So Anyways...

Johnny Popper

2012-01-31T22:34:00.000-08:00

Well...we hardly live on a farm...but "Farmer Albin" was out the other day, living it up. I have to admit, it was pretty fun watching my boys drive around our property taking the ol' Johnny Popper for a whirl. Kynlee stood around soaking in the sunshine, looking cute as ever, while I sat on the back porch imagining what is to come on our little two acre piece of PARADISE!!! We are loving it out here, and can't wait for the rain to stop...or let me be real, slow up a bit...afterall, we do live in Oregon!!! The future is bright, and we're ready to live it up!!!

Boxes, Boxes, Boxes

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

I know I said I'd update you all a bit more often, and that IS the plan. Right now I seem to be digging through the trenches of many years worth of boxes simply to walk around my house, and the thought of sitting down and updating you all on the madness...is kind of daunting! Such is life when you move, and when you downsize for that matter. We went from a house with attic and basement storage (each full to the brim, mind you)... into one with neither. The amount of STUFF we have is ridiculous....R-I-D-ICULOUS! I'm strongly considering putting all of the boxes in the yard and lighting a torch. We will never miss the stuff, I'm fairly certain!!!

It isn't as bad as it sounds, don't let me complain too much. We do have a large barn/shop on the property that we will store some of our things in until we build the house...but that's a process in and of itself. Unload boxes in the house, then repack what we don't think we'll need on a daily basis into Rubbermaid totes to try and keep the rodents out, and stack them in the shop. Quite the process. I'm a "get in and stay up all night until you're unpacked and it looks like you've lived there for years" kind of gal...so not being fully moved in after almost 2 weeks is REALLY hard! I will be done, one day, and I'll post pictures of the pad for you all to enjoy! Until then...go to your closets, and start throwing things away that you never use. One day you will thank me. Stuff collects in places you never think about until you are forced too and then you just want to cry thinking about all of the hundreds of dollars worth of things that have sat tucked away in cupboards and closets, and sucked the life right out of ya;) Okay...maybe a bit dramatic...but I think you get the idea! If I never see another box after this move, it will be too soon!!!

Alive and Kickin'

2011-12-13T15:45:00.000-08:00

Well hello. I nearly forgot how to post anything on this here blog, as it seems to have been months and months ago that I actually did such! So...

This is us, the Albin's...Just in case you forgot who we are, or what we look like!!! We've been working, playing, and living like crazy! While I'd love to update you on everything we've been up to these past few months, I just don't have the time. Instead, I'll leave you with the biggest news and update of them all....................NO, I'm not pregnant...There are 4 of us, and that is how our clan will remain, so don't get any ideas!!! Instead, we are moving!!! Yep...We've ventured out, a whopping 4 miles further out of town onto 2 acres. There is currently a manufactured home on the property, but we have plans to build our forever home, and can't wait for that process to begin! We are crossing our fingers that we will actually get the keys this Friday, but it's looking like it might not be until the first part of next week. Are we CRAZY for moving at Christmas, YES, but excited at the same time, YES! So...be praying for our family this Christmas Season. For patience and understanding as things are slightly chaotic, unorganized, and a bit up in the air. Merry Christmas to you all, and I hope to be able to update you all a bit more frequently as we begin this next chapter/adventure in our lives!

Pizza Night

2011-04-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

My sister and her "other" family, have a tradition of family pizza nights on Fridy Nights...I always thought it was a fun idea, but never followed through with with making it a "thing" in our house too. Anyways...I had a wild hair tonight, to have family pizza night. While Dani and the other fam actually make their pizza dough...I took the easy way out and went with good ol' fashioned Boboli, but the kids LOVED it!

This OCD mamma had a hard time letting them get started until everything was perfectly laid out in front of them...they waited patiently though!

Miss Concentration never lost her focus

...While Kal was rather distracted and would rather eat the topping than actuall put them on his pizza

They were both so proud of their final product, and requested "Pizza Night" every night!!!

It was fun indeed...and we may just take after the Easley's and have our own Pizza Night Fridays from her on out!!!

So Stinkin' Excited!!!

2011-04-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

It's no secret here, that our lil' miss has a bed wetting problem. I know, I know..."She's only 3" you say! The thing is...she's been potty trained since before she was 18 months old (all on her own mind you), has had few and far between accidents during the day, and refuses to wear pull ups/diapers at night. "She's a big girl and only babies wear diapies", after all. There again you may say "she's only 3, make her wear the pull ups". Well that's all fine and good until she wears them to bed, only to remove them once we leave the room and put on her beautiful princess panties! We then wake up to a sopping wet little girl, and daily loads of bedding to wash.

Anyways...I've tried everything I could think of; to no avail. She doesn't get any...ANY liquid after 6:30pm...we take her to the bathroom when she goes to bed, then when we go to bed a few hours later. We've tried reward systems, prizes, ignoring it...yadda, yadda, yadda. There are some nights that she is wet 3 times throughout the night...those are fun nights!

So...after changing bed after bed after bed, EVERYTHING in her room smelling like urine on a daily basis, and one frustrated momma and lil' girl...I got fed up and ordered a bed wetting alarm system!

I am SOOOOOOO excited, and hope this darn thing does it's job. I realize that it may take several weeks/months/good lord hopefully not years...but it's a start, and something she's as excited as I am about!

Purse Pics

2011-03-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

Finally downloaded a bunch of pictures from my "purse camera", and found this!

Love these girls!!!

SNOW!!!

2011-01-21T23:15:00.000-08:00

New Years Weekend:

Snow

Sleds

Cousins

Rooftops

FUN!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T00:11:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a couple of months...but what better way to jump back on the "blog train", than to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!!

"Hugs and Kizzie's"

2010-10-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Well, her official name is now On Tyme Robin, after a previous owner had it changed, but Kizzie stuck as her barn name...so she's Hugs and Kizzie's to us!

Meet Kizzie. Our 11 year old Grulla Buckskin Mare! She's a sweetheart and we couldn't be more happy!

Here's how we came to find Kizzie!

As I mentioned in the last post...I've been scouring websites and looking day in and day out to find the perfect horse. My neighbor Mindy has been really instrumental in helping me know what to look for, and what to stay away from. It's been so wonderful having her non-pushy, but educated opinion on various horses that we had seen pictures and videos of, and ones we were planning to go look at. We spent countless hours looking at horse after horse on www.Dreamhorse.com, went to look at one together (who turned out to be, well lets just say...not the horse for us), and had plans of looking at a couple of more this last weekend as well. It's been really fun!

So...through all of that, Mindy had also been talking to some of her other friends in the "horse world", getting their opinions, and seeing if they knew of any good horses themselves! In comes Staci! I've known Staci for a while, through her husband, and soon after we moved in, realized that Staci and Mindy were good friends as well...sorry...side story. Anyways...Staci new of a horse that one of her 4-Hers was selling, and thought she'd be perfect for us. She had been doing Western Pleasure, and trail shows, she was smart, well broke, and beautiful...a nice plus! Anyways...she was quite pricey, and I told Staci she was way out of our price range, but thank you for sending leads my way, and let me know if you find anything else! I moved on, kept looking, and made plans to go see a couple of horses down in Eugene that I knew would be a far cry because of one's young age, and the other's cost...but if nothing more, I'd gain experience while looking! Fast forward to Friday, when I got an email from Staci saying that her friends would consider lowering their price for me if I liked her and found her to be a good fit! They really needed to sell her, and wanted her to go to a good home.

So...Mindy and I woke up bright and early Saturday morning so we could ride Kizzie and get a feel for her before we drove down to Eugene. That way we had something to compare the Eugene horses too. The weather was nasty, the cold rain was falling, but the horse was wonderful, and I instantly fell in love. So much so that I went right home, called and canceled the Eugene appointment, and started making arrangements for a second ride/placement in her new home. I was that confident! I had her family drive her to the barn we would be boarding, so we could have a second trial ride in the arena, in hopes of just leaving her there when we were done...all the while making her ours!

Well...that's exactly what happened. They brought her, and not only were my feelings about her confirmed, but Kevin agreed as well. The kids LOVED her, and Kizzie was fantastic with them. Being 3 and nearly 5, they are still a bit young, and unaware, but Kizzie did great. New people (little people at that), new (literally, brand spankin new) barn, and new horses all around...and she remained unphased! I saw no reason to let her pass us by, so we bought her!

So there you have it. Our new addition to the family! We love her and can't wait to see where life will take us now that we have another adventure thrown it's way! I'm such a beginner horseman, it's not even funny, but I'm excited to learn all I can about horses, and myself along the way as well!!! I'm sure you'll be hearing more and more about miss Kizzie...so stay tuned!

A Bit Preoccupied

2010-10-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...I've been MIA from the blogging world. That's a little in part to hustle and bustle of the fall season, with the kids school starting and all...but that's also in part to my new obsession. Let me back up a bit:

Ever since I was a little girl (like most little girls), I've wanted a horse. I used to ride at my girlfriends house, and used to drool over any and every horse I'd see along the side of the road. My mom, not even being a cat or a dog person, sure as heck is not, nor will she ever will be a horse person. So...my chances of owning my own horse as a kid, were slim to none.

Fast forward to highschool when I met and started dating, Kevin. From the beginning, we had talked about getting married, buying a house, having a dog, 2 kids, a boat, trailer, and property with horses! That was our dream. Soon the dream started to become reality. We got married, bought a house, a boat, then a camper, and then started our family. The horses and property were still in the back of our mind, though our time was spent doing all of the other things we loved, and it soon became apparent that we'd either have horses, and eat, sleep and breath them...or we'd do everything else we wanted to do...but we couldn't have it all! So...the property and horses got put on the back burner!

Fast forward again to the fact that our current neighbors have horses, my brother and sister-in-law have horses, and my kiddos are obsessed! I started looking into options besides having property with horses, and realized that while it might not be ideal for everyone...boarding a horse at a local barn, was a rather good option for Kevin and I. The kids and I could have our horse, board it at a reputable place where it's daily feed and turn-outs would be taken care of by someone else, and we could in turn enjoy our horse in our spare time, all the while still enjoying the many other things we love to do! YAY!!! Problem solved!

Soooooo...present day...here I am, devouring various horse selling websites, craigslist, and youtube to find the perfect family horse. Every spare second I have, I'm on the computer looking at horses. I am rather obsessed, yes...but I'm loving it, and looking forward to adding another member to our family, all 1000 + pounds of him or her!

In the meantime, I've been taking weekly lessons in order to learn all I can! The kids are quite jealous, but hey...sometimes mommy gets to do something for herself!!! So...I appoligize if I've been MIA, but I've been a bit preoccupied! We're going to look at 2 very special horses on Saturday...so who knows...maybe 1 of them will be "the one"!

Oh...and I'm selling my car in order to help pay for my new "ride"!!! So if you know anyone who needs a 2000 Limited Edition Ford Excursion (which they don't make anymore...by the way), let me know! I LOVE my car and will be sad to see it go...but I'm pretty sure I'm going to love my horse more!!!

