Catch Up - Randoms

Another catch-up post!

* I stated in a couple of posts back that we were having financial issues.  I am very very relieved to say that we are back on track.  I applied for a mortgage modification and we were approved.  We are saving over $200 a month on our mortgage which gives us some wiggle room.  After our huge medical bill is paid off in May, we will be a lot more comfortable and have a lot less to worry about.

* I am starting Weight Watchers on January 12th,  I cancelled my membership when money was becoming an issue.  I am excited to start back up!

* Starting back to work today after being on vacation over most of Christmas was so nice.  I know that is awful to say but it was so tiring being home and entertaining kiddos for over 2 weeks.  Finding things to do and keeping them occupied was difficult.  I tried to keep them busy with Christmas crafts, I spent a whopping $15 on beads, felt, pipe cleaners, mints and other goodies so they could make ornaments and play with a felt Christmas tree.

* Speaking of work, I got a new job!  I work for the same company, but will be switching roles.  It's a bit of a promotion and working with one client, and I am so grateful for that.

* We went to Longview on New Year's Day to celebrate our extended family Christmas.  It was in a different location this year because Jason's aunt moved.  Her new house is gorgeous and everything I would want a house to be.  It is an old Craftsman home built in 1920.  Beautiful!  When I "grow up" and buy a bigger house, that is about what I would want.

* On that note, our New Year's Eve was very low key.  I had bought a bottle of Prosecco and planned on doing a whole lot of nothing.  Jason and I put the boys to bed, I enjoyed a bath, some knitting and some Prosecco.  I think I was in bed by 10:00.  Heh!  Getting old is fun.

I can't really think of anything else to post at the moment.  Now that the holidays are over, I plan on catching up on blogging and life in general.

Happy 2015!

Oaks Park

We have been packing activities in all summer and this weekend was no exception.  Even though Jack was getting over tonsilitis, he had been fever free for 48 hours on Sunday.  We had discount passes to a local amusement park, so we woke up the boys early from nap and headed out.  Neither Jason or I told the boys where we were going so it was extra fun once we pulled into the parking lot and they figured it out.

It was about 80 degrees yesterday and the park is in full sun with some shade from the trees.  Thankfully there was a nice breeze coming in off the river otherwise we would have sweat to death.

The very first ride the boys went on was this motorcycle ride.  Jack was super excited, but you can tell from the picture that Cal was a little hesitant.  After he realized that there was a horn and the bike did wheelies, he warmed up a bit.

The next ride the boys rode was this frog jumper one.  Jack loved it but this picture fully sums up Cal's reaction:  Not sure what to think.

Jack wanted to go on the little roller coaster so I took Cal on some rides more his speed while Jason braved the roller coaster line.  By this time, Cal was starting to really love the rides.  It was so cute when he would come around the ride and see me.  He would wave frantically and yell "Hi Mama!".  

On the carousel.  Hot as blazes.  Don't mind my gross red, sweaty face.  Cal would say "Up.  Down."  every time the horse would move.  So cute.

This is the only roller coaster picture I have.  It's hard to get one when it's moving so fast.  Jason and Cal are in the green car and you can't tell but Jack is hovered down and Jason's arm is around him.  He claims he loved the ride but Jason said he was really unsure with how fast it was moving.

Thank goodness for Jason.  He took the boys on a lot of rides that I just can't do.  I get severe motion sickness and anything that spins is off the table.  Like this hot air balloon ride.  The height doesn't bother me, but those baskets spin.  No thank you.

We took a quick break to get something to eat, hydrate and sit in the shade.  The boys ate a little - I had packed some healthier snacks so I didn't feel as guilty feeding them corn dogs or hot dogs.  Cal barely ate anyways.  It was nice to sit in the shade for a bit.  By the time we were done eating, it was much less sunny out.  It was getting towards dinner time and the sun was moving.  Thank goodness!

We stood in line for the ferris wheel and both boys loved it!  The boys really wanted to ride the train and it just so happen that there was no line.  By this time, the park had slowed down quite a bit, which was really nice.  

This ride was fun for the kids.  Not only did the boats fly up in the air, they jumped!  Cal thought it was just the best.  This was my attempt at getting the kids to say cheese for the camera.

