Christmas Breakfast

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST

12-PEOPLE TALKING - (at once)

11- CREPES A PERSON

10- TYLENOL

9- CUPS OF SPILLED JUICE

8- TIRED ADULTS

7- CUPS OF SAUSAGE

6- KIDS A PLAYING

5- CUPS OF STRAWBERRIES

4- RIPE BANANAS

3- TEMPER TANTRUMS

2- PACKAGES OF BACON

AND A GREAT CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST WITH THE FAMILY!!!



We had a great Christmas the boys got Nintendo DS lites. Breeana got Pet shops. Me and Larry weren't so good so we got coal. Actually Larry got GI JOE's DVD from the old cartoons and I got a new Rubik's cube with all the stickers!



We loved seeing and Noel and Shelby, Malachi and Phoenix. Nikki and Pete with Luke and Loved living close enough to have MOM and DAD come and join us! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

YOU CAN'T SEE ME!

Last night I went to check on Breeana to see if she was asleep in bed!
BUT...

She wasn't there.

So I checked in Brenden's bed.

BUT...

She wasn't there.

So I checked in my bed.

BUT...

She wasn't there.

I COULDN'T FIND HER ANYWHERE!

Then as I looked through the house I saw her hiding behind the chair eyes covered I stood there for a moment before it hit me. She was thinking...

IF I CAN'T SEE YOU, YOU CAN'T SEE ME!

So I snapped a picture and said get to bed!

Brent finished Wrestling!

This was Brents saying Brent picked for his sweat shirt! I think it describes how he felt!

He hated having to cut weight and do extra work outs! He loves that he now out weighs, has out grown his mom and can pin her every time! Being mom stinks! He had more wins than loses, cut his lip open 5 times and put a hole in the back of his friends head! Over all a great season!!

Brent had a lot of hard work.....

And it payed off! He did great!!

He Achieved fifth place in districts and at the Clark County Tournament!

Those evil eyes say it all!

THIS IS HIS TEAM!

THEY WERE UNDEFEATED THIS YEAR BEATING EVERY OTHER TEAM! THEY WORKED HARD AND ACHIEVED THEIR GOAL! WAY TO GO!!

star fish hair

Here you go Jess!

Hopefully this makes sense!

1. Put hair into a pony tail then divide into five sections!

2. braid all five sections of hair separately.
3.Then take one section at a time and turn it under pony tail holder.

Another view of turning it under ponytail holder.

After turning all five ponies under you have a star fish!

With Breeana's long hair I have to turn under twice to get it so that the ends aren't so long like in the picture. Any questions give me a call!

Breeana gets her ears pierced

Breeana's getting Big!!!

Breeana was so excited to get her ears pierced! She been wanting done for a long time and so we went to the mall and decided to just do it! As you can see she is as HAPPY as can be!!

Then as the lady start she realizes that it hurts. Her mom being such a nice mom never told her how you get your ears pierced I think she thought it was by magic!

This is Breeana's friend Kara who was like what are you doing to her!

At this point I can only guess that Breeana is saying, "what you have to do it again!!"

She was brave didn't start crying till after both ears were pierced.

And it only took a few minutes for her to be excited and happy that her ears have flowers in them! Now she can't wait till Thanksgiving when she can change them to match her clothes.

FOOTBALL STAR

NUMBER 7

Brent has had a great time on the football team. He is one of the Team captain's and first thought he would be 2nd string Quarter back. We were excited, it was what he wanted but the coaches knew Brent had to much talent to play 2nd string and to play just one position and they were right Brent never left the field their first game winning 18 to 6. HIGHLIGHTS!! Brent felt what it was like to take down some one with a nice tackle or two. He got an interception was able to run the ball 50 yd. He quickly became one of the top players.

GAME 2!
Brent was only suppose to play defence and special teams but after an amazing game winning touchdown he never left the field again! He stiff armed the guy trying to tackle him and had an amazing run of 40yds. It was so fun to watch him. He and Brenden C. another player on the team stole the whole game with their spectacular playing. interceptions, tackles, back up plays the whole 9 yards Brent was amazing and I love to see how happy he is when he is doing what he loves and is successful at it! He has so much talent I always tell him what ever he puts his heart in to he will achieve.

WAY TO GO BRENT!!!!

HOOD TO COAST!!!!

FOR 36 HOURS - NO SLEEP, NO SHOWERS, NO PRIVACY, NO RUNNING WATER, ONE MEAL, 16.6 MILES OF RUNNING, SITTING IN SWEAT AND FILTH, THROWING UP, BEING CLOSE TO STRANGERS.......

LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE!!!

