The Rowan Four

No No No No No...

2010-09-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

I did it.

I swore I would never do it.

When the fad started I thought it was ridiculous and casted it aside as tacky.

I shook my head every time I saw them...especially on men. eeek.

I knew I was smarter, had more self-respect, and didn't need them at all.

It was a given they would be uncomfortable...binding...unflattering.

Boy, was I wrong.

I did what I swore I would never ever do.

I poured myself into a pair of skinny jeans...and I love them.

They are cute, they are stretchy, they are flattering.

Now ~ I just need the courage to wear them in public...ten pounds lighter now. So maybe, just maybe they will actually be inspiring.

Inspiring enough to help me lose the next ten pounds.

Skinny butt signing off.. (figuratively speaking, not literally yet)

Sweet spot...

2010-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

This little boy~ I don't seem to ever have photos of him since he spends most weekends doing tournaments with his daddy. But every Sunday, I get to see him kick around the football for 60 minutes of high-stress (that would be me) entertainment.

I am usually the nut-so mother on the sidelines yelling until her voice gives out. Ladies, I know you have ALL been there.

He has found the sweet spot at least twice this season, and yesterday I watched him assist in a beautiful goal. So here he is...

...stealing...

...kicking...

...and giving it everything he's got.

Signing off loud and proud...

Mo's Mad Skills...

2010-09-26T19:27:00.003-07:00

Remember the self portrait from yesterday? Well, here he is in the flesh showing off his mad skills at the Imagine Children's Museum.

This boy is ALL BOY.

He's silly...

He meditates...

He's got poise...

He does Kay - Ra - Tee... (albeit pretend)

and he's got superhero like moves for any job...

If I had to give him a superhero name, it would be Mad-Mo...

...and that, is mainly because of his temper. I promise (and those that know him can vouch) this kid can set any human off like a Roman Candle. Lordy, Lordy, I feel extra sorry for all his teachers.

Go get 'em Mo!

Morgan's Self Portrait...

2010-09-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to draw a picture of yourself? I have and let me tell you, it ain't easy.

But you know what is even harder? Trying to draw someone that you love.

PROVEN FACT: You can never draw an accurate picture of those that you love because you are too blind to draw their physical flaws. (At least that is what I was told by an adult in High School Art Class and Adults ALWAYS tell the truth...uh huh)

I like that though...but on a lighter side, I think this little guy did a great job with his self-portrait.

Man...I would KILL for these eyelashes.

My little man has skills...

Calling it as he sees it...

2010-09-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

An afternoon discussion with Morgan Rowan, 5 years old.

Morgan: "Mommy, what happens when people eat too much?

Me: "Well, they can get sick or get a tummy ache."

~Thoughtful pause~

Morgan: "What happens when people don't eat enough?"

Me: "The same thing. People can get really sick if they don't eat."

~Longer Thoughtful pause~

Morgan: " I thought that if humans eat too much they end up looking like an upside down balloon."

I am sad to say that I laughed. I am such a bad human.

Cass Cooks!

2010-09-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

I. love. to. cook.

really.

I. just. don't. do. it. often. enough.

Well, tonight I did. But two stories first.

Story 1.

Today, people don't think twice about going to a restaurant for dinner. If you go back to the seventies & eighties (when I grew up), going out to eat was a novelty...a really treat! We had several favorite restaurants that I went to with my family. Pizza Inn...Williamsburg Square...Furr's or Wyatt's Cafeteria (I adored the assembly line format to get your food!).

Mostly though, we stayed at home and mom would cook for us. She was good like that.

(Mom- do you remember those awful vegetable pancakes? I will never forget those.)

I remember my Mom's homemade pizza the most. You know why? Because I would eat the crust and my sis would eat all the toppings. We were quite the team! and mom NEVER complained about that. Now my sis and I? We would complain about the fennel seeds Mom insisted on putting on the pizza. Boy, we were awful (not the same awful as the veggie cakes).

So as I made dinner tonight I thought of my mom and her pizza. Thank you for taking such good care of us!

Here was dinner...

...and here it was NOT!

Story 2.

My Granny, she pretty much rocks. I don't think there is anything that she has cooked that I haven't liked...well, there may be a few congealed salads that I have chosen to block from my brain.

She. makes. the. best. cinnamon. rolls.