Let me on, let me on!

Here is another ride that I wouldn't do so Jason took the boys.  Of course, they loved it and they rode it twice.

The rides were almost at closing time (they shut down at 7:00) so Jack and Cal played this fishing game and they each won a duck.  Cal saw another game with a Dora the Explorer poster as a prize and he yelled "DORA!".  Jason played some darts and won the Dora poster as well as two others.

After another ride on the carousel, the park was closing so we headed out.  The boys were promised an Icee so we stopped at the store on the way home to pick up an Icee and a couple of snacks.

Miraculously, bed time was a non-struggle.  Probably because the boys were so tired!  They went down a little later than normal and fell right asleep.

I am so glad we had this adventure.  I tried to be flexible, starting with a short nap and with what the kids ate for dinner, what time we ate, and bedtime.  It is pretty rare that we shift from the schedule and the boys really enjoyed themselves.  It is really fun to watch how excited they get over "kid" stuff.  It makes being a parent fun.  I can relive my childhood through them.

Eagle Fest 2013

This past weekend, we packed up the family and drove to Cathlamet, Washington where my in-laws have their boat moored.  Every year, the town and the marina put on The Bald Eagle Fest.  There is a parade, tons of vendors, food stands, games for the kids and a fireworks show.

We went last year and in some ways, it was easier last year and harder.  Easier because Calvin wasn't mobile yet and harder because I was still pumping and we have the addition of a dog this year.

I tried not caring about the kids' nap schedule, what they ate (as long as they didn't eat JUST candy all weekend) and what they played with, as long as they weren't in any danger.  After all, they wore life vests whenever they were up on deck walking around the boat.

We schlepped into town for parade on Saturday morning.  Jack was excited with the prospect of getting candy because all the trucks and floats throw candy to the crowd.  I didn't get many pictures of the parade or the weekend in general because let's be honest:  It's hard chasing after two very active boys and trying to keep them away from the water.

Here are the pictures I did take.  Enjoy!

The marina.  It was packed because a lot of yacht clubs come in for the weekend for the festivities.

Cal waiting for the parade to start

Jack and his WTF face.  Not sure what was going on here.

I love that the town is dog friendly.  We got a lot of people coming up to us to pet Beau.

The boys up on the bridge.  Papa wanted to show them how to start up the boat.

Jack and his sensitive ears

Much of the weekend was spent doing this.  Climbing the stairs and making sure no one fell.  Beau, ever the protector.

Helllooooo!  Anyone home?

After a potluck picnic with my in-laws' best friends and their kids and grandkids (did you catch all that?), we camped out up on the dike and waited for the fireworks to start.  There were 17 of us total and we had a blast talking, letting the kids play, and eating.  I snuggled with baby Clara who is 8 weeks old while her mama got to eat some dinner.  My mother-in-law bought the boys some lite sabers to play with while waiting for the fireworks.

My sweet Cal

Jack showing off his lite saber skills

The dog isn't spoiled or anything

Jack roasting his first ever marshmallow with Grammy Vicky

I love the joy and wonder in his eyes while watching the fireworks

Cal was indifferent.  He was so tired since his bedtime is usually 7:30 and it was close to 10:30 when this picture was taken.

We had a great time, although we were pooped when we got home.  The dog slept for like 18 hours straight, the kids crashed at 8:00 and didn't make a peep until the next morning at 8:00.

Isn't this what summer is about?  Family and fun adventures.  I hope we can have many more like it.

Monday Miscellaneous

There is tons going on these days in our house.  I need some motivation and inspiration to blog about profound topics - not like I have ever done anything profound on this blog - and something interesting.

In the meantime, here are my randoms:

* Jack is potty trained!  He still wears Pull Ups for naps and overnights but he is officially in underwear during the day.  Jason and I had enough and just put him in underpants one day.  He did great!  He has had a couple of accidents, typically when he's distracted like watching a movie or eating.  He goes both poop and pee without prompting and he has even has worn underwear with no accidents for outings, church, etc.  He is brave and peed and pooped on toilets that aren't in his home.  Now we need to focus on potty training for naps and overnight.

