Random Quotes & Stories..

Quotes:
Morgan: "Mommy, you are big and strong... just like a Hippo." Obviously he has the zoo on his brain...

Cade: " You are the best Mommy any little boy could have." Please note that I had just let him play and additional half-hour on the Wii.

Morgan: "Red means GO and Green means STOP...on opposite day."

Stories:
As Morgan and I are walking through DFW Airport on Friday he is determined to find the kid's play area. So what is the logical thing to do?

Morgan: " Mommy, I will call for the play area."
Cassandra: 'Okay sweetie." He then proceeds to yell at the top of his lungs...
Morgan: "KIDS PLAY AREA...KIDS PLAY AREA...WHERE ARE YOU?"

Okay last little story. We have now been in Fort Smith for three full days. Morgan and Cade have now broken two things within that time! Boys will be boys...

Night...
Cass

This and Thats for the week...

Oh my...there have been some cute moments this week with my boys.

First One...
Did you know that Snow globes are filled with alcohol? and lots and lots of GLITTER!!! Morgan turned two of our globes into maracas, but be careful- if they hit its glass and glitter everywhere...

Second One...
Day one and a half for Christmas decorations. snow globes are gone so what else could happen? Those that know me well know I love Christams decorations- hence the fact that I have 4 trees in my home. Only 3 this year those because one is MIA. I get a call from Bob Monday morning and guess what? One of the trees fell over. CRAZY BOYZ! So it is now Boys-2, Christmas-0

Last One...
Cade and I snuggle up tight under a fleece blank for out nightly reading, and I mention that my feet are cold. Next thing I know he is streaking off to my room, and I hear muffled opening and closing of dresser drawers. My sweet little man brought we some socks and lots of smiles.

Good Night Everyone...
Cass

this time of year...

I absolutely love this time of year and for many reasons. To name a few...

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*Christmas Music*

*People are happier*

*Family Gatherings*

*Baking for my friends*

*Christmas Ornaments*

*The smell of Christmas*

*Giving to others and of yourself*

*Watching the 'Polar Express' (My Favorite!)*

*Day after Christmas Shopping with my Mom and Sis*

*Watching my boys faces light up for the simplest acts*

*Sitting next to my Mom on the sofa in the home I grew up in*

*Remembering in your heart what Chrsitmas is truly all about*

*Holding my Granny's soft hands & kissing my Grandpa's cheek*

Giving my Stepdad a hard time when he falls asleep on the sofa...again*

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Thank you for listening...I needed to just start typing to help get me in the mood...now, if only I could finish getting up all of the Chrsitmas Decorations!

Happy Trimming...Cass

Talkin' the lingo...

Quote of the DAY...
Cade says, "Hey Mom. Dad and I are off to flip some vids. See ya."

huh?
Cass

Chewbacca...

Quote of the DAY:

Daddy says, "Wow! Your Chewbacca Outfit is cool Morgan."
Morgan says, "I know Daddy, that's why I am wearing it!"

This comes the morning after he wakes up in the middle of the night sweating profusely because he fell asleep in the hairy costume that does not breathe...

Love this creative soul...
Cass

Thanksgiving Day...

Well, for the second time in my life I prepared Thanksgiving in my home. And this time- I went for simple. I started out at 6:30 with a trip to my fabulous barista - Had to get a Grande today for Cass vs. Turkey.

It went so smoothly I was shocked, granted we all ate lunch in our pajamas...

Turkey...sweet potato souffle...my grandma's hot rolls (which I am proudest of)...apple pie...green bean bundles...corn...and cranberry sauce. Below is the pictures of the table.

The boys were good sports and ate. I am still waiting for the day when they become bottomless pits.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Cass

Quick Action Story of the Day...

I am pounding away on my laptop preparing my Thansgiving blog entry(it will be out shortly) and listen to my ipod, while Bob is on the phone talking with his sis. I walk down the hall and see that Morgan's door is open, lights on, costumes everywhere, but no Mojo in sight.

I am not panicked, just curious- Where is he?

I begin to call his name, and I hear this, "I am in here Mommy!"

No way surely he isn't. I walk into the guest bathroom where the little voice called.

He pulls back the shower curtain with a smile- because it is logical that instead of being in bed fast asleep, he is sitting in the bathtub.

'Hi Mommy, I am just meditating'.

Got to love them for all their quirks...

We have been waiting 6 years for this day...

I am amazed...I knew one day this would come...but it always felt so far away and out of our grasp. It is very small, so don't get too excited... We were just able to sit down as a family in a restaurant with no crying, no complaining, no arguing...It was happy, fun and ENJOYABLE. Thank you my sweet little boys, it was a welcome treat to a very, very long day.

