le lovely life

forecast

2010-07-03T21:41:00.001-07:00

sunny

shoot your dishwasher

2009-08-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

And I don't mean that nice young man working in the back of your kitchen. I'm talking about that big shiny energy-and-water guzzling machine that's taking up your valuable cabinet space. Drag it in the back yard and take a bb gun or a sling shot and shoot it repeatedly.

Why, you ask?

Well, recently we moved into what I consider to be our dream home. But when we were looking at said dream house, we almost passed it by because of the fact that it didn't have a dishwasher. I mean, we are a family of five. Our dinner dishes alone fill up a counter or two. And that doesn't include those other five meals in the day. So why would we even think to do this to ourselves? 'Cuz we're crazy, that's why.

But what I've discovered in the last month and a half of doing dishes by hand - every day. Sometimes multiple times a day. In a sink that doesn't even divide so I'm constantly regulating my water levels and controlling the fluff of my bubbles - is that it takes me to a bit of a zen place. I know that sounds nuts, but it's true. And here are a few reasons why:

It's mindless. I spend all day thinking about what needs to be done, how to get it done, when to get it done, and what I'll do after it's done. For once I have an excuse to spend a good half an hour of my day just washing. And scrubbing. And rinsing. It's not hard. It's just totally mindless. Sometimes you just need that.

I enjoy the view. My kitchen sink looks over our new back yard. A back yard that needs some major love. And that major love has been coming from my husband on many a hot evening. Without his shirt on. So I gaze out the window and watch his rippling biceps gleaming in the hot summer sun. Occasionally he peeks over at me and of course, I look away as fast as I possibly can. But when we finally do make eye contact, I get the sweetest smile from that man. Sometimes you just need that.

It's a sense of accomplishment. There's something about good clean work that just feels damn fine. And sometimes you just need that.

It's environmentally friendly. And you know this, man. Most people who use a dishwasher go ahead and wash their dishes before loading them into the washer. Hmm. Really? In this day and age do we really need to use that kind of energy to wash our barely dirty dishes - twice!? It's called conservation. There are people in this world who don't get a glass of water a day. Sometimes they just need that.

So please, load up your dishwasher with your favorite candy. Lug it into the backyard and string it from a tree. Then take your old baseball bat and whack that pinata until it blows.

slip slidin' away

2009-08-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have a question for ya. And you should take a minute to think about this. Because although it seems like the easiest question in the world - it shouldn't be that simple.

How old are you?

My natural answer to this in actual years is 31. 31!! In dog years that's 217! I can't believe it myself. But yes, 31 years ago I was borned into a world of shag carpeting, soft rock and feathered hair.

Now ask me again...

This time the answer is 7. I pick seven because this is an age where I know my name and address. I know how to hold it until I get to the bathroom. But I still know how to have fun without caring what others might think. And yes, occasionally that 31 year old pops in there and likes to argue with the 7 year old girl (31 year olds are not too old to argue) about how maybe she should comb her hair before going out to play. Or that she has to do the dishes at some point between the fun stuff and that she should probably pay bills before buying candy. And yes, those points definitely trump anything the 7 year old could say. But when the chores are done, the bills are paid, and the kids are taken care of... I like to play. Outside. And laugh. And be a nerd. And dammit, I like to slip and slide. It doesn't matter if I'm fully dressed and it certainly doesn't matter if it's not my slide. The thing is on the ground and full of water. I own it.

new focus

2009-08-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

For anybody who has been reading this blog at all, you know that I've always focused on my life and how damn lovely it is. I am a lucky girl and daily I found myself wanting to scream it from the mountain tops. And whether this was anything that anybody else wanted to read didn't matter to me. My lovely life is what mattered. And still does...

But a big focus for me right now is getting myself to good. And by that I mean in my career, and as a parent, a friend and a wife. I'm trying to make decisions that are good for my body, the people I love, and for our world - so that my kids (and someday grandkids) can sit back and rave about their lovely lives. You could say that I'm basically trying to stop and smell the roses a little more often - and in a way that doesn't harmfully impact the beauty around me.

So this is your warning that my blog may have a little bit of a different tone going forward. Maybe. It really isn't entirely planned out yet. But this way you can't say that I didn't warn you. :)

i'm back, bitches!!

2009-08-11T21:17:00.001-07:00

Wooo!!

I'm back! And after playing outside (a lot) and drinking beers (a lot) and margaritas (also a lot), I'm ready to go ahead and start writing again. I just needed a little bit of a break.

So, here's a short list of what's been happenin':

we found a house and decided to move - to Tacoma!
the kids finished school and are now officially starting 4th grade, 10th grade and 11th grade. Damn, I'm old!
the girls went to Montucky to visit with the fam
we packed our house and everything we've known for nearly four years
we had a righteous garage sale where we sold half of the aforementioned stuff
we moved (with the help of our fabulous son, fabulous daughter's boyfriend, and fabulous parents - of the John and Eileen clan)
we blew up Tacoma (literally, with fireworks - as my husband got reprimanded from the neighbors and police in our first official week of living here). Who knew it wasn't legal?!
we said to heck with the boxes and headed to Montana as well
we played, hiked, relaxed, fished, ate and danced the nights away
we learned how to play spoons
Mikey ran a m a r a t h o n - yeah, you heard me - a marathon. Stud.
back to work, back to boxes, back to making a new love nest and exploring our new 'hood (here is where I will briefly mention how rad our new 'hood is and how much I love making this new nest)
we whooped it up at the nostalgia drags
we rode bikes
we rode bikes
we rode bikes
we cut ourselves off from our much loved meat wrapped in meat diet. But not to worry, we still get one meat day per week.
we kept on playin' in Tacoma
we took off to Seaside for the beach volleyball tournaments where we camped, drank, and also whooped it up.
i decided to bring back the blog

So you see, it hasn't been a totally wasted summer. I haven't been neglecting you to merely sit on the couch and eat bon bons. No, I was working on living.

So can we please start right where we left off and pretend we never had this little falling out? Good. 'Cuz I'm really going to need your support if I'm ever going to get rid of this beer belly I've acquired in the last couple of months... And I may have learned a few things. So stay tuned for my next post on why it's imperative that you hit every slip and slide you come across.

above: whooping it up

on sabbatical

2009-06-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

I'm officially claiming this blog to be "on sabbatical". Hopefully it's only for your standard two to three month period until all of the craziness simmers down - just a little bit - and I have the desire to sit on the computer again.

So please don't give up hope and be sure to check back in at the end of the summer for lots of fun!

In the meantime, take comfort in the fact that I'm out playing. And I'm probably dirty.

Happy Sunny Days, all!

tomorrow i will blog

2009-05-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

I totally promise I'm going to. It's meant to happen. I've even made a tidy little list of things I need to blog about. I just need to actually sit down to do so instead of creating a quiz on Facebook. So here's a list of things you can look forward to reading about:

The blanket I made
The yard work we did
How the beer is good
The 30 miler I rode alone
Our dirty space costumes
My frickin' fantabulous Mother's Day
My new tat (and how I'm so hard)
The veggie dispute (strike that - I actually did a draft and it was pretty bad)
My sweet pinch pot collection
Mackenzie's birthday
and last, but certainly not least....
My husband's butt (and how I like to touch it).

Okay, maybe not the last one. I might keep that to myself.

But I promise if you come back soon, there will be much fun had by all.

So while you wait, please enjoy this really talented dog...

brewing the beer

2009-04-15T20:47:00.001-07:00

We've begun brewing the beer!

What fun!

Stay tuned to see if it explodes! Or tastes like poo! Or allows us to quit our day jobs!

the best kind of dirty little secret

2009-04-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I found out a dirty little secret that lives in my house. In my bedroom. Just feet away from my bed. And I found out in a way that was totally unexpected...

*cue dream sequence*

There I am, wearing my grubbiest pair of clothes on a marathon laundry day. While switching over load #378, I dropped a sock down between the wall and the washing machine. Ugh, I groan. This is not going to be easy to get out. I mean, not only is there a measly little two inch gap to work with, but it's also in a closet - so there's absolutely no way to pull the machine out. AND my arm is not the 3 feet long that it would need to be to fish that puppy from the depths of that sea.

"Do I leave it?" I ask myself. No, that wouldn't do. I mean, we already have enough mismatched socks to clothe a small village and I've already taken to having the kids match styles vs. colors in order to accommodate all of those singles.

So I slowly lean over and peek down the side. I stand back up and try to battle the confusion of what sat in front of me:

A floating sock.

Now what the heck? How is this sock floating? Is someone speaking to me and telling me this sock is meant to come out now? Because it is levitating in that crevasse a good eight inches below the edge of the washer. And all I have to do is reach over and grab it. It shouldn't be this easy.

But it is.

So I do.

And then it came to me. This magical sock wasn't floating. And it certainly wasn't a sign from God that I needed to own a pair of purple socks. No, it was much simpler than that. It was sitting upon a good foot and a half of dryer lint that had stacked up on the side of the washer.

Now what the heck is going on? I check under the dryer and on each side. Is there a freakish hole in the side of this machine that shoots the multicolored lint from our dryer and directly into this crack between it and the wall? Do I have a considerate disfunctional lint trap? I better call my husband in here to help me check out this situation.

"Miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike! Baby, can you please come in here and help me figure out what's wrong with this dang machine? It's really weird but..."

And that's when I see my husband and the look on his face tells me instantly that there is nothing wrong with the dryer. But in fact I had found out about his dirty little secret. A secret stash, that is. A place in which to throw the lint instead of in the garbage.

Nice.

So please enjoy the stack of lint below, in tribute to my honey. The man with the best dirty little secret in the world.

monumental

2009-04-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Josho-loco shaved his head!

old camera - new treasures

2009-04-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, if you're me, you do stupid things. (actually lots of times) Like drop your phone in the toilet. Or run straight into stationary walls. Or even leave your camera at a house other than your own. And if you're going to leave your camera at someone else's house, you make sure that it's a house that's a good 45 minutes away - making for difficult retrieval. So this causes you to have to find your old beast of a camera and charge up the ole batteries. But sometimes these little accidents produce big treasures that you didn't even know you had. Such as this:

bad tulip pedal pic

2009-04-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today I did my second twenty mile bike ride of the month. This ride is called the Tulip Pedal. It's called this because you ride miles and miles (and miles and miles) between the freshly bloomed tulip fields in Northern Washington. Unfortunately, due to the crazy winter we've all had, it has caused the tulips to NOT bloom. But we did find a couple of fun daffodil fields that were bright and yellow and soaking up the sun. So please enjoy this crappy little photo from my friend Amy's phone. It can't do any justice to the incredible day we had out there pedaling away in the country. But it can begin to give you an idea.

sweet sixteen

2009-04-02T20:51:00.001-07:00

Happy Happy!
I can't believe that little Joshy is SIXTEEN!
Da-hang!

We love you so much!
(and no - you can't borrow the car)

happy happy

2009-03-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Mikey.
My best friend and most favoritest person in the whole wide world!
I love you.

shocking, really

2009-03-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Today I finally did it! After all of these years of telling Mike I wanted to do an actual bike event, I took the plunge and rode the smallest loop of that day's offering - 20 miles.

Yes, that's right - twenty miles.

TWO. OH.

The funny thing about it was it felt more like three miles. And I don't know if it was just because I was excited, scared, determined, in good company, or plain old ready to be out there. It felt so good. So good trying to load the bikes on the car all by myself that morning. So good trying to figure out how to register for the ride and so good putting my tire back on without asking for help. So good charging up the hills and not hitting the breaks (for once) on my way back down. So good discovering an area I'd never been to by actually experiencing the smells and scenes up close and personal. So good knowing that I could quit and also knowing that I didn't want to. So good that my friend rode with me for emotional support - although she couldn't even remember if she knew how to ride a bike. And especially so good when I pulled up to the finish and started looking for Mike and his dad. Knowing he would be there smiling, proud and ready to drink a beer (and a shot of tequila) with me was the best feeling in the world.

So when's the next ride? 'Cuz I got the fevah...

Read a much better take on this story at http://mudsweatbeers.blogspot.com/2009/03/ride-report-mcclinchy-mile.html

for you are maggie and I am steve

2009-03-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary, baby!

payton's first bumps

2009-03-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today Payton took a giant step and did her first "big girl" bumper-car ride at the Seattle Center. Though this typically takes mountains of bravery, you'll see she had absolutely no problem. She owned that rink!

just kids

2009-03-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

As our teens get older and much much (less) wiser, I take comfort in the times like this. Times that they all choose (or don't argue about the fact that they are required) to be home with their friends instead of running around town with them, and embracing what little bit of their childhood is left. In the backyard. On the trampoline.

I, myself, have so many memories at this same age of all of us girls meeting up at my friends Leslie and Julie's house to jump on their trampoline. This is something we did every. single. day. We would jump on that trampoline and try to teach each other flips. We'd jump as high as we could attempting to launch each other onto the roof and then we'd jump as softly as possible. We'd sit out in the sun and do our homework on a pretty day. Each of us in our own little world, but still experiencing it on the black tarp. We'd jump as we quizzed each other for upcoming tests and boys and other weird teen topics - giving certain types of jumps for wrong and right answers. We'd jump in our bikinis with a sprinkler underneath and we'd dare each other to run out and jump in the snow. There were sleepovers on it (with pajama jumps of course) and I'm sure we even accidentally had a beer once with an accidental one-beer-drunk kind of jump.

So as cheesy as it sounds to say the trampoline played a big part in my adolescent years, it did. I laughed harder than I probably knew how. Maybe even cried a couple of times. But the biggest thing was that when we were there, just bouncing away, there were no grades. No peer pressure. No popularity. No zits.

Just air.

dear blog,

2009-03-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

Once again I find myself neglecting you. I know this is becoming a pattern. So I have to ask myself - am I ready for a blog? Do I have enough hours in the day to work a job, run a family AND keep up a current blog? Do I have the wits and smarts to keep filling you with 4+ letter words that people actually want to read?

And the answer is no.

No, I don't deserve you. Nor can I ever do you justice with my excrutiatingly small vocabulary. And quite frankly I don't have time for you in my life.

But I'm not done. No I'm not giving up on you yet! I'm coming back tomorrow night and filling you with kind words and fond memories from weeks past. Tomorrow night...

But tonight, I will:

-continue to read through the tons of emails about tasks that need to be executed in the near future
-drink a glass of wine
-quietly plan my next escape to Montana to visit my family
-snuggle with the puppies
-watch Dancing with the Stars (don't ask)
-daydream about going to the ocean - or anywhere - with my husband
- go over my blanket blueprint so I can finish that tomorrow as well
- figure out how to become independently wealthy so I can spend my days playing outside
- eat yet another cookie

So you see, once I have all of these things done I will again be able to focus on you.

Now won't that be nice?

the day we were bacon

2009-03-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

runnaaaaaaaaang

2009-03-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

A little known fact about me is that I am out of shape. Yes, I am very active. But I have zero endurance at all. And for this reason, I can't run. Correction: I can, it's just that I hate to run. I get all sweaty and out of breath. My butt looks big in spandex and I generally feel like an idiot with my big red melon. Oh, and it makes me itch - everywhere. So I typically avoid it at all costs.

But I've been reevaluating running lately. I mean, I want to be in shape. And I love the convenience of it - you can do it anywhere, you only need a pair of shoes, and it takes less time to get a good workout in than cycling or swimming or snowboarding.

So I'm running now. And to be sure that I stick with it, I have committed myself to do the Rock and Roll half-marathon in the end of June. 13.1 miles. Can I do it? Easily - probably not. Will I? Hell yes. Even if I have to crawl over that finish line, I will cross it.

And then I'll enjoy a nice cold margarita on the rocks. A little kosher salt around the rim with a big pink umbrella in it. Because dang it - I will have earned it!

To learn more about the Seattle Rock 'n Roll marathon, go here: http://www.rnrseattle.com/

To read about Mikey and his journey to do the full marathon, go here: http://mudsweatbeers.blogspot.com/

vegas

2009-02-28T13:03:00.000-08:00

I refuse to tell you what went down on our much needed romantical weekend getaway. But I will let you try and guess by sharing some nice drunken photos! Enjoy!

welcome to the world

2009-02-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

Today one of my new best friends came into the world.

I called my husband with such excitement that I could barely even get it out. All I could do was cry.

Correction: I wept.

I cried for the amazement and the beauty of this life. I cried because in some sense (although the roles are typically reversed) I felt as if my own children were having a baby. I cried for new beginnings and knowing that life moves on - regardless of what came before. And I cried for the happiness that ultimately overwhelmed me because there couldn't be two more beautiful and deserving parents who have worked so hard to get to this day.

So welcome to the world, Finley Bridger Burt.

You are a lucky little man.

And we love you.

And we love you, Jenn and Bridger, so much.

And congratulations to little Ella too! You're a big sister!! We love you too!

la la lovely

2009-02-16T18:02:00.001-08:00

I'm curious, what do YOU do to feel pretty? Doesn't matter if it's something on the inside or the out. Just plain old - what makes you feel good?

thank you thank you

2009-02-10T18:06:00.000-08:00

To my beautiful family for making me feel so damn special on my birthday.

i love you
i love you
i love you

mom

hap hap happy day

2009-02-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Dani Rae!

I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful person to spend my life with.

I love you.

big man on a little bike

2009-02-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

picture it

2009-02-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

A grown man on a skate board being led by a little chunky chihuahua. Following him is a grown woman on a long board being "pulled" by a not-so-smart and gangly chihuahua. Directly following her is a little 8 year old girl skating as hard as she can on a board that is as long as she is tall.

Well that's the scene you would have gotten had you been on the Interurban Trail with us today. That's also the scene that caused numerous people to pull over and watch, turn around and chuckle and just watch in pure disbelief.

Man, was it fun!

the world's biggest burger

2009-01-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

...or more like - our world's biggest burger!

Today we took Payton, Josh and his girlfriend Morgan for a hike up at Tiger Mountain. It was a beautiful day to play outside and be a bunch of goofballs. There was a lot of playing in the trees, running down trails and just plain old having fun.

