to take his drivers license test. Hmmmm, am I tearing up?  Not yet.  Tomorrow night it's a birthday dinner with his choice of where to go and noone gets to complain (that's our house rules).  Your birthday your call.  And even with him being a "cool" guy, he still hugs me and tells me I'm the best mom even in front of his friends.  My cousin James taught him that, "never be embarrassed of you mama".  So Happy Birthday big Wes, next milestone "18".  XOXO.

Homemade Gifts

My initial thought was I was going to knit a gift per month and by the time Christmas got here I would have 12 gifts ready to go.  Okay, so I only have 3 which is half of my quota.  I am definately not a speed knitter but have things like lacrosse, baseball yada yada that suck up my knitting time.  Those are all just excuses, I usually knit after the boys have gone to bed and Ralph & I are up watching tv.  I came to the realization last week that I hated everything I was currently knitting and that's why I hadn't touched it in a couple weeks.  So I fixed my slump by taking the four projects I had going off the needles and starting fresh.  Ahhhh, I am so excited!  I am doing an afghan blanket.  Normally that utter thought of knitting something that big would be to much, but this one is 24 squares, all different patterns and coordinating colors.  Kind of similar to putting quilt blocks together (another love of mine).  I'll post the square when I'm finished but for now you can see the Feather and Fan Scarf I finished.  Not sure who will be the recipient at Christmas but it was fun to do.  Homemade gifts are the best to give and receive.  Cheers!

Girls Weekend at the Farm Chicks Antique Show

Oh! the fun I had with my funky vintage junk loving girlfriend Amy at the Farm Chicks Antique show in Spokane. Never heard of the Farm Chicks? You can check them out on here and here. I first read about them about 4 years in my favorite magazine Country Living. I was so excited when I learned that they were located so close to me here in Washington. You just may be a Farm Chick too. Amy and I have talked for a couple years about going and this year booked hotel and took a short road trip. We were totally amazed at how many people were there, we overheard ladies from Iowa and Michigan. Wow, now that’s a love for antiques. We each came home with a few “must have” finds. Like my vintage Christmas apron that I loooove, black handbag w/ original coin purse, glass doorknob and a couple antique Ball canning lids. We ended our trip with the most delicious breakfast ever in Spokane at Franks Diner. My favorite breakfast spot when we visit there. We have decided of course that this is a yearly trip for us. Next time we might have to add in Friday for some additional shopping downtown. Cheers!

What A Great Man

Two weeks ago tomorrow Ralph lost his dad.  He had reached the precious age of 90 and we feel was so blessed that he went in his sleep.  No pain, no suffering, how thankful we are.  Marty was such a dear man and I cherish the time I got to spend with him.  Especially the two years we spent in his hometown after moving from away from our friends and family in northern California.  What a lucky 2 years I had with him.  He taught me how to cook quite a bit 20 years ago, we had coffee once a week together, he raised two small boys by himself (not so popular in the 1960's) and was the best dad ever according to Ralph's friends testimonies at his funeral.  We LOVED him dearly but are so glad that he is with our Heavenly Father.  He was also a Chicago Cubs fan, having spent the greater part of his childhood in Chicago.  So this year, along with the Oakland A's I will cheer on the Cubbies.  Cheers.

Start It Up

It's the time of the year when we rev it  up and begin baseball season for the boys.  Our oldest didn't make the high school team.  At first we were all sad but he has a wonderful outlook.  He told me "Mom, if the Lord had intended for me to be on that team I would be.  I guess there's something else I need to do."  He thought for a half second about tennis and then Ralph suggested lacosse.  He started the same day he was cut and I have to say it has been a total blessing.  He LOVES it, we haven't seen a spark in him over a sport in a while.  Maybe because it's new?  I don't know but he talks about not even trying out for baseball next year and focusing on lacrosse.  Wow!  He says he still wants to play Babe Ruth after the lacrosse season is over, we'll see.  Short man made the "A" team at school and says life is good with his new shinguards and new catcher's mit.  I've been lucky enough to scrapbook a few times this past month.  I am done scrapping Wes' early years.  I am not a painter like my grandma was but like to do other things that let my creative side come out.  And honestly sometimes I need to be around girls and leave the testosterone X3 at home.  More to come about lacrosse later, it's a crazy sport.  I'll take pics soon.  Cheers.

Nervous Nelly

Not sure why I'm nervous right now, okay I really do know.  It's baseball season and both boys have tryouts at school.  We survived day one at high school tryouts and have 2 more days of agonizing anticipation to get through.  I think it's toughest on Ralph & I.  Why is that?  Both of the boys love the game and are skilled but neither would jump off a cliff if they didn't make the cut.  I told them last year that being a ball player only enhanced who they already are, it wasn't ALL they are.  So, send some good ju-ju our way and we'll see what happens.

I Think I Found My Word

I think I figured out my word for 2010.......Driven. As I read other blogs and was touched by the words others have chosen but nothing popped into my big head. I waited and waited and last weekend wah-lah DRIVEN. Now by nature I am not a "driver" personality. I'm more of a laid back cheery girl. But this year things have to change for me, I joined Weight Watchers right after Christmas. I've not care of my body for far to long, although the fact that amount of weight I have to lose a hefty sum I needed to learn to eat healthy again. I won't lie, I don't like exercising at all. But a couple weeks ago I told Wes I wanted to do the 5k Thanksgiving morning and he said he would do it with me. What a champ! On Sunday I rounded up the family and we took a couple mile walk along the river. It was beautiful and you know it "exercise". I still haven't downloaded Christmas photos from my camera, bad mom. But I started knitting gifts for Christmas this year and scrapbooking with Sandy on a regular basis. I don't know why I'm amazed at how happy I feel when I let my creative paths run free here and there. So out of my comfort zone I am Driven.