More pictures...

This is what I get for mentioning that there are never any pictures of me! Husband makes me sit on a rock and get my picture taken! Well...it was a nice try. The boys!

Vacation Pictures

Here are a few pictures from our vacation...At least one of each of us. I will post more later, when I have more time. Enjoy! The boys loved riding their bikes on the bike path! This is Trevor and me (with my lovely "vacation hair") on the deck of our condo.

We're Ba-aack!

We just rolled in a couple hours ago from our trip to Klamath Falls, Oregon! (Not to be confused with Kalama or Klackamas.) I'll spare you the "National Lampoon's Family Vacation" details...(Isn't a road trip, by definition, a "comedy of errors"? Or is it a...DRAMA!) Just kidding! We had a great time! Stay tuned for pictures...coming soon to a blog near you!

Movie Recommendation

Bryan and I recently watched "Everything is Illuminated", starring Elijah Wood and directed by Liev Schreiber. It was SO good! We laughed, we cried... For any of you who appreciate art, this was an extremely well made movie and I highly recommend it! If you click on this link, you might be able to watch a preview... http://www.netflix.com/MovieDisplay?movieid=70023964&trkid=189530&strkid=20850206_0_0 (Disclaimer: It is rated PG-13 for "disturbing images/violence, sexual content and language". Although, that makes it sound worse than it is. And those of you who know me know that I wouldn't watch it or recommend it if I thought it was too inappropriate.) So, there's my "two cents"! Enjoy!

Party Time!

We went to Glenn and Stacy's for a 4th of July bash, yesterday! As you can see by the pictures, it was all sorts of fun! We actually ended up leaving before the fireworks, though. Trevor was pretty freaked out by them. When we got home, the boys watched the neighborhood fireworks in their jammies, from the safety of their bedroom window! They played so hard all day, I think they were asleep within 10 minutes!

Independence Day; July 4, 1776

I thought I would share another "Gavin-ism" that seems to fit the day... Not only did he ask me if I was born in the 1700's, he also asked me where I was born. When I told him "Wyoming", he said, "So, you're not an American, then?" I hope you all have a safe and happy 4th!

World Cup, Anyone...?

Here are my guys in their matching England jerseys! How handsome!

Lake Fun

The weather has been so nice lately, we decided to go swim in the lake yesterday!

More Costumes...Of course!

The Bat Mobile! (Yes, it was 80 degrees outside!) He was trying to get his cape to fly behind him, but all he succeeded in doing was getting it caught in the wheel! I know that, from recent pictures, it seems like all the boys do is ride bikes! (And dress up...Well, the latter is pretty true!) Actually, one of the things the three of us have enjoyed doing lately is playing badminton! Of all the sports, my favorite is anything in which an object is volleyed! (IE: Volley Ball, Badminton, Tennis, Beach Ball, etc...) And more importantly, the birdies (or shuttlecocks, if you will) don't get hit over the fence as easily as everything else!! Which means that we can play for a good hour before all of the birdies are gone! Last night I decided to play barefooted...Which was all fine and good until I stepped on a BEE! He didn't like that very much, and neither did my toe! That was the first time I have ever been stung by anything! That's right; in my 29 (wink) years of life, I had never been stung by a bee until now! (Side note: Gavin asked me the other day if I was born in the 1700's!!) Well, I suppose it was bound to happen some time. Needless to say, my toe is now a little red and swollen. Pretty. Gavin is so insightful. He said, "Mom, you should have worn thongs!!" I really don't know how a thong would have helped me in that situation, but whatever. (Ha!)

Wow, I've been slackin'! I guess the most exciting thing that has happened since my last post is that our good friends, Zach and Kim, had their baby! (And two weeks early, I might add!) Jafeth Roy was born on Monday morning; 6lbs, 6oz, 19in! He is so adorable and looks just like his three brothers! (I'd post a picture, but I forgot to take my camera with me!) Kim looks amazing, too, by the way! Let's see...What else? Tuesday was my father-in-law's birthday, so we all went to Rain Forest Cafe for dinner. The boys had never eaten there before because, up until now, they had been too afraid! (We've walked by and looked in many times.) It is kind of a sensory overload! After two lemonades and a bowl of ice cream each, they were practically climbing the trees with the gorillas we were sitting by! It was a very enjoyable evening! Gavin was pretty upset that Grandpa only got two presents, though! He even cried on the way home! ("Why did Grandpa only get two presents?") I guess we'll have to work on that for the next birthday, huh? (Is my birthday next? Ha! Just kidding!)