* We took the boys to the beach this past Saturday.  Jack has been to the actual beach once and Cal has never been.  I packed a picnic lunch, sand toys, blankets and we set off.  Jack had an absolute blast digging in the sand, splashing in the water, and playing games in the arcade.  Cal?  He wasn't thrilled with the sand.  He sat on the blanket or on our laps the entire time.  If we tried to put him on the sand, he cried.  It must have been the texture.  He did have a great time bopping around the town in the stroller and he loved being able to pick out his own candy at the candy store.  Both boys rode on the carousel as well.  I took some pictures but will post those another time.

* I am back to knitting again.  I am currently working on this scarf for my cousin.  It's a long overdue project.  She wanted it in a cream color so that is what I am using.  It knits up really fast and it's using a stitch that I have never tried before.

Project credit:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gap-tastic-cowl

I am also working on this scarf for my mom.  It is 99% done and the only reason it's not completely done is because I ran out of yarn!  Of course, the yarn that I need is virtually sold out everywhere.  I had to order from a supplier that had literally one skein left.  So I am waiting for that to come in so I can finish.

Project credit:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/just-enough-ruffles

This is the yarn I am using.  It's so soft and the color is beautiful.  I do have to say, sometimes it pays to spend more on yarn.  The quality beats the $4 skeins from the craft store by far.

Yarn credit:  Malabrigo Rios in Purple Mystery

Since I have project ADD, I also started a hat for my mom.  She wanted a slouchy beret so I found this pattern.

Project credit:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-slouchy-beanie

I am using a berry colored tweed yarn.  It's turning out really nice.  When I actually finish these projects, I will definitely post pictures.

* I made this meatloaf the other day per Jason's request. Mine looked pretty close to the recipe when it was done baking.  It was tasty but I am not a huge bacon fan (I know, I am a weirdo).  Jason devoured it and there was tons of leftovers to his delight.  

Some other meals on our agenda for the next few days are Cheesy Spaghetti, Mongolian Beef with rice, Italian Macaroni and Cheese, Pasta salad and baked chicken, Shish Kabobs with roasted broccoli and whatever else I can dig up.  

* Jack got a haircut the other day.  He was getting shaggy.  I had it cut super short for the summer.  It's almost buzzed.  He looks so handsome.

* Jason is leaving town in a couple of weeks for his annual guys' weekend at the cabin.  And he has a white water rafting trip planned for August.  The other day he was mentioning that he thinks *I* need to get away for a kid free weekend.  I was shocked.  I have thought that it would be nice to get away, but never put it into action.  After his comment, I have been looking for inexpensive, dog-friendly hotels on the coast or possibly on Mt. Hood to book.  The thought of taking the dog to the beach, being able to sleep in, drink my coffee in peace, taking walks on the beach, knitting, reading and watching tv sounds heavenly.

* It is so nice having a finished fence!  We can let the dog out and not have to worry about standing there supervising him or having him run away.  Beau loves laying in the sun and running around the yard.  He gets tons of interaction at the dog park.  I try to take him a few times a week either during a lunch hour or after the boys go to sleep at night.  It's fun watching him play and run.  He comes home and just crashes afterwards.

* Jason's 36th birthday is next Tuesday and the only plans we have are for a cake and steaks for dinner.  I haven't even bought him a present yet (he will be leaving town a couple of days after).  Maybe I will go shopping the weekend he is gone but I truly have no idea what to get him.

That is about all for now.  I hope to have a post up about our beach day in a bit.

Strawberry Fields Forever

The weather here in Portland has been on and off.  Sometimes it's rainy and cold-ish, sometimes it's sunny and 80 degrees.  Even though the weather was not perfect on Sunday, I took the kids and a friend of mine out to Sauvie Island to go berry picking.  I haven't been berry picking since I was a little girl.

The weather was overcast but not cold.  The drive out to the island is about 30 minutes and we arrived at 10:00 and managed to beat the crowds.  I had researched to see what farms on the islands had You Pick berry fields.  Bella Organic made it to the top of the list because they are organic.  If my kiddos were going to pick berries and eat straight off the plants, I wanted to make sure they weren't sprayed with any pesticides or other chemicals.  Plus, their prices were awesome.  $2.50 a pound for strawberries!