So of course I thought of my Granny tonight when I needed to figure out how to use the rest of the dough left over from the pizza.

So in honor of the two women in my life that have shaped me the most...

Cass. Cooks. Tonight. For. You. Both.

Wish you were here to enjoy it.

Bring on the Annoying Duck...

2010-09-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday is the day...

Can I do it?

Will my time be a new PR?

Will the rain please, please, please hold out?

Can I [gasp!] run without music blasting in my ears?

Will I get distracted by all the pretty homes surrounding Green Lake?

Will there BE another place in the US with such a high concentration of Estrogen? [I doubt it!]

I will find out tomorrow @ the AFLAC Iron Girl 5K fun run...

Off to get some shut eye...

Pretty & Tiny, just to name two...

2010-09-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

My boys, they scored big points tonight...

My mini-Einstein, Morgan loves to do flash cards ~

~~I never have to force him.~~

He likes them in spanish,

in english,

upside down (him, not the cards),

and running with ~~scissors~~ legos.

Tonight ~ in my own, self-premoting way I used this word to describe me:

Morgan: Laying sideways with legos stuck in both ears, "Pretty."

Me: "Good Job! Pretty, just like your mommy."

Morgan: sighhhhh, "No Mommy, you're not pretty ~ your cute."

Me: In my head, well 'cute' makes me sound 20 years younger...I'll take it!!!

And then...to top my evening, my hubs called me tiny. Not because I am skinny, ~~which I am , of course (in my head)~~ but because I was SHORT ~~all 5'-7" inches of me!~~ without my butt kicking heels on...

This 17 year old signing off!

[Redeux] First Day of School...

2010-09-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

This tall 3rd Grader...

...got to start his year one day late...

...and his brother...

...experienced a [redeux] at the 'picture tree'.

Night...

First Day of School...

2010-09-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

This Cute Little Boy...

...is now on his way to becoming...

...a full time Kindergartener!

Who can already read and write {so proud!}

Cade is now a 3rd Grader...

{Insert Photo of Cade as a Monkey here}

...and I would have a picture...

{Insert Photo of Cade as a bouncing ball here}

...if this little boy...

{Insert Photo of Cade as a jackhammer here}

...wasn't missing the first day because of a stomach virus!

Stay tuned for Cade's photos tomorrow...

Morgan-ism Number 1...

2010-09-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

Setting: Woodland Park Zoo

Characters: Cade, Me (aka Mom), and Morgan

Morgan: "Mom! The Toucans!"

Me: "Yes it is. I see one."

Morgan: "There are six of them, see the picture..." (pointing at the zoo display of different toucans.)

Cade: "Morgan, there are only two in the cage."

Morgan: a nano second of silence. "Ohhhhh! That is why they are called Two-cans!"

Me: snickering, "Brilliant Mo...just brilliant!" (That's my Boy!)

Off to chase after my Two-cans!

The Horse & the Cowboy...

2010-09-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

An Open Letter to Mothers,

Playing with our children is one of the great joys of life.

The tickle laughs bring on the biggest smiles, but let us not forget the huge tears that fall down their cheeks when you accidentally sit on them with your full weight...only because they push you over of course.

Then there is their love to play airplane and fly high above us...perched on our 2 feet and balancing similar to Humpty Dumpty before his fateful fall. Now, it is very true that our children's heads are a little more resilient than that looney egg, but it still sounds bad on impact.

Ahhhh, the Horse and the Cowboy is was new favorite in our home. My knees and my hands carefully move over the carpet and wood floors trying desperately not to cause bruises. Of course all the while, the cowboy on your back is whipping you into submission or grinding their heals into your side. This is all for the love of laughter right? Never forget that when a horse gets annoyed it is their choice to buck off the rider and move on. Think carefully mothers, when your horse is 37 years old they can strain muscles down both sides of their back...I am just saying ~ be warned.

It takes 48 hours to recover.

Sincerely,

The Horse

Enjoy the ~~pain~~ laughter...

Allergic...

2010-09-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

...this is just crazy.

Me, who:

has never sneezed because of high pollen levels.
can roll, sleep, and bathe in poison ivy without any affects.
loves honey, peanuts, and all other foods that cause many people to shake with fear.
has never felt the sting of a needle to treat seasonal allergies.
always thought Allegra was just the name of a a girl I knew in college.