So much fun that we decided we had earned a little trip to one of our favorite burger spots, XXX Rootbeer! Where we actually dared Mike to get the XXX burger - and to our surprise he did.

And then he ate it.

All of it.

It was magnificent.

i promise i'll be back

2009-01-25T22:48:00.000-08:00

I swear it's not you. It's me.

I will be back and I will rock the socks off this blog again.

In the meantime, I'm playing outside!

i go out walkin'

2009-01-22T21:57:00.001-08:00

Priceless.

a little slice of heaven

2009-01-19T21:22:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, we were so lucky to get to go spend the night with Sara at her new house in Indianola. It's something we've been meaning to do for a while, but finding the time to do much outside of our routine can sometimes be tricky. So we were uber happy that the time had finally come!

Thank you so much, Sara. You light up our life!

i just didn't think it would hurt this much

2009-01-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

WARNING: This is a strictly therapeutic posting - and one that should be ignored.

I am a lucky girl. If you haven't yet gathered from my blog, I have a lovely life. I LOVE my life.

But right now I am just so sad. Though I'm trying not to be. I just can't seem to help it. I smile, the tears come. I try to breathe, the tears come. Heck, I roll over in bed and the tears come. And it's not like I'm bawling. No, nothing as uncontrollable as that. It's just an endless stream of tears, that is felt with a very real pain in my chest. It almost takes my breath away.

Why? Well that's for me to know and truly not important. I mean, I still have all of the beauty that makes this lovely life. Nobody's hurt and nothing is really broken. But I guess it could be summed up by saying that like any person out there, I have some wishes, dreams and hopes that are all wrapped up in a nice little silken satchel that are labeled "fat chance" and stuffed under my mattress. Making it really easy to not even think about. But one of those little fuckers snuck out of that silky bag and pirhouetted around the room in front of me. Doing these dreamy leaps through the air and twirling all up in my face. And I did a really good job of ignoring it. And then for a minute I let myself think that this thing would happen. And as soon as I did that, it left as quickly as it came. And the chance is gone. And I have a hard time believing that there will ever be another moment like that one again.

And it just makes me sad. So sad.

But now I need to snap out of this. And figure out how to get back to the excitement that was there before it showed up. It's just that I was so ready...

thank goodness for my mommy

2009-01-12T23:06:00.001-08:00

Today is a day that is so so so special to me because it's my mama's birthday. It's a time that I wish I could give her the world - just like she's always given me. It's a day that I wish I knew some way to show her how much I, and everyone in her life, appreciates and loves her. But unfortunately, all I have to offer is haiku:

german chocolate cake
is what i would always make
for my mom this day

Happy Birthday, Mommy.
I love you so much.

it's just that my butt hurts

2009-01-11T23:57:00.000-08:00

Today Mikey and I decided we were going to teach ourselves how to cross country ski. Okay, not true. Yesterday Mikey and I decided it. I mean, as a wee little tot of a man he definitely had his day out there in the sun. But it had been years since he'd tried and it was something we really wanted to do together. Well, as a family - but every single child of ours had ideas of how they preferred to spend this Sunday. So, that left just us - which was more than fine.

So we rented our super cheap gear and set out for Icicle early this morning. It was a beautiful sunny drive through the North Cascades that showed us both devastation from all of the recent flooding, as well as amazing winter views. A few stops to pee and before we knew it, we were there.

The trail was packed. People were amped up and ready to do some skiing. And strangely enough, they were all wearing not much more than workout gear. So we decided they were all a bunch of crazies and bundled up into our normal downhill, super warm suits. But not ten minutes in did we realize exactly why it was they were all basically naked. This was a workout! We were sweating. We were panting. Heck, I was trying to rationalize leaving my gear for dead. But we stuck with it and made our way back to the car to strip.

And then we were flying! Well, kind of...

Now I don't know if any of you have ever gone cross country skiing before. I guess I always thought it was for those too afraid to hit the REAL slopes. For those people who didn't want the adrenaline from flying down a hill and had very little coordination. Boooy was I wrong. It is hard! Did I mention you have to ski UP a hill at some points?

After a few hours we decided to call it a day. Our butts hurt. Our shoulders hurt. We couldn't even feel our legs. So we plopped into the car and headed to Leavenworth for a bite to eat before getting back on the road.

What a day, I have to say. Not only did I learn something new that I'll hopefully keep up into my old age. But I also got to spend a rare sunny winter day with my hunka hunka burnin' love. Who could ask for anything more?

double digits, duuuuuude!

2009-01-11T23:54:00.000-08:00

It's the big number TEN for the Kobster today.

Wow!!

Auntie Loo loves you, buddy!
I hope you had a happy happy day!

the best friday nights

2009-01-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

This posting originally was step by step about what we did as a family last night. It talked about cooking together and who had what jobs. It talked about the fact that we danced through the kitchen while laughing and doing our specific jobs. And it talked about us all falling asleep together in the living room with our full bellies and bits of burger stuck to our faces. It talked about all of the fun we had last night.

But I don't think it got across the point of what I really loved about last night. With everyone growing up and the kids all having their own agendas any more. It feels like a rare occasion that all five of us end up under one roof on the weekend. At least where everyone is happy and having fun together. Yes, there are many times that we are all together but the kids have escaped to their own rooms. Or they are fighting with each other. Or fighting with us. Or one is with friends. Or has a bunch of friends over. So to actually take this time together - laughing, dancing and falling asleep on top of each other - was exactly what I've been needing. I absolutely adore our kids. I absolutely adore our family. And I just love it when we actually get to spend these Friday nights together.

there is no crying in baseball

2009-01-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

I realize that I'm a sensitive kind of girl. I cry at the drop of a hat and about pretty much anything. I cry if I'm stuck in traffic too long. I cry if I get in an argument with one of my kids. Heck, I even cried when I watched My Big Fat Fiance. But as a rule - A RULE - I do not cry at work. It's like baseball. There is no crying in baseball.

But today I accidentally did cry at work. Just a little bit. Well, maybe just a little bit more than that. And I felt like a total goob.

hippo birdy to ewe

2009-01-06T22:20:00.000-08:00

This one goes out to my little baby brothaman. Today is his birthday. He is 23 years old - yet it feels like just yesterday that I was bartering with my parents for a new boom box as a consolation prize to no longer being an only child. Not realizing that one of my best friends was being brought into the world at that very moment. No boom box could come close to comparing.

So happy birthday, Nick!

We love you!
Sistagal

you can't handle the truth

2009-01-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

Typically I probably wouldn't post something like this on my blog, but because I LOVE a survey and my husband not only did it but also challenged me to do the same, I can't just let it go. Plus, it is my blog and the rules are made as I go. Whether you actually read it is another story...

Now onto this thing about "mememe". Apparently what you have to do is simply tell the truth. Ten times. About anything. Hmmm... what exactly is it that you all want to know? I mean, I'm a pretty open book and tend to talk quite a bit as it is. So I can't imagine there are many secrets here. But I'll try to find a couple little bits (in no particular order) for your reading pleasure.

1 - Heights - There was this one time when I was little that I peed my pants on the ferris wheel. Since that time I've had a pretty good fear of heights. I don't really think it's the actual elevation that bothers me, but more the horror of having to walk past another group of people with pee in my corduroy pants.

2 - Five Dollars - There's something about purchasing things that are 5 dollars and under that make me justify it as not really counting. Like the shirt I'm wearing right now. It was 5 dollars. Didn't count. Or that coffee that I bought that was 3 dollars. Didn't count. Let's not forget about the ball of cookie dough I suddenly needed while walking down the street. A buck fifty. Didn't count. But I assure you that all of those things did indeed count.

3 - Cheese - It's a passion for me. I have a love for cheese that is definitely considered unhealthy. I've been known to spend much more than five dollars on a hunk (mmm... the kind with cranberries in it) and eat it all in one sitting.

4 - Teen Parenting - I was a teen mom. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I was barely 16 years old when I became a mother. I don't tell all of my clients this fact. I only let them guess at my age, making them quite crazy. And it's not that I'm embarrassed. It's more that I don't really want to hear their opinion on the topic. Everyone has one. Heck, even I do. I see a young mom now and think "ohmygoodness" and then I remember that was me and feel a little ashamed to pass such a judgement. So really, what it comes down to is that I'm quite proud of what little things I've managed to accomplish, that I don't want to hear about how I'm some sort of a statistic, or spend a bunch of time answering the same questions. Yes, it was hard. Yes, I have made mistakes. No, I wouldn't change it for the world.

5 - Bananas - I don't like them. Strangely, I can't remember ever eating one.

6 - OCD - The hypochondriac in me has done a self diagnosis to determine that I suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder. I even tried convincing my doctor. She didn't believe me. But really - I check my outlets at least a dozen times before I leave the house. All of them. Even the ones that haven't been used. I uncover all of the vents. I twitch my nose. I sniffle. I wash my hands and then I go ahead and wash them again. If I'm not OCD then I'm definitely another kind of crazy.

7 - Mustache - I have one. Sometimes if I let it grow out, I can twist the ends in my fingers while I'm deep in thought. 'Nuff said.