The fields are separated into the sweeter strawberries (Hoods) and the more tart berries (Totems).  Since the Hoods tend to be more picked over, we trekked out to the more abundant fields.

The farm provides buckets to put your fruit in but you can also bring your own.  I used their's with the intention that we would fill our buckets.  I was right.

Cal hitching a ride with me

Jack taking a ride in the wagon.  He thought this was pretty cool.

There was no one else in the fields while we were picking.  The berries were small and super sweet.  Once in a while we would find a large berry.  The boys had an absolute blast picking and eating.  No surprise, they managed to eat far more than went in the bucket.  I didn't even need to feed them a morning snack!  

Cal got heavy in the Ergo (all the bending and standing) so I took him out and let him run free.  Since we were on an island and the fields are all short, I had no worries that he would disappear.  I was right.  He stayed close to the source of food.  

Cal eating and carrying his bucket

Jack and Cathi picking.  It was nice to have another set of hands.  I asked Jason if he wanted to come and since it was Father's Day, he chose to sleep in.  Slacker!

Cal showing off a super yummy berry.  Notice his shirt covered in berry juice and dirt.  He picked berries all by himself.  It just took one pick to show him the red fruit and how to pluck the berry off the plant.  That was all he needed.

Jack stayed much more clean but he ate his share of berries.  I didn't even need to show him how to pick.  Apparently an episode of "Special Agent Oso" covered how to pick berry.  Twist and pull folks.  

After about 30 minutes of picking strawberries, we were ready to head to the blackberry fields.  The farmers told us there weren't many blackberries yet but that didn't detour me!

The boys riding to the blackberry fields.  Pulling 60 pounds of kid is hard!

There were TONS of blackberries.  We didn't even pick for 15 minutes before the bucket was full.  Surprisingly, the boys loved eating the blackberries right off the vines.  They are pretty tart but that didn't stop them.  

Look at these gorgeous berries!

All in all, we picked about 12 pounds total of berries.  Almost 6 pounds of each.  

I wish you could see just how dirty this kid was.  It was so hysterical watching him play in the dirt, stop, pick a berry, eat it, run and play in the dirt some more.

It was seriously a great day.  The boys had a blast, I had a blast and the weather was not too hot.  Once we were home and the boys were down for a nap, this mom got to work!  

The berry haul

So what did I do with all those berries?  

8 pints of jam

I also macerated some strawberries in sugar for strawberry shortcake.  I froze some blackberries for later (about 4 cups worth), we ate some strawberries, I gave two pints of berries to my friend so she could make ice cream, and I have another 6 cups of fresh berries in the fridge to eat and make into pies.

I am super pleased with how easy the jam was.  I have never made jam and because I am a newb, I did freezer jam.  The only cooking involved was boiling the pectin.  Other than that, it was as easy as mashing the fruit, stirring in the sugar and pectin and then into the jars.

Even though the jam has a lot of sugar, it's cool knowing exactly what ingredients are in it.  I will be happy to put this on toast or sandwiches.  Plus, my kids love PB&J's so they will enjoy the fruits of my labor.

What an awesome day.  I love doing things like this with my kids.  It's something new for them, it's a learning experience and it gets them out of the house, outside in the fresh air.  We will be going back to the island in 2 weeks because blueberries will be in season!

Thursday Random Post

This post will be all over the place, much like my brain lately.

* Potty training is the SUCK.  I know, judge away that my over 3 year old is still not potty trained.  We have tried everything:  A reward box with non-food items that he can pick, candy, threats, following the Stress Free Potty Training method, putting him in underwear, having him run around pantless, and basically not caring.  NOTHING.IS.WORKING.  Everyone says that he will do it in his own time, but you know what?  He can do this.  It's frustrating for us.  He is so strong willed and when we try and put him in underwear, he intentionally pees in them and laughs about it.  Last week, he was doing a good job of pooping on the potty and we rewarded him with a trip to the indoor play place.  That same tactic this week?  Not working.  Dammit, he needs to be potty trained before school starts in September.  Gah!