Yes she is...

2010-09-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

...the cutest lil' Beaver fan EVER!!!

Just Riding it Through

2010-09-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

Well life has been a bit like a Roller Coaster around here lately, and while I don't really have time to fill you in on everything that's been going on...I do have time to leave you with a picture that shows it all! We've had some highs...we've had some lows...but through it all we're smiling, and looking forward to the things to come!

Yay for life slowing down a bit, and for the time that we're getting to spend with family and friends! I never thought I'd say it...but c'mon Fall...I'm ready for ya!

A Visit From "The Big Apple"

2010-07-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Remember my friends the Tuckers...you know, the ones Kallen and I traveled to Alaska to visit, and who have come to stay with us a time or two also? Well, this last week, we were blessed with their presence once again! They are now living in upstate New York, but since their family only lives 2 1/2 hours away from us...when they come home to visit...we get them for a few days as well!!!

It wasn't until their last day here that we realized we hadn't even pulled out our cameras yet...so we took the kiddos to the park and started shootin'! I sure miss these guys and try to convince them every time they are here, that I'm sure there is a house just around the corner that has their name on it! We'll see...maybe one of these days they'll at least live closer than a plane ride away!

and you can see the rest of the pictures in my facebook album:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=186688&id=655928868&l=7ec16600ec

My Favorite Guys

2010-07-21T08:24:00.001-07:00

Aren't they cute!!!

The One Where Kynlee is a Princess...oh wait, a Diva

2010-07-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Many years ago...okay, actually, truth be told, I think they only stopped 2 or 3 years ago...my dad, Stew and Pat (the men of the lake), used to build a pyramid on skies every 4th of July weekend. We'd put flags on the boats, Stew (the top man) would hold a flag, and we'd drive around the lake waving and honking! It's a part of 4th of July that I'll always remember, and if I had pictures, you'd all see how special it was too. Well now, these late 50's men's backs don't hold up to such shenanigans and they've left the 4th of July "show" to the rest of the people on the lake. It's never been as exciting as "The Pyramid"...a few boats idling around with red, white and blue splashed all over them, honking and celebrating Independence day! But really...how can you beat 50 year old men building a ski pyramid...seriously?

Anyways...this year, our very own Kynlee was asked to join the "parade"! Everyone gets a kick out of her skiing and waving around the lake, so what better thing to have in a boat parade than a skiing princess?!?!

Our little princess turned out to be more like a Diva...but I wouldn't have expected anything less!!!

Sporting Nema's patriotic "dress", ready for the parade

Right off the bat telling Papa where to go

"Hit-it"

The waving begins

Then the fit throwing began because apparently papa wasn't going fast enough

She was convinced her "pony" was going to fall out, so she held it for most of the ride

Then the scowl began as I was trying to explain that it wouldn't fall out

After realizing the "pony" was in fact not going to fall out...she gave us a quick "I Love You"

Big brother showed his patriotism as well

Oh there you are Kal

more waving

and a bit of trick riding as well!

After the parade, I made Kallen get on the ski...and he was Thrilled

okay...he was thrilled after we got going

So thrilled he didn't want to stop

and Kynlee pouted because her turn was over

Already?!?!

2010-07-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

I know it's true, though it's hard to believe...that this little princess turned 3 on Friday!

We've had a busy, busy celebratory weekend for the lil' lady, and like a true princess, she has spent the last 3 days waiving, smiling, and making sure ALL eyes are on her...ALWAYS!!!

You are the most amazing, lovable, sweet little girl! Your smile brightens every room you walk into, and we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you are all ours! Happy Birthday little girl!

Life Can Resume!

2010-07-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

Well...A few months back, my trusty laptop computer crashed! Fortunately we had a semi "extra" computer at the shop that we were able to bring home and use temporarily. Turns out that "temporarily" is turning into "permanently". We're not really wanting to spend the money on a new computer, and the old one lived a very good life, and spending the money to fix it, doesn't seem worth it at the moment either...so...all that to say that my "life" was on that computer. Files, pictures, programs, you name it!!! I've been working with a bare bones, no programs, etc. etc. computer and I finally, FINALLY downloaded some of my "life" onto this computer! Ahhhhh...I can breathe again!!! AND...I can update my blog again with...wait for it.............PICTURES!!! Yay!!!

Finally an Answer...Though Not the One I Wanted

2010-06-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure how to approach this post...so I guess I'll just jump right into it!

For the past 15 years or so (my dates are a bit foggy), I've had some pretty major gastrointestinal problems. Forgive me while I get a bit graphic with you all! I've had cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation and just plain discomfort for pretty much every day of those 15 years. I don't remember the exact date it started, or how old I was...just that I began having "stomach" issues sometime early in my life. I was first diagnosed with ulcers, then as that diagnosis seemed to no longer fit, I was diagnosed with IBS (irritable Bowel Syndrome). Finally...an answer I thought. The doctors (and I saw many) basically told me that they didn't really have a solution for my pain, just a diagnosis and some pills that might temporarily relieve my pain when I was having an "episode"!

I can clearly remember many instances where I was doubled over in pain, and the little green pills they gave me to "relieve" my pain, were simply not cutting it. My most vivid memory is lying on a park bench at Bush Gardens Florida where my family and I were vacationing. I was in such excruciating pain that I couldn't walk anymore. I had to lay down in the fetal position and hope the pain would subside enough with time that I could actually walk out to the car. That happened more times than I can count! Still, IBS was the diagnosis, and "sorry about your luck" was the basic solution! I remember one particular doctor making a joke of the fact that the pain I was feeling was comparable to labor pains and that it would be old hat when I was actually in labor some day! I now know he was right...gee thank Doc! It's enough to feel that and have a baby a few hours later...but to experience it as a kid, with no reward...yeah...not fun!

Anyways...over time, I gave up talking to doctors and having tests run on me over and over, that I settled with the IBS diagnosis and decided it was simply something I would deal with my whole life.

Fast forward several years...My cousin had been diagnosed with Celiac disease, and the family soon became aware that several of them had a gluten intolerance as well. Still no red flag went off in my mind, and I ignored my aunts suggestion to the extended family that we all get tested since it was a genetic condition!

Fast forward again to last week, when after reading several blogs and miscellaneous websites, I was convinced I had a gluten intolerance. To be quite honest, I wasn't actually convinced, instead, I was feeling a bit like a hypochondriac, but none the less, called my doctor and requested a "celiac" panel of blood work be taken. Well, I got the call this weekend, that indeed my blood work came back positive for Gluten Intolerance. Wow!!!

The past several years started running through my mind, and the realization that not once did any one of my doctors or specialists suggest that I might have a food allergy of any kind. How was it missed, when it was so clear to me after doing the research? I guess that's neither here nor there. I now have this diagnosis and am not quite sure what to do with it. I guess going Gluten Free is the obvious solution, though the selfishness in me doesn't want to "give up" the things I love so much.

I don't really think it's that...as much as I don't want to be different. I don't want to have to be the girl who asks for the "gluten free menu" at the restaurant, or who goes around examining food labels while at the grocery store. Or how about the girl who diagnosis dishes that people bring to potlucks, or family dinners, and when asked why I'm not eating something have to respond "oh...I'm gluten free"...like I'm too good or something. So while I'm not happy about being "that girl", I guess I will have to be her and hopefully the relief from pain that I will soon be feeling...will be worth it!!! Right?!?! Ugh.......

Tricksters

2010-05-31T23:27:00.000-07:00

Our kids are a bit obsessed with bike riding! It's true!!! If they had their way...they'd be out on their bikes, every minute of every day! We're pretty blessed in the fact that we live on a street with very little traffic, so the kids can actually "own the road"...which only makes the desire to ride every waking minute...that much stronger! Anyways...

Kallen got a new bike a few weeks ago, and decided that he had to race daddy...you know...now that he had a "fast bike" and all! So, they pumped up daddies tires, and off they went...

Now, Kallen won of course...

So daddy had to start doing tricks...you know...to keep his "coolness" after being beat by a 4 year old!

The kids thought daddy was amazing...but the lil' miss still tried to show him up!!! Standing and riding at the same time, no way!!! oooh ah ooooh ah!!!

She was pretty proud of herself

and so was big brother!!!

I Love Them Oodles and Oodles!

2010-05-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well, while I'm dying to catch you all up on life...it's going to have to wait! I just don't have the time right now. But...you can all enjoy my 3 favorite people while you wait! I sure love these guys!!!

A "Thief" in the Night

2010-04-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

For the past few months, there have been several mornings when Kevin and I wake up thinking something "just isn't right". We can't quite pin-point what it is, just that something seems off. Maybe a light left on that we didn't remember turning on. A cup in the sink when I did dishes before bed. A chair pulled out at the table when I could have sworn they were all pushed in that night, etc. etc. Then, I started finding things like apples, bread, and even empty yogurt containers stashed throughout Kallens room. Hmmmm...so Kallen is a midnight eater!

Well...then I started noticing the pantry door being left open, and after further investigation...a certain baking item was always left open as well.

...the brown sugar.

So far this week, I've found the brown sugar either on the table, or simply open on the shelf with a spoon in it at least 3 times!

Children's Services...could you please just look the other way when I padlock our pantry so my son can no longer eat brown sugar by the spoonful in the middle of the night!!! Oh, and I found these out on the table the other morning...

...so I may just padlock the refridgerator as well!!! Please don't judge me!!!

Tired Much???

2010-04-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

I called and called but got no answer! "Dinner is ready". "Kallen, come on over and get the roles you made", "Kallen", "Kynlee"..."hello, Dinner's ready"!

Bad Rabbit

2010-04-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...I've been a "bad rabbit"! I'll update my blog soon, I promise! Right now I have 4 kiddos having a picnic on my back deck, that for some reason are demanding my attention quite a bit today...a couple of cute, adorable chore charts that are calling my name to be finished, 5 loads of laundry that I keep hoping will do themselves if I ignore then, a couple of bathrooms to clean, some floors to vacuum and mop, a sink full of dirty dishes, and a dishwasher full of clean ones...yadda, yadda, yadda! So for now...you will just have to wait! I'll get to it soon, I promise!!!

A Hoarding Pack Rat

2010-03-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

My darling daughter is a pack rat...seriously a pat rat. That or she's a budding hoarder and we're going to have to have an intervention with her when she gets older. She hold holds onto anything and everything she can get her hands on...no matter what it is. Just today I was cleaning out the junk drawer and threw away some old football confetti from Kallen's birthday 2 years ago. She snuck up behind me and started picking the confetti out of the garbage and stuffing it in her pockets. I later found it stashed in 5 different places in her room. It's a problem I tell you!!!

