We finally got to celebrate my birthday on Monday night. Ryan had to work late, so the older girls made my cake and did a pretty darn good job! I also got some fun little gifts- thank you family and friends. I must admit that I am not super excited about the big 3-5, I am officially in my MID- thirites! You know what that means... 40 is just right around the corner, which is a little uncomfortably close to being middle aged. OK, I know I'm jumping the gun a bit, but sometimes I feel so old (like when shopping at American Eagle, Aeropostale, etc... and it's not for me, or going to Middle School orientation and being more nervous than Ashtin about finding her classes, and knowing that next year Cortnee will be there also. And ultimately, knowing that in four short months we will have a teenager and all of the fabulous hormones that accompany that!) I actually have a pretty good life and am grateful for all of the crazy memories that have gotten us to this point. Thank you to all of you for your support and friendship to me and our family.

I know, I know, not quite enough candles!

What is it, what is it? (Thanks Wyatt, I couldn't do it without you!)

I LOVE Willow Tree. . . Nice face Ashtin!

Wyatt (and Ashtin, hidden behind more blueberry bushes)



Cortnee, looking thoughtful
(or maybe just trying to hide the fact that she is sneaking a berry or two!)


Abby... need I say more?

Blueberry Harvest

Friday was a pretty eventful day. In the afternoon, Ryan took the kids (minus Seth) to pick several pounds of blueberries at a blueberry farm. They ended up with about 16 pounds of blueberries and by the time they made it home, they had already eaten about 3 pounds! Friday evening, Ryan and I were suppose to go on an overnight mini get-away up North to celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary (which took place on Aug. 12th). But.... Mother Nature had other plans. Right before we were suppose to leave, we discovered that I was miscarrying- bummer! I guess I jumped the gun on the little baby count-down widget- that is why is disappeared. I would have been due on Easter this year (April 12th). Considering the crew of kids we have had, we have actually only had one miscarriage before and it was NOT a traditional miscarriage. It was nine years ago, (my third pregnancy) and it was a Molar Pregnancy (it's weird- google it, if you feel so inclined), in which I miscarried twins and had to have a D and C. Anyway, we are a bit bummed, but honestly OK with what happened- it obviously was not right in some way... I will be seeing the Dr. this week and we will just make sure everything is squared away. (And then I don't know, we will see- stay tuned, I guess!) Probably the worst part was that my birthday was Saturday, and I didn't really feel like celebrating (today either, for that matter), I think we will do that tomorrow night for Family Home Evening. As if turning 35 is really that pertinent to celebrate anyway?? Here are some pics from the blueberry excursion...

ABBY'S DEBUT

My friend, Julianne Rowley compiled a book called Seattle Mama's Handbook. She regularly has been appearing on a few news networks for publicity exposure and yesterday she was on KOMO 4 TV afternoon news to share back-to-school shopping tips for every budget. Anyhow, she remembered that Abby had previously had a talent agent and loved to be in the spotlight and asked is she would like to participate in a short modeling show during her appearance, wearing an outfit from a featured upperscale re-sale shop. Abby was more than thrilled with the opportunity and practiced several times. We recorded the Live segment on the computer, but unfortunately do not have the software tools to be able to view just her part (you would have to fast forward for almost a half an hour of Seattle's local news!) Don't worry, though, not all is lost! I, being the crazy blogger that I'm trying to be, took several photos of Abby before leaving for Seattle and also took a shot of her practicing right before "going live". She did great and did not seem to care that she saw famous news people, because this was not about them of course!! It was fun going to Fisher Plaza (the stomping ground of KOMO TV News), practically located right underneath the Space Needle. Abby did great and loved every minute of it. Afterwards, she wanted to know when she was going to do it again and asked me if I would like her autograph. I told her that it would be great to practice writing her name and I hope that WHEN she is famous, she will have her signature mastered!

Aren't I cute?



Quite the stylin' little lady

Just lost another tooth a week and a half ago!

What a pint sized diva

Mom, are we done yet??

I can't wait, I'm gonna be famous!

Practicing at the studio

BACKPACKING WITH DAD

Last week-end, Ryan got to take the "older girls" (don't tell Abby that I said that, she thinks that she is just as big :) ) on a short backpacking trip up to the Cascade Mountains. They went with our friends (Chris, the dad- and his daughters, Kelby and Maddy). The girls- ok, and Ryan and Chris were quite the troopers and when a super big mosquito infestation (no joke, Ashtin looked like she had the Chicken Pox AND the Measles!!) cut the trip a day and a night short, they hiked almost 10 miles in one day! They got to see some absolutely beautiful scenery and got to spend some quality dad and daughter time. After viewing the photos, I was a little jealous, but I did get to bond with Abby and the boys...