* One pretty neat potty training story:  Jason and I are were arguing about something stupid last week when we realized the house was awfully quiet.  Cal and Beau were accounted for.  Jack was not.  I called out "Jack, where are you?".  He called back "I going poop!".  He had gone into the bathroom himself, pulled down the toilet lid, flipped the potty seat on, got his stool out, pulled his pants and Pull Up off and pooped.  We were shocked.  And amazed.  He got a lot of jelly beans for that.

* I am currently in puppy kindergarten with Beau. I did the orientation last week and this week is our first class with the dog.  I have been doing our homework every day which consists of having him recognize his name and sit by using a hand motion.  Like most dog parents I would like to think my dog is smart.  He caught on super fast.  He doesn't even need a treat to encourage him anymore.  He just sits when I put my hand up.

* I have been running my kids ragged (not really) lately.  I have been making an effort to get out of the house and get them moving and doing something.  In the past month, we have done the following:  The zoo, the water park, aquarium, several parks, Dizzy Castle which is a huge indoor playground, Pump It Up (an indoor jump place), walks with the dog, and trips to the pet store and grocery store.  It's been hectic, but good because it gives them something to look forward to, gets ME out of the house for my own sanity and helps burn some energy so they hopefully sleep better.

* Oh my God, sleep.  I really can't complain in this department.  Cal has been sleeping through the night for about 2 months now.  I have been afraid of saying that since I don't want to jinx anything.  He even has been sleeping through the night with an ear infection!  However, one sucky thing?  They wake up early.  I used to be able to count on 7:00am.  Now with the time change and the fact that it's lighter outside Jack wakes up at 6:00ish.  Ugh.  I need to get blackout curtains for their room.

* Our fence is going up!  Our contractor currently has all the posts in.  He is working on the railings next.  He is doing the work in small increments but that's okay with us.  As long as he finishes up in the next two weeks or so, we will be happy.

* I haven't weighed in for a couple of weeks (see bullet with kiddo activities above) but I plan on going on Saturday.  Hopefully it's a loss!

That's about it for now.  No pictures today.  That would take effort and I am tired.

Happenings Lately

It has been a crazy past few weeks.  In no particular order of importance, here is what has been going on.

* Jack had his second ear tube surgery on the 19th of April.  He had his adenoids removed also (did you know the actual term is adenoid?  You only have one.) and he did pretty well.  I will probably do a full post dedicated to his surgery.

* We got a puppy!  His name is Beauregard Doggie Emmett.  We call him Beau.  After we missed an opportunity to adopt a different puppy from the Oregon Humane Society, we found this little (big) guy. He is a Boxer/Border Collie mix.  He is 13 weeks old and so far, a very good dog.  He came fully potty trained but since he had a dog door at his other house, we have had a few set backs.  He has an appointment to get neutered, micro-chipped and his second set of vaccines next Monday.  Wish us luck!

* I am doing Weight Watchers again.  It has gotten to the point where I am embarrassed to be around people, leave the house or even do anything because I look terrible.  My clothes don't fit, the ones I do have are ugly and I feel very unattractive.  I have fallen off the WW wagon so many times before.  I just really hope to make myself accountable this time and remember that I can have a bad day but I need to start over fresh the next day.  I can do this!

* Speaking of Weight Watchers, I am trying something a little different this time.  I am trying to eat more "whole" foods rather than a lot of processed things.  That isn't to say that I won't have some processed stuff but in the past, I have relied on a lot of packaged, processed items.  I don't think they have filled me up and satisfied me.  This time?  More veggies, less processed foods.  I will post about what types of things I am eating and include a sample menu.

* The boys are doing really well.  Jack is finishing up his first year of "school" and Cal is talking, talking, talking.  I owe Jack a full post dedicated to himself.  He cracks me up on a daily basis with some of the stuff he says.

* I have been slacking on my knitting but I went to a Stitch and Bitch the other day and remembered how much I love knitting.  I need to make a goal of going tablet/internet free in the evenings after the kids are in bed.  I figure this way I can knit and get a project done.  I really want to give away a lot of homemade gifts this year and knitting is really the best way to go!

* The weather has been so beautiful here and I am really looking forward to the weekend.  I plan to take the boys to the zoo!  Also?  We have a bid in on a fence for our backyard.  It will be so awesome to be able to leave our back door open so the boys and dog can come and go.  I need to drag our patio furniture out and get that set up in the backyard again.