...I have a problem.

I am allergic to....

my wedding rings. Yes, I am aware that this is a picture of my RIGHT hand. I tried to trick my body...it didn't work and I ended up with both ring fingers swollen and blistered.

After 11+ years of wearing these perfect circles of gold...who would have ever guessed!

C - R - A - Z - Y - !

I will attempt to wear them again in a few weeks. Wish me luck...

Autumn is back (almost)...oh, and so am I

2010-08-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

6 MONTHS...has it really been that long? I guess it has...

I know everyone hopes I have a great story, about how I was off saving the world, or going on a tour of (insert name of exotic country here). Truth is, I was tired. That's it!

So what did I do?

I visited my family... in Arkansas (gasp, it is hot)
I sent my oldest baby off 1200 miles to his grandparents for 3 weeks. (hard!)
I took a spa weekend with my girlfriends...
I went on a ~~million~~ couple diets...
I booked a trip to Hawaii...
Started running again...

What did I accomplish?

Jarred some old memories and found out that I could live in the South and the heat again. (But I will always be liberal so that doesn't work so well)
I lost 8 lbs...just 22 a few more to go.
I am tan...that is saying a lot for the girl who was nicknamed 'Snow White' in school.
I signed up for my first race in 9 months. Aflac Iron Girl...can't wait!

So get ready, I am back and you will hear me roar again!

Night all...

March's Monday Morsels...

2010-03-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

ahhhhh, another successful night for something 'new'...

These potatoes were yummy and easy peasy...

Of course I had to start with homemade salsa, which is by far the best salsa I have ever made, tasted, smelled, imagined...you name it.

Main meal was cheeseburger on the new sandwich flats. It is the PERFECT ratio of Bread to Beef... sorry, no picture because they just looked like burgers!

Stay tuned because tomorrow night I am making Filet Mignon with Garlic Toasts (only 3 points!)
oh...that sounds good!

I made...

2010-02-28T21:06:00.001-08:00

...Chicken Vegetable Soup! With only a couple Modifications...

1.) I am not a big fan of onions (unless they are fried...but that does not work on diet land) so those were removed...

2.) Then there was the zucchini. Really? Why would I put THAT in a soup? (Now zucchini bread is another story, but soup?) So I substituted corn, which is much more palatable for me.

AND...voila! 2-point soup (Weight Watchers)

IT~WAS~YUMMY!

Stay tune, because I will be cooking ALL week. Too bad I forgot to take a picture of the Orange Scented Strawberry French Toast this morning. It was yummy too.

Sunday's Happy Times...

2010-02-28T15:03:00.001-08:00

at the skate park with my boys.

...had to remember not to run after them when they fell. Can't make them look like sissies in front of the 'other skaters'...or in Mojo's words ~ 'scotterers'.

...at the beach with my boys.

...we enjoyed throwing rocks, finding jewels, playing with sticks, and just balancing on the driftwood to avoid 'the laza sand'. Of course, Mojo could walk in the sand, because he was wearing hot laza shoes...what a wonderful imagination and...

W H A T ~ A ~ W O N D E R F U L ~ D A Y !!!

A few things i miss sometimes...

2010-02-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

...i miss a phone, that is plugged into the wall...That is un-equipped with caller id...I used to love the feeling of getting a call and the surprise you would get when you realized who it was on the other line. Cellphone have taken away the 'romance' in a simple phone call. This is how it was when I meet the love of my life...and those calls were priceless.

...i miss un-predicted weather...the days of looking out the window to see what the day may hold, instead of accessing it on the web to see what the next 10 days hold.

...i miss planning your evening based on 'your show' and how special those times could be. Now, you have hulu, itunes, netflix, youtube ~ and you can watch an ENTIRE season in a day. (not to be a hypocrite, because I am currently addicted to netflix instand movies)

...i miss the magic that technology has removed these past 10 years, and it makes me slightly...sad.

...my wonderful husband has a saying when he pulls off one of his super-duper surprises on me. I of course always want to know how he managed to pull one over on me soooo well. So what does he say?

'Don't ruin the magic.'

...and that is what i miss the most...the magic of the unknown, the unaccessible. Where did it go? My boys will never know these feelings...{sigh}

Sometimes...

Happy Valentine's Day...