Fun things I don't want to forget:

• Morgan Calls soggy bread from a bread bowl 'gum', and he loves it.
• Cade loves to eat the crusty part of french bread, but he refuses to eat the crust of his sandwiches. Why?

Work Celebration:
Lastly... THIS IS ME JUMPING UP AND DOWN AND DOING CARTWHEELS. AFTER 6 VERY LONG MONTHS OUR TEAM SUCCESSFUL OPENED BOTH THE MADISON AVE-NY AND THE HIGHLAND VILLAGE-HOUSTON COLE HAAN STORES BEFORE BLACK FRIDAY! If you are ever in either cities please check them out. Alot of blood, sweat and tears went into these stores.

Good Night...Cass

O H I O...

This is for you Matt and Bethany.

Thank you for all the game day spoils!

Cass

Officially a crazy 35 year old...

So - like so many females out there I am one of the crazy ones that has fallen in love with Stephenie Meyers' Twilight Saga. So I will be braving the crouds of crazed teenage girls tonight (or shall I say this morning) to watch the story come to life on film. Noone needs to tell me I am nuts, I already know this. Noone needs to tell me I am 35 either, my aching body tells me THAT every day! I have never been known for my patience in waiting for something...and this item is no different.

At least I will get to hang out in Starbucks with my tall Chai, reading my book (from my 'List of Books' of course) prior to the movie. I might even need to go for a Venti so I can stay awake...

Off to be dazzled...(only a twilighter will know what that means!)
Cass

The Beach...

We had a wonderful time at the beach today. Like I have said before, Edmonds Beach is one of my favorite places. The sun was shining brightly, but the Olympic Penninsula was shrouded in thick fog. The ferries were passing by, popping in and out of the fog- it was quite an impressive sheet of fog.

Our resident seal was floating in the water that was currently at high tide. Bob and I agree that high tide is the BEST for discovering our jewels. Below is a picture of one that Cade found. He is my little scavenger and loves finding these for our 'jewel jar'.

Then, my wonderful hubby- playing lasso with the seagrass. You never know what wildlife is going to wash up and this one was entertaining.

I hope you all have a peaceful Sunday that kicks your week off right...

Cass

A one-sided conversation with Morgan...

As I am laying in bed sound asleep this morning I get a visit from Morgan, bright eyed and bushy tailed at 6:50. He then proceeds to have a one-sided conversation with me. It is amazing the thoughts he has, but mostly how they are expressed.

Says Morgan:
'Gorillas...What turns into Gorillas?' (Me thinking, huhhh?)
'Gorillas are not our friends. Until they turn into Giraffes.'
'Giraffes are our friends. And Dolphins are our friends.'

Then in a low whisper, barely audible. 'Sharks...sharks are bad.'

I guess it is time for a trip to the aquarium to feed the sharks, and then to the zoo to see the baby gorilla. Below is a picture of Morgan yesterday playing a gorilla.

Hope you are surrounded by 'your friends' today...
Cass

We grow them big in Washington...

For those of you who have been to our home this will come as no surprise. Our home backs a green belt that is a protected wetland with trees over 80 feet high surrounding three sides of our property. We can grow moss ANYWHERE, our roof, our patio, the sides of our trees, and even our fire pit. Our yard is so well shaded that it is ideal for growing mushrooms of all types and sizes too. Below is a picture of the one we have been watching grow since Monday. To put it in context- it is almost the size of Cade's head...

Enjoy, but don't eat...leave that to the squirrels.
Cass

Random Thoughts & Quotes by Morgan...

Normally I would say that you should never quote someone out of context, but these quotes are okay because there IS NO CONTEXT! These are just some of the random thoughts that sprout from his mouth, and they were all said tonight during our errand runs...

'The Moon is made of chicken.'

'Mommy, it's called GREEN grass, not EMERALD grass'

'Mommy, we don't eat farm pigs...we eat the pigs made out of hot dogs.'

'Mommy, it's Christmas at Target!'

I love the complex mind of my 3 year old...
Cass

Gazing at the Moon...

I just had the most beautiful drive home from the Park-n-Ride this evening. With daylight savings time kicking in it is now pitch black by the time I get home to my boys. The one advantage to that this evening is I enjoy the gorgeous full moon all the way home. Below is a picture taken from our front yard. It's not the best quality because...well, its dark!

Night to you all...I hope your view was as clear as mine.
Cass

Sadness...

Today was one of those days that changes us all. One of those days we don't want to think about or experience too many time in our lives. Today was one of those days that makes you re-center yourself, and remind yourself what is important in life and what is just water under the bridge.