She also likes to stuff random things into random bags and carry them all around the house. Sometimes it's wooden food from her kitchen, mixed with doll blankets, maybe a baby bottle, a couple of different pairs of socks, and sometimes a dog toy...but you never know. The contents of these bags change daily...and always makes me laugh...no matter what. I found one of her baby dolls shoved in a bag with a skirt, one of her cowboy boots and an empty toilet paper roll this afternoon, and couldn't contain my laughter!!!

Here is one of the many bags (she calls them all "purses"), I found under the dining room table yesterday while the kids were taking a nap!!!

Nothing too unordinary

Then we dump it out and the randomness begins...a belt, baby blankets, neclaces, sunglasses, a few different wallets and coin purses (filled with their own goodies mind you!), some "lips", dirty socks, Barbie clothes, a single dress up shoe, some cellphones, and even an empty party favor bag...which wait...I believe is actually Kallen's

Yep...Kallen's

The coin purse and wallets usually have their own goods inside as well...This particular coin purse is filled with a dirty sock, a ring, and polly pocket shorts...I mean really, what else would you find in a coin purse???

This wallet has neclaces, rings, a Barbie hanger, and a lonely Ken Doll Shoe!

Yep...so there you have it. My daughter, the pack rat! This happens to be the least random bag I've found in a long time, but it cracks me up none the less.

"Shownee"

2010-03-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

Ellie is a horse lover!!! For as long as we've known her, she's aspired to be a Rodeo Queen, as well as a Barrel Racer! She can tell you all about the different breeds, and what makes them unique. She is confident and adventurous with horses, though cautious in a necessary way! She's hooked!

Anyways...When the opportunity to take in a horse, with just as much spit fire as our little Miss Ellie has...her mom and dad couldn't resist!!! So...for Ellie's 5th birthday...she got the one thing she's wanted her whole life...her very own horse, "Shownee". The timing couldn't have been more perfect, and the fact that Shownee and Ellie are the same age, and even more, share the same birthdate...is nothing less than fate!

Shownee has been a part of the family for almost 2 weeks now...and just today, our kiddos finally got to meet her! Well, technically Kallen got to see Shownee with Ellie and Mindy a few days ago, but this is the first time he actually got to ride her! The kiddos coudn't get enough!!!

It seems I've been repeating "We're not getting a horse" all night!!!

A Couple of Girls Being Girls

2010-03-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

I've said it before, but we are so blessed to have neighbors next door with children our kids same ages. They play together, fight together, and love each other like brothers and sisters! They are truly the best of friends! When all four of them get together it can sometimes be quite the roudy bunch of kids...but seperate any two of them and its wonderful to watch how well they play together!

The other day Ellie brought over her special make-up kit, and she and Kynlee sat at the dinning room table "beautifying" themselves!!! It was too cute for words listening to their conversation! I was able to get a picture of them before they began "the process", but after that it was all business!!! I tried to get and "after" picture, but Kynlee said ever so politely "no pictures please"!

A New Trick

2010-03-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

A Boy, his Boat, and his Best Girl!

2010-02-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

We've had some sunshine these past few days, and the kids can't get enough!!!

Just the other day, Kallen loaded up his "prized" bathtub boat, and headed down to the park! Oh the fun a small amount of water, some mud, and a couple of friends can have!!!

Oh, and of course a lil' sister looking ever so cute, but being oh so "annoying"!!!

Done Enough!!!

2010-02-14T22:06:00.000-08:00

Well, Kynlee's room is finally done enough for pictures!!! There are little things here and there that I'd like to add, and I still need to paint the doors...but you get the picture!!!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

She loves it as you can see...and I have to admit it's starting to grow on me a bit too!!!

Now on to Kallen's room!!!

Ava Bug

2010-02-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

This is Ava, our little family addition, 4 days a week! Yep, I'm watching my neighbors daughter, and loving it! Is it challenging, yes...Are the kids a bit jealous of the attention a little 4 month old baby needs, yes...Do the kids LOVE Ava, and wonder why she has to go home at night, yes indeed!

The dynamics in our house needless to say are quite different these days, but we are definitely getting into a groove, and loving every minute that we get to spend with our little Ava bug!!! Isn't she the cutest!!!

SoulMates

2010-02-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

I turn 30 this year and have decided that this next decade will be dedicated to personal wellness, stepping out of my "box" and making a difference! One of the ways I hope to achieve those goals, is to participate, as well as complete a half marathon. I've never been a runner, and the idea of running 1 mile, let alone 13 miles has been previously overwhelming to me! However, some girlfriends and I got together and decided this was a goal we were going to accomplish in our lives, and what better time than now! What started out as 1 half marathon in June, has turned into 3! Yes, I plan on completing (emphasis on completing, not necessarily running) 3 half marathons this year:

Eugene Half Marathon, 5/2/10
Pacific Crest Half Marathon, 6/26/10
Eugen Women's Half Marathon 9/7/10

The making a difference portion of my goal was to join the team of SoleMates for Girls on the Run. As a SoleMate, I will become more physically & mentally fit while helping (literally!) to change the world, one girl at a time through Girls on the Run! Girls on the Run inspires 3rd-8th grade girls to say true to themselves and live free from societal stereotypes. The 10-wk program innovatively weaves training for a 5K run with lessons to empower girls to celebrate their bodies, honor their voices, and embrace their gifts.

I am committed to raising $262.2 by September 1st, however my goal is to raise $500. Your donation will help directly support the girls in the Willamette Valley. Truly any amount (even $5) will help our local girls become strong and empowered young women. You can make a donation and support me at www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2011/KAlbin. Also, if you have a new year’s resolution of fitness or your bucket list has completing half or full marathon on it, joining the Girls on the Run SoleMate team will be a fun way to meet your goal! As a Solemate you will receive a customized training program to walk, walk/run, run/walk, or run a half or full marathon (your choice and all fitness levels can participate!). If you would like information on becoming a Soulmate go to http://solemateswv.wordpress.com.

NOTE: If you live in the area, the Eugene Women’s Half Marathon, September 5th includes an AVEDA spa experience at the finish line and chocolate and Champagne (and it benefits Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and American Cancer Society)! Plenty of time to train between now and September…

Thank you for taking the time to read what I'm up to and for considering sponsoring me! Happy Running!

A Sneak Peak!!!

2010-01-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

When this little face asks numerous times a day..."When my walls be pink"...it's hard to resist!

I was going to wait until July and redo her room as a birthday present, but her persistence is paying off! The paint has been purchased, and fabrics picked out! It's in the works!!! Here is a sneak peak...finished product to come!

Yep...she picked it, and it's as vibrant as it looks!!!

These pieces of fabric are the inspiration for her room! One black wall with various sized circles...and the others will be pink, pink, pink! She is SOOOOOOO excited and can't understand why we can't snap our fingers and have it done! If only!!!

I'm WAY too old for this!

2010-01-26T21:37:00.000-08:00

Staying up all night that is! Yep, you read right...Saturday night I never went to bed. Well...I actually laid my head on my pillow at 5:30am, only to wake up 2 hours later, so if that counts!!!

What was the occasion you ask??? Kevin's 30th Birthday! Not just a birthday party though...a White Trash Redneck bash rather! The house was decorated with Nascar posters, Beer Cans, Christmas lights, and the like! The table was loaded with Pork & Beans, Cheese Whiz, Spam and a very lovely Ding Dong, Twinkie, HoHo cake! The company we kept was, well, unique!

All in all we had a fantastic time, though a 5:30 bedtime was not in the plans!

Here is just a glimpse at the party...check out the Facebook link at the bottom for the rest of the album!!!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=139977&id=655928868&l=5e0cf958d1

All We Need is One...

2010-01-21T11:37:00.000-08:00

...one little break in the rain...one little break in the clouds...one little ray of sunlight, and we're outside!!! Hello my ole' friend sunshine...I've missed you, and so have the kids!!!

Cut From the Same Cloth???

2010-01-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

One of the things I really enjoy about having two kids, is seeing their differences and similarities as they grow up. I'm sure if you are someone with 3, 4, 5 or even more kids...you see these differences several times over!

I however get to enjoy them on my two...and they are truly like Night and Day! There are similarities here and there...but for the most part...they are way too different to be cut from the same cloth! People are always asking me about the things they like and dislike, so I thought I'd finally gather my thoughts and write it all down! My memory won't be around forever, and I'm starting to think it's already beginning to slip...

So...before I forget which kid I had first, and whose middle name is who...Here are a few of the differences I love...or rather loath at times...in no particular order:

Kallen LOVES bread! Pasta, rice, potatoes...basically anything with carbs are also on his list, but only second to the bread! Meat is actually the furthest thing down on his list of favorites, and will only get consumed if he's being force fed! Kynlee on the other hand only eats meat! Meat, meat, meat! I have found them trading plates during dinner when they eat finish their favorite parts! Pretty clever if you ask me, though not allowed in our house. "Always take a Thank You bite kids!!!"

Kallen has to have his food separated, where Kynlee tends to mix hers all up together! Casseroles are not Kals thing, and he's just assume not eat if things aren't in their own little places on the plate! Kynlee just picks through what she wants and doesn't want!

Kallen wants juice or water, and Kynlee wants Milk! Both will settle for chocolate milk if it's available however!

I sometimes give the kids a bowl of "trail mix" if you will, and Kallen eats the chocolate chips and nuts, but leaves the marshmallows. Kynlee eats the marshmallows and leaves the chocolate!

Both only eat the tops of cupcakes, don't care for cookies much, and would devour a bowl of ice cream...though only if sharing from daddy's bowl!

For the most part, Kallen is cautious and Kynlee is a daredevil!

Kallen doesn't really have an opinion about much, and I'm not sure this is anything that Kynlee doesn't have an opinion about. Kallen does seem to care however if Kynlee is persisant about doing something in particular...then of course he wants to do the opposite!

Kallen can play quietly by himself for hours, while Kynlee needs the attention and wants someone right there with her.

Kallen doesn't like bubbles in the bath, Kynlee does!

Putting Kallen in a time out in his room crushes his little soul and he acts out even worse. Spankings get the point across and tend to keep him from repeating behavior. Spankings Crush Kynlee's soul, while timeouts in her room work like a champ! Both seem to be embarrassed, and removed from the situation enough when they have to "put their nose on the wall", so that seems to be the punishment of choice these days!

Kallen is shy around strangers, Kynlee not so much! Talking to someone she's never met before would be the highlight of her day...and she tells them anything and everything under the sun...truly!!! Along the same lines; Kallen was a bit shy and nervous on his first day of school, while Kynlee hung up her coat, grabbed her watter bottle, and strutted into the room, looking back yelling "peace out mom"!

Kallen likes order (he gets that from his mommy), and Kynlee likes to distroy his "order"!

Oh...and both kids are OBSESSED with the color Pink! Actually...Kynlee is OBSESSED with it, while Kallen is just obsessed with wanting whatever Kynlee has or wants. The idea that the second born tends to follow the first born around isn't always the case in our house. Kynlee pretty much rules the place, though Kallen tries!