8 - Seattle - Quite possibly one of the coolest places to be and most definitely the most beautiful place you could possibly live. Always something to do and a million new exciting trends right at your fingertips. But it is sucking my soul away from me a little bit more each day. *breathe*

9 - Crush - I have a HUGE crush on my husband. I fall in love with him more every single day. I truly think he hung the moon.

10 - Sleeve - I wish I had a half tattoo sleeve. Yes - I wish it was colorful and fabulous and everything I wore complemented it. Unfortunately, I have neither the time or money to put into such a venture. (You're all probably thinking that's pretty fortunate!)

and one for the road - Celine Dion - she sings one of my favorite songs - something that Mighty and I once coined the rummy song. Something I could only admit to a true friend.

So there you have it folks! I'm not going to name anyone who needs to follow suit as I don't know that anyone really reads this. So if you want to play the game - please do and let me know your truths!

this time I'm doing it a little differently

2009-01-03T23:57:00.000-08:00

So here I sit - alone in a hotel room in Spokane. Waiting to pick up my little baby girls from their holiday visit to Montana. If anyone knows me, they know I trek to Spokane quite regularly to do these switches with their other family. And once I get to Spokane, I turn straight back around and head to Seattle. This trip is not an easy one by any means. Typically it's 11 hours on the road - sometimes longer. And I probably do this at least a dozen times each year. Well this year, we are having a crazy winter in the Pacific Northwest. So the fact that I'm driving alone already scares me - no matter what length of time it is. So I made a game time decision to drive to Spokane, stay the night and then head back tomorrow. I have to say I'm just thrilled I opted to do so. It took me about two hours longer to do the drive to begin with. So tomorrow I'm hoping the girls will arrive right about the time I check out of my hotel. Then I'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to make the trek back home - in mostly daylight hours. And I have to say, as bored as I am at this very minute, I think it was a good decision. And I think it'll be more the norm in the upcoming year.

So in tribute to my alter ego - a lady trucker...

happy new year

2009-01-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but when I think about how I'd like to ring in a new year - it's always with my loved ones in mind. Not competing with a bunch of twenty-somethings for a table in a bar. You can do that any day. I think of eating good food, having a toast, and smooching my husband. I think of it as a time to reflect on the past year and to be optimistic for the one to come. And that's why every year we opt to lay low.

So our new year's eve looked a little something like this:

Mikey made his grampa's famous stew. A recipe that he got from his mom and put much love into making. I gotta tell you it was so delicious.

We watched a movie called Chaos Theory - upon recommendation from my brother. Again - loved it and highly recommend it.

Made out. As much as I love doing this, I can't recommend this since it is mine and mine alone!

Talked about life, love and dreamt aloud.

And then banged on pots and pans outside as the new year rang in.

We then packed up to pick up our little man from his celebration and came home to fall fast asleep in each other's arms.

Waking up we had every intention to go with Josh and his girlfriend up to Snoqualmie to do some totally extreme tubing. Unfortunately, the pass was closed for avalanche control and we had to move on to plan B. And plan B needed to be some sort of outdoors activity. With the snow and the holidays, we were both going a little stir crazy. So after taking Joshy back to his other house we drove over to Lincoln Park in West Seattle to have a nice stroll on the beach. The weather was perfect for us to be able to just grab hands and roam for a couple of hours. After which, we earned a nice little snack at the Elliott Bay Brewing Co.

So happy new year, all! I can't think of a better way to celebrate and a better time to reflect on all of the beauty in my life. I am married to the man of my dreams. We share three of the most beautiful children on the planet and are surrounded by the most loving parents anyone could ask for. We have so many amazing people in both of our families who surprise and delight us regularly. Not to mention the friends who we can both laugh with and lean on each day. My only resolution is to take advantage of the beauty each of these people hold even more in 2009. Because man, we are blessed.

Cheers.

ps - I'll be including a song in every post this year - even if it looks tacky - I think it's worth it. Enjoy.

furry christmas

2008-12-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

Oh what an amazing and fun filled Christmas we just had. I feel like such a lucky girl! To have my family decide that of all the places they could be, they'd like to be here with us in Seattle - well that in itself was the greatest gift!

My brother showed up on Tuesday, then my Mom and Bill came on Wednesday and then Courtney on Thursday. It was like a 4 day long slumber party. We sat around and laughed in our pajamas, ate waaay too much good food and slept hard at the end of each night. Once we woke up, we'd do it all again, cramming as many good things into as many usable hours as possible.

Just one major thing was missing - well, more like three. Our precious little babies. Splitting these holidays between households can be so hard. But luckily, Josh did get to be home with us for half of Christmas and through to the next morning.

So thank you, Mama and Bill and Nick-o and Courtney, for coming to spend this holiday with us and all of the spoiling that ensued. And thank you, John and Eileen, for having our big old clan crash your party so we could spend some much needed time with you guys too! And thank you to my ever patient husband, for giving me smooches all along the way.

our new favorite candy dish

2008-12-23T21:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you Crystal and Dave, for the perfect new addition to our holiday home! We're loving it!

snow day(s)

2008-12-23T21:17:00.000-08:00

This week in Seattle, we not only had a snow day, but several - causing all of Seattle to come to a screatching halt. I don't care what anyone says - I loves me a snow day!!

franks kate!

2008-12-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

I wanna take a quick minute to say

FRANKS KATE

for taking such great care of our poopies while we went to Idaho. You are a star!

And I'm sorry they shat on your floor!

And I still owe you!

Big time!!

snow bunny christmas

2008-12-21T20:19:00.000-08:00

Before beginning this post - I have to tell you that I'm playing around with a new font color for the new year. Each post before 2009 will be written in another hue. Please leave me some feedback and maybe your preference will be the new thing. Or maybe I'll just keep it the same. You never know! Now onto business... in orange.

This weekend was rad! I know rad isn't a word you hear every day, but it certainly puts across a point. And the point is that I felt like I was about 10 years old this weekend!! Why was it so great? Well because we got to have Christmas celebration numero dos.

Celebration number two came in the form of skiing, snowboarding, waterparking and just playing around with my Dad, Kay, Nick, Courtney, Sarah, Cory and our kiddos. We spent the weekend in Kellogg, Idaho at this perfect little resort at the base of Silver Mountain. This place was great! Not only could you walk out your door and onto the gondola but there was a water park on site, along with numerous fire pits and hot tubs surrounded by 20 inches of new snow all over the grounds. But the thing that really made it perfect, was that we were there with so many loved ones.

I mean, I know it might not sound like the hippest thing to say, but the people in my family are the coolest folks I know. So to get to spend a weekend just chillin' with them, is something that I wish for daily. Even if it was a whirlwind, it was amazing. So thank you Dad and Kay, for bringing us all together for a perfect celebration.

Love you!

Oh, and I don't think orange is going to be a keeper.

i am a nerd

2008-12-14T22:08:00.001-08:00

As if you need an example, but here you go! I thought Mackenzie was taking my picture... Ooops.

merry christmas - part 1

2008-12-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today we drove down to Bonney Lake to celebrate the first leg of our Christmas holiday. We were all very excited to see John and Eileen, along with Josh, Becky, Ashley, Debbie and Dan. It felt like it'd been forever since we'd all gotten together.

We got down there about 1ish and had a great time - eating, drinking and being merry. We played with Ashley and wiied with the men. Eileen made an amazing dinner and we got to open presents with Josh before he ships out for a couple of months. It even snowed! The only thing missing was having the rest of the Poplawski clan and our little Joshy there. Like I said, it's amazing how hard it can be to get us all in the same room.

But when it does happen, it's so good! Thank you John and Eileen for a very merry Christmas celebration! We love you!

spirit week

2008-12-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

Today Payton was very excited for the first day of spirit week. Today's theme was pajama day. She was so cute! She planned all weekend about what exactly she would wear each day to school. She got up early and took too long getting ready. She wore her bright pink footy pajamas and a fluffy eye pillow for a head band. She even packed a pair of pajamas for her best friend to wear (since she didn't really have anything at her house).

Due to the extensive primping, we ended up being about 10 minutes late for school. Yikes!! But her teacher is very laid back and I knew it'd be okay. As she walked into the school, waving to Mackenzie and I, Macky turned to me and said - what if it's not really pajama day? Oh, it's pajama day, I assured her. And if it's not, Payton will call me and I'll bring her real clothes.

Well that night, when I got home from work, I came in to ask about her day and help to plan for the upcoming twin day. In a very nonchalant way she says - oh mom, you don't have to worry about twin day. Spirit week is actually next week.

!!!

Come to find out, my sweet little girl not only showed up fully dressed for pajama day on the wrong week - but she also showed up late, finding out her class was in the auditorium for some sort of assembly. Meaning she had to walk into the auditorium, all gussied up in her bright pink kitty cat pajamas to find out she was the only one!! I think the one thing that saved her was her best friend - who agreed that she too would wear the pajamas Payton had brought for her.

Oh the horror!! But aren't these the stories that end up shaping us in the end? I was amazed by how unconcerned she was. What a champ!

charlie chaplin in the hizzy

2008-12-07T23:53:00.000-08:00

Today Payton guest starred in my friend Kate's film that she made for school. Payton had sooo much fun and bragged all night about how "she gets to have a sleep over with Kate for being such a good helper". I just can't wait to see it!