2010-02-14T21:00:00.001-08:00

To a great Valentine's Day...Dinner at Pagliacci Pizza and Dessert at Baskin Robbins. The best...

Quote of the DAY...

2010-02-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

So does everyone remember to Phrase ~ 'Talk to the HAND!' ~ ???

Well apparently there is a new phrase and I heard it from the mouth of my 7-year-old today.

Cade: "Talk to the Booty... 'cause the hands off duty."

Please help me...

What do you do when you are stressed?

2010-02-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

I have been missing for a few weeks, I offer no excuses. I am simply busy...and stressed. Guess what I do when I am stressed?

I bake...

...and these I bake because ~ well, everyone loves them ~ and I hate them. There is no fear of me eating any of them...They are from here.

What do you do when you are stressed?

...besides eat!

Wednesday Night Drama...

2010-01-27T22:37:00.000-08:00

Morgan, he is brushing his teeth...gag, choke, cough, short breathing...me running to the bathroom.

Me: 'Morgan are you okay?'

Morgan: 'My throat hurts Mommy.'

Me: 'Let's get a drink of Water.' [pause ~ gulp gulp] 'Is that better?'

Morgan: 'Yes Mommy.'

...2 minutes later...Morgan is crying now.

Me: 'Morgan what is wrong?'

Morgan: 'My marble is gone!'

uh...oh...

Me: 'Where was it?' brain turning now... 'Morgan, did you have the marble in your mouth?'

Morgan: 'Yes Mommy, and now it's gone.'

oh...great...

Cutting to the ~~chase~~ facts...

8:00pm ~ Marble ingested by a 4 year old.

9:30pm ~ Admitted to the Emergency Room at Providence Pacific in Everett.

10:00pm ~ Discharged after we saw a perfect round circle that had now passed through his stomach and was on its way through his intestines...

time unknown tomorrow ~ foriegn object discharged, never to be seen again by any of us.

...end of drama, good night.

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-01-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

Simple Pleasures...part trois

2010-01-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

It has not been quite a year, but I need another one of these posts to remind me what is important...

...to slow my busy body to a 'whoa'...

...to actually see with my eyes what's going on around me with my head held high.

So here is my simple list, my splash of sunshine...

1. Laughing so hard I start to cry...
2. The smell of lemons...uh uh ummmm.
3. An unexpected leg hug...
4. The crunch of biting into an Eskimo Pie!
5. Smiling...to yourself :)
6. The silence of snow falling.
7. Fleece Blankets...I love you.
8. Pride and Prejudice...thank you for being awkward Mr. Darcy.
9. Sticking out your tongue...as an adult.
10. The smell of BACON cooking!

Now find your moments as well...Remember they may not be large or even significant, they just are...

Bottom line reminder everyone: Life is a gift, but a happy life is a treasure.

Two for Tuesday...

2010-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

My mangy haired boys...

I don't care what anyone says, they are beautiful to me.

Denver Poll...

2010-01-25T18:30:00.000-08:00

So it was a rare occasion for me earlier this month. I actually had to travel for work and to my old stomping ground of Denver no less.

I must say it has changed, some good, some bad. So heres my top 4 list of the day!

The Good...

1. This town is soooooooooo easy to get around in. Urban planners should take a page out of this capitol's book. Can you say 'Gridded Street system' 5 times fast?

2. They have a Light Rail. I didn't get to ride it, but it was pretty spiffy to look at...

3. Snirt ~ boy, I do not miss you, but you bring back great memories. (snirt = snow + dirt)

4. Foothills ~ please don't call them mountains, they are F-O-O-T-H-I-L-L-S.

The Bad...

1. That blasted pollution cloud ~ looming its bad, brown self in those clear, crisp, blue skies. You are yucky!

2. Brown ~ [sigh] everyting is brown... there is NO green in this town. A reminder of why I live in the Evergreen State.

3. Unmanned Toll Roads ~ okay, these are ridiculous. The thing takes a picture of your tabs and then sends you a bill in the mail. (Excuse me, Mr. Hertz? You will be getting a bill for $4.00 because I took a wrong turn. Not sure how you are going to find me though...)

4. Sprawl. It is like a disease in that town. So very, very sad.

Former Coloradian (or whatever they call themselves now) signing off...