A couple pictures...

On Friday the boys and I went to a birthday party at a water park! It was SO much fun! The boys couldn't get enough of the wave pool! Trevor got to be on the news...for a split second! He was playing in a water fountain and I looked over and saw a news camera filming him! I got a crazy bad sunburn. Ouch! Of course, I remembered to put sunscreen on the boys! But did I think of myself? NO! Trevor was thoughtful enough to remember me in his prayers tonight: "God, thank you for mom's sunburn!" Ha! I think God knows what he meant. Little sweety! Bryan and I took a couple of chairs out front this evening and sat and watched the boys bike and scoot in the cul de sac. It was a beautiful evening and ever since Gavin learned to ride his bike, he's constantly asking to go out front to ride it! (Go figure. And, "constantly" is hardly an overstatement!) So, at one point, Trevor stopped scootering (yes, it's a word) and said to Gavin, "Are cold-i-sacs cold?" And he bent down to feel the ground. Then, he looked across at the cul de sac that was in the sun and he said, "Is that a warm-i-sac?" B and I cracked up! Ahhh, kids.

A Pirate's Life for Me...

Note the chest and facial hair..! (And, of course, the mean pirate look!)

Gavin's Bike Ride

Big Day!

I taught Gavin how to ride his bike, without the training wheels, yesterday! I wish I could have captured the look on his face, he was SO proud of himself! He got it on the second try and then spent the entire rest of the day practicing so he could surprise Dad when he got home! (He's practicing out back in the grass. Softer landing!) Oh, what a joyous memory! I guess it's time to hold up our end of the bargain: "If you learn to ride your bike without the training wheels, we'll get you a new bike!" The one he's riding now is too small and really needs to be passed on to Trevor! Poor little guy...he's just yearning to ride that bike like brother, as he's watching and scooting around on his scooter! Ha! Good thing it's garage sale season! Woo hoo! Speaking of "exercise equipment"...I (we) bought an "Orbitrek Platinum Elliptical Trainer" yesterday! (Sounds fancy, doesn't it!?) Actually, I found it on Craig's List for $50, and it's super nice! I had never actually seen one or used one, but I have heard a lot of talk about them. And, let's face it, I had to do something! My body and my clothes have been fighting a losing battle for quite some time! I thought this would be a good start and cheaper than a treadmill or gym membership (or a new wardrobe)! Plus, although it's not the most attractive piece of furniture, it does fit perfectly in our bedroom! (I pledge not to turn it into a clothes hanger!) So, here's the little "funny"... I had contacted the woman about it and said I'd come take a look at it. I told Bryan that even though I was pretty sure I was going to get it, (it was a bargain, after all) I wanted him to come in and look at it with me and tell me what he thought. So, we get there and she takes us up to her room and shows it to me. (I really have no idea what I'm looking at, as I've never seen an "elliptical" before! Ha!) I hop on it and try to act like I know what I'm doing...Then, Bryan says, "Andrea..? Did you see her posters?" I look up from the machine and, "[GASP!!!!] YOU'RE AN ALIAS FAN!!!!!" Her entire bedroom was covered in ALIAS posters! She even had a huge framed poster of Sydney Bristow! Bryan says, "If that's not confirmation, I don't know what is!" Ha ha! (Yes, I know that Yvonne may be the only one who will appreciate this story! Ha!) So, in conclusion, we got the machine home and I hopped on it for my first exercise session! (They say you only have to do it for 20 minutes a day! It's a "cake walk", right!?) One and a half minutes into it, I thought I was gonna die! Holy Guacamole! I have some work to do!

My Husband ROCKS!

