The perfect shoppers.

Old faithful.

I'm not sure what surprised me more - that we drove by our old car or that I still had the license plate memorized.  But, there she was - still in great shape.  I had to do a U-turn & then explained to the kids that that was our old car.  Lai remembered it, Ax said he wanted it back.  Without skipping a beat I said "nope - we don't" & drove away...  :)

Star struck?

As I was checking out at TJ's the other day I did a double-take.  Low and behold - who was standing at the register also checking out was this gal.  It's not like she's Tom Cruise but, it was just so funny to see her in real life.  I had to say something, but what?  The only thing that came out of my mouth was, "Not to be creepy but, I totally follow your blog."  she said, "oh, I love that - that's so great!" That's all, and I left.  I could not stop giggling the entire way home.  I'm a dork.  (One can only imagine how much I would freeze-up if I ran into Bono or something... )  Oi.

Stitches.

After the kids had their first church Christmas concert last Sunday we went to g-ma & g-pa's for lunch.  Axel fell off his chair, hit the chair next to him on the way down & split open his chin.

As they were sewing him up with 5 stitches my relaxed little guy fell right to sleep.

Drawing while we waited for the doc...

All tuckered out.  

Unfortunately, he was not as well behaved for the stitch removal.  Who knew it would take 4 of us to pin him down...  Again, thankful for Children's being so close by.

Met g-ma & g-pa at U Vill after, for some celebratory hot cocoa.  No more stitches!  

U Village.

I realize that there is a portion of this population that doesn't like U Village.  I respect that.  It's expensive & has that yuppy feel to it.  However, it's lovely.  It just is.  I rather shop there than anywhere else in the Seattle area, any day.  L & I snuck away for a little date to wander the open halls.

Well hello, Mr. January!

Look who I found as Mr. January in J's 2012 work calendar....  Way to go, babe!

He's the handsome one, on the left... :)    

Community Property Agreement.

Are you married, own a home & a Washington State resident?

Have you completed & filed a 
'Community Property Agreement' form at your local court house?  

I recently learned of this very important form & thought I would help spread the word to make sure you complete it as well.  In the event that you or your spouse die, this simple form saves you months of headaches, money & time.  This lawyer's site explains the form pretty well.   You can download a free copy online (just Google it but, let me know if you can't find it), have a Notary stamp it, & then file it with your county courthouse... In our case, we had to go downtown & file it with the King Co. Superior Court for a fee of $64.

Wouldn't you think that if you're married & your spouse dies that you would be the rightful owner of your property?  Nope, not until the State determines that....  If you don't fill out one of these forms (EVEN if you have a will!!!) the process STILL has to go through a lengthy, costly probate for the state to determine that you get your property...  One lady I heard about had to wait 14 months!

So, look into it peeps!

Please note:  I think every state has this form so, if you don't live in Washington it would behoove you to research the laws of your state.  

"Sometimes I feel quite CERTAIN there's a JERTAIN in the CURTAIN."

Hold on to your fork.

Have any of you checked out this fabulous blog?  This gal is a friend of a friend, she's local & is as creative as they come!  I've spent quite a bit of time on her site & encourage you to do the same.  Her home decor ideas are inspiring & totally amazing but, I'll be honest... they stress me out a little (in the same way Martha stresses me out...) 

Her latest post is a little off the beaten path but, so fitting for J, K, Lai & A...

Hold on to your fork!

"I heard a story this weekend and wanted to share. Perhaps you’ve heard it, or maybe it isn’t even true, but the meaning is sweet, nevertheless. You can read many different versions online, but this is my recap:

A woman who was nearing death, requested that she be buried with a fork in her hand. When asked why a fork, she went on to share that her favorite moment was when following a meal, she was reminded to ‘hold on to her fork’ which, of course, meant dessert was on its way.

She chose to be buried with a fork as a beautifully symbolic picture to those who would mourn her death that this world was not her home, but that the best was yet to come. Her view of eternity was so true … a place where even the best of this world would pale in comparison to what Heaven will offer.

I know it is easy to fear death or pain or hardship – especially when you just can’t seem to escape it – but please know that there is good to come for those who put their trust in God. Whatever your circumstance, whatever your current struggle, whatever your fear, know that not only is there hope of an eternal life with our Lord, but He also offers unexplainable peace, joy and comfort as we walk through trials here in this messy world.

Be encouraged and remember to hold on to your fork – the best is yet to come."

Sleeping Beauty.

Lately L has decided she doesn't want to sleep with covers because her cousin's "Bren-Derek" don't.  We oblige, but then go in and cover her before we go to bed.  Tonight as my eyes were adjusting to the darkness & I was locating her covers I gasped as my eyes caught her pregnant belly.  I quickly whistled for Jason to look, we could barely contain our chuckles.  We then laughed harder upon unzipping her jams.

Total count:  3 stuffed animals, 1 sippy cup.  