*RUNNING WITH YOUR HERO

*HAVING THE BEST VAN EVER

*GREAT TEAM SPIRIT

*LOOKING GOOD IN NEON YELLOW

*HAVING FAMILY THERE TO SHARE THE FUN

HOOD TO COAST WAS SO GREAT THIS YEAR I WAS RUNNER NUMBER 12 RUNNING LEG 12, 24, AND THE FINAL 36TH LEG ACROSS THE FINISH LINE AND LOOKING BACK I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT THE RAIN, THE PEOPLE, THE RUNNING THE WHOLE THING I AM BLESSED AND HONORED THAT MY DAD ASKED ME TO BE APART OF HIS TEAM IT WAS TRULY AMAZING! I ONLY WISH I COULD RUN AS FAST AS HIM!!! NEXT YEAR PERHAPS. I LOVE YOU DAD! THANK YOU!

Read on for leg by leg details..

Van 1 started running at 9:30am. We left Vancouver around 10:30 in the morning Friday the 28th. Nice and sunny day. We were all full of excitement. Got up to the first exchange post at Fred Meyer relaxed, talked with other vans and tried to keep our nerves to a minimum. As van one got close Dad got ready to run and the fun began. The exchange happened and we got instruction on all the timing devices and we jumped back in the van to head to the next exchange. Well this is the first on many wrong ways we went. luckily Rod had the fancy phone with GPS who got us back on the right path. the exchange went off well and dad did great! We headed off for the next exchange while I was getting more and more nervous. Being the last runner has its down sides and nerves was one of them. finally it Ralph was running and my turn to take the exchange. While waiting for Ralph to run in we realize I need a reflector vest and flash light it was still light out side but rules were that at 6pm-7am you must wear the vest luckily Mark was prepared and had his personal vest which was of course sweaty and gross from his run but rules are rules and we slipped the vest on grabbed rod headlight (he was prepared to) and then Ralph showed up. I was off and ready to run but I had forgotten to go to the bathroom, grab a piece of gum or get a drink of water! You think I was flustered or nervous or something. With in feet of starting some hot shot decided he wanted to pass me which I couldn't let go with out a little sprint battle in the end I knew there was no way I was going to keep up and told him good luck as I set my actual pace and ran. I wanted my van to stop and give me water half way though and quickly realized that the trail I was on was not going to allow that! It was a beautiful run though by the train tracks and by the river I even had a water skier wave at me so I waved back and kept running I pasted a more people than pasted me so that felt great!

The next exchange was under the bridge and it went off great no problems. now it was time for some sleep!! We only wish! We drove to the fair grounds and settled in for a short nap when there was the most annoying volunteer who decided to yell at every car trying to park. Not only was he yelling through the sleep area he was yelling,"THIS IS THE SLEEPING AREA!!" So after trying to sleep for a while we gave up talked to the car next to us and my dad got ready for his run. It was way dark at this time but we met up with van one and the exchange went great! Though when I looked down my dad hadn't handed me his phone so we called it and he had taken it for a run with him! We woke the few who did manage to close their eyes and hoped back in the car for the next exchange. On the way we pasted dad and so I ran to him and took the phone so he would have to worry about it! We ran through the night and then it was my turn again. About 3:45am no sleep but so excited. Slipped on the sweaty reflector vest and was off for my next run. I hate the dark and trees! So I decided my goal was to find some one to run with but there was no one in my sight! I saw a reflector vest way up ahead of me but no one close. Finally I saw a three shadows on the trees, from a passing car and thought some one is behind me I will slow and run with them. When the car got closer though I realized that it was only me! So I decided to pick up the pace and catch the person up ahead so I ran faster and did catch them but instead of running with them saw another person and decided to catch them I did this repeatedly and ended up with my best time. 9.20 minute miles this may be slow for some but I trained at a 10 minute mile pace when I arrived at the exchange no one from my team was there not my van not van no. 1. So I yelled my number repeatedly until my dad ran down and said they aren't here yet. Now what was I suppose to do? I hate standing still. But I did and I wasn't the only one there was about 10 runners waiting for van 1 to get to the exchange. After what felt like a long time some one ran up to me and said my name I asked if they needed the flashlight handed him the exchange bracelet and he ran off. I ran to my dad and he said van 1 still isn't here. I was a little scared realizing that I just handed off to someone who might not of been on my team. He said who did you hand off to? I felt a little worried when I said I don't know someone said my name so I gave it to them. At that time another runner from van one caught up to us and said sorry and let me know I had handed off to the right person. Asked how long we had been there, which had been 8 minutes. We exchanged info and papers with van 1 and were off again.