Thank you Mom and Rod for knowing when I can talk and when I need to hang up the phone. Thank you for understanding that after 35 years I still get all awkward when placed in emotional situations. Thank you for being the best parents anyone could ask for, and for being parents that I can only hope to deserve someday.

My Grandmother Jackie passed away today...and I just feel numb with sadness. I am so thankful that I got to see her less than 1 month ago, and that it was a good day for her. I am thankful that she got to see Morgan one last time and experience his never ending energy. I am thankful I got to say goodbye and kiss her on the cheek. I am thankful that her family came together and was at her side everyday for the past 6 months. And finally, I am thankful that she had such a full life and she was ready.

Most of all though, I am thankful that I have a StepDad that was more of a Father to me than my Dad ever was to me. That he is such a strong Man and so kind and loving. I am thankful that he was with Grandma Jackie, holding her hand when she closed her eyes. I love you Rod.

Cass

Don't Cross the Line...

Okay. I have to laugh. today was the first time I DREW THE LINE. Any mother with more than one child knows what the 'line' is. Thank goodness our sofa has two cushions. One for Cade...One for Morgan, and....the....line....between....them....is....equal.... No crossy the line... no toes, no blankets, no doggies. No touchy the LINE! whew.

Thank you Lord for giving me two sweet, active boys. That love to- give hugs, talk back, snuggle up tight to their mama, eat yogurt, drink water more than sugery drinks, keep me on my toes, drag all their toys out at once, build forts, play video games, walk on the beach...and finally to absolutely terrorize each other until I lose my mind. Wait a second...that happened long ago.

brainless mother signing off...
Cass

4th Picture Tag...

Okay my sweet friend who I haven't seen in (gasp!) thirteen years- this is for you Dallas. this is the 4th picture in the only picture file I have on my laptop...

Great! My house is a mess (don't look under the sofa). This picture was taken November 5, 2005 around the time Morgan turned 6 months. What I remember most about this picture...

1. How much I loved dressing Morgan in white, only white. It complemented his alabaster skin even more .
2. His eyes were always so BIG and ALERT. He was such an easy happy baby (What happened?!@#?)
3. He had already been crawling for one month and was into EVERYTHING.
4. I had been back at work for 1 week and I missed my boys terribly.
5. I remember wondering if his hair was ever going to grow???

Thanks for helping me remember this time Dallas.

Cass

It has Happened - We have a snaggle-tooth in our family...

My little boy is growing too fast. Cade lost his first tooth today at school. Below is the proof, not to mention that a straw fits perfectly through the hole left behind. He is soo proud and so are Bob and I.

Cade's quote: "It makes sucking my thumb kind of difficult."

nighty night...

Cass

Sweet Moments...and Morning Giggles

Too many good things have happened this morning. I have to tell you all before I forget.

I wake up with Cade crawling into bed with me, snuggling up close and falling back asleep. He loves to snuggle, but here is what makes me melt...His sweet little hand reaches up to face and he runs his finger down my cheek...He whispers, "I love you Mommy".

My morning tea - It is my guilty pleasure (Like your Sonic run Dallas!). I am once again at my favorite little street side espresso stand. The barista looks at me and says, "You are here quite often - every Saturday and Sunday. Do you have a punch card?" She then proceeds to hand me a card that has all but two areas punched. They have a customer FOR LIFE now.

Cade asked me to play with him this morning while I was starting breakfast. I stated, "I had to get the bacon started". I hear this far far away, little voice (Mojo) get really excited and say, "Bacon? Did someone say Bacon?"

Giggles to you all...
Cass

The Beach...

It's Wednesday, which means Date Night with Morgan! I could not resist heading down to the beach to eat dinner, play in the sand, watch the ferries and the sunset. Morgan was great and had so much fun. We saw ferries, trains, sea-planes, seals and lots of birds.

I love the beach...especially this beach. It is so peaceful and during the fall it is quiet. We had the beach all to ourselves until the scuba divers began to rise from the water! That was kind of freaky! Below is one of my favorite pictures taken this evening, along with a beautiful photo of my 3 year old date. This beach has a way of calming me and helping me realize what is important and what I need to shrug off my shoulders.

Love you all!
Cass

Quote of the DAY...

Morgan says, "Mommy...Daddy...You and you (takes two fingers and points at his eyes)...Eyes on me!"

Ughhh. What have we created?

Enjoy the beautiful day.
Cass

Soccer Balls and Pumpkins - They are different...

What a full and beautiful day! Today we packed a soccer game AND a trip to Skagit Valley into our schedule. Below is a great picture of Cade in action on the field, followed by a photo of Morgan pondering why he is not taking his nap! Sometimes large sacrifices have to be made...and no nap is a 'Whammie' of a sacrifice for the entire family.