This picture was taken by Jason last year. I just love it! This past Sunday, when Bryan was drumming at church, the first song started, and I watched in awe as my talented hubby rocked out! As I was watching and smiling, all of a sudden he dropped a stick! (Actually, it went flying! Yes, I laughed!) Well, the cool thing is, he literally didn't skip a beat! He just grabbed another stick and kept right on going! It was awesome! Believe it or not, in that split second, I was really ministered to. It was in that moment of "weakness" that I was able to see Bryan triumph, and that in turn made my admiration for him and his talent even greater! 2 Cor 12:9a "...My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." I think that is true in life, too. When we see people succeeding and being blessed in their lives, it is so much sweeter when we know the adversity they had to overcome to get to where they are now. It's the "walking through the valley" that makes us appreciate the victory of emerging on the other side! Rom 12: 15 "When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow." I got to thinking about this when I read one of Mary's recent posts. Ever since they left to pursue God's will for them in Nevada, I've been reading on their blog about all the wonderful things happening in their lives! I've been happy for them and rejoiced with them and their successes... But, when Mary shared her heart about the trials they have had to overcome during this past year, it really opened the door for me to see how they have trusted in God to bring them through it all! Jer 29: 11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" May you put your trust in God today, and Praise Him, whether you are in a valley or on a mountain top!

Fathers' Day

We had a BBQ at our house yesterday for Fathers' Day. It was so much fun! The boys played outside all day and wore "Grandpa" out! (He did get to take a little snooze before we opened some presents!) After everyone left, I got to talk to my dad on the phone for an hour and a half! I miss him so much! He lives in Wyoming, so we only get to see him about once a year, at best! Not only do I miss him, but I miss him for the boys, and I miss the boys for him! Hopefully we'll get to see him (and my step-mom and sister) again, soon! In the mean time, I always enjoy hanging out with my dad-in-law! I love you both! Happy (belated) Fathers' Day to all of you fathers out there!

Ode to a Fish

Last night I was reading bed time stories to the boys, when Gavin noticed that the fish, Dory, was "sleeping" and that she "looks like she's dead"! Well, upon closer inspection...sure enough. Dory had gone on to a better place. (No, the cat didn't get her!) Gavin was very sad. Trevor wasn't sad at all! He actually said, "I'm not sad at all!" Until, of course, he saw how much love and attention Gavin was getting for being sad! Then, all of sudden, Trevor was very "sad"! Gavin said that Dory is alive in heaven and that he can imagine what heaven looks like..."White clouds and angels everywhere, and a big white throne with Jesus on it! ...And great (great) Grandpa is there, too, taking care of Dory!" Ahhhh...

This was on Monday, the first day of summer vacation! It didn't seem warm enough, to me, to play in the sprinkler, but they really enjoyed it! Monday night was Gavin's last baseball game! I was SO miserable! I'm glad they didn't cancel it, because he would have been devastated, but it was raining pretty hard! And it was at the field by the river, so there were swarms of mosquitoes attacking us, too! Yuck! Trevor and I are both still dealing with nasty mosquito bites! So, a good news update: All of the money that was taken from us during our recent fraud incident, was put back into our account by the bank! Hopefully this is the end of it and we can move on! Phew! And, Bryan (with a little help from Shawn) fixed his car! Way to go, B! And for very little money! Praise the Lord! "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 Lastly, I have some big news...(Are you sitting down?)...As of yesterday, we are officially Costco members!!!! Woo hoo! (I know! I am just as excited as you are! Ha!) I can't believe we have put it off for so long! I hadn't been to Costco in like 5 years, and then went with my mother-in-law about a month ago! I couldn't believe the prices and incredible deals on things that I buy all the time! Not only did Linda (for "sponsoring" me) and I, both get a $10 gift card when I signed up, I'm certain I will save that membership cost in two trips! Incredible! (I do have three big boys to feed! Ha!) I found that the biggest problem was trying to find a place to put everything when I got home! I have single chicken breasts shoved in every crevice of the freezer! Ha! I thought I was done, but I just thought of one more thing! Gavin, (little sweetie!) woke me up this morning and said, "How do I do the dishes? I want to do the dishes for you!" I had a feeling it would prove to be a little too difficult for him, but it sure was a nice gesture! Fortunately, he gave up after putting only one dirty plate into the dishwasher with the clean dishes!

What's Your Pirate Name?