Things are pretty "dramatic" ...on both sides...which always adds an interesting dynamic to playtime's. Kynlee cries if Kallen says something mean to her, which he does just because it bothers her, and Kallen cries when Kynlee takes his toys, which she does just because it bothers him! See a pattern!

Well, I'm sure there are more things, but like I said...my memory is escaping me right now! So I'll leave you with those things for now!!!

We love our little munchkins...and the things that make them different from each other, make them unique...and definitely rounds out our family quite nicely if I do say so myself!

Just a Little Place We Call "Cafe Kynlee"

2010-01-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

I'm a HUGE fan of a little home decorating store called Real Deals! It's a pretty great place if you like little trinkets and doodads and don't like spending a fortune on them. Not to mention the great country and rustic furniture they sell as well. Speaking of which...While spending New Years at the cabin with Kevin's side of the family, us ladies decided to take a trip into town to visit Real Deals. You see, we have one here in town, and they have one on that side of the mountain as well! The one "over there" is bigger, and seems to have more furniture, so it's always a treat to visit and see what is different. We walked in and saw this adorable little table. I've been looking for a table for Kynlee's room, but just assumed I would find a small wooden KidKraft table or something. The adorable red wrought iron table, caught my eye...but not enough to look much further. We walked through the store a couple of times, and all ended up with a little somethin' somethin'! I had a few candles, a mini rustic chair, and a sign for Kynz's room! As I was leaving...that darn table pulled me back in! I decided to go ahead and get it, and was surprised to find that it was even 30% off...bonus!

Now isn't this the most adorable little bistro table you've ever seen?

and even cuter with two little munchkins and their baby dolly having a tea party!

Tea parties are daily occurrences in our house ever since my mom and dad got Kynlee a Tea set for Christmas...but the table makes them all the more sweet!

The bottom line is...Kynlee LOVES her table, and it was a good purchase, though she informed me the other day that I shouldn't have gotten red...but instead pink. Her room has been ladybugs ever since she was born, and just recently she's beginning to have an opinion. She told me she wants everything in her room pink...not red. Well who knew. It probably is time for a change, so maybe she'll get her "pink" room in July as a birthday present??? I'm already throwing some ideas around, though it's quite obvious that she will be decorating herself. I guess I'll just stick with decorating Kallen's room, at least he doesn't seem to have an opinion yet!

It Your Dog is Using the Pillow...

2010-01-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

...Use your dog!!!

It Really Sucks When...

2010-01-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

...you can only drink this all day...

...and not only did you have to bake these yesterday, but you've got leftovers sitting on your counter from a baby shower you hosted last night...

...and you've got the amazing smell of Chicken Stroganoff filling your house all day in this...

then...you've got your son telling your daughter "repeat after me sissy...Jesus 'Jesus' is 'is' the 'the' son 'son' of 'of' God 'God"..."Good, again"...Jesus 'Jesus'...............and you know everything is how it's supposed to be!!!

Momma Needa a Whole Lotta Willpower

2010-01-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

As a new year is upon us, many things begin fresh and new! Every year I think of resolutions that only end a few days after I begin them! I have good intentions, but no willpower. No willpower to finish something I start when it gets a little hard, no willpower to not eat, when I've resolved to lose some weight, etc. etc. Well...this year is hopefully going to be different!

2010:
* Play more with my kids
* Eat more fruits and veggies...okay, just eat better...I truly eat junk
* Go on a date with Kevin at least once a month
* and...dare I officially say it...yup, to run a half marathon! This from the NON runner!!! I will run 13+ miles in June, when I can barely run 2 miles now...I can do it, I can do it, I WILL do it!!!

Play more with the kids, and dates nights with Kevin...those should be fun! Eating better, and running a half marathon...not so fun! Insert Willpower!!!

Speaking of willpower. We are participating in a week of prayer and fasting...Sunday through Sunday! If there is anytime for willpower, now is the time! We're going on 34 hours...only 134 more hours to go!!!

Slightly Addicting

2010-01-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

Kevin has always been a video game "junkie"!!! He has had almost every gaming unit, from the original Nintendo, to his current favorite, the Playstation 3! I on the other hand have not. Every once in a while as kids, we were allowed to rent a Nintendo from the video game store, or we'd enjoy playing at friends houses, but owning a unit...we never did! Anyways...Now that I've been married to Kevin, I get to enjoy a video game every now and again! The only problem is...Kevin likes sports games! We've got football, basketball, golf, etc. etc.! I on the other hand enjoy the "Donkey Kongs" and "Mario Bros" of the gaming world, but no such luck for those games in our house!

So...when the Wii came out, I talked Kevin into getting one, thinking a break from the "Madden" games might be kind of nice! We played it for a bit, truly enjoying a friendly boxing match here and there, and I even got a Wii fit! It was fun and we played it often! Then...we began to do other things, watch different TV programs, and surf the Internet. Our Wii and beloved Playstation3 began to collect dust!!!

It wasn't until recently when the guys at Kevin's work, got him the Tiger Woods golf game for the PS3, that the machine got dusted off, and came to life again! Kallen even picks up the controller every now and again, and is quite the little golfer!!! So...all that to say, that we were in Best Buy the other day, and I saw Super Mario Bros. Wii, and memories of the old school Nintendo game started flooding back! I handed it to Kevin saying let's buy this! He just laughed and said..."no way...the only games worth playing are sports games"! I said "Well, I guess it will be my game then," and we went ahead and bought it!

That night I played my Mario Bros on our little mini TV, while Kevin played Tiger Woods on the big TV (I know...we're hard up on a Saturday night)! Anyways...it wasn't long before Kevin had turned off his game and we were playing Mario 2 player! We haven't laughed that hard in a long time, and couldn't stop playing. We went late into the night laughing, joking, yelling, and trying to pass levels that Kevin once could pass with his eyes closed!!! It was fun, to say the least!

Every night after that, I found myself laying on the living room floor, squinting at the little TV, getting my Mario fix! I was hooked! Then lying on the floor wasn't fun anymore, so I took the Wii into our bedroom, and there it has remained! I typically go to bed around 9:30 these days, though I don't actually turn off the lights and call it a night until midnight or so! Kevin plays his Tiger woods for a while, then comes in and joins me on Mario! We haven't gone to bed before Midnight in the last week and I pay for it in the morning! It's slightly addicting I tell you, and it couldn't be more fun!!!

Excited x2!!!

2010-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

Excited doesn't do the emotion justice, that Kynlee is feeling about the fact that she got to start school this week!!! Yep...my baby girl is in Pre-school, and she couldn't be more proud of herself! In fact...On Wednesday (her second day of school), she came to me fully dressed, with shoes and a jacket on, and asked me to put a ribbon in her hair. She then proceeded to stand against the front door and wait until we left. Wait for an hour until we left that is! I kept telling her that we weren't leaving for quite a while and maybe she'd like to come sit or something! But she ever so politely informed me that she was okay, and that she was a big girl now and ready for school! So I left her alone!

Kallen on the other hand waited until 5 minutes before we had to leave, and informed me that he is a Warrior, and that warriors don't wear clothes to school!

I did in fact tame the warrior, get him dressed and out the door with minutes to spare! Although the school encourages independence, I'm not too sure they would appreciate said independence in this case!

So...Here is our little girl on her first (okay...second, though this is the only time you'll hear me admit that I forgot to take pictures of her on her actual first) day of school!

I Promise to be Better!!!

2010-01-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

One of my Resolutions this year, is to blog more! I know, I know...I'm off to a bit of a rough start, since here we are 1 week after the New Year, and this is my first post! I promise to be better!

Anyways...If you'll take excuses...I think about blogging all the time! I'm constantly saying to myself..."I should post about that", or laughing at something the kids do or say and think "I need to write that down so I don't forget"...I just don't get around to it, and by the time I do, It's old news! Once again...I promise to be better!!!

Take for example the very "heated" debate dear sweet Kynlee and I had just yesterday about whether or not 1 itty bitty wadded up square of toilet paper was sufficient enough to properly "clean" her after using the toilet! Toilet paper seems to be an issue in many houses, though the issue of needing to use less of it, seems to be the theme! Well, not in our house. Kynlee is very independent as many of you know, and using the bathroom is something she is very proud to do by herself! She does however lack modesty, and tends to do her business with the door wide open, bearing all for anyone and everyone to see! Well...yesterday, I happened to walk by as I noticed Kynlee grabbing, ripping, and wadding one...yes...one square of toilet paper. She then proceeded to wipe herself (about 10 times if you really must know) with the now pee saturated little bit of TP! I simply offered some advice that maybe using a couple more squares might do the trick a little better next time...and oh boy...mistake! We had finger pointing, yelling, tears, and a very heartfelt explanation as to why 1 square is just perfect and she can do it by herself! In a very matter of fact, straight and to the point tone, I was asked to "stop talking at me, go out, and shut door mommy...I big girl"!

Those are the moments that I like to blog about. Not because I think you are all just dying to hear about the good ole' times in our bathroom, but because I know my memory will fail me some day, and these are the things I really don't ever want to forget!

So...here's to 201o...I Promise to be a Better Blogger!!!

At What Point...

2009-12-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

...do you just shave it off and call it good?

Remember this post about Kynlee's hair...well this particular morning takes the cake for sure! She walked out of her room, and I couldn't believe my eyes. I'm pretty sure I couldn't "tease" her hair that much if I tried! De-tangler is our friend, though we almost emptied an entire bottle with this dandy "do"!!!

Slowly, but Surely!

2009-12-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

Our house was transformed a few days ago into a Winter Wonderland!!! I love this time of year, and how warm, festive and cheery the house feels! Every nook and cranny is filled with snowmen, garlands, trees, and miscellaneous other Christmasy things! Every year I gather more things and look forward to the "game" of finding places to put it all! Well...new to the mix this year, was my childhood nativity set (My sister is going to hit the fan when she finds out I swiped it from my parents attic...shhhhh)! Anyways...I can't begin to explain the memories this little set of figurines hold in my heart!!!

It all begins the first of January...though this year I couldn't wait, and it started yesterday!!! Anyways...At first, the stables look rather bare...a Shepperd or two, some lambs, a cow, some hay, and a couple of Angels!

No wise men, no Mary, no Joseph, and most definitely no baby Jesus! Nope...Mary and Joseph instead, begin a long journey throughout the house to arrive at the stables on Christmas eve! Baby Jesus then arrives on Christmas morning of course, and the wise men 12 days later!!! So...the most exciting part as a kid was searching the house and finding where Mary and Joseph were. Sometimes I remember finding that they had traveled quite a ways in one day...probably to make up for the other days when they remained in the same spot for 2 or 3 days (we were told they were resting their feet...mhmm)! It was a part of the celebrations I always looked forward too!