The weather was sooooooooooo beautiful that we decide to make the trek up to Skagit Valley for our traditional pumpkin picking trip. this is our 7th year doing this and every year it is a little bit different...a little bit better...and a lot easier.

There is cider, and apples, and gingerbread cookies, and lots and lots of pumpkins and other strange gourds. Below are the pictures from our trip. I hope you all enjoy and maybe next year it can be a tradition for your family as well!

BOO!
Cass

Innocent until proven guilty...really?

This is the face of a very guilty boy... He is responsible for watching 'Ice Age' more times than is acceptable, ingesting too many 'Hot Wheels' fruit chews, laying on the floor in public (grocery stores, department store, Starbucks...you name it), Saying 'I'm hungry' just to remind me that he needs my attention, running up slides instead of sliding down them, screaming like a little girl every time he sees Daisy (my parent's dog), and lastly...He is guilt of being the cutest 3 year old I know.

I love you Mojo!

Mommy

Old Friends, New Memories...

Last Night I had the pleasure of spending time with two of my high school friends (you know who you are :P ). It has been 17 years and besides the fact that we couldn't remenber ANYONE'S name it was a hilarious evening.

I have now been convinced to join Facebook which is just one more thing to suck away my free time, but it is too fun reconnecting with the past and the good friends that are still there!

Here is my wish to you all... find those old friends and make some new memories. We are not getting younger- but we are living better, fuller lives which makes for some funny stories.

Now to my dear friend...if I find the remains of an evergreen tree stump in my front yard around Christmas- I know who is responsible! (You know who you are!)

Night to you all...
Cass

Cade & I...

Today was my time to spend with Cade before Morgan & I take off to Arkansas for a week. A few years ago we started spending afternoons at Starbucks, drinking something warm and sketching on note paper. Well, today we started that tradition again with a few changes. We had a lovely time at a local coffee house called Caffe Ladro...I absolutely LOVE locally owned shops, whether they are food or product related, because they have such character. Cade enjoyed himself as well (though that was probably because the cookie he had was the size of his head!).

After our coffee break we were off to the Edmonds Marina Beach. We love this beach no matter what time of the year it is. We diligently searched for beach jewels. This is the 'term' used in our family for glass that washes up on the beach that has been smoothed on the edges by the sand and causes the glass to resemble 'jewels'. We have a beautiful vase that holds all of our jewels that we have collected over the past 5 years. It is going to take another 10 years just to fill it! More trips to the beach are in our future.

I will leave you this evening with two photos. First one, Bob & the boys playing around (aka. Riding Daddy bearbacked).

Second Photo is Morgan 'pondering' the M&M's in the spider candy dish. He promises he only wanted to smell them! Yeah, judge the look on his face for yourself. The sunflowerers are Bob's from this year. They final bloomed (almost 2 months late because of our crazy weather this year!)

Night to you all...
Cass

Boys relate everything to Superheros (or Villians)...

Morgan is my latest 'Quote of the Day'. On my day off yesterday I was able to purchase my first pair of Cole Haan shoes... Mind you it was with ALOT of help - 50% discount plus a $35 gift certificate- so now I can actually wear my client's product. Now to the quote, I am showing off my shoes to Bob, beautiful black patten, high heels with peek-a-boo toes and WHAT DOES MORGAN SAY?!

Quote of the Day...
Morgan: '"Mommy, your shoes look like Venom."
Cassandra: "heeheehee, they do!"

Morgan & I reading 'The Wildest Brother'

Smiles to you all...

Cass

Quote of the DAY...

So today I took a half day (more like 3/4 day) off work for some pampering and retail therapy. I took the boys in today to daycare, which is something I rarely get to do. As we are on our way in Cade and I are having a discussion that gets him frustrated...So what does he say to me?

Quote of the Day:
Cade: "Mommy, you are one stubborn woman."

Never underestimate the vocabulary of a 6 year old.

Stubborn woman signing off,
Cass

Touchdown, Cade...

Our big 'pretend' football player

Two nights ago Cade decided to be a Football Player. He striped down to his underwear and built his own costume...gloves,check...undershirt, check...Ohio State Jersey, Check (Uncle Matt will be so proud), athletic pants, check...Ohio State Football, check (again, very proud) He proceeds to kick, throw, catch, touchdown, and Mommy intercepts! And he smiled the whole time!

.

He is our crazy boy!

Cass

Morgan sings bedtime songs...

They say that a picture says a thousand words, but this is even better. Now you get to all enjoy his beautiful voice. It is only Audio as the video was shot at bedtime.



He is our angel!
Cass

Seattle Night Out...