In the meantime, the picture is too cute not to share!

deck the halls

2008-12-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

I have been having a really hard time realizing that it is actually December. With Thanksgiving landing so late in the month, it has shot me straight into panic mode.

I haven't even decorated yet.
When am I supposed to get my shopping done?
We're celebrating next weekend where?
Then the next weekend where?
I thought we were going to have a party.
When will we see the lights?
Yes, we can go downtown and ride the carousel.
How many dozens of cookies can I bake each night?
And is anyone even going to be at our house on Christmas?
I'm going to miss our babies so much...

So this weekend it was time to get our butts in gear. It looked a little like this:

We got up early to go get a tree.
We couldn't find the lot we set out to buy from so decided to save money and time and use our fallback fake tree - convincing ourselves that we would be saving one to boot!
We went out wearing Santa hats, which we forgot about and became confused when at least a dozen people "ho'd" at us.
Mike decorated the outside of the house.
We all decorated the inside of the house.
We went to put together the fake tree and realized that at some point we gave said fake tree away - probably telling each other that with all of the benefits of a real tree, why would we ever need it again?!
We went out to and found the original desired lot to get a real tree after all.
I decorated the tree.
And let us not forget how we loaded up the kids to go to our favorite light viewing spot, only to get lost and finally find it after all the lights were off for the night!

So although this holiday season has snuck up on me and hasn't really gone as smoothly as I've hoped thus far, I'm realizing that it's only just begun. And the timeliness of getting the trees and the shopping and the light watching aren't what's important. It's about all of the love and beauty in our lives and the faith that carries us and makes it all possible. So when I step back, I can only say that I have a ton to be thankful for.

Happy holidays, ya'll!

first crush

2008-12-03T22:55:00.000-08:00

Our baby, Payton, is 8 years old. Well, actually she is 8 and 1/2 years old - which is HUGE when you are of that age. She has recently informed me that she has a boyfriend. A boyfriend!?! I think to myself - she's only a baby! And then I remember I was that same age the first time a boy brought me flowers or a teddy bear or even asked to take me out for a bowl of oatmeal. It's called puppy love for a reason.

So her boyfriend's name is Maleio. He's been in her class and a close friend since kindergarten. He's a cute little island boy that makes her grin from ear to ear. So I decide to talk to her about it and when I do, the conversation is quite reminiscent of one I had around that same age.

Mom: So Maleio's your boyfriend. What's that mean?
Payton (smiling): Mooooom, it means we're going out.
Mom: Really? Where are you guys planning on going?
Payton (still smiling): Mooooooooooooom, you don't GO anywhere. It just means you're friends.
Mom: But you have lots of friends. And you were already friends. What's the difference?
Payton (huffing): You just don't understand.

Okay, so I do understand. But you wouldn't be a kid unless that conversation happened at some point in your life. I remember it happening after finding Mackenzie slow dancing with her friend Terry to a Disney Movie in first grade. You could replay it almost identically except with Mackenzie she was blushing instead of smiling. Funny the difference. But that's a whole other story.

So, Payton and I are driving home from school/work on Wednesday night when I'm asking her about her day. She says it was awesome. For a number of reasons that it's awesome most days. She's a kid with a good outlook so this isn't uncommon at all. After listing off her reasons, she starts telling me "such a funny story" about how all of her friends are taking a bet on whether her best friend, Olivia, could beat her boyfriend, Maleio in a wrestling match. So I ask her why them? And she responds that they are both SO tough that naturally they would be the ones to battle. Then the convincing begins...

Payton: Mom (emphasis on the Mom), Maleio is so tough that he can fall down and not even cry. Maleio is so tough that he is this this and that. And it continues on. Until I get this one. Maleio is so tough that he once arm wrestled me, Olivia and Collin all at the same time. And won!

"Wow," I say, "that's really impressive."

And that's when her voice drops quite low and she tells me: Mom, Maleio is SO tough that I think he might even be able to beat Mike in an arm wrestling match.

Oh - my - word. Our baby girl has just met that boy who is so amazing the only person she can think to compare him to is her Daddy. I think we're in trouble.

montana montana

2008-12-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

glory of the west
of all the states from coast to coast
you're easily the best
montana montana
where skies are always blue
M-O-N-T-A-N-A
montana, I love you!

We just had a beautiful trip home for the holidays. Four days packed full of non-stop fun.

Thanksgiving X 3.
Black Friday shopping starting at an unnatural time of day.
Family dinner party.
A rockin' 60th birthday scene.
and a partridge in a pear tree.

It was perfect(ly hectic) - but amazing nontheless. Here are some photos. I wish I had a few more. The camera disappeared at some key moments. (specifically - can the Tuffli's please send me copies of our fabulous photo shoot?!?)

Thanks for everything! Love to you all!

we'll help you - with bells on!!

2008-11-24T19:53:00.000-08:00

Man I have good friends! After an extra long day of work, I still had to go home and polish 180 little tiny jingle bells. With two coats of paint. But what is that I hear? You guys want to help me? What? Why? Well, heck yes! So Kate and Amy (and shortly after, Heath) all gathered at my house with glasses of wine and paint in hand. We got those bells done in a third of the time it would have taken me - and a nice little buzz to boot.

Thank you ladies, for being such great friends!

if the footy fits

2008-11-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

Wear it!

flex and point

2008-11-20T19:24:00.000-08:00

Tonight was our last pilates class. On my drive home from work I was drained. And although I didn't want to give up our hour and a half long date, all I could think of was having a beer and a greasy burger. Now some of you might be wondering why that's such a big deal. Well, because it's rare that I think to myself "I need a burger and a beer - stat". So by the time I hit home, I had come to terms with the fact that instead of indulging in fat and foam, I would be flexing and pointing. And dammit, I would have fun doing so!

Running into the room to get cleaned up and ready to go, I find Mikey laying on the bed - looking the same way I had in the car just moments before. "I don't wanna go to pilates" he said. "I want a beer. And I wanna go out to eat."

Well, that's all I needed to hear. The only question left was whether we would wear our workout gear to do so...

Thank you, Mikey, for always being right there with me - in everything we do. *smooch*

mowhawk?

2008-11-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

Yes. That's right. I said mowhawk. "Why?" you may ask. Well, because my daughter came home with one. And as much as I want to be able to say "what the heck were you thinking - now see what you have to wear around all the time?!?", I can't. Because she has that gorgeous talent of being able to pull off anything AND making it look good. So really all I can do is commend her on her bravery. At that age, I would not have been able to shave my head! My giant bangs, big perm, and concern for what other people thought meant way too much to me... Therefore, I have to say I'm proud.

You go girl.

in the spotlight

2008-11-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

I've always said that one of my big dreams is to make a no name cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live. It just seems like such a fun experience. Picture it:

They're all there - Chris Farley in a tutu. Chevy Chase in a baby blue tuxedo with ruffles down the front. Joan Cusack and Anthony Michael Hall are hand in hand wearing matching head gear. Sarah Silverman is holding hands with the Church Lady along with all of the other greats such as Adam Sandler, Bill Murray, Amy Poehler, David Spade, and Eddy Murphy. I could go on for pages naming all the big names on that stage, but that's not important. What's important is that they are all there. And they are singing "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler. And then the crowd parts and it's my big solo *every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by* and they all sing *turn around bright eyes* and it goes on like this until something totally off the wall happens - allowing us to pause and me to say those beautiful words "ladies and gentleman - it's SATURDAY NIGHT!"

So today was my big chance. I was actually on TV! And it was nothing like that. But it was my time to be in the spotlight. I did a 4 minute clip with Jane on holiday tips and gift ideas. And oh how it felt like 30 minutes and 30 seconds all at the same time. A rush surged through me and although it was only our local network, something inside of me wanted to sing out "every now and then I fall apart".

vegas, baby

2008-11-13T21:30:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness!! I knew if I was patient, my time would come. And the last two days it certainly did! I GOT TO GO TO VEGAS!!! Granted, I was only there for about two minutes. But it was a spectacular well-lit two minutes!!

I got in early Tuesday and went straight to my room to meet up with my friends/co-workers that I would be traveling with. We were all sharing a room at the Pallazzo, which is an absolutely stunning and luxurious resort. They had gotten there on Monday but I opted to come on Tuesday due to a school function I needed to attend for the high schoolers. We worked hard all day and then went out to the dinner at the famous celebrity-draw, Tao. The food was spectacular and the wine was flowing. We finished up there and deliriously walked our way down to the Bellagio. Stopping to ooooh and aaaah at all the marvels we saw. Once we arrived at the Bellagio, we had dessert in the restaurant right behind the fountains. What a view! We shared three uber fattening fabulous things (I only say "things" because I don't know what any of them were) and a bottle of bubbly. It was enough sugar to get us motivated again to walk back the way we came. A little faster than before. We made it back to the hotel and poured ourselves into bed, knowing we had a lot of work ahead of us the next day. We talked until we fell asleep - about Vegas, boys and the strippers that had danced on our table. KIDDING!! It was actually about work, strategy, exciting new products and dreams for the future.