Skip to my Lou Mo...

2010-01-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip, skip, skip to my Lou,
Skip to my Lou, my darlin'.

Okay! Stopping there with the chorus because this song has over 10 difference verses..

Just Skippy Again...

Mojo iTunes

2010-01-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Cassandra is away on business this week, so I'll be filling in a her guest blogger.

Morgan participated in his care center's Winter Concert this past Monday. His class performed last, and after the final song all of the children ran to their parents in the audience... except for Mo. He stayed on stage and provided the gathering with his own impromptu solo... or 'Molo'.

The vest he's wearing is a whole 'nother story.

Enjoy!

Bob

Conversation of the Night...

2010-01-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

Here we go again...A conversation I had with my oldest boy while we were trying to finish his Christmas break homework.

Setting: Kitchen Bar

Conversation Piece: His Book, 'Wiggle and Waggle' [a book about worms]

Me: "Cade, can you tell me something about the book we just read?"

Cade: "Mooooooom, just tell me what it was about and I will write a sentence."

Me: "That's not how this works sweetie. Let me ask you a few questions to help you. How about this one, how do worms breath?"

Cade: "They breath through their butts Mom."

Me: Falling off me chair and laughing silently while rolling around on the floor.

Cade: "What's wrong Mom?"

Me: "Their skin Baby...they breath through their skin."

Do I really have what it takes to be a Mother of Boys???

Reading with a 7-year-old...

2010-01-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

I LOVE to read. I got this from my own mother (thank you Mama!) So naturally, since I like to read I assumed my boys would too.

[eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...WRONG!]

I have learned the following in my tenure as the Mom of a 7-year-old who does not like to read:
1. Boys do not have to be sitting when they read. It's much more entertaining when they are standing on the head or balancing like a crouching tiger.

2. I have the patience of a gnat.

3. I have learned to count to ten before speaking. Sometimes I even have to do it 10 times in a single chapter.

4. Positive reinforcement works for both parent AND child.

5. Bribes don't work...trust me.

6. Reading in the morning versus reading at night yields the same results.

~and finally~

7. Don't ever let them see your fear...it will not end well for you if they do. [sigh]

Okay...I am going to read now, probably some more Magic Tree House. Wish me luck!

Happy New Year...

2010-01-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a safe celebration. I ~ like every year ~ did not make it to the actual midnight in my state. But it was midnight somewhere when I started snoring!

I had to get my rest though because I had to do something CRAZY this morning. I participated in the 2010 Resolution Run 5K with...[prepare yourself]...a Polar Bear Dive at the end.

[GASP]

That is what I did when I submerged my body completely into a balmy 42 degree Lake Washington this morning. It literally took my breath away, but somehow it did feel good after the 5K run...

My results...can't say it was a PR ~ because, well I had to dip in the lake before the end of the race ~ but I still had a fairly good pace time.

So here are the results:

Time ~ 29:51

Overall Place ~ 381 out of 931

Division Place ~ 34 out of 140

Gender Place ~ 119 out of 469

Race Pace ~ 9:38 minute mile

Here is to a healthy start to 2010...

Quote of the DAY...

2009-12-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

Another Quote of the Day from the very talented, and thoughtful Mojo Rowan...

Setting: My car on the way to the movie theatre to watch 'The Princess and the Frog'
Players: Mojo and Me

Mojo says, "Mama, the Princess is going to kiss the frog."

I say, "She sure does. And what happens to her then?"

~all quiteness and stillness coming from the back seat~

Mojo says, "She turns into a Frog!"

~pause~

Mojo ends with, "Then it's 'The Frog and the Frog."

Got that ladies??? He is going to be a comedian one day...I just know it!

Don't forget to kiss your Frog tonight...

YMCA: The Treadmill Saga...

2009-12-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

WARNING::: Be advised ladies that this post will discriminate against those ladies still in their early twenties. Consider yourself warned.

I like going to the gym, when I find the time. So last night Morgan got to 'have an adventure' in the giant play structure while I sweated away to the oldies (minus Richard Simmons and the short shorts...) Running on the treadmill, well it is kind of 'blah', but when it is below freezing outside you run where there black ice only dreams of going...the treadmill.

Time:
9:05 minutes logged, just beginning mile 2. I am glistening at this point, starting to get shiny. Staring at myself in the reflected storefront, making sure my stride is long and my gait is steady.