Tonight was a celebration evening for my team. We went to this wonderful restaurant up on Capitol Hill...it was like being in the Soho District of NYC. SMALL space with BIG atmosphere. The food was pre-fix. Now as most of you know I am a picky, picky eater- But with wine my palette becomes less discernible and I ate EVERYTHING... liver pate' crostini, ricotta cheese & anchovy crostini, beet salad (sorry but this tasted like dirt) ,prosciutto with pickled peppers & crusty bread, rabbit & radicchio salad, rabbit flanks sauteed with baked peppers, and finally every type of 80% cacao possible...The meal and the wine were wonderful, but the company was the best.

Work is tolerable most of the time, but when I get to work with such wonderful people and friends it becomes truly enjoyable. Plus it doesn't hurt that we are all motivated by food. Cole Haan has appreciative enough of the team to send along a beautiful key chain to us all along with a 50% coupon for their store. FINALLY- I can afford a pair of their shows.

Off to sleep to enjoy my food coma.

Cass

Life in Washington...

YES, Rain! I now smile to myself when I hear people complaining about the weather. I have truly become a Washingtonian after 11 years here, and that is evident with my love for the rain, the clouds, the grey, I LOVE IT! Now don't get me wrong though...the sun is wonderful too.

Our soccer game today started out sunny, turned to windy, then to spit (that is my word for misting rain), then finally the rain. Cade had a great game. He was strong in his play and had a few unsuccessful shots on the goal. Soccer games are now my time to read to Morgan...It is the only way I can keep him from running into the middle of the field. (You ought to see the look on Bob's face when this happens...)

We ended our evening with our favorite Dinner, "Breakfast for Dinner". Bacon, Pancakes, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Strawberries, Bacon, Pears and finally, BACON. OHHHH- Grandpa will be so proud the next time he sees Morgan. Morgan is my bacon sneaker. Before I can stop it he has eaten 6 six pieces out from under my nose...this is all happening as it is cooking!

Now in the words of Morgan..."See you later Chicken Head".

Cass

Ahhhhh, October...

Well The sprint is about to begin. This is my favorite time of year- From October to December. It starts with the weather and ends with a wonderful week with my family in Arkansas at Chrsitmas.

October started with my first trip to Cade's soccer practice. I have the monitor the practice now because noone is going to tell me again that my 6 year old is a bully...now if they said it about Mojo I might believe it. He is our little thug- but that is another blog, another time.

Cade did great at soccer and I saw no sign of agressive behavior. He even came over during the water break and gave me a hug & kiss. My sweetie! I say it was just boys being boys.

Quote of the Evening:

Cade said while playing Monster Creation on his leapster, "I taught my creature how to dance cool!"

Happy October 1st!

Cass

Technology to a 6 year old...

Quote of the Evening:
As I am sitting in my normal evening chair, tapping away on my laptop, cycling though my favorite websites, Cade interjects: "Mommy, I just don't get that. (pointing at my laptop) I just don't get the technology. Now I get that one (He points to our home computer). It has wires hanging out of it and it makes sense...but not this one (again, pointing at my laptop). It just sits in your lap."

I just love to see his brain turning!

Rest to you all...
Cass

Disbelief...

This is the best word I can use to describe the past two days as a Mother.

Friday evening Bob alerted me to an email that he received from one of the soccer mom's on Cade's team about his behavior. As he continued to tell me the story, I had a full range of emotion running through my veins -

guilt - What am I doing wrong, where have I failed that I can not keep my child's behavior in check?

anger - how dare she send a message like this via email and proceed to copy 3 other mothers on the team.

sadness - were any of the children terrorized or upset because of Cade's behavior?

disbelief - 'includes all the above emotions in one'

The allegations were that Cade was bullying the other boys by calling them names and this transferred to the field by causing the other boys to have agressive behavior against each other.

Bob and I are not the type of parents that live under an 'illusion' that our Cade is a perfect little boy. We know his issues and we manage them daily. I do not doubt the allegations, but I do question the singular source. With influences coming from daycare & public school, Cade is constantly learning new 'words' and 'behaviors' that make us wince. We immediately step in with Cade to address them though. Do other mother's not deal with these same issues too?

I did speak to this mother personally at the game and got a better understanding of the situation. And ALAS, it was not just Cade's behavior but the other boys as well. This doesn't make it right, but it does help Bob and I influence Cade to make good choice in what he does and says. In this situation - Cade is an outsider as he does not go to the same school as all the other boys on the team so he just wants to please and to fit in, not injure...

Lesson that every one should follow, no matter what the situation:
Never send an email to someone about personal issues. ALWAYS treat it as it should be, both private and personal. Be strong and direct, always do it in person.