That is about it.  I promise to blog more often.  I swear.  I have so many things to write about!

Monday Miscellaneous

First of all, a BIG congrats to Emily C. from Maryland, our big lucky giveaway winner!  Go check out her blog at www.newlywedmoments.com.  Congrats Emily!  I will be sending out your prize shortly and I know the others are on their way.

* I had the BEST weekend!  It started with getting off work early on Friday to get my hair cut.  I have long, naturally curly hair.  It's always been long with the exception of an unfortunate boy cut when I was 8.  Man that haircut was horrid.  I decided to let my stylist go with it and give me a shorter do.  I didn't think I wanted to go this short but?  I love it.  Jason is still undecided.

Selfie with no makeup.  

My weekend continued on Saturday with grocery shopping, tons of chores around the house, a nap (Yay!) and a nice evening with my boys.  It was laid back but I still got a lot done.  Sunday was church nursery where I got to cuddle with all the babies.  This is a great solution for that baby fever that one may have.  Not that I know anything about that.  After church, the boys crashed for nap and I headed off to my monthly Stitch and Bitch over at my aunt's.  I have SUCH a good time doing this.  I am able to be crafty, get out of the house and visit with my family which I don't do often enough.

Overall, awesome weekend.  

* I am super excited for this coming weekend too!  My good friend Michelle is having her annual Easter party. She invites all her nieces, nephews, friends with kids and neighbors over.  There will be an Easter egg hunt in the field behind her house, toys for the kids, crafts and food.  It will be a blast!  I am sure Jack and Cal will love it too, especially since they will get to play with other kids their age.  

* Since school will be letting out soon, I want to sign the boys up for classes to occupy their time.  Jack adores going to school twice a week so I want to make sure he is getting enough activity and enrichment (that is such a hokey word).  I am planning on enrolling him in a tumbling class and probably some sort of music class for Cal since he is still so little and doesn't take much direction yet.

* I am contemplating starting Weight Watchers again.  I am afraid I won't be accountable and it will be a waste of money.  Let's face it, I have been kind of lazy with it in the past.  I need to do something structured and don't think My Fitness Pal would be enough of a motivator for me.

* I can't believe I am posting this right below my weight blurb, haha.  I made these muffins last week and Jack gobbled them up!  I think he ate more than any of the rest of us.  They aren't terribly bad for you and I have no qualms about giving him a muffin with vegetables in them.  They were delicious!  I plan on making them again but maybe with grated beets or zucchini.  

That's it for today!  Congrats again to Emily C!  

Tuesday Tidbits

Randoms post time!  Some days, it's all I really have energy for.

* Jack's 3rd Birthday and party were on Saturday.  The party turned out super cute and he had a blast.  I will do a separate post on that later.  We had talked up his party for a long time so he would be extra excited.  Everything that he loves - Curious George, cupcakes and candy - were included in the party.

* I started Couch to 5K yesterday.  I actually was able to handle the running portion fine.  What hurt?  My shins.  I forgot that I have shin splints.  Ouch.  I am hoping that my run/walk goes better tomorrow.  Today is rest day and I need it.

* My office (really, it's my bedroom) is cold.  It's hard to work when your fingers are freezing.  I guess it's time to turn the space heater on.

* We filed our taxes last week.  I was dreading it because for the 2011 tax year, we owed a significant amount.  I did not want a repeat of last year.  Thank goodness, we do not owe.  We are getting a fairly sizable refund.

* To piggy back off of the above, we are desperately in need of a new mattress.  The mattress on our bed is at least 11 years old, if not 12.  We are going to invest in a new mattress.  And since our couch sucks, we are getting a new couch.

* I really want someone to build me the bed below.  It has been floating around Pinterest and I would love to be able to make more space in our boy's room so they can play.  Cool right?

Photo credit:  http://ana-white.com/2012/07/plans/camp-loft-bed-stair-junior-height#

* I am going to a Stitch and Bitch on Sunday with family.  I can't wait!  It will be so much fun!

That's about it for now.  I will do another post soon with Jack's birthday party pictures.