I tried to eat the other half of mySubway but it didn't taste quite right after running so I didn't finish it. Then as we were driving through the curvy mountains I got way car sick and ended up losing the little bit of food I needed. We got to the next exchange point and tried to sleep there but after a short while they kicked us out of the exchange point and sent us to the sleeping area. We did manage to get some sleep around a whole 20 minutes maybe even a half an hour if we were lucky. As the sun came up it was our time to run again. Leg number 3 every one was excited this was the last run. The exchange went great with van 1 and they headed for the beach. My dad ran and he did great finishing his run and bragging that he was now done running. All runners ran through the sprinkles and rain, and then my last run again, I was nervous hoping to not look to tired and wiped out as I cross the finish line. It was great I ran up a trail hill and there was so much dog poop and back berry bushes that I ended up having blood on my leg but no big deal this was the end! So I pushed it hard up the hill and I LOVED the down hill part! It was great, then when the ground leveled out I really felt my energy drained. I pushed through and made it so close and then slowed to a walk to two steps and some people were cheering me on, while sitting in the front yard I could walk I had to finish. so I ran and hoped that I was making good time and would finish. I loved when I ran across the timing pads knowing that my time was then calculated. Looked for my team to run across the line with me and they weren't quite there yet but almost. So I got to take a quick recovery breath and then ran across the line with my team.

I LOVE HOOD TO COAST!

It was so much fun we got our team pictures hung out for a little bit and then headed to Astoria to get some food on our way home. Food tasted so good. No more nerves to make my stomach ache and great to be with my family and most of my van. I really hope that I will be able to run next year and every year! I thank my dad for getting me into running and letting me join his team it is a privileged and honor not only to run Hood To Coast but to run with MY DAD!!!

First day of school

Well all my children had different thoughts on going back to school.

Can we do this every day!!!!

Breeana

Brenden do we have to go back already?

Brenden

Brent this is too early!

Brent

Brent also is on the football team and loving it his first game is on Tuesday the 8th I know that I am nervous but he is just excited!!! He is playing punt protector and some long snap something or other! It is the person who throws the ball to the person who holds the ball for the field goal kick! See I can be taught! Just a little at a time though!

They all were excited and tired after their first day of school and all were glad they had NO HOME WORK!!!

Many think that I would be sad that now all my children are in school but I am excited!! Maybe after all these years I can get my house put back together!!!

Good Old Fashion Fun

At our Pioneer picnic they Had face painting, bouncers, handcart rides, snow cones, dunk tank, relay races, hand made home made Ice cream, and more food then anyone could handle!!!!

But the favorite of all times was the toy making booth. They had buttons on a string which made me feel relay old seeing how his was a favorite when I was a kid. But Breeana thought this was so cool to keep her button spinning she played with it while waiting in line for all the other fun activities! I love that some time the simple things like Buttons and strings is what they enjoy. I think we sometimes add to many thrills and gimmicks to life and it loses the simple meaning.

reminders of my DAD!

I AM NOT A JOGGER
I may waddle when I run, but I'm running all the sameBy John Bingham
Image by Tim Bower
PUBLISHED 09/19/2007
The late Dr. George Sheehan, beloved Runner's World columnist and arguably the first running boom's premier philosopher, once wrote that the difference between a runner and a jogger was a signature on a race application. (For the youngsters out there, there was a time before online registration when you actually filled out a paper application, signed it, attached a check, and mailed it in. Quaint, I know.) As succinct as Dr. Sheehan's definition was, it made the point. If you were motivated enough to train for and participate in an organized running event, then you were a runner.

Anyone willing to risk public failure in order to be a part of the running community--no matter what his or her pace per mile might be--was a runner. Period. Kind of hard for anyone to argue with that logic.But a few months ago, an ad ran in this magazine that drew a very hard line between runners and joggers. I immediately heard from tons of readers who were upset by the distinction. To me, however, such definitions are meaningless, since those of us who call ourselves runners already know why we call ourselves runners.

Your reasons may be different from mine, but here's why I know I am a runner:

I AM A RUNNER because my runs have names.

I do tempo runs and threshold runs and fartlek runs.

I do long, slow runs and track workouts. My runs are defined, even if my abs are not.

I AM A RUNNER because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner.

I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not my running outfit.

I AM A RUNNER because I don't have running outfits. I have technical shirts and shorts and socks. I have apparel that enhances the experience of running by allowing me to run comfortably. I can say "Coolmax" and "Gore-Tex" in the same sentence and know which does what.

I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I'm pushing the limits of my comfort and why I'm doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate--things I once avoided--are necessary if I want to be a better runner.

I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I've done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won't have to scream in pain later on.

I AM A RUNNER because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway.

I AM A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them.

I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.Waddle on, friends.