Well...we began the same tradition in our house this year! Mary and Joseph began their journey yesterday, and Kallen and Kynlee found them right away! They were so excited!!! I then noticed that every hour or so Kallen would go back and see if they were still there...they were of course! Then...after Kallen woke up from him nap, he came out...looked for Mary and Joseph...and said in a matter of fact tone. "Mommy...they haven't moved at ALL today"!

Fore!!!

2009-11-16T21:33:00.000-08:00

Wow...has life really been so busy that Kallen turning 4 has just passed me by! That's right...Kallen is now 4...seriously, just saying it still doesn't feel real! Kallen is 4...Holy Moly!

Well since everything and anything on Kallen's mind these days is Golf...we celebrated his birthday at the Little Gym, with none other than...a Golf Theme! The kids had a great time, and I loved the fact that I had nothing to do but make a cake!!!

We sure love our little golfer, and how much he keeps us laughing each and every day!!! He loves Dora, Diego, Backyardagains and the Wonder Pets...much to my dismay...though running around the house singing "What's gonna work, TEAMWORK" (the theme song to Wonder Pets) is pretty darn cute! He's always trying to help...dinner, dishes, laundry...you name it, he wants to do it! His sister is his best friend, and the thorn in his side...all in the same second! He'd eat Life cereal for every meal of the day, and drink "milkshake" (chocolate milk) right along with it! His black Nike Dry fit muscle shirt is washed and worn daily, and it will be a sad day when he finally grows out of it! He still loves school and continues to amaze us with all he is learning. Basically he's pretty darn special and we Love him to bits!!! Happy Fourth Birthday little man!

Hacked

2009-11-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Mom at the store...dad in the shower...scissors in the hand of a 2 year old...

Busted!

Until Next Year

2009-10-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

As we boarded the "Pumpkin Express" this past weekend, and found our seats atop the hay...a nice gentleman sitting across from us offered to take a family picture! How lovely I thought...thinking nothing more than that! Then, the realization hit me...this was the first "family" picture we've had taken since Kevin's brothers wedding last July...a year and a half ago!!! So...until next year...you can enjoy this candid photo of our fabulous family!!!

Worth The Drive...No Question!!!

2009-10-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

My dearest friend Ashley...you know...the one from Alaska...well, now the one from New York...because yes, her and the family have been re-stationed as far away as possible in upstate New York...was "home" to visit family this week!!! While "home" is still 2 1/2 hours away from us...Driving over the mountain to see her was a no brainer!

It's been since college that we've lived in the same town, but the distance these last 5 years has definitely made the heart grow fonder! I miss my Ashley, and would give anything to have her living close...but she doesn't, and she won't any time soon...so...our quick, couple hour visits once a year (if we're lucky), will have to do! Love you Ash...and thanks for the fun filled, relaxing, chaotic, stressful, and yet wonderful day today!

I can't see straight

2009-10-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I got a wild hair to change some thing on my blog. It has been the simple summery theme for quite a while now, and I was just in the mood for something a little different!!! Well...I figured out how to do some really cool things, and after several hours, many deleted templates, pictures, fonts, and borders lost in cyber-space...I finally closed my computer and went to bed! I woke up this morning, with the "bug" to continue...and haven't really stopped since. It's now 3:45, and I'm not even sure what I've done today...but I can tell you that I can't really see straight from staring at this silly computer screen all day!

It's been fun...but I'm not sure how people do this day in and day out! Html codes, periods, quotations, backslashes...definitely not my thing! So anyways...enjoy the changes! I'm not totally satisfied...but it will have to do...I can't bear to look at this computer screen for another minute!!!

Oh, and since a post just isn't the same without a picture...this is how occupied I was last night.

The dogs are most definitely not allowed on the furniture...Good thing Kevin follows the rules! He was so darn cute by the way, that I couldn't move him...but I wasn't happy about it!!!

There's nothing like...

2009-10-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

...a pile of leaves!!!

My Diamond in the Rough

2009-10-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

I've been looking back over the past several blog posts, and realized that I've been a little heavy in the Kallen department. Maybe that's because Kynlee runs and hides whenever I get the camera out (and a post just isn't the same without pictures), maybe it's because Kallen is at a really fun age right now and I'm wanting to document every moment of it...or maybe it's because Kynlee really isn't my favorite person these days! Okay...so that's a little harsh! We just seem to be clashing, and focusing on the fun, happy things Kallen is doing, takes my mind off the fact that I'd like to lock Kynlee in a closet and not let her out until she's an adult...cause I know it's only going to get worse!

So...I'd like to document the things I love to dislike about my dear sweet baby girl!

She won't let me touch her hair...never, no how, no way
She wears her shoes on the wrong feet, not because she doesn't know any better, but because she does know better, and she knows it drives me nuts!
She takes Kallen's prized toys not because she wants to play with them, but because she wants to get a reaction out of him...then proceeds to throw a "the world is ending" fit at the top of her lungs when the toy is returned and she is removed from the situation
"No" is her favorite word...and even after getting flicked in the mouth 10 times in a row...she says it once more, just to get the last word in.
She always has to have the last word
Once her mind is made up, it's made up and there's no changing it
and the list goes on!

But...

Also for document sake...the things I love to LOVE about my dear sweet baby girl!

She's the first one at your side making sure you're okay if you get hurt
Her smile lights up a room
Her mere presence lights up a room
She wants to be everything her brother is, everything he can be, and more
She wakes up with a smile on her face EVERY morning
She's the cutest, and most determined little gymnast around
She can do anything she sets her mind on...though knows her limits
She still sucks her first two fingers on her right hand, and though her teeth might suffer...a cuddly little Kynlee sucking on her fingers, with her blanket in hand is enough to melt anyone's heart
She's, strong willed, loving, courageous, sincere, and quite simply amazing...what's not to love!!!!

Blessings,

Basically a Pro Now!!!

2009-10-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

Remember this post...Well...take a look now!

and, if you can believe it...just a day later he's doing it all by himself! Starting, stopping, circles, figure eights...this kid can do it all!!!

Blessings,

A Tiger in our Midst

2009-10-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

Last week the kids and I accompanied Kevin and our Neighbor Andy, to a golf store in Hood River. Apparently they have some special Golf simulator that helps you pick and choose the clubs that best fit your size, stature, and swing! The stupid machine was broken, resulting in 5 hours of drive time...for nothing...but that's besides the point!

He's never really watched or been interested in golf...but that all changed the moment we walked in the door! An adorable child sized set of clubs was so strategically placed where no child could miss them! Kallen was mesmerized and instantly starting talking about "his new clubs"!

Well, we were there for almost an hour and a half, before I decided the kids had used all the "good behavior" one could ask for in a store filled with long sticks and lots and lots of balls! I decided to take the kids for a walk while Kevin and Andy waited for the store owner to try and repair his system! There happened to be a Walmart across the parking lot which I thought would be the perfect place to kill some time and wait for Kevin to be done! We walked through lots of miscellaneous isles, and ended up in the toys! I kept waiting for Kallen to ask me to buy this toy, and that toy, etc, etc.! Nope...all he kept asking was when we were going to go back and get "his clubs"! Okay...so these clubs have made an impression on the little guy...write that down...Birthday, Christmas...coming right up! I sent a text to Kevin and told him to go ahead and get a set for Kal's birthday! He was going to be so excited!!!

Okay, so long story just getting longer because I'm rambling, sorry...Anyways...we were an hour and a half in Walmart, and still another hour waiting once we got back to the store...basically it was a LONG day, and the end result was a machine that never worked! Nice!!!

Well, needless to say, the kids were exhausted! We didn't get 5 minutes down the road and Kallen had a major meltdown because we "forgot his clubs"!

Kevin thought his "love for the game" was just too darn cute, and couldn't resist! He gave Kallen the clubs as soon as we got home, and the kid hasn't let them out of his sight since! They have been to the driving range a couple of times already, and are headed out for their first 9 holes in the morning!

Watch out Tiger Woods...here comes Kallen!

Blessings,

Beava-Las-Vegas

2009-09-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Beaver fans we are! Vacation fans we are! Vacation without the kiddos fans...WE ARE!!! So...when we heard the Beavers were playing the UNLV Rebels in Las Vegas...we were totally there! Booked our tickets in January, and counted down the days to a fun filled 5 days in Vegas! Good food, good friends, and an almost bad, but ended up good football game! Good Times!

Watching the water show at the Bellagio

Up WAY past our bedtime on our first night in Vegas

Mandi and Mark...the company we kept all weekend!

Mandi and I ready to cheer on our Beavs

Pre-Game Margaritas at Margaritaville

Elvis is a Beaver Fan...Who knew!!!

and Benny Beaver, is an Elvis fan!

Good friends, at a good game!

I have no words!

Mandi, Sarah and I

Free drinks on Freemont St...enough said

Laughing at Hashman

Mandi and I...gaining our composure!

Blessings,

Like Ol' Times

2009-09-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before that one of my favorite places in the whole world is Triangle Lake! I've got memories galore of that place, many of which include my cousins Lyndzie and Aubree! Lyndzie and I are a few months apart in age, and grew up the best of friends. Best of friends whove always lived states apart, but best buddies non the less!

Anyways...After a several year drought of not having them join us for a special family weekend...they made it this year. We didn't get the whole clan...but we had fun with those who could join us, and can only hope the get everyone there, one of these years!!!

I couldn't stop taking pictures of Avree and Caleb, and apparently forgot about my own daughter because I don't think I have one picture with the little miss from the entire weekend! I'm sure she'll forgive me though!

Blessings,

A Sheer Miss

2009-09-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Well, we nearly had to shave Kynlee's head this afternoon, when dear old brother decided to help her out and comb her hair!

If you remember these pictures...you'll know that Kynlee's hair isn't the easiest thing to comb through...especially with an actual comb, and no detangler!

I hog tied her, and held her down, for nearly 10 minutes, and lots of tears later...we got it out!

Blessings,

Not Quite Yet!

2009-08-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Kallen's bike has definitely been "gently" used, or rather, the exact opposite. The boy hasn't been off the thing since we got it for his birthday last year and rides, crashes, and slides into and off anything that gets in his way! As a result...his training wheels have been doing very little training, and actually were getting in the way. One was bent up, while the other was bent down...the left one kept coming unbolted, while the right one stayed put, and it was just a sorry looking thing all together. He would ride down the street at an angle, while trying to keep his body upright! Anyways...one of the "big" boys down the street rides a two wheel bike, so Kallen wanted to be just like him. He asked us to take the "little wheels" off his bike so he could ride it like Brandon!

It went pretty well, though after a couple of crashes...he was ready to wait a while to try again! The training wheels went back on, but at their highest setting, and he hardly uses them at all!!! It won't be long before he's ready to try again and this time he'll get it for sure!

Blessings,

No Words Necessary!!!

2009-08-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Blessings,

Whose Your Momma???

2009-08-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

While I was killing some time this afternoon at my mom and dad's, I came across this picture...