My pirate name is:

Calico Anne Rackham

Often indecisive, you can't even choose a favorite color. You're apt to follow wherever the wind blows you, just like Calico Jack Rackham, your namesake. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

We had fun playing around with this! (I didn't think it sounded like me, so I "tried again"...It came up with the same name all three times! I even tried saying "I'm tough as steak"! Whatever.) Imagine Gavin's...er, um...Dirty Davy Rackam's...face when I ran across this website! I stumbled across it when I was searching for the meaning of his name, per his inquiry. (The best I could find was "white hawk"... So, as you can see, we didn't name him Gavin based on the meaning of it! Ha! I also found that Trevor means "big village"! LOL! Go figure! I will continue my search for other meanings!) So, there you have it, mateys! Enjoy!

Summer Time!

Gavin is officially done with first grade! Can you believe it!? And baseball is almost over. Just one more game! We had the end of season trophy party today. I tried to get a good picture of Gavin with his trophy...You can see how well that worked out! Little nut!

Trevor and Smudge

I don't really feel like writing today, so here's a picture...

More vehicle stories...

Today I need a picture of "Subaru NOT Go"! Ha! (See previous post.) Bryan woke me up at 4:00 yesterday morning, as that's when he needed to leave for work, to tell me that the car wouldn't start so he had to take the van to work! Of course, after that I couldn't get back to sleep! I couldn't stop thinking about how I was going to get Gavin to school, and from school, and to baseball, etc. When I finally did fall back asleep, I dreamt about it! I did get it all worked out, with the help of many people! (Thank you, all!) Today, the boys and I got up and took Bryan to work at 6:00 am, so that I wouldn't be stranded all day, again! (The boys in their bathrobes and me with my coffee! I don't see 6am very often. Or, never!) Bryan was actually quite giddy! He got his brand new work truck last night (PTL!) so he was excited to show it off to us this morning! (Gavin said it was shiny!) I'm so happy for him! He has really put in his time in some terrible, run down, broken all the time, trucks! He really deserves this and I hope he will be blessed by it and in it! Go, B! P.S. I really hope I put the picture of the right truck! If not, Bryan can change it later. I know that isn't his actual truck...I got to see his truck this morning, and it is very cool...and shiny!

Commuting Adventures

I can't believe Gavin only has four and a half days of school left! Four and half days left of the commute to and from school! Of course, half of that time is spent driving one handed as one hand is always reaching back to hand off a juice box or a Kleenex or a piece of gum... (Or to retrieve a used juice box or Kleenex or piece of gum! Moms, you know how it is!) Yesterday on the ride home from school I made the mistake of announcing to the boys that I had the hiccups! So, all the way home they had to take turns growling at me to try to scare my hiccups away! And, of course, it didn't take long for the, "It's my turn to scare her!" "You had 3 turns!" "Stop it!" And then there's me, "Sto-(hick) STOP ARGUING! (hick)" Then, out of nowhere, Gavin kicks the back of my seat..."Did I scare you?" Another van story... So, I like the song "Beautiful" by James Blunt, so I checked out his CD, "Back to Bedlam", from the library the other day. (I've recently become addicted to checking things out from the library, but that is a story for another day! Albeit, an exciting one! Ha!) Anyway, so I'm riding along in the van with Trevor, cranking the CD and the song, "Beautiful", and it gets to the part that says, "she could see on my face, that I was, flying high..." (Right. I never really thought about the lyrics until that moment, but not really the point of the story.) Apparently, on the CD, instead of "flying" he says another choice "F" word! Imagine my surprise! Ha! I'm sure Trevor didn't notice, but I sure did! Goodness! It really seems highly unnecessary to me, and ruins an otherwise lovely song! Oh well. Who am I... At least I now know where it is so I can keep one hand on the volume and turn it down at just the right moment! And I think we've established that I'm an accomplished one handed driver!

Creative Fair

This is Gavin's creative Fair project. He had a little help coming up with the idea (they are just suppose to do any sort of project on something that interests them), but he did the entire thing by himself! The kids have so much fun at Creative Fair! They get to walk around and see everyone's projects, they have special guests come (ie: The Reptile Man, etc), they get to eat hot dogs and ice cream... Fun, fun, fun!