The Beautiful Cascade Mountains

Amazing reflection of Squaw Lake



Campsite

Sqaw Lake

What Troopers!

Cathedral Rock

Ryan, on the trail

Quite the slope (Ashtin and Cortnee)

Deep Lake

Looks like it should be a painting

Peggy's Pond

SUMMER DAYS

This summer has been a lot of fun and most of it has been in our own little neighborhood! We have had fun watching our backyard full of fruit grow (and not so much fun discovering that our dog seems to know exactly when the blueberries and strawberries are perfectly ripe). We have one of those Costco playsets that the kids have thorougly enjoyed for the past few years, this year being no different. A neighbor next to us has a hot tub and trampoline, and our neighbor behind us has one of those big pools that they have graciously shared with our family- the kids have had a blast! There is also the infamous "water table" that we got for Abby when she was little that is still going strong as the most popular toddler/preschooler summer pastime. I also must mention that our neighbors behind us have the most beautiful asian inspired landscaping in their backyard. Our two older girls play with their two girls and we have a "secret panel" in the fence in which they go back and forth (not to mention that Ryan has easy access to sneak over and play a video game or two with their dad!) Anyway, when emerging into the yard (via the secret panel), I always feel like I am entering into a Japanese secret garden, with the peaceful sounds of a calming pond (complete with Japanese Koi swimming about). They have even built brick steps with solar lanterns on either side leading up to the panel. We have been blessed with great neighbors and friends for our kids!

FUN IN THE SUN

One of our best investments of all time


Summer harvest!


Two varieties of raspberry bushes and Ashtin's grafted apple tree


Cortnee's "dwarf" apricot tree

Entrance into the garden

The beautiful Japanese "Secret Garden

Seth and the "water table"

Abby, in our neighbor's hot tub

Swimming in the other neighbor's pool

Seth loves to swing!

CORTNEE TURNS 11

Our second daughter turned 11 on August 10th... I know I'm a little bit behind on blogging, I sorta read the whole Twilight Series and part of the "Uglies" series in ten days! Anyway, a little tribute to the first drama queen (Abby is quickly catching up) in our family. Cortnee is passionate about life and friends- and well, just about everything. Cortnee is very much into hair, design, and fashion. At times, I swear her motto has been "Who cares if it's uncomfortable, it looks great!" Cortnee is very committed to school with her school work, as well as various committees that she is a part of. She is a fantastic dancer, actress and singer- and the best part is that she has the confidence that goes with all of that! Cortnee is also a wonderful big sister- (and according to Ashtin, sometimes a decent little sister also!) she will set up "Cortnee Preschool" for the little kids and has quite the curriculum too. She is an early riser and at the crack of dawn every morning (when Seth decides that no matter what time he went to sleep the night before, he is raring to go), begs to get him out of his crib to play with him, feed him breakfast- and sometimes when I'm super lucky, change his diaper as well. Cortnee has a big heart and growing testimony and is a fabulous example to all those around her. Thanks for being part of our family Cortnee, we love you!!

Cortnee is getting older...

February, 2004

Cortnee's competition dance team, Spring 2006

The backpack Cortnee wanted, Aug. 10, 2008

Cortnee, you are my idol!

Make a Wish...

Happy Birthday Cortnee!

Ash and Cort (continue back to view slide show of Cortnee)

Happy Birthday Cortnee!

CORTNEE

MY DOUBLE LIFE

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to be a "guest vendor" for Say It Simply, in a whimsical gift shop, at our local mall. Normally, Ryan would have represented us. However, it was dubbed a "Girl's Night Out" event, complete with drinks, finger food, and discount promotions. Since Ryan is clearly not a girl, it became my opportunity by default. Sometimes, Ryan has a difficult time understanding that I have a hard time differentiating my role as Home Commander, and then immediately switching over to Business Woman in a matter of minutes. I amazingly seemed to pull it off (again) and I do love the reactions from some people when finding out that we have five kids (especially here in the Northwest)! The pictures below are, in fact, taken within hours of each other and clearly demonstrate my "double life".

Seth thinks he's funny!

Representing Say It Simply at "Vertigo"