Then I compared it to this picture...

Hmmmmm...

Kynlee

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but...

Blessings,

Pretty Sure...

2009-08-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

...she's the cutest things EVER!!!

Blessings,

The Grass is Always Greener

2009-08-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

As I sit and look out my window and the flattened grass and miscellaneous scattered puddles left over from last nights rain, I can only hope that our sun comes back. Is this Oregon weather...indeed...is this why I'm not a huge fan of living in Oregon...indeed! I'm a sun girl...truly a sun girl, and I'm pretty sure I could live in 100 degree weather year round and be content (with AC in my house of course!). My kids however don't share my same passion for the heat and back a few weeks ago when our lovely Oregon weather had record highs...they were miserable. I'll give it to them, that it was a little bit of a bummer that they just couldn't go outside and play, play, play, because it truly was too hot...but I sure thought it was fantastic!!! Anyways...for their sake, I was begging for at least a slight drop in temperature so the kiddos didn't have to be so "housebound".

Since we weren't getting the reprieve that we were hoping for...we opted for a day at the coast instead! I'm still amazed that in a 40 mile drive, the temperature outside could drop 40 degrees...but it did, and we enjoyed the break!

Blessings,

A Splash from the Past...week!

2009-08-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, yet another long blogging absence...well, just know that we're alive and kicking, I swear! Anyways...

The heat here in this otherwises rainy state was obnoxious this last week. We had record breaking high temperatures, stores sold out of A/C units all throughout the state, and people doing any and everything they could to beat the heat! Us included!

Blessings,

Startin' 'em Out Early!

2009-07-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my family has property at Triangle Lake and I was blessed enough as a kid, to be able to spend my summers there. Wadding through the shallow water, playing in the sand, laying on the dock getting cancer...oh, I mean a tan...swimming, tubing, skiing...you name it, we did it! Some of my best childhood memories are at that lake and now that I'm a mommy, my kids get the opportunity to experience those same things!

Last summer, Kevin and I had just purchased our rental house and spent every waking moment renovating it...no lake for us! The summer before that Kallen was just a wee lad, and Kynlee entered into the world half way through it, so...our summer was a bit occupied with little munchkins...yet again, limited lake time!

Fast forward to 2009: The year I've been waiting for and didn't even know it! Both kids are finally at an age where the lake is a place they remember and look forward to going to! We've already spent a few weekends there, and the kids wake up every morning that we're home, asking when we get to go back! It warms my heart and takes me back to the good ol' days of being a carefree kid, living it up at the lake! Ahhhh...hold on a moment while I bask in my memories!!! Okay...enough basking for me!

Anyways! When I was a kid...oh so many years ago...they had little trainer skies, but they were exactly that...actual skies. A person had to be quite coordinated in order to maneuver them in the water. In fact, I'm pretty sure I remember my parents having to float in the water with us kids, to help us hold the skies in place. I think I was 5 or so when I actually skied for the first time. I'm sure I've got pictures somewhere that maybe one of these days I'll dig up and post for you all to enjoy! Anyways...getting back on track...Now, 20+ years later, they've come up with all kinds of gadgets to get kids skiing earlier and earlier! Well...Being the "go get 'em" parents that we are, Kevin and I purchased one of these said gadgets (the EZ Ski to be exact) to get our little kiddos out on the water as soon as possible! We were a little skeptical at first, but after seeing the delight in our kids eyes as we opened the box and talked all about how they were going to ski like mommy and daddy...all skepticism went out the window! They were stoked!

We played around with it at the dock for a while first, then took Kallen out for a spin! He was a pro right off the bat, and of course his sister had to follow suit! So here we are enjoying Triangle Lake at it's finest!

Blessings,

Strawberries, Swings and Sweets!

2009-06-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

A week or so ago, the kids and I took our annual trip down to LonePine Farms to pick strawberries! I never know how well they are going to do and how much "policing vs. picking" that I'll be doing...but they actually did quite well! Kynlee was content picking and mashing strawberries, while eating dirt, and Kallen actually picked about 5 lbs, while only eating a pound!

As I've mentioned before, the Farm has all kinds of activities for the kids, and it's really quite the afternoon adventure when we head down there! We picked the berries, headed out to the playground, watched the fish in the pond, and even ended with some ice cream! Yeah for fun afternoons with well behaved and happy kiddos!!!

Blessings,

Fire Up the F-15's

2009-06-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

After many years of battling Kevin's desire to own a pair of true authentic "aviators"...I finally gave up the fight! Though I'm still not a 100% fan...they are starting to grow on me...and the kids seem to think they are pretty cool too!

Blessings,

A Photo Update

2009-06-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Apparently we've been busy lately and I haven't found the time to update my blog. Ooops, sorry to all you faithful blog readers who check day after day only to find the same pictures staring back at you! At least they're cute, right!!!

Anyways...once again I've got no time to write anything cleaver or Witty (not that I ever do...but who's judging, right!) seeing that I'm chasing two rugrats around the house trying to get clothes on, teeth brushed and "Medusa's mop" combed so we can head into town! It's quite the production I tell ya...especially when I'm sitting behind my computer barking orders instead of helping! I'll get right on that, but first...a few new pictures to wet your blogettite!

There are also a few more from one of our little family "shooting" trips and the Sister's Rodeo this last weekend if you want to check them out http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=86331&id=655928868&l=53aaf8f5f7 .

Blessings,

Kati

20/20

2009-06-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

20 minutes ago...

...20 Seconds ago

Blessings,

Surf's Up!

2009-05-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

For as far back as I can remember, Memorial weekend has always been a big "todo" in our family! We didn't plan things that weekend, nor did we attend other peoples plans! Our Memorial weekends, rain or shine, were always spent with the family at good ol' Triangle Lake! It has always been the "start" of our summer, if you will, and always a date on the calendar I looked forward to! When Kevin and I started our lives together, we too continued on the tradition and made our Memorial Weekends at "The Lake", a regular thing!

Well, not this year! Actually, the Holiday weekend kind of snuck up on us, and before we knew it, it was Friday afternoon, and we had no plans! Instead of rushing to get things together, we compromised on a day at the lake instead of the whole weekend. It definitely wasn't the same, but we got our "lake" fix, none the less! So Happy Summer to you all!!!

Kynz enjoying some yogurt!

Trying to put her swimsuit on...without help of course! Probably the funniest thing you've ever seen!!!

Not quite babe...but close!
Kal's "What do you want mom", look

Getting ready to surf with daddy!

Not a happy camper! He actually screamed bloody murder until I said "smile Kallen"...

...to which he stopped crying instantly and posed for the camera...

...only to continue crying.

Surf's up dude!

copy cat

Bapa and Sissy!

and this pretty much sums up my day! Ahhhh, the lake!

Blessings,

It's all in the Links

2009-05-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

Wow...has it really been that long since I posted something? I'm such a slacker! Actually I've got an excuse, honest!!! Would you believe me if I told you that I was out of the country? Well I was! I've mentioned before that my sister and her husband are currently living overseas with their two small boys and that my darling husband would never in a million years let me travel over to see her! Well apparently a million years passed, because I got to go!

Dani's husband Joey and I schemed, plotted and lied our way into a surprise visit for my sister! I was amazed that we actually pulled it off, and so glad we did! If you want to, you can read all about the surprise here!

I've been home a week now, and still feel a little out of sorts! I've got lots to do, and no time to do it, but what's new?

Anyways, I had a fabulous trip and if you'd like to see the pictures, you can check out this facebook link!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=81443&id=655928868&l=a7f29da9f0

...and if you don't want to see the whole album...here are a few to wet your whistle!

Blessings,

Purse Pictures

2009-04-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned before...I have my fancy dancy camera, my pride and joy, that these days I can't live without. I also have a little "purse" camera that stays in my bag for unseen circumstances when I don't feel like lugging a suitcase full of camera equipment around with me!

Anyways...I took some pictures the other day, and realized it had been a while since I downloaded my pictures from my "secondary" camera. So, here are a few randoms from "the purse" that I had forgotten about!

This is 'Gracie'...Kevin's uncle Steve's Great Dane! Yes people...that's a dog! You should have seen the look on Kallen and Kynlee's face when Gracie walked up to them. When you tell Gracie to "sit"...she backs up until her legs hit something she can sit on. A person, the couch, the stairs...anything that isn't as far down as the floor!

Taking a break from the festivities at Sean and Charyl's wedding!

Hunting last fall!

I love this lady!!! and I'm pretty sure this is the only picture we've taken together in a long time where we're both looking, and we're both smiling! Gee...are we related???

Blessings,

The Wind in our Hair...and the Sun in our Eyes!!!

2009-04-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

With the purchase of our rental home last summer...the chances to take the boat out were few and far between. Sunny days were spent inside scrubbing, scraping, yelling, cursing, and only dreaming of the wind in our hair and the sun in our eyes!!!

So...last week when the forecast called for sunny skies...we took advantage. We dusted off the ole' watercraft and took 'er out for a drive!

Blessings,

Apparently...

2009-04-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

...they want to go swimming!

Well, at least that's what one might think when they find their kids wearing bathing suits and proclaiming that they need to go outside. I informed Kallen that we didn't have a swimming pool in our backyard right now because it's wintertime. To which he informed me that they could swim in "that"...

hmmmm...that ought to be interesting...have at it!!!

Blessings,

Room to Grow!

2009-04-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

After realizing that our lil' Fisher Price "4-wheeler" is ready to be passed on to Kynlee this summer, we decided to upgrade Kallen. It's a wee bit..okay, totally, too big for him now...but gives him plenty of room to grow! Yeah for new toys!

Kynz had to take a ride too of course!

Blessings,

Over the mountain, and Through the Woods

2009-04-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago the kids and I traveled over "the mountain" to spend a little vacation time with my mom and dad...nema and bapa...at Eagle Crest. Since our side of "the mountain" hadn't really seen sun in a few decades or so...the beautiful and much needed vitamin D was graciously accepted! So here's the proof, with a little added commentary that I'm sure you're all just dying to read!!!

We couldn't keep Kallen off his bike, though he was a little "brake" happy on some of the steep paths. You know...the ones that a pencil won't even roll down unless it's given a little nudge. yah...a little afraid of speed, this one!!!

I told Kynlee to say "cheese", and Kallen proudly rode up next to her exclaiming the same thing!

She then "told him off", because she was supposed to be saying "cheese", not him!

Later that week, we got all "dolled" up...pun intended, and took our dollies for a walk.

I'm pretty sure we stopped every few feet to adjust the babies because they were "crying"!

Then we were off again, and didn't stop until we were headed home!

Blessings,

It's Okay, You Can Be Jealous...

2009-03-30T17:49:00.001-07:00

I mean...Not everyone can wake up with hair like this!!!

...and this was a good day!!!

Blessings,

because I need record of this when I'm old and gray and can't remember %@#$...