Treadmill to my left:
a nice little walker

Treadmill to my right:
Oh No, where did she come from? We will call her M2S 'Ms. 20-Something' Short shorts, tanned legs, perfect little body (Did I EVER look like her BC [before children] ????)

Let the showdown begin...her eyes start to dart back and forth between my treadmill and hers. M2S adjusts her speed and begins. Hmmm - Really? You are going to go at the same speed as me? Well, here were my thoughts in no certain order:

1) Cool, this is going to be like having a running buddy, and not a virtual one either.
2) Great - I bet I jiggle more than she does, especially in the bee-hind.
3) Sigh - She is going to put me to shame

Well, what happened shocked and amazed me. She became my motivation.

Checking in:
18:00 minutes logged, starting mile 2. M2S keeps grabbing her side. Aha! Side cramps, no thank you I don't get those.

22:00 minutes logged, 5 minutes left M2S is starting to hurt...and I only have 5 minutes left to a finish my run.

26:30 minutes logged, okay its time to Kick and see what my body can push through. Nice! This feels good, and M2S is staring wide-eyed (probably from all the jiggling going on)

27:00 minutes logged, a good 3.2 mile run and time for cool down.

30:00 minutes logged, off I hop to clean up my machine...and M2S? She stares over at me and hits the 'Stop' button. Ahaaaaaa....age beat out youth this time ladies.

Lovely!

Free Trade...

2009-12-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

Two Weeks ago, Cade brought home and extra slip of paper as extra credit homework. The only thing it said was, "What is Free Trade?"

At first I thought, "Wow, that is kind of a big thing for a 2nd Grader to understand." But then I started thinking about a shop that I visited with my Mom over this past summer. It is called Fabric of Life. It is an organization that helps women in undeveloped countries learn skills that can help them to better themselves and their families.

Now that was probably a bad description of only one slice of their work, but an organization like that will get my business any day. It also helped me realize that I need to start exposing my boys to these types of places and organizations to help them grow as well as myself.

So in the spirit of 'Free Trade' I picked up quite a few unique ornaments in the store, below is one of my favorites.

If you are interested in Fabric of life just go here....

Helping support a cause...no matter how small.

Like Mother like... Son?

2009-12-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

So you all know I don't have a daughter...but two sons I do...and this one ~ he may be angry most of the time, and in time out the other half ~ but there is one thing we have in common...

We both love Jimmy John's Sandwiches!

and he eats a WHOLE one everytime...and check out HOW he eats it!

Love his individuality!

Quote of the Night...(Well, about 6 nights ago as I haven't blogged in a while)

2009-12-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Setting:
Mo's Room

Players:
Mo & Me

Convesation:
Me: [Silently, not saying a word] I walk in his room and begin to cover him with his blanket.

Morgan: [Completely Asleep] "NO Mommy! I don't want to be covered up ~ I just want peace."

Peace on earth [or at least whilst you sleep] to you all...

My Boys and Another tradition...

2009-12-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

So ANOTHER tradition at Christmas in the Rowan Household? Why decorating Sugar Cookies of course! The boys ate just about as many cookies as they decorated as well...Even 'naked' (what they call un-decorated cookies) ones!

This year was a success...and there are only a few 1000 sprinkles to vacuum off the floor!

Sweet Tooth signing off...

The Christmas Cookies...

2009-12-06T18:32:00.000-08:00

One more reason why I love this holiday. I LOVE to bake. Love it! Something my mom never discouraged me to do. Though she was always right behind me cleaning up the kitchen for that 'invisible' sticking layer. (Hi Mom! I know that sticky layer still exists today after I am done...heehee)

Well this year I went ALL OUT...and I am not done. So far ALL of the cookies have been good.

peanut butter...
...sugar cookies...
...crispy chocolate chip...
...chocolate walnut...
...oatmeal raisin...
...snickerdoodles....
...even english toffee.

I thought I was going to stir my arm off for the last one.

Now I still have Banana Bread to make and my signature 'Neiman Marcus $500 Cookies...oh yeah, and these great little peanut butter sandwich cookies too! I will have everyone successfully fattened up to look just like Santa!

HO HO HO to every baker out there!

Holiday Traditions...

