Locks of Love . . . In Honor of Aunt Erika!

10 Amazing Years Together!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions . . .

A year ago we chose to leave Las Vegas and move to Washington for a great job opportunity for Jeremiah. He has always wanted his own construction business and we saw this job with Westcott Homes as a jump in the right direction. He was promised the opportunity to learn more about the home building process (land acquisition, contacts, purchasing, etc.) and to share the many things that he learned in his position at Pulte Homes. From those first few days on the job to this last week, Jeremiah has been concerned that he made a HUGE mistake. This was not the opportunity he had been promised. He has spent the last year overwhelmed, frustrated, tired and stressed from the lack of organization. I've never seen him so "down" or so affected by his job.

Well, that all came to an end on Friday when Jeremiah lost his job. Yes sir, he no longer works for Westcott Homes. We spent the weekend very relieved. It was like a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders and our home (and relationship) felt normal again. Reality set in on Monday and it is a little scary. We have no idea what we are going to do. Now is not the time to be in residential construction, but we are hopeful that he will find something quickly. We trust that everything happens for a reason and that we were supposed to move to Washington. As our home in Vegas sits empty we can't help but wonder where our next move will take us. I sure hope it isn't far.

Yummy New Treat

Several years ago my sister participated in a telephone survey about magazines. She, and three of her friends, received several free magazine subscriptions as compensation for her time. I was one of those lucky "friends". Little did we know that we would be bombarded with magazines. I have filled my recycling bin many times over with issues of Family Circle, Parents, Parenting, Women's Day, ESPN, Fitness, etc.

My favorite part of each magazine? The recipes. I am definitely fond of new recipes and always like to try something different. One of our favorite recipes came from a Women's Day magazine -- Honey Soy Skillet Chicken -- YUM!

A few days ago, after receiving another magazine, I came across a new recipe that sounded easy and delicious! Chocolate filled croissants. I made them tonight and added a little whipped cream topping. Wow! This is definitely going to be another family favorite and SO easy. A can of refrigerated croissants, semi-sweet chocolate chips and whipped cream. Wrap about 15 chocolate chips in each croissant, bake and serve warm or cold. It doesn't matter, because their addictive either way! Try it and see what you think!

Annalyce's Recital 2008

Annalyce had her second recital with her Grandma Leuck on Saturday. She decided to play without the music, something that Grandma rewards. She hesitated just a moment in the middle, but did really well. We were so pleased with her performance! The song is called "The Windmill" arranged by A. L. Lyon.

Memorial Day Camping 2008

This was our first time camping in 8 1/2 years. We realized that our tent, purchased as a first anniversary gift, is just a little too small for our family of five, Mojo included. Looks like we have a little shopping to do before our next camp out. It was so much fun! We relaxed, played in the sand and ate smores. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and are excited about more opportunities to camp here in the Northwest. Nothing beats good weather, a campfire, and lots of laughs with family!

My Mother's Day Suprise

Early Sunday morning Peyton came into our room (she is always the first one up) and gave me a great big hug and said to me: "I yuv you, mom." Later (still quite early), Annalyce came into the room and woke me with a loud, "Happy Mother's Day!" She had brought me breakfast in bed. A tradition on Mother's Day (but daddy's usually involved). I hadn't remembered Jeremiah getting out of bed. I looked over and he was still laying next to me. My next thought was "oh no, what have the kids been doing in the kitchen?" I opened my eyes to find Annalyce standing there with a large bowl of what the girls call "mommy's cereal" (Honey Bunches of Oats) and a big glass of strawberry milk. She handed it to me and then mumbled something about Peyton being up on the counter and into the sugar so I sent her downstairs to go help put it away.

After she left the room I took my first bite. I'm pretty sure that my sweet & thoughtful daughter poured the milk over the cereal before she poured and mixed my glass of strawberry milk because the cereal was REALLY soggy. I wasn't sure what to do - what do mom's do when the food is not edible??? I now know. They flush it down the toilet. Yep, Jeremiah flushed my cereal down the toilet and handed it back to me just in time. She came back into the room and was amazed to see how quickly I had eaten! A few minutes later Peyton came into the room with breakfast for daddy. "Happy Mother's Day daddy. Here's breakfast." It was a bowl of white and brown sugar with a baby spoon. Very interesting. Needless to say we had a good laugh when the girls left.

Jeremiah and the girls made brunch together a little later. We enjoyed pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. I suggested that next year Jeremiah remember to involve the girls in the planning and shopping. And maybe even suggest that they come wake him up in the morning. It was a good lesson to learn, especially in time for Father's Day. I'm thinking maybe soggy granola should be on the menu.