2009-03-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today I found my children brushing their teeth in the toilet...yes, the toilet. I'm not sure if they were cleaning with the toilet water, playing with it, or indeed brushing their teeth. Either way...Uh, yeah!

Blessings,

...and what else?

2009-03-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

I've got so much to write about, and so little time.

You see, both kids are asleep, and I'm trying to chat with my sister on IM while I post this, which really doesn't help with the whole concentration part of things. I've got a quilt that needs to be sewn, laundry that needs to be folded, clean dishes to put away, and the 4th book in the Twlight series is calling my name with only a 1/4 of it left. Decisions decisions about how I spend my hard earned 2-3 free hours...so I'll just give you the basics of what we've been up to!

* Kynlee has had dry pants for the past few days and I'm not even sure we're actually trying to potty train her...she's sort of just doing it on her own!

* Kevin's Grandma passed away last Saturday, and while it was very sad...it was also expected. She's been sick off and on for quite some time, and now she's in a much better place...pain free!

* Because of Grandma's passing, we had lots of family in town! We even got to meet our new nephew Brayson for the very first time...

...and hang out with his big brother Kaleb!

* We're all sick, but in a different way! Kynlee decided it would be a fun thing to throw up in the middle of the National Cemetery at Grandma's funeral, Kallen spent the day following with a fever, Kevin had a run of tonsillitis, and my head is so stuffy I think it might explode!

* Kutter has for the most part learned to pee outside...and I'm no longer having to bust out the bissell every couple of minutes!

* I've been obsessed with a certain little book series...and I'm soooooo close to finished I can taste it!

Ummm, and let's see...what else???

I guess that's it for now!

Blessings,

Chubby Chub Chubs!

2009-03-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

As I stood in the door of my craft room, staring at all the miscellaneous scrapbooking supplies I've bought over the last several years...I sadly realized how behind I am on all my scrapbooks. Okay...quite actually, how none existent my scrapbooks are. My wedding album is partially done, and I've got an album of college days...but that's it. No Kallen albums, and certainly no Kynlee albums!

So I vowed right then and there, to get "caught up". Wow! I've got a big task ahead of me, but I'm determined to "bust" some albums out, one theme at a time!

Anyways, I decided to start with Kynlee's first year...no personal preference or anything, just a place to start! I've spent the last several evenings editing pictures so I can send them off to be printed, and get this "show" on the road. Well...while looking back I found some dandys of Kynz, and had to smile at our CHUBBY lil' babe! You all might remember...

Blessings,

A Break from the Cows!

2009-02-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, we all ventured out to watch Kevin's brother participate in a local "Team Penning" competition! The kids were in heaven with all the horses, but after watching several cowboys chase several cows (none of whom were uncle Craig)...we all needed a break!

Clear blue skies and a park down the street...what more could we ask for!

Blessings,

When Life Gives You Lemons...

2009-02-21T21:49:00.000-08:00

...you find your own horse!

Blessings,

Breaking the Routine

2009-02-17T21:52:00.001-08:00

Typically the kiddos hang out, watch a movie, and play with their toys while I take my shower in the mornings. It's a normal routine around these parts...nothing new, nothing out of the ordinary! They don't fight, they don't make messes...in fact, it's been quite a mellow process!

Well, this morning was a little different...I walked out of the bathroom after my shower, and found this...

Then I walked around the corner and found this...

I didn't stop her, and a few minutes later, found this...

She then shut the door and said "baby go nigh nigh".

Apparently they were all getting baths, then going to bed! Not quite sure why she removed her clothes, but hey...clothes are over-rated anyways, right!

Blessings,

Cowboy Up!

2009-02-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

While my kids are blessed enough to have both sets of grandparents living in our same town, they miss out on living by their cousins. 2 of them currently live overseas (Josiah & Benson)...2 are 8 hours away (Kaleb & Brayson)...and 4 are 3 hours away (Austin, Kaitlyn, Logan & Garrett)! We all have busy lives, and really don't get to see each other all that often, which is really hard on Kallen and Kynlee. Anyways...The kids get to see their 3 hour away cousins the most, so naturally, those are the ones they know the best.

Well...the other day I overheard Kallen "on the phone" with someone. He was laughing, talking, and carrying on quite nicely. He then hung up saying "okay, see you, bye now". He immediately ran over to Kynlee excitedly announcing that Garrett and Logan were coming over. "woohoo sissy, Garrett and Logan are coming over, woohoo." He then asked me if he could sit on the porch and wait for them. It took quite some effort, convincing him that they weren't coming, because "they called him and told him so". We actually had plans to go see them this weekend, though Kallen didn't know that at the time

Anyways, one of the most exciting thing about going to see Garrett, Logan, Austin & Kaitlyn is that they have horses...along with a whole gamut of other animals. 6 horses, 2 goats, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 3 chickens, and some Geckos, to be exact, though the horses are what really draw my kids in! After Kallen found out we were going to visit them, he woke up every morning, put on his cowboy boots, put on his cowboy hat and proceeded to talk about riding horses with his cousins and his uncle Craig! It has been a long couple of weeks full of anticipation and excitement, and we finally got to go!

Blessings,

Monkey See, Monkey Do!!!

2009-02-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

Discipline is a constant battle in our house right now. What works, what doesn't, how long, how often, what consequence for what behavior, etc. etc??? Anyways...our typical "sit against the wall until the timer goes off" time out...has recently ended in a 3 minute screaming fit about anything and everything...every time!

So...we decided to try something new. If a certain offense is "time out" worthy, the kids place their nose against the wall and stand there until we say it's time to move. No fits, no fidgeting, no face off the wall! So far, it's working like a charm!

The first time Kallen experienced said punishment however, he threw a larger than life fit, and I ended up holding him "in position" to show him how to properly stand against the wall. Well...dear sweet miss Kynlee, immediately walked over, said some gibberish to Kal, and proceeded to place her hands and nose on the wall, as if to show him how to do it.

Well, a few days later, Kynlee was tugging away at my clothes, trying with all her might to tell me something though I never quite understood. After failing to help me understand, she drug me to the refrigerator, stuffed monkey in hand, and proceeded to point up to the "spanker". Reluctantly, I handed it to her, just to see what she wanted it for.

Silly me...she sat down, laid the monkey over her legs, said some words that encouraged it to "no do dat adain", proceeded to give it a gentle yet firm spank on the "buns" and stood up. Well, she told him I thought...Nope, that was only half of it. She immediately then walked over the the wall, and shoved the monkeys face into it, all the while still repeating those words "no do dat adain"!

Apparently the monkey must have hit someone, then talked back in order to warrant such a punishment!!! Not just a time out, and not just a spanking...poor guy got both. Hopefully he won't do "that" again!!!

Blessings,

A Little Craziness...though it's a good Crazy!!!

2009-01-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

Life has been crazy, hectic, chaotic, happy, wonderful...yadda, yadda, yadda. New school, and everything that comes with that, new puppy, and everything that comes with THAT, new schedules, new routines, new new new! We've been sick, had anniversaries and birthdays, gone on some 'vacations' and much, much more. We're adjusting, but life just seems as if it kicked into overdrive! So...here are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks:

Our favorite book

Happy Birthday Daddy

Sick little boy, but trying to make the best of it!

Sick little girl, and NOT making the best of it!

Our little "Kutter", 6 week old Boxer

An instant part of the family, for sure

Blessings,

Melissa and Doug...you shouldn't have!!!

2009-01-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know...Melissa and Doug is a company that makes many wonderful wooden, and creativity enhancing toys! I'm a HUGE fan! Wooden toys are just fantastic and if we had no fisher price bright, flashy, noisy toys in our house I sure wouldn't be sad!

Anyways...A few weeks ago Kallen and Kynlee received a little "after Christmas" surprise...a play kitchen...wooden of course! They just can't get enough. Well, imagine their surprise when the mailman dropped of a box from amazon.com filled with Melissa and Doug food. One set of "food groups", and one set of "cutting fruits and vegetables". The kids LOVE them, and I love hearing their chatter as they "cook dinner".

"Here sissy...put this carrot back together so I can cut it for the soup"

"No Kally...no touch...mine"

Okay, so it isn't always joyous, but they are having a good time and sharing rather nicely...for the most part!

Blessings,

Cuddled in Red, White and Black

2009-01-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

A few months ago some dear friends of ours were throwing their sons old twin bed away. Of course I don't like to see perfectly good things going to waste, and knowing that someday soon Kynlee would be transferring from her crib into a big girl bed...I snatched it up! With a little sanding, and several coats of paint, Kynlee got a darling little bed for FREE mind you!!!

Anyways...I wasn't quite ready to put Kynz in her big girl bed, so it's just been sitting in the garage, waiting! Well...Kevin recently turned the garage into his "man cave", so out went the bed, and into Kynlee's room it went. As you can imagine...the bed and the crib in her room, made things a little tight. Well...not anymore. I rolled the crib out this afternoon, and cuddled her up for our first try at the big girl bed.

Let's not talk about the fact that I've been listening to her screaming at the top of her lungs, while pounding on the door, for the last hour or so. Or the fact that I've put her back into bed 26 times in that time, and instead...let's just look at how cute she is all cuddled up!!!

Blessings,

A hat...of sorts

2009-01-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

So, Kynlee won't wear hats of any kind, and getting her to leave a clip or band in her hair for more than 2 seconds is like pulling teeth...But she'll go to the laundry basket of clean clothes, pull out her brothers underwear, put it on her head and proceed to wear it around all afternoon. Nice!!!

Blessings,

Better Late than Never, I always say!

2008-12-30T21:58:00.000-08:00

I know...Christmas is over!!! But...while some of you got this a couple of weeks ago, others have it in the mail now, and still others I don't have addresses for, so you're getting it here!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Albins!!!

Hello Family and Friends,

Well, 2008 has come and gone, and I’m not even sure where it went! We are blessed beyond words each and every day, and thank the Lord for all he has, and continues to give us!

As you can all imagine, life is a little crazy around here, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Most of you know that in January 2007 Kevin and I bought Albin’s Plumbing from his parents, allowing them more time for golf, and visits to the family cabin!!! We’re going on our 3rd year as business owners, and definitely starting to get the hang of it. Rod is still around part-time, “just to make sure things run smoothly”, and we really appreciate his help and input!!! In May we tried our hand at “home renovation”, by transforming a house that should have been bulldozed, into quite a nice little rental (if I do say so myself)! Due to the hours and hours spent there, we were only able to take the boat out a couple of times this summer…something we regret, though we understand is just how it goes! We’ve got next summer to make up for it, so Triangle Lake, here we come!

The kids continue to run through life without a care in the world, and keep us smiling every day! Kallen is now 3, and entirely full of curiosity! He’s constantly inquiring about how things work, and why they do, and usually doesn’t give up asking about something until the 8th “how come” or so! Coming up with clever responses, helps keep our brains young! In January he starts attending the Philomath Montessori School, and he is SO excited. He can’t wait to “go to school, and ride the bus.” I try to explain that he won’t be riding the bus for a couple of years, but he just looks at me like I’m crazy…when you go to school, you ride the bus…duh mom! I’m dreading letting my little man “go”, though I’m looking forward to the one on one time I’ll be able to spend with Kynlee!