I loved this little article and it reminded me of dad who always wants us to try our best and never accept failure! A dad who can out run us all but never puts us down Always trying to build us up to be healthier and happier while we run. A dad who has never been to tired to help one of his children out when we needed it! A dad who showed us what a dad should be, honoring mom, his callings, his children and work. A dad who had priorities in the right order! A dad who I will always look up to. A dad who inspires and drives us all to push our limits and try even harder on those days when we really just want to give up. To a dad who really was a dad. I love you dad so much and I hope that my boys will be dads like you! Thank you for everything in my life you are truely amazing!

Science Fair

Most 4th graders want to build a volcano or create mold or figure out crystals but Brenden wanted to know if 5 six sided dice or 3 ten sided dice would equal 18 or higher more. So he rolled dice for a very long time and recorded the information and did a great jog. He typed it all up and received and A in the end Great work Brenden.

And for all those math nerds like Brenden the 5 six sided dice rolled 18 or higher 53% while the 3 ten sided dice rolled 18 or higher 46%. So The 5 six sided dice win. Brenden did predict this to.

A good Book

Well people say to find a good book to sleep with! That is just what Breeana did!!!

I later found out that she was pushing the buttons and listening to the song that was on the book!

RECOVERY

I FOUND MY MARBLES!

Well I have missed all the extras around here and Breeana has too. It has been a little quieter and i am slowly putting my house back together! But for some reason I my body is trying to play catch up and is so tired! I also did great at not losing anything with all the kids but

BUT LOST MY KEYS!!!!!

Saturday after they all left I lost my keys to the point they are still missing! I decided that my mind works better when it is always going it is when I slow down that I am tired, forgetful and lose things! Hopefully by the end of the week we will have things back in the right places! and have keys in hand. If you find them let me know. The key chain has a saying on it I can't find my keys and it is true!

Day 7

GAVIN'S SAYING OF THE DAY
He was playing with his paper airplane and it was coming apart so I asked if I could fix it for him and he said, "I can't do it, When I BLOW UP I can." then when I told him I would miss him when he left he said, "I not miss you. I miss your pool and chuck e cheese but I not miss you!" He is honest and sweet. He did tell me later that he would come back to my house. I guess he is still holding a grudge from throwing him in the pool the other day!

I am sad to say this is the last day! I have really enjoyed the kids and I know Breeana and Brenden are really going to miss Ashley and Natalie! We ended our time together with the school carnival and I forgot my camera to take tons of fun pics but I did take pictures of the face paintings Ashley, Natalie and Breeana got.

Thank you David and Jess for sharing your children they are so fun and I have loved getting to know them all more! Travel safely and I love you guys. Hope the trip was perfect!!!!!

DAY 6

WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!!

Brenden Got a Happy Gram today and was awarded a shining star ticket for great behavior. I am proud of him. He has had a rough year!
Today was a fun day we went to work and the kids loved making sunflowers! Even Gavin loves arts and crafts. Then we went swimming they all really enjoyed that except for Gavin because mean Aunt Kara threw him in the deep end. He then decided that he would stay in the lower end of the pool and out of Aunt Kara's reach. He loved throwing the balls in the water and splashing everybody though. The others had a lot of fun and would of swam for hours if I would of let them.

We then went to boppin' Bo's for Dinner Gavin loved watching the train and wanted a picture of it. While there Larry decided to buy a red truck. It is pretty nice and fits the family better than the camero but now he has to get serious about selling the camero.

This is Brent.

After doing 4 days of P90X. On his head fast asleep and not thinking that he might be a little exhausted! I love having a work out buddy! It has been so much fun except he keeps stealing my weights!

Day 5

OUTSTANDING BAND MEMBER AWARD!!!!

Brent was awarded the outstanding Band member award last night at the very hot and very long band concert. He was so happy and I was very proud of him. He does great at everything he touches and if he works at it he will be amazing.

Breeana had her first taste of kindergarden and loved it she was upset that the bus ride didn't drop her off at home though.

Natalie had a fun day at work with Larry even got a dollar tip from seating people. She was excited.

DAY 4

Well today the kids all got to go to work with me Gavin loved it they had more cars and trucks then I do at home!

Chuck E Cheese!!!!!!
Gavin loved it! Though he made me nervous everytime I turned around he was gone, running from one location to another!!!!

Natalie was so funny her and Breeana found the credit card machine and they now have about 20 cards with thier pictures on them.

Ashley loved playing everywhere and everthing! Her and Brenden loved trading in there tickets for little items!

These are the cards that now litter my house!!! They are so much fun and the girls love them!

Brent had fun with all the sport games and beat his dad when they completed! He loved the basketball one and baseball one best and he is very good!

Brenden was a nut and enjoyed play but he thought the best part was the I took him out of school early to go!

And of course Chuck E Cheese is where a kid can be a kid even the big kids have fun!