Dedicated to my man.

As some of you know, I spent the last 5 days in Austin, TX.  (It was a life changing trip that I can't wait to share about - I'll fill y'all in later.)  Anyway, flying home we had a quick lay-over in San Jose.  Before boarding our plane my brother-in-law "lovingly" informed me that my "husband's hero's" were right behind me.  To my amazement the entire Sounds Football Club was getting ready to board OUR plane!  They graciously allowed me to get a photo with them (as they totally mocked my GIANT backpack... note how far behind Brad Evans had to stand to make room for the big pack...)  After the photo I called Jason & Kasey Keller graciously agreed to chat it up for a bit.  K-A-S-E-Y K-E-L-L-E-R!  They talked for awhile & then we all boarded the plane.  This was a great way to end a special time away!

Say "NO!" to bottled water.

Please watch this important video.  

SMOOOOOOOCH!

Please don't hate because I changed to a really obnoxious kissy background.  I'll update after V-day.  :)

Things I'm loving...

 Look at his cute tooth!  I love his new smile & the fact that he is eating more & more by himself.  

 These chocolatey mints from TJ's will change your life.  

 Why haven't I bought one of these in years past!?  This year we bought two & L-O-V-E it!  Great coupons supporting local businesses!

 This is totally random but, months ago my sister told me that she's started using dish soap for both dishes AND her hands at the kitchen sink.  Brilliant!  Why do we feel we must have seperate soaps?  We use this soap - it's not too slimy, it's clear & we've noticed no difference in how our hands feel.  I love not having a separate soap container by the kitchen sink.  We have it in our handy built-in pump & refill as necessary. 

 The triplets.  Laila loves all her cousins but, has bonded so much with these boys.  They play so well together...

 Where they go, she goes (whether they like it or not...)

 Are you a nursing mama?  Coconuts have amazing nutrients for you in their water & flesh.  I have loved these ever since I learned (the hard way) that the white part you see here is NOT edible.  You must dig a little to enjoy these "young coconuts" but, it's worth it...

Last but not least, my hubs... The kids & I have been sick this week, I've been severely sleep deprived for 7 nights (but who's counting) so, this man surprised me & is taking a sick day tomorrow to help out on the home-front.  THANKS so much babe!!!   

One space or two?

Are you a one spacer or two? As you know, I've been a two spacer but this article has rocked my world. Oh man, I will now try my best to be a one spacer...

MOvember is MOver!

December 1st has been a long time coming.  Movember is over so we celebrated before making daddy shave.  He was a sport and raised over $300 for the cause.  I for one am excited to kiss a clean shaven face!  

Bzzzz.

All in the name of research...

I realize you don't need to know every detail of my every day but, today has been a doozy.  This afternoon I rushed out the door to get Axey to a research study at UW on time, found the specified parking lot & parked.  I could write a book about all that was happening between me getting out of the car & almost getting my child out of the car, but bottom line: I locked my keys, son & phone in the car.  Think about this.  Keys.  SON.  Phone.  And, lets assume I don't have OnStar or a spare magnet key box in my wheel well, Mkay...!?

As you can imagine this posed a bit of a dilemma.  Without a phone I would need to go to a phone, but I couldn't leave Ax.  Luckily, many kind strangers stopped to be of assistance.  Unfortunately, all coat hanger-less.  Long story short:  a locksmith arrived and wanted $225(!), I declined & ended up paying him $45 - about $40 too much... (Not that Axel isn't worth every penny but, he was fine & loving the attention of all the onlookers - he would have managed waiting 25 minutes for Jason to arrive with a spare key...)

Needless to say we arrived to our little research study late but, Axel did a stellar job.  You can't tell in this photo but, he has wires hooked up to his right ear - (it was a hearing study, same one that L did 2 yrs ago).

Axel today

Lai 1/09

Birt family day-O-FUN.

We (& when I say, "we" I mean "I") declared today to be "family fun day".  We packed up the kidos & headed downtown.  
FIRST STOP?  

Seattle Public Library - this place is AMAZING!  

 NEXT STOP? 

Seattle's historic Smith Tower.  Built 1910-1914.  They started construction 100 years ago!  

 Access to the observation deck is via the last manually operated elevators on the west coast.  

This cute gentleman was our elevator operator.  

Thank you Jesus for these 3 lives beside me.  

 This employee LOVED Laila & would surprise her in each window as Laila ran by outside.  

My sweet little man that was so tired but, didn't let out so much as a peep.  

A look at the architecture above the outer observation deck.  A couple & their 2 young kids occupy the top 3 floors.  How would you like to grow-up in the top of the Smith Tower?  The employee pictured above said that the oldest girl learned to ride her bike going around the observation deck!  If you have not visited this fabulous icon of the city, DO IT!  You will not be disappointed.  

90210.

Like totally happy 9-02-10 day!