Love to you all...
Cassandra

Turning corners...

With young children it is always about turning corners. Well last night was one of those big corners. Morgan has decided that he is done with Pull-ups, his decision not mine. And he did great! Last night was his first night without one. So let me take this moment to say, "NO MORE DIAPERS!!!!" Thank you Mojo.

Conversation of the Evening: (in the car on the way to Subway for Date night)
Morgan says, "Mommy are we going home?"
Cassandra says, "No, Sweetie."
Morgan says, "Aaahhhh, Tartar Sauce!"
Cassandra says, "heeheeheehee"

Uses for a Banana...

As I am sitting watching my boys (all three) play at dinner a smile entered my eyes. Bananas are for more than just eating...

-They make great mustaches
-They ring just like the telephones and fit comfortable on your shoulder.
-They are a jedi's light saber.
-They make a boom-a-rang (pssst- it doesn't come back though)

The unfortunate use...leave it to any boy, no matter how young, to weaponize a banana. A lazer gun.

Now with all this fun, THIS banana was just a toy. Next time you have a banana try and think of an alternate use! I hope it brings a smile to your eyes as well.

Go ape...
Cass

Saturday Routines...

It is amazing how similar our Saturday's have become. Cade & Bob are off with Soccer and Mojo & I are off to the YMCA and the grocery store. Don't get me wrong- They are always different adventures, but they are constant, and relaxing in their routine.

Fall has finally arrived in the Northwest. It was a wet one today and my goal today was to keep Morgan out of ALL puddles. Normally I would not mind the puddles but Crocs are not the best puddle slashing shoes and little Mojo dislikes wet socks.

I am closing in on completing all of the my Kono Challenge biking requirements. I will be moving onto the running portion this week. The biking has been enjoyable because I am able to multi-task with me newest literary obsession- The Twilight Saga. I blasted through the first two books and I am now trying to slow my pace with the third book, Eclipse. Similar to when I was reading the Harry Potter series- there is the desire to finish the series and then a let down when it has ended. Slowing down is soooooooo hard...

Off to Read some more...boys are sleeping.
Cass

Cade's Day Off...

Bob is working on completing a series of modular school buildings in the Shoreline School District. With Cade being out of school, he decided to take Cade on a tour of several of the sites. Below is one of my favorite pictures that was taken of him on 'Cade's Day Off...'



Dig away baby...

Cass

Curriculum Night....

Tonight was curriculum night at Spruce Elementary. It's an evening for us to meet Cade's new teacher and to see the classroom he spends 6 hours in everyday. He is being co-taught this year by Ms. Bau and Ms. Klein. They were very complimentary of Cade, but one comment cuaght me by no surprise. Ms Bau said, "He is very chatty."

(Hi Mom- If you are reading this , my behavior is now being mimicked- I can't wait for him to come home one day and say, " I was moved today because everyone sitting around me would not stop talking to me.")

He sits adjacent to the teacher's desk which Bob and I both appreciate since it definitely keeps him in line. It is amazing to see the amount of work they are producing in class everyday. Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Art, Science...and the item I appreicate the most is that they journal. His dad is a talented writer and I know Cade will be someday as well. It is something that I hope he picks up and develops into a habit- my fingers are crossed.

Happy Learning...
Cass

I get to read a book to myself...

I have discovered a new book series and I am psyched!

A few weeks back during one of my Girl's Night In get-togethers, Gina mentioned that she was reading the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer again. I had picked the first book up before, but the fact that she was reading them again piqued my interest. Well, who knew that a teenage girl's book about vampires could catch my interest- and catch my interest it did! I can't put the book down. Highly recommend the series already and I am not finished with the first book.

I am one of those readers that if I am not hooked by the first chapter I don't bother to finish it. Our time is to valuable to waste on a bad book. I am having to force myself to write this blog instead of curl up in bed and read...but I am going to be good.

Now ladies-go get the book or borrowit from your local library. I tried that first, but I was 439 on the waiting list for 60 copies...I am not EVEN that patient.

Happy Reading...

Cass

A Pile of Cheese...

So tonight was a Dining Out Night for the Rowan's. We decided to go with Cade's Choice - Old Spaghetti Factory (aka OSF in our home) - over Mojo's choice of McD's... not a tough choice in our eyes.

So Morgan LOVES cheese, ALL cheese. He has a new pattern everytime we go to OSF or Pagliacci's Pizza. He creates a Mound of Parmesan Cheese on his plate and dives in - not with his hands or utensils though... He does this dunkin' for apples style without hands and comes up with cheese on the tip of his nose to the end of his chin. So charming.

So next time you are out and you grab the Parmesan Cheese, just remember that Mojo would love to be with you helping you to create the perfect pile of cheese!