The next morning we jetted back down to the expo and decided to split up. We had a lot of ground to cover and only five more hours to do so. I think it was successful though. We all met up afterward with so much loot and so many samples that I had to carry on all of my clothes in order to check a bag busting full of moisturizers and treatments. We made it to the airport in time to grab a bite and hop on our plane, where I bought one last drink to commemorate my big adventure.

Although it's not like most people's crazy Vegas experience, it was the perfect one for me. I got some sun, laughed alot and learned a ton. What more could a hard working girl ask for?

Now all that's left to do is say "Thanks".

Kate and I at the Venetian

My view while having dinner at Tao

I thought the guy with the accordian was hot

The Pallazzo (our hotel)

The Bellagio (where we had dessert - right behind those fountains)

not much to say

2008-11-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

Due to the craziness that tends to be everyone's life these days, it's easy to go 12 days without blogging and not even realizing it! But it's okay, since not much really happened in those days anyways. Unless you consider this news:

- I've started a weekly pilates class with my best friend on Thursday nights. I've found in this that A: I'm out of shape. B: I like to have my mat behind Mike so I can see his... behind. C: I am really bad at it. Just when you think you've mastered a move, you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror to see that you look like that kid in gym class trying to do a cartwheel that ended up doing a faceplant instead. D: I love having dates with Mike. Even if they are only an hour long. And that we need to do more of these.

- It was Halloween and we now have a TON of chocolate that I'm constantly driving by and having "just one".

- We got a new dog named Charlie! He's a Chihuahua mix and he's super weird. There is now a constant pissing match with Polly on who actually rules this house. Pissing included. Nooot happy about that part but loving the new addition to the family!

- I voted for and was witness to one of the most amazing moments in recent American history. Thank you America and thank you Obama! You have renewed my faith.
(I have read too many great articles to begin to try to describe my feelings on this. If you want to read a good one though, check out my honey's blog at Mud, Sweat and Beers (listed to the right). He's a much better writer than I!)

- I got an obsene text message picture of my brother wearing the Borat swimming suit we got him for Christmas last year. Followed by a text message from my mom asking if I was responsible for this. Ummm... yes, kinda. I am half tempted to post it on here for all the world to see. Believe me, it definitely gives you a good chuckle.

- My daddy had knee surgery and is doing well, which makes me happy! Wish I was there to take care of him! As I told him, much to his confusion, I still need to send him a box of sausage. Then all will be right with the world.

- The boys of the house took the train to Portland and are having man time this weekend. (insert a manly grunt and growl here) I'm super excited to hear how it went! I get to pick them up in T minus 4 hours at the station.

- And I found out that I get to go to Vegas on Tuesday for work!! (the crowd goes wild) I've never been and truly feel like the last person in the world to go - so this is very exciting! (again, the crowd goes wild)

And that's it! Told you nothing much happened!

duuuuuuuuuuuude

2008-10-28T16:35:00.001-07:00

My husband is hot!

the extreme barfing sickness

2008-10-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Poor poor Payton. She has had the extreme barfing sickness for two days now. Luckily the barfing part finally subsided after taking her to Urgent Care for nearly 5 hours last night (yes, you heard me correctly!). They even made her wear a mask. Poor kiddo.

I hope she feels better soon.

pete's first race

2008-10-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

Today we went to watch Mike at his usual Sunday race. It's become Payton and my routine to follow him around the course and be his biggest fans - ringing our cowbells all along the way. And it's become his routine to perform in such a tremendous way that even he's amazed. It's so fun to watch him gaining speed and momentum and learning new things. And even when he falls down, he somehow gets up and comes back to catch the competition. It's very cool.

I accidentally took this picture as he was falling, for example, but he caught himself just in time to not actually fall down the stairs. Ouch!

Here's Payton cheering him on from a tree on the course.

Another fun thing about today's race was the fact that it was Payton's first race. Instead of being nervous - she was brave. And quite frankly, pretty amped. She rode the one lap with all of the other kiddos and when she got done, with a big grin on her face, she asked if she could move up a level next week. That's definitely Payton for ya - I wonder where she gets it!

party time

2008-10-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again... Halloween parties!

Both of the girls had parties they were invited to tonight. So we spent a couple of hours getting their costumes finalized and them all gussied up today. Payton was a clown and Mackenzie was, well... herself in a tutu.

I love this time of year!

at first i was afraid

2008-10-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

I was petrified. I saw that sign that said face and body armor was recommended, and felt totally unprepared. But instead of turning back, we carried on...

Last Saturday Mike and I went and rocked the I-5 colonnade mountain bike park. I can't tell you how cool this place is. Of course we tooled around in the beginner side, doing new jump after new jump to really get it down so that some day we can move onto the crazy side of it! I hope this becomes a regular thing of ours to do. And if you live in the area, you should at least go look at it. I saw some people doing things in the advanced area that was like watching the X games.

http://evergreenmtb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Trail:I-5_Colonnade

Happy riding!

my dog is weird

2008-10-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Just look at her

too cool to explain

2008-10-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

I have this friend who is too cool to explain. I could tell a million stories, but no matter how well I told them, it wouldn't do her justice. You just have to know her to know.

For example, I had this one favorite moment with my favorite friend in mention, when unsuspectingly the UPS man came to drop off a package. She signed her name and when asked how to spell her last name (a routine question by all the men in brown) she went ahead and spelled it for him. S-P-E-A-R-S. And assured him that it was Spears, in case he didn't notice. The funny thing is this is not her last name, but a silent tribute to Britney.

Or the time she spelled it T-I-M-B-E-R-L-A-K-E. Due to the fact that she would soon be married to this much loved superstar.

Did I mention the time that she picked me up, both of us late for where we were going, and spun out on a freshly manicured lawn in an upscale neighborhood in order to pass a garbage truck?

I think I remember a time that involved a cheese stick.

Or receiving a penis pokey book.

Then there was the time when she wore dark pants due to some unusual anal leakage.

As well as the time that she came over to just watch tv with my family in our jammies.

And I can't ever forget the times that she has been there for me. Just to giggle, listen, or hear me cry. To be a great friend to me... and to my family.

This blog is to you, ______. Thank you for being such a special friend. I hope you're feeling better today.

ps - the only reason I'm not saying your name is because of the anal leakage comment. But you know who you are. :)

Oops - I hope the picture doesn't give it away!

and he's done it again folks!

2008-10-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

Check out this hunka hunka burnin' love - working over the Cyclocross course in South Seattle today. It was a huge turnout for what seemed to be a very difficult course. Go Mikey!!

(just a hint - if you click on the picture you can get a better view)

Mike with his #1 fans after the race. (That includes the fan who's taking the picture!)

Payton brought the cowbell!

i <3 the corn maze

2008-10-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Today we did our annual family trip to the corn maze. I love this tradition that we have. We've been doing it for almost as many years as we've lived here and it's always been a big hit with both our kids and us old folks.

This year proved to be just as exciting as the rest. We had a beautiful clear autumn day with no rain and a dry maze. We battled with corn, sung into corn microphones, ran around the corn paths and hid from each other, amidst the corn.

It's funny to me, as I look at the pictures from year's past, how big our kids have gotten. How different they are both from the inside and out. Yet, they truly are still just the same li'l kiddos that used to konk out in the car on top of each other afterwards. Only now they're requesting coffee instead of hot chocolate. And hot chocolate instead of a binky.

And then they're konking out on top of each other in the car.

i got a new bike ! ! !

2008-10-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

My wonderful
awesome
amazing
thoughtful
beautiful
studly
fabulous husband got me a new bike today! Out of no where! A total surprise!!

My jaw dropped and I wanted to cry. Thank you, baby.

It is so special.

Now let's drop everything and go ride!

i found this little gem on my camera

2008-10-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Looks like Mackenzie was having some fun with the camera. I'm guessing the goal was a new myspace profile
picture. This one was my personal favorite.

congratulations to heather

2008-10-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to my friend Heather's bridal shower. It was definitely a great time! It was hosted in a most beautiful house in Madison Park by a most lovely lady. It had a Sex and the City theme, so we sipped pink champagne, made "Matt"inis, and all bought her gifts from Victoria's Secret.

I have to say, it's always so great to get together with my girls from the old salon. They are all such beautiful, charismatic women and I'm just very lucky to know them.

So congratulations , Heather. I'm so so so excited for you!

here a payton, there a payton, everywhere a payton payton

2008-10-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to remember a time that I've ever run into another little girl with Payton's name. I've heard people say "oh, I know a younger Payton" or "so and so's such and such's name is Payton" or even "I've met boys named Payton". But I personally, have never met one.

Well that came to an end today at Payton's soccer game. We played a team with 3 Paytons on it. All I heard for an hour straight was:

"Go Payton"
"Kick it Payton"
"Hustle Payton"
"Payton, pass it to Payton"

I can only imagine that my poor daughter's head was spinning. Especially since at one point, all 4 Paytons were on the field at the same time!! So we had to start cheering her nicknames, so she'd know we were talking to her.

It was pretty comical.

polly has a mullet!

2008-10-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

there's always a first...

2008-10-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Today was a very exciting day in our house. It's a day we've been looking forward to for some time. It was Mike's first Cyclocross race. He had prepared his bike, gotten his gear, taken classes, researched and practiced for months now. It was hard to believe it was actually time.

