A Hoarding Pack Rat

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"

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

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

A Boy, his Boat, and his Best Girl!

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!!!

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

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

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!