Dive in Cheese lovers...
Cassandra

Schools & Gyms...

Schools...
Today was the start of Cade's 3rd Week of School. He likes school so far and has a new friend, Brandon. One more for the two Brandon's he already knows. Back in my day all the girls were named Jennifer... Brandon must have been the name of choice for 2002!
Homework is already crazy. He gets it on Monday and it is due on Friday. It is usually about 6-8 pages of math, reading, patterning and writing. Then we have the books which include one he reads to us, one he looks at, and one we read to him. His reading and writing is improving everyday.

& Gyms...
Bob and I are in the middle of the 'Kona Challenge' at the YMCA. The boys go into 'the zone' while we try and complete an Iron Man triatholon in 6 weeks. I can't imagine if I had to do it all in one day! I am averaging about 12 miles on the bike and 1 mile on the treadmill for each work-out. Bob is doing it faster than me of course. I am hoping it will help me take off the extra pounds.

We are all exhausted now & homework is complete. Night to you all.
Cass

Meadowdale County Park Beach...

We felt like a challenge today, and that is what we got! The Meadowdale County Park Trail has finally reopened after the storm damage back in December that caused the trail to just wash away in huge sections. The boys walked ALL THE WAY DOWN by themselves - No shoulder or piggyback rides needed.

We saw huge sections of mushroom growth on the trials and could hear the far away whistle of the trains down at the beach. A salmon stream weaves back and forth under the trail which the boys really enjoyed viewing. Once we finally arrived at the Beach the boys were CHARGED! Shoes off, Crocs on, and off they went. Bob and I divided and conquered as I chased Morgan and he chased Cade.

The walk back up was more challenging as they were tired. We played the cartoon character name game from A-to-Z which helped keep their mind off how tired they were. Morgan did not ask to be held until the last 2 inclines which was impressive. His little legs just gave out.

The things they say that can break our hearts:
Morgan: "Mommy, your not my friend anymore." Mommy:"That's okay Morgan, because I am still your mother." (this was all because he wanted to eat an ENTIRE bag of colored Goldfish)

Cade and the Mushrooms

Bath Sea Creatures and Morgan...

As we go through our evening routine of bathing, Morgan says the most hilarious thing. Here goes...

Quote of the Evening:
Morgan: "Mommy, I cleaned my penis and tentacles."

Apparently he has been playing with his bath sea creatures too much!

Sweet dreams to you all.
Cass

The Fog...

Today began with one of my favorite northwest settings...fog. It was thick and it was beautiful. It will always bring a smile to my face, and here is why...

Quote of the Day: (As stated by 4 year old Cade in 2006)
Cade: "Mommy, Fog is what happens when the trees sweat."

How can you argue with that?

Enjoy the day...
Cass

Living an urban lifestyle...

Living in Seattle you deal with the cost of living an urban lifestyle...1200sf homes that cost $350K, 1-2 hour commutes to and from work, etc. Tonight I was at a roof deck party with some of my co-workers. In my 10 years living in Seattle I have never seen such a sight. This apartment complex's roof deck had a view of Elliot Bay, Downtown Seattle and a perfect picture of the space needle. The rent alone was more than our monthly mortgage payment! CCRRAAZZYYYYY! I will keep our cute little suburban home, thank you very much!

Nighty Nighty!
Cassandra

Off to the Races...

I go! I win! He's fast! He goes here! I am number 2 spot! Look at that! This one stinks! Best two-out-of-three! This car is taking a break! Let your car take a break! Vrrrrooommm!

Okay, we finally found the PERFECT Hot Wheels race track. Requires no adult help to set up, it is relatively small, and it folds flat to store under the bed. The boys rediscovered this toy tonight and they are having a blast and NOT fighting. I am watching them now as I type. Well- time for bath. Talk at you all later.

Peaceful Dreams. Cass

Like Father, Like Son...

The Original

The Remake

And here are the pictures to indicate that the saying, "Like Father, Like Som" truly is believable.


Keep Smiling- Love to you all. Cass

Date Night with Morgan...

Wednesday evening is my standing 'Date Night' with Morgan. After picking him up from daycare he announced to all who cared to listen that he was going on a date. Great fun! Even more fun was the look on his face when we arrived at home and he saw the new Library Books. He of course selected a fish book to read (and I can't believe I did this again, but the fish gets eaten in this one too!)

School - Week 2:
Deep Breathe...This is the only thing that helps me keep my patience in check. Cade's stubborn streak is back and homework is again worst than a chore. He can be so proud of his work- which makes your heart soar- and then he can be so degrading to himself. I get so sad when this happens. Below is a picture of him concentrating and working diligently to complete the work. I welcome any and all advise for how to keep him positive about doing his school work.

