Weekend Warriors?

Saturday night we did our first demo in our new house (besides the shelves inside the closets, Wade did those asap).

I couldn't stand the cabinet hanging over my head in the kitchen. Although I had trained myself not to hit my head, the fear was always there. Raising my head and seeing the door in my peripheral vision would send me into a Karate Kid stance. Plus, it blocked my view of the hummingbird feeder from the kitchen work area.

Wade wasn't too keen on the idea but I finally gave the best "pretty please" eyes.

I'm so excited. It looks so much brighter and open. A little touching up and paint, it will never be missed.

Friday Night Lights...

Friday night we took the boys out-on-the-town. We decided to try the McMenamins Grand Lodge Movie Theatre. It is a small theatre located inside the Forest Grove McMenamins Grand Lodge Hotel. They usually show movies from a few months ago in a room that seats about 160. You can order dinner and drinks from the McMenamins Ironwork Bar and Grill or stick to traditional popcorn and soda.

We saw Alvin and the Chipmunks for the first time, and had pizza (Wade had a hamburger) for dinner. A good time was had by all and we all would do it again.

Check it out for you next visit to Forest Grove:

http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=59

Don't Scoff at Mother Nature

All week we laughed at Mother Nature's attempt to bring us a Spring snow. We were amazed by the HUGE flakes we received on Wednesday (video below), we woke to a dusting on Thursday, and Friday kept us guessing all day between snow, sun, rain, wind...sometimes all at once...all that snow, none of it stuck!
Today, she showed us. Not only is it snowing steady but it is sticking also. The only part that upsets me...I wanted to pick the daffodils in my yard all week but held off, not wanting to kill them. Now they are covered in snow and will probably die. Marguerite, they are the cinnamon sticks of the week!

Camera Update

No, I did not find my camera. Can you believe that? I'm letting it go, along with the garden tools.

I love my new camera. It shot this video of the surprise snow we received today. Check back for pictures of the newly painted garage and the lawn Michelle mowed and weeded on Monday.

All done!!!!

Yippie Coyote!!!! I am all done unpacking and organizing! I am so excited to reach this point. I didn't want to unpack just the stuff we needed and leave the other "stuff" in the garage, just waiting for the day we had time to get to them. My goal was to unpack everything and organize it all by Easter break. And I did!
Everything came out of the box, had a place to go or be stored, or was given away. I have bins now stored under the stairs, with the keepsakes of each family member. The boys did a great job deciding what they wanted to keep and what they could donate. I am really proud of them. Wade was so wonderful to get the closets updated with shelving so toys and clothing all had a place.
How many boxes did I unpack? The majority guessed correctly...157. It was actually about 10 more because I forgot to include the few brought in the car. I guess, my choices weren't very clever since most of you guessed right. I went more on feeling then the reality of it all. The funny thing, Melissa, my AZ neighbor, saw all the boxes and guessed 301. It looked like 301 and felt like 301.
Who was the wise guy that pick #4 "Who Cares...I'm just glad it wasn't me!" That would be Wade, my very funny husband! Sorry girls, he's taken! Although he didn't unpack, he has offered support in so many other ways, including understanding my need to get is all done...correctly.
New poll...did I find my camera? I had my camera on October 20 before going out with my girlfriends. I could not find it before leaving that night. It never showed up during the packing, nor once we got into the rental. Wade bought me a new one for Christmas. Have I found the old one since? What do you think?
PS Yippie Coyote was the theme of Chandler's baby room.

First Day of Spring

I love Spring! I am so excited to see flowers blooming in my new yard...with no effort from me! I did plant a few a couple of weeks ago. The soil was rich and moist; I effortlessly used a cup to dig the hole (I can't find my garden tools). I didn't need to remove rock to plant them, add planting soil, nor add a dripline to water them. Update...they are still alive and blooming!

Our apple and cherry trees haven't bloomed yet but they are getting there. Wade planted six blueberry bushes for me last week. Thank you Honey.

Proud Mom!

Chandler and Henry received their first report cards from the new school. They both excelled! I'm not surprised by their accomplishments but I do admire their perseverance. This past year handed us a lot of stress and changes. The focus is not always on them and their needs. Despite everything, they always want to do their best.

Chandler received two Above Grade and one At Grade, which includes his work in the TAG (Talented and Gifted) program. He also received Exceeds on the State Reading and Math Standards.

Henry received one Above Grade and two At Grade. He was tested for the TAG program. He passed for the Math department and was recommend, by his teacher, for Reading. Here he is pictured with the "project" portion of a recent report on Orcas. He did an excellent job compiling information on Orcas and writing the report in his own words. Since drawing and painting is a passion of his, he decided to draw this Orca.

Way to go boys! Mom and Dad are so proud of you...always!

Happy Birthday Great-Nanny

Today is Michelle's grandmother's birthday. We were sorry to not be in Arizona this year during her annual visit. Past years, we enjoyed having her spend a few days with us and taking her out with the boys. Now that Chandler measures in at 5' tall, we think he as surpassed her in height...maybe Henry has too! Michelle talked with her yesterday. She sounded happy and excited about cousin Jackie's wedding in 2009. Happy Birthday Nanny. We love you.

Casualty of the move

Not bad considering how many ceramic pieces I have, this is the only piece that broke during the move to Oregon. Henry wasn't too upset, since he isn't into trains anymore. I'm a little upset considering all the work I put into it. I'm sure the Mind Over Splatter girls can feel my pain.

Welcome Gracie-Lynn Pinder

A new addition to the Pinder-side of Michelle's family. Sunday morning, my step-brother, Seth and Christy gave birth to their first baby. Gracie-Lynn Pinder arrived at 4:11 a.m., weighing 8lbs. 8oz. and measuring 21 inches long. Dad, Mom and baby are all doing well. We wish them all the best.