2009-11-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

The Turkey is cooked & consumed...it is now socially acceptable to have your Christmas tree up and lit. Granted, as you know from this post, mine was up last week which means I am a social outcast...

...moving on...

Now I can confidently tell you about one of our little family's tradition here in the Pacific Northwest. My husband, the smart one in this relationship, came up with quite a brainy idea the year Cade was born. Each year we will purchase a 'special' ornament just for Cade ~ and then add a new one each year until he turns eighteen...

So that is what we have done. We have (2) beautiful leather boxes dedicated to the the boys that will hold EXACTLY 18 ornaments a piece...and here are this year's ornaments! Cade picked his out this year & Mo...well, I am not letting him near the Christmas store for at least 3 more years...He gets the Monkey!

Last year we decided {I did that is...} that they need their own tree...it will contain their 'special' ornaments and all their 'school' made ornaments {well, those school ornaments that pass the mommy test}. I must say it is a cute little thing and they love it too!

Here's to starting your own traditions...

Black Friday Blog...

2009-11-27T09:26:00.000-08:00

We all know what Black Friday is, right? The day retailers across the US plot ways to get customers into their stores first so that their profits can {hopefully} bolster a dismal year of sales.

Well this year I fell victim to the hype. So in my normal way of coping with my mistakes, I am going to give my thoughts to those who are nice enough out there to listens...

Never underestimate how crazy 'nice' people can become when they are forced to wait in lines before the sun rises.

Crowds at 4:00 in the morning look no different than crowds at 1:00pm...there is just more merchandise to choose from on the shelves.

Always go with someone...their name shall be 'line holder'...and they will earn a steak dinner after just two stores.

Make-up is optional.... Or you can just go to sleep with make-up on and you are ready to walk out the door at quarter to 4:00. I would never do this of course.

People laugh a lot in the morning, probably because they are crazy. I like this...a lot.

Just stay in your nice warm bed unless you are making a LARGE purchase. The lines are not worth saving $2 on a pair of socks.

Black Friday should not be about you. You can buy for yourself 364 other days of the year.

After one store, you can always go back to bed...then when your husband rolls over and says with and alarmed voice, "Honey, aren't you going to go out?" You can just smile and thank your lucky stars that you are not still partaking of the chaos.

And last of all, not that I would do this, but you can write your blog while you are waiting in line... Just to save time.

Happy Shopping all you crazies...

[Wordless] Wednesday...

2009-11-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

Our little chef...

TT (Tuesday's Thoughts)...

2009-11-24T21:30:00.000-08:00

I guess these are sorta little Random Ramblings...except these all come to mind on TUESDAY! So hey, here I go...

What is my next book addiction going to be? I need a break from Vampires for just a little while please...

Have my hands always looked this old?

Why do I start crying during movie previews? anyone else do this? Example: The Blind Side (Which I can't wait to see)

Can I consider raking leaves an exercise? or even putting up Christmas decorations? I am sure that I burned a lot of calories doing both this past weekend.

I love the holidays... people are just happier this time of year.

In the word's of Shrek..."People are like onions, they have lots of layers."...Seriously!

Why can't we just be direct in all our conversations with friends, families, clients, strangers...I just want to know what you really think or feel or taste or (the list goes on)... I don't want the bologna.

...and thoughts are gone. Night Night!

Not Me Monday...

2009-11-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I so did not put up our Christmas Decorations this weekend. I mean, come-on, Thanksgiving isn't even over yet.

I did not try to make a quick trip to the mall, and then quickly regret it and come back home after circling the parking lot for 5 minutes looking for a spot. I am much more patient than that!

I did not find myself standing in line at 11:00pm on Thursday Night waiting to get into the Midnight showing of New Moon. I promise I am not a crazy Twi-hard. I just play one on Blogger.

Huh-Uh you didn't...

Confessions/Observations of a wanna be runner...

2009-11-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

So, I ran another 5K today. (and yes, I am extremely proud of myself) On my ride home I just started smiling uncontrollably as I thought about my trek to this point, and then some of the things I observed in today's race...Here are just a few things ~~snicker, snort~~ that I noticed and experienced.