How to Improvise 101...

Someday's things don't go as planned, and those are the day's you improvise.

Improvise 101:
Soup is on the stove, and Bob is walking out the door to a meeting. The boys have been promised grilled cheese, and I am completely out of bread. Hot Dog buns work great if you slice the top and bottom off to allow for toasting. Big hit tonight.


Cade & Morgan at Dinnertime...

In the middle of Nordstrom, in the Intimates area no less, and the boys are running through the bras and undies. How do I get these boys under control? Off to Cold Stone for some ice cream, and I make them WALK back through the mall with their ice cream. This is the calmest they've been all week. No hitting, running, jumping or fighting. The little voice inside me says 'yyeeaahh'.

Mommy's proud moment of the week:
Cade came home with his 'My S Book' from 1st Grade.. His Words: Sun, catS, and Slithering (His spelling for Slytherin). I think he is listening at night when I read!

Daddy's proud moment of the week:
Cade drew his first Tie Fighter. Just like his Daddy!

Reading to my boys...

I have recently, over the past two months, rediscovered the joy of reading to my boys. I was diligent throughout the summer to bring in a 'new' batch of books from the local library every Tuesday. Cade and Morgan then weigh through the books (some are hits and some lay unnoticed), and they decide which ones to read. Morgan is OVERJOYED each week when the new pile of books arrive, and we sometimes read them all in one sitting.



Some of our book hits:

• Uno's Garden by Graeme Base (Great interactive book on being environmentally aware for kids & adults; look for the snortlepig on every page!)
• Engelbert Sneem and his Dream Vacuum Machine by Daniel Postgate
• Ugly Fish by Kara LaReau (Prepare yourself because he actually gets eaten at the end!)

Now with Cade we are reading through 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone'. He lays still next to me- at least most nights- and listen to all the words. A chapter a night- that is our routine. His favorite chapter so far has been 'Halloween' which is all about the Troll in the dungeon.



Lesson for the Day:
Sharing can be a challenge for my boys, and seems to only come as often as Christmas. One item in particular- Buzz Lightyear Nerf Bow & Arrow- now has a new home at the top of our bedroom closet. Hey, at least they both got to shot it 4 times a piece.

A Lovely Trip to Woodland Park Zoo & More...

We had another fun trip to the zoo. It started out with a trip through the Day & Night exhibit. There are over 26 snakes, we know because we counted each of them! As always Morgan hovered around the Brazilian Cockroaches - while I tried to to avoid them. I managed to keep them busy for 10 whole minutes in the Night exhibit so that their eyes could adjust. We final saw the Vampire Bat- and it flew! Onto Will-a-Wong station to feed the birds and then to the African Safari to feed the giraffes. It was all about feeding animals today- for me too...the boys were constantly asking for snacks, and I was prepared for once. I must say that we ended the zoo trip with a the best activity- rolling down the hills in the North Meadow followed by tickle attacks. It brought smiles to us all.

Fact of the Day:
A giraffe spends most of its day eating from trees with their very long tongues. Their tongues are purplish-black on top because if they were pink like human's they would get sunburned. (Cade and Morgan feed the giraffe's today without a single freak-out)

Quote of the Day:
Morgan: "Let me get this nasty pull-up off."


Artist: Galen Kin"Cade" Rowan
Title: Self Portrait of a 6 year old
Date Taken: Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Just Another Saturday- For First time Blogger...

Hello Everyone! I am an example of someone who doesn't have enough time to blog, but I want to give it a go anyway. I realize that I don't want to forget the memories- so this is my attempt to journal by turning it into something for all my friends and family to view so that it never seems like it's 'been too long' since we saw each other or spoke.



Quote of the day:
Cade: "Ouch! I stepped on a Lego" Mommy: "Welcome to my world sweetie"

Small thing not to sweat:
"Unfolded Laundry still in the hamper...after a week."

Signs that I let my boys watch too much television:
1. Singing songs to the most obscure cartoons…and knowing all the words as well as the tune.
2. Seeing one character run across the screen and knowing the character and show name.
3. Reciting a complete ‘laugh out loud’ conversation from spongebob…"All senseless bubble blowing babies…”
4. They know the order of Saturday Cartoons, starting at 8:00 on the WB.

How to set my boys up for success:
1. ‘Only place one item on their dinner plate that requires persuasion to eat. Two items is asking for a fight.’ (Learned this lesson again, tonight)
2. ‘Prepare their bath with a small army of toys lining the rim of the bath tub. Army of toys = at least 30 minutes of peace' (Worked like a charm this evening...thank you Morgan!)