We got to the race and the weather was just right for a Seattle race. Drizzly without being miserable. But the course was mucky and quite miserable. I heard a number of people saying it was one of the more technical ones they've seen in a while. It wound through the trees, up and down the hills, with lots of corners and tons of jumps. A crazy one to start with - but I don't think he would have wanted it any other way.

And Mike looked nervous. And I felt excited. And his dad looked giddy. It was great.

I can't really do it justice to talk you through the race. All I can say is that this man amazes me. Just doing this, took unbelievable guts. But then to do it so well, well that just took skill. I'm just so proud.

With that, here's some pictures for you to enjoy.

october

2008-10-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

Wow. I cannot believe that it is actually October! Where has the year gone? I feel like it was just a minute ago that we were excited about the days getting longer and the sun coming out. We were trying to fit five events into each day and bbqing every meal we ate... in hopes of not losing a single moment of the beauty that is summer. But now the sun is setting sooner and we're gearing up for the holiday season.

And after do do doing so much all summer long, fall can be so refreshing. It starts out with still giving us enough nice days to not shock our systems and force us indoors altogether. But gradually we'll start to spend more hours snuggling and eating comfort food while playing board games with our kids and having movie nights with hot totties.

It will bring soccer games and parties. School dances and sleepovers. The air will get crisp and the leaves will change. Then the rain will come. The shoes by the door will be dirty, with their existence written all over our hardwood floors. We'll decorate the house and bake smelly things. And then it will bring turkey and snowboarding and moments back home.

And before we know it, it will be full on winter. And then spring. And then summer... and then wow. How time flies. I know I will be doing everything I can to embrace all of these amazing moments in this lovely life of mine.

mackenzie's new 'do

2008-09-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

For a while now, Mackenzie's been talking about chopping off her hair. This weekend she took the plunge. She looks really gorgeous. I tried to take a picture of it - but since she thinks I'm a nerd, she wouldn't give me a big smile.

slc punk

2008-09-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

Okay the "punk" part has nothing to do with this weekend - but that is a good movie if you've never seen it! And I sound kind of tough when I say it.

Anyways, this weekend we were lucky enough to have my Mama fly Mackenzie and I down to visit her in Salt Lake City. We were joined by my brothaman Nick and his lovely lady Courtney, as well as my mom's fabulous friend, Bill. And his 130 pound dog, Jordie.

It was a great trip. Salt Lake is a beautiful city and my mom seems very happy there. We went down on Friday and I think I probably gained a good 10 pounds with all the great food we ate. We also did a little shopping and a lot of laughing.

The best laugh was probably over dinner on our last night there. We went to a brazillian restaurant that served you by bringing around swords of meat and pineapple. It was quite the festive environment. Then halfway through, the entertainment really began. Someone in the restaurant was having a birthday and the staff gathered together to bang on drums and sing them a tune. Mackenzie asked if we could go along - and being who we are, we shrugged and said okay. Mackenzie, Nick and I then danced around the staff and sang along with them. We got an unreal round of applause when it was over. So of course we had to join in on the next birthday too! By the end of the night, we were known as the "in house entertainment".

And then it was time to come home. The trip flew by so fast - I was wishing we had a week. But at least I got to see my family and where my mom is living. It always makes me feel a little more comfortable and connected once I have a visual of my mom's world and seeing that everything is okay.

As if it'd be any other way.

So thank you, Mama. It was so good!

Here's Nick and I at dinner - acting "hard" after our singing and dancing. I wish I would have taken more pictures, but I didn't take the camera! Why???

this one goes out to Kate

2008-09-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

This one goes out to my dear sweet Kate. She is starting the first day of her senior year of college today - and is feeling a little bit nervous about it. Don't worry sweetie, all the kids are going to love you and your classes will be awesome! And remember, we're all just so proud of you!

So go have fun and I'll make you a nice strong martini at the end of the day!

soccer star

2008-09-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

This week was Payton's second soccer game of the season. I have to admit the first one was a little bit rocky - but by week two, they were really starting to rock it out there!! Gooooo Wildcats!!

FYI - we're not supposed to keep score in this league. But they are undefeated. :)

playing in the rain

2008-09-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, is it just me or does everyone feel like no matter how you try to pause for a minute - things are always busy?!

Well Saturday night Mike and I decided it was time to unwind and have a little date time. We had our fabulous sitter, Whitney, come hold down the fort while we took the races. The cyclocross races, that is!! If you have never gone, you definitely should. Being at these races are so flippin' fun! They are what I would call dang rowdy and the camaraderie is just amazing. Everyone cheers - for everyone! And the cowbells are a ringin'. And we're all doing it while standing in pouring down rain. With two beers in our hands because the line is way too long to hold only one!

Wait - I'm now thinking I won't give you any more detail or convince you to go the next one because the beer line will be even longer...

So onto the pictures!

totally extreme

2008-09-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed by Payton's courage and excitement in trying anything new. Here she is doing a little rock climbing at a mountain festival. Super cute!

it's a beautiful day

2008-09-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

After a rocky start to our weekend, we decided to carry on as planned and go to Mt. Rainier on Saturday. I can't say much more than:

This is what dreams are made of

I am just so thankful to live in a world that is so beautiful. And to get to spend these moments with the ones I love.

tuffli women

2008-09-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was looking through the pictures on our computer, getting ready to post about something entirely different. And I stumbled upon a picture of us girls in Linda's kitchen, getting ready for Billie's wedding by making bouquets. I looked at this for a couple of minutes, thinking about how I constantly am wishing for those people to be here with me in my everyday life. I thought of the countless times we've been in this same scene - just different circumstance. Chatting, gossiping, or just plain being goofy.

It made me realize that I need to take a minute to say how happy I am to be a Tuffli woman. Every single one of them holds such a special place in my heart. They have taught me how to be passionate, driven, funny and to make myself heard (through my actions, and yes, through sometimes standing on a chair and shouting).

I miss all of you more than you can know. So here's a shout out to my Gramma Betty, my Mama, my Auntie Linda, my Auntie Lainie, my Auntie Dini, Kayla, Kelsey and last, but by no possible way least - Dani and Billie.

I love you.

plain old funny

2008-09-08T22:24:00.000-07:00

my husband's a stud

2008-09-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have to give props to my husband - who is a stud. Truly, I should be giving him props every single day for the millions of amazing things he does. But I don't.

*Note to self - start giving hubby more props*

But what I have to commend him for today is the fact that he is spending the weekend riding his bike around Mt. Rainier with his dad. For me, picturing the two of them trucking along only to stop for a sandwich, a beer, or to watch the first Seahawks game of the season - gives me pure pleasure. I can only say that I hope they're having an amazing time.

first day of school

2008-09-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school for the kiddos in Seattle, and it has already started at a different beat than usual. Not only do we have two high schoolers - but also a third grader!! Now it's Mackenzie and Josh going to school together and Payton at a school on her own. And gone are the days of dressing up in their favorite new outfits and button down shirts. This year it was all about pretending like they have no new clothes. You could hear the same conversations coming from Mike and I across the house...

"Could you please comb your hair?"

"What if you wore your holey jeans on the second day instead?"

"You can't wear what you wore to bed last night" and

"Are you sure you don't want to wear a dress or something?"

Eventually we were all able to compromise. After all, I remember what it's like to try to look cool. Gotta make sure you impress all the friends with how, uh... actually, I don't really know. But I'm trying to understand. And at least their shoes are shiny, making it obvious that we did some kind of school shopping!

So off they went to school. We dropped Payton with her teacher, which was supposed to be easy due to the fact that her entire class was supposed to be the same - teacher and kids - even the actual room. But apparently at the last minute there was a decision made by the school board that spread the kids out. Finding out the morning of the first day that all of your best friends are in another room is kind of a heart breaking way - but she was brave and walked in like a champ. Then we rushed across town to drop the bigguns off at their school. Josh was such a good big brother and took Mackenzie under his wing. You could feel the fear seeping from her pores. New year - new school - new friends. Or maybe that fear was seeping from my pores. Who knows. All I know is that it was like the kindergarten hand off all over again - except this time she's taller than me... and has boobs. But off they went too. So brave and walking in like a couple of champs.

And then Mike and I were off to get ready for Crab fest! I mean, SurfandTurf fest! Wait, this year it's actually Fondue fest!! Every year on the first day, we celebrate by having a fancy dinner for the kids. We sit down to a big decked out table and get our hands dirty while cracking our crab and giggling the entire time. Now it's been no secret that the kids were nearing the end of their shellfish desires since last year we had a request for SurfandTurf fest. But this year - it was all over. Yes, they still participated and happily but it has turned to Fondue fest instead. Which is nice - but definitely has its repercussions the next day. Ugh.

But whether we had crab or oil, wore dresses or holey jeans and possibly didn't comb our hair - I think we had a really successful first day of school. I'm super excited about this year! Goooooooooo kids!

we're going to the lodge...

2008-09-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

The Great Wolf Lodge!! We've been singing this song in our house for at least a week in anticipation of the overnight stay we had planned this weekend to round out our "staycation". I gotta tell you - this is such a cool place to go. We've decided that it will definitely be a new tradition in our house. Especially in the winter when you just want to get out and do something summer-y. Being an indoor waterpark you couldn't possibly find something better.