Speaking of Kynlee…our precious little angel is just that: A precious 1 ½ year old “angel”!!! Okay, did I fool you all? My parents used to tell me “just wait until you have a spit-fire, stubborn little girl, like you were, then you’ll understand.” Well…I got her! Our Kynlee is the most stubborn little thing you’ve ever met, and you just can’t help but smile at her! She knows what she wants, and when she wants it, and if she doesn’t get it…you better look out. Her brother thinks she’s the best things since sliced bread, and we tend to agree. Fiestiness and all, she is the most tenderhearted, loving, cuddly individual, and can light up any room with her “center of attention” act! It’s always about her!!!

I often wake up and pinch myself as a reminder, that no…it isn’t a dream! This is our life, and we couldn’t be happier!!!

So, blessings to you and yours…and have a Wonderful Christmas Season!
Kevin, Kati, Kallen, Kynlee and Kubota!

Blessings,

Count to 10, deep cleansing breath, count to 10...

2008-12-22T16:52:00.001-08:00

Imagine this: Only in the post office at 4:00 in the afternoon, 3 days before Christmas, with a line out the door...Kallen is running around acting like this while screaming "I want my daddy, and I want to go home," and Kynlee in my arms kicking, screaming, and smacking me in the head as well...

Good times, Good times!!!

Blessings,

"River-dogg"

2008-12-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

Remember our neighbors and good friends, Ellie & River. Well, I've talked a lot about how smitten Kallen is for Ellie, but what I've failed to mention is how much Kynlee adores River as well! The twinkle in her eye when River walks into the room is unmistakable!

Anyways...Today River turns 2, and we just wanted to wish him a very Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday "River-dogg", we love you!

Blessings,

It's fun...and it tastes good too!

2008-12-14T21:53:00.000-08:00

Snow is a rare thing in these parts...though like many other places across the country, we were blessed with it's beauty today!

Kevin and I woke up to a quiet little voice whispering in our ears "It snow-ded outside...come see", and sure enough we opened our eyes to a soft little dusting of crisp, white flakes. Those crisp white flakes, soon turned into soft mushy flakes, but that's besides the point. A short drive to "the peak", and we found more!!!

Kallen loved sledding,

and Kynlee loved eating!

...and, by the looks of the continuous snow falling outside...we'll have another fun day in the snow tomorrow!

Blessings,

Permission Granted!

2008-12-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, my sister is once again living over seas. They arrived in the beginning of November, and plan to stay through September of '09. Anyways, being oceans away and time zones different, my communications with her are very limited. An email here or there, and phone call now and again, etc, etc.

Anyways...On Thanksgiving I missed her phone call by 5 minutes, informing us all that they are expecting another addition in their family. Yep...baby number 3! So...for those of you who have been calling and emailing me that my "undisclosed" information was indeed the news of our 3rd child, this will now clear the air. I am not pregnant, but my sister is! I'm sad that once again baby E. Will be born oceans away, but so happy and thankful for their growing family!

I was able to chat with my sister this morning (isn't the Internet an amazing thing), and was given the go-ahead to share the news with you all. So...there you have it. Congratulations Joey, Dani, Josiah and Benson for your soon to be newest addition!

Blessings,

Kynlee Meet Garage Floor

2008-12-08T21:48:00.001-08:00

Blessings,

The Short List!

2008-11-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours...Hope you had a "rockin" time!

I know, I know...not the best family picture, but if you can see past the "turkey coma" looks on our faces, and the knuckle deep fingers, so delicately placed...you see our "rockin" shirts...which actually happen to be the main reason for this picture!

Okay, a little blurb about the shirts...While in Texas for the MOPS convention this October, I was really drawn to this cute little gal and her designer T-Shirts! I had the opportunity to talk with her, and was really impressed with the premise behind her shop. She designs shirts for men and women that display a positive image of marriage, and I just couldn't resist coming home with shirts for all of us. She said that she had such a good response from the Men's and women's T-Shirts, that she decided to make kids shirts as well...My shirt says, "My Husband Rocks", Kynlee's says "Daddy Rocks (Mommy's Right), Kevin's says "My Wife Rocks" (Which he wears proudly by the way!!!), and Kallen's says "Mommy Rocks (Daddy's Right), in reference to his daddy's shirt of course! Anyways...I just love these shirts, and I love the reaction we get when we wear them, so I had to get a picture of all of us in them, even if we're half asleep and have fingers in our noses!!! Go get some for yourself... http://www.frommetees.com/.

So...I just wanted to say again, hope you all had a "rockin" thanksgiving!

Also...since it is thanksgiving, I'd like to share my short list (simply because I'd be here all night if I included everything) of thanks!!!

~ My kids, my kids, my kids...I love them so much, and am so thankful for the joy they bring me each and every day!

~ My hubby of course! I mean, how can I not be thankful for the guy who willingly wears the "My Wife Rocks" shirt!!!

~ MOPS...New friends and new ideas, what's not to be thankful for!

ummm...let's see, what else

~Change...and not in the political sense of the newly catch phrased word, but just change in general! Kevin and I have made a lot of changes in our lives, our priorities, our attitudes, and it really feels great!

~ and since I got this cute picture to represent it...I'm thankful for my kids relationship with my grandma, their "Gigi" (you know, for Great Grandma!!!) Kallen absolutely adores her, and instantly lights up the minute she walks into the room, and since Kynlee does anything Kallen does...the adoration for GiGi is definitely being passed down! I am so blessed to still have both sets of my grandparents in my life, and even more blessed that my children get to know them as well! Nothing gets better than this!

~ Oh, and I'm also thankful for the news I'm not quite at liberty to share yet!!!

So...there you have it...my short list of Thanks!

But Kallen wins the short list contest. When asked what he was thankful for this year, he responded with a bold, and definite "Ellie...I thankful for Ellie"!

Blessings,

Smiling in Their Absence

2008-11-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

We're less than 24 hours into a weekend without the kids, and we're already missing them.

Good thing I found this picture to keep me laughing while their gone!

Blessings,

"Bullseye"...Well, Almost!

2008-11-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Kevin and I decided that in the true spirit of the season...hunting season that is...we'd take the family on a "gun shooting" outing.

We had a blast, though the puddles in the road after we were done, were almost just as fun for the kiddos as shooting the guns!!!

Blessings,

It Happens...

2008-11-10T06:45:00.001-08:00

...our kids get older. People tell you that they don't stay little for long, and to cherish the time when they are young, and we all respond with "uh huh", and go on our merry way of hopping and praying for the day that the whining stops and they become self sufficient.

Well...Kallen turned 3 on Saturday, and the reality of the words I've heard so many times, is finally starting to sink in. 3...are you kidding me! How is he 3 already?

Anyways...it happens, and I'm reminded of it every day!

We celebrated Kal's birthday on Saturday with family and friends, and for the first time, he got it. It was HIS day, and he walked around on cloud 9 all day to be sure! So while the party was a blast, and all day clean-up yesterday was proof, I didn't get many good pictures so...

I'll leave you with this...but first let me set the stage: Kevin is outside chattin' with some guys in the neighborhood talking hunting and other "manly" things, when he asks Kallen to go back inside and get him a beer...you know...men, "bs-ing", beer...it all goes together right! Anyways, Kallen came inside, and Kynlee was playing with some of her dress up things, and he decided he wanted to play too. He was so "tickled" by being a ladybug, that he had to wear it outside for daddy to see. So...Kallen in the ladybug outfit, beer in hand, walking over to a bunch of rough and tough "manly" men in deep conversation! Kevin was so proud of his "manly" son, as you can only imagine!!!

Blessings,

A Camoflauged Super Bug...and a few extras!

2008-11-03T22:07:00.000-08:00

Here are our little munchkins from Friday! Our little hunter, and ladybug...with their friends Dawson the indian, Ellie the Rodeo Queen, and River...aka Davy Crockett! They had a blast, and are still high on sugar!

Blessings,

Two Kiddos, Two Smiles...finally!

2008-10-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

I know...don't all gasp at the same time, but I, queen of a million pictures a month, haven't been taking any pictures lately. Mostly because my children refuse...and yes, I mean refuse to have anything to do with the camera, but also because there doesn't seem to be any time. Anyways, I've tried being sneaky and pulling the camera out at the last minute, I've tried putting things on my head and acting goofy, and I've even tried bribes...but to no avail. I either get screams, or the backs of heads, and after a couple hundred pictures of the backs of their heads, I'm pretty sure I'll remember what a head w/ hair looks like in a few years, and there isn't really a need to get any more of those "precious" shots. So...I've quit for a while. Just plain quit taking pictures.

Well, Sunday we went as a family to the Pumpkin Patch, and even during my photography strike, if you will, I had to take the camera...You've got to get pictures of the pumpkin patch, right! Well, I got Kal, when I told him to turn around and smile (before he knew I had the camera)...

and I got Kynz in her typical, fingers in the mouth, act like I don't hear you pose. All the acting silly, and making funny noises, never fazed her...but the goat looks amused!

So...after finally picking our pumpkins (Kallen wanted a small one he could carry, but they were all bigger than an elephant, so we had to settle on one we could carry together), I picked up the kids, set them on a pumpkin, which amused them long enough to back up, call their names and "shoot"! Ahhhh...how cute are they! Finally...a picture with them both looking, no fingers in Kynlee's mouth, and smiles ta butte! Yes...maybe I won't retire my camera after all!

Blessings,

Minus 2

2008-10-18T21:05:00.001-07:00

My cousin Lyndzie and I are a couple of months apart in age, and we've always been very close. We used to say that we would always get married at the same time, and have kids at the same time, just to keep the closeness. Well...the marriages came a couple of years apart, as did our first children, and we now live 4+ hours apart. Not how we would like it at all...but that's life. Anyways...last sunday the kids and I took a "marathon" trip up to Seattle for her sister, my cousin, Aubree's daughter Avree's (follow all that) first birthday. There she is...Yay Avree!

And I got to see Caleb...Lyndzie's son, for the first time since he was a month or so old! I just love his seriuos face, and though I should share it with you all!

So there you have it...my cousin's kiddos, which makes them what??? my "second cousins", or are they my kids second cousins! Huh...Anyways, I love them and they are just too cute!

Also...my grandparents wanted a picture of all their grandkids (minus 2, since Parker and Griffin) weren't able to make the party! So...getting all 8 kiddos to sit and smile after a couple of hours of presents, people and cake...they just weren't havin' it! This is the best I got! From left to right: Benson, Josiah, Sean whose holding Caleb, Mattison whose holding Avree, Kallen and Kynlee!

Blessings,