And now to our actual stay... We arrived yesterday with barely anything in our bags, knowing that we fully intended to swim as much as we possibly could. You can check into the water park about 3 hours before you can check into your room - so we did. We got there at about 2:30 and rode the rides until 9:30. We had one small break in there at about 5 to check into our suite and eat some tv dinners and cookies. It was time to refuel, if you will. We played in the arcade, slept and then dove (literally) right back into the water this morning until about 2 pm. It was awesome!!

They have a wave pool that has a calm mode, a chill wave mode and then a crrrrrazy wave mode (definitely my favorite). They have a kiddie area, a hot tubbin' area, a fort with two easier rides - fun for kids and adults, along with tons of water toys to soak all of the strangers around you. They also have two really great tube rides that you can ride single or double - which was great in easing Payton into - but eventually she took off on her own. A couple of huge pools with fun inflatables and then they have the Howling Tornado. The name of this ride puts shivers down my spine. Holy cow!! I believe Mike quoted me on the way down as saying "ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod" as you dropped down nearly two stories of slide on a four person tube, only to swirl around what seems to be a human toilet bowl!! Whoa. But our daredevil kids and my studly husband showed me up by going on much more than my measly two times. Mike and Josh actually even went in the dark. No thank you!!

So next time you're looking to get away - go to the Great Wolf Lodge. It'll at least give you an excuse to sing the song!

a moment of reflection

2008-09-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend every year provides a fake sort of date to say "we've lived here __ years now." It's not that we moved down here on that weekend, but it came just shortly after. One of the first things I remember is laying on my newly made bed (in my living room) after getting my little baby kidlets tucked in and hearing Wyclef Jean in the background from that year's Bumbershoot festival. At that moment I thought simultaneously "this is so amazing" and "what the heck am I doing?"

Not a day goes by that those two thoughts don't go through my head. And in the end all I can say is "wow - we've come a long way, baby".

6 years.

Thank you to everyone who's been supportive and loving through the good, the bad and the ugly. But mostly the amazing. And who knows where we'll be in 6 more years. All I know is that even then I'll still be thinking "this is so amazing" right along with "what the heck am I doing?".

:)

family bbq

2008-08-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today we had a grrrrubbin' BBQ with John, Eileen and a dear family friend, Helga. We had hoped that Josh, Becky and Ashley would be able to come but it seemed they got ill the night before. :( But that didn't put a damper on the day. We got to spend a lovely afternoon sitting around the fire and visiting, jumping on the trampoline and eating way too much! Thanks so much for coming up. It's always a great way to spend the day!!

And thank you Helga, for your famous brownies. It's no secret what we had for breakfast!

sushi

2008-08-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite "fun" restaurants to go to with the kids is Blue C Sushi. It's the type of restaurant that not only has good food, but a great atmosphere that ends up providing us with loads of entertainment. The reason Blue C is so cool is because your food goes around the entire room on a conveyor belt - allowing you to pick and choose as you see something you like or are ready for another bite. And the chefs are in the middle of it all, working their magic to prepare the food.

Having the fun that we typically do, our waiter asked us if we wanted him to take a picture of us. Of course we did! Luckily we warned him that we like to be goofy in our family photos. The look on his face was classic when he actually saw what that meant!

photo shoot

2008-08-30T20:40:00.001-07:00

One time when we were visiting my grandparents, my Grampa sent a bag home with us to give to my Mom. Things she had forgotten at their house at some point. In that bag were two pairs of some of the largest glasses she had worn over the years. Of course she no longer wanted them - but we certainly did! For at least a year now, these two pairs of glasses have sat in a vase on the counter (the kind of vase that sits behind our computer holding pens, tissue paper flowers and any other random thing you want but have no place to put it). Occasionally we bring them out and dance around or wear them to the grocery store. But today Mackenzie and Josh opted for the much loved photo shoot. Enjoy.

shrek the musical

2008-08-30T08:43:00.001-07:00

Tonight Payton and I were soo very lucky. We got to go to the 5th Avenue Theater to see Shrek the Musical! Not only were we lucky enough to have free tickets to go on a "mom n daughter" date - but we were uber lucky in that this production is an actual Broadway play. The entire show will float over to Broadway just as soon they are done with their preview appearances that they are only doing in Seattle this month!! And oh man, was it amazing!! Had it been legal, I would have taken photos upon photos of the colorful sets and the beautiful costumes. There were numerous moments where we looked at one another and said out loud "Macky would like that" or "we have to tell Mike about this part" or "Josh would dig those skeletons". And being Shrek, it brought that same magic as the original, if not more. I truly don't know how they did it!

So if you happen to get the opportunity to go - even if you don't have children - I strongly suggest it!!

windswept

2008-08-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

This week we are on a "stay"cation. We wanted to have about a week at home with the kids before school started again for them to have some laughs and just enjoy each other. So Mike's started today and mine will start on Sunday. Since I was at work, he decided to take the kids on a hike at Discovery Park. Discovery Park is an easy popular trail that brings you along a beach and ends up being a great place for kiddos to play. Only thing is it ended up being a bit windier than expected. Here's one of the photos of the kids that Mike took, just as a big gust came by. Hilarious!

bahhhhh

2008-08-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

I commuted for over 4 hours today. Yeah. You heard me right. Four hours!! It's a crime, I tell ya. A crime!!

Needless to say, I'm a real happy camper right now....

at last

2008-08-24T16:16:00.001-07:00

the babies are home!!

the gorge

2008-08-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we set out for our long awaited concert at The Gorge. We bought these Jack Johnson tickets months ago and I swear it felt like it'd be years before we got to go! But at the same time, it felt like just yesterday when we were calling each other to see who wanted to go and organizing camping and all of the fun things that go with a mass road trip with loved ones from near and far.

So we all decided to meet at the gas station in George. If you're not familiar with Washington, you might ask "how can you meet at THE gas station?" But it's possible. I think that's pretty much all there is. A gas station and a general store - oh yeah - and a liquor store!

So we all met there to caravan to the campground together. "We" was Mike and I, my Dad and Kay, my friend Becca, Josh and Becky and a couple of friends of theirs. I was actually quite impressed that when we said "let's meet at 1 at the before-mentioned gas station", we all ended up there within 5 minutes of each other. Now that might not sound too impressive but considering we all came from different areas of the NW United States, it was quite the feat.

We got to the campground and got set up. It was a regular tent city. I have never really seen anything like this, actually. I know that the Gorge in itself can accommodate 22,000 people and they say they will never run out of camping space. But I think they came dang close. No matter which way you looked, there were tents as far as you could see. And every tent there had the same goal in mind. Chillin'. And chill we did. We set up lawn chairs and poured the margaritas. We put up the hillbilly horseshoes and held onto our beers. And above all, we played music and sang and laughed. We had no agenda. And it was good.

Until we all remembered that we actually came for a show too. So after a few hours in the sun, we headed along the trails until we reached our destination. The port a potty line.

After which we went to the show. Fully intending to sit and bob our heads, we laid out our blankets and set up our spot on the grass - in the way back of the amphitheater. But if anyone knows me, they know I like to rock. So after one amazing song in the back, we decided it was time to jump to the front. And then the show began. Jack Johnson put on such an amazing set that at one point, I nearly teared up. This is the first concert that I've ever been to that people weren't ramming into each other. No one was cussing about their view. As a matter of fact, we weren't shoved together like sardines either. Which is pretty amazing for a sold out show. But something about his smooth sounds just brings people to a common place that just oozes good things. And that is so refreshing.

If Jack ever comes again, I will be there. 'Nuff said.

I do want to thank my Daddio and Kayzo for driving all the way to Seattle beforehand and spending half of the week with us. It was so much fun and you can't ever know how much it means to me!

I also want to thank my great friend Becca for coming all the way from Missoula with her family as well. I know that's quite the jaunt for an overnight camping trip. But it was SOO great to see you!

Also, thanks to Josh and Becky for toting all of our abandoned blankets back to the campground after we bolted into the crowd. We heart you!

And last, but certainly not least - thank you to my dear friend Kate for spending the night with Mackenzie since she insisted on being here for her boyfriend's birthday. You are a fabulous friend!

agua verde cafe

2008-08-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

Go to this restaurant. Go now. No, don't pause to think about it. Just go.

a hiking we will go...

2008-08-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Today we hiked a most beautiful trail called Rattlesnake Ridge. When Mike told me the name of the place we were heading, I instantly wanted to say, "will there be a lot rattlesnakes there?" But for once, I was able to ignore my inner neurotic and just enjoy the day. After all, my studly man was there to protect me if there were. So, with two of my favorite boys and Polly in tow, we trekked up and around this scenic mountain. Stopping only to greet and wave to the hundreds of other people and dogs that had decided to join us. I hadn't realized that we sent out a memo on the place to be that day! But crowded or not, this is a hike that I highly recommend. So grab your kids and dogs and go join the masses. You'll be thrilled that you did!

*sidenote* When I did finally ask the snake question, the answer was no. There are not a ton of a rattlesnakes there. If any at all.