Here are my dry feet before the race (Yes, my feet are narrow & long...these are 10 1/2 babies! ~ normal shoe size is 9...). Those of you that have never raced, the black rectangle on my right foot is the timing chip...it's a teeny, tiny piece of technology that is going to keep track of my time. Also, notice my new running tights. No more water logged pant bottoms, these babies aren't moving from my ankles...LOVE THEM!

I love my shuffle...though somehow, after the race I can't remember a single song that played in my head. Anyone else get like this???

All the free food and sport drinks offered after a race are pretty cool. Though I do not see how cupcakes fit into the equation. (yes, they had cupcakes there!) So that you all know I have a little bit of self-control, I did skipped the cupcakes.

Bananas are perfect for after a short race...if they are ripe! Nothing dries your mouth out faster than a green banana...I do appreciate the effort though.

Dear Coach Lemley, remember back during high school track when I looked you straight in the eye and swore I would never run further that a mile again in my life????...I lied.

Thank you Starbucks for your wonderful Sausage breakfast sandwiches. You are my go to protein provider after the race...

Ladies ~ Why are you wearing make-up? I promise no one is looking at you during the race...unless they are trying to run around you. Below is how I look after a race...look! I still don't have make-up on!

Dear Coach Bricker, remember in high school how poor a practicer I was? You used to shake your head and laugh at me. Well, it hasn't changed. I still compete better than I practice, thank goodness.

I completely forgot about the lovely metallic taste you get in your mouth after you run a hard, good race. yuck...please tell me this isn't just me.

Excuse me Mr. (or Ms.) Race Organizer...I think you should have at least tried to minimize the 20' x 10' puddle that existed right after you pass over the timing chip start mat. Just a thought for next year.

How is it possible that between getting in my car, driving home, and getting out of my car (30 minutes tops) the lactic acid had already started to kick in and I IS SORE!

So here are the results:
Time ~ 27:17
Overall Place ~ 248 out of 764
Division Place ~ 24 out of 148
Gender Place ~ 103 out of 497
Race Pace ~ 9:05 minute mile

Up Next: Resolution Run ~ January 1, 2010...the last .2 miles is a polar bear plunge into Lake Washington FUN!

The Adrenalice junkie is signing off...

Not Me Monday...

2009-11-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. I haven't done one of these in a looooong time.

I did NOT just go five days without working out... and I do not feel like a complete schmuck because of it. Did I spell that right?

I am so NOT putting Christmas up starting Friday. I would never dream of putting it up BEFORE Thanksgiving. NEVER!

The boys and I made gingerbread men/cookies over the weekend. I love gingerbread, it is so uniquie in its smell and taste. So I would never consider sneak eating ~~six~~ a 'few' before they are cooled and iced. The boys did not suspect a thing!

HUH-UH...you DIDN'T!

Gingerbread...

2009-11-15T23:15:00.000-08:00

A new tradition in the Rowan household. Last year we started the holiday season out with Reading 'The Gingerbread Man' and then also making our own...unlike the story, our Gingerbread Man was eaten by little boys, not a sneaky fox.

So this year we carried on and made it a true tradition.

I love the little hands, and how they can indeed be delicate...

Mine...

Would you like some Gingerbread with those M&M's Cade????

I told Morgan to open his eyes when he smiles. Be careful what you ask for...

Again Mine...I love the way they turned out. Also glad that my boys favorite colors are complimentary colors. Is that symbolic????

You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread Mommy...

I'm still around and strange things are still occuring in my life...

2009-11-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
How have you been?
Great to hear.
Me?
Yes, I am doing lovely.

Plese don't be mad, I am back and here is what happened the last 'few' days...in no certain order (because honestly, who can remember anything after even a single day????).

I watched my 4 year old hit his head on the rim of the toilet while trying to pull his pants up. Really? How did he get soooo talented? Must take after his mother.

Cade is my favorite child. He likes Red Vines as much as me.

Morgan is my favorite child. He gives me kisses and tells me he loves me...spontaneously.

I was at work for over 16 hours on Wednesday last week. I work with some pretty incredible people. It was a long day.

I make the best Chicken Salad (recipe courtesy of my parents). I polished the whole recipe off myself. Apparently I don't share very well. Should I go to counselling?

I made gingerbread dough tonight...tomorrow you will get pictures of what the boys create...brace yourself, it could be very sweet.

I needed to vacuum today...Morgan just gave me a reason to actually follow though.

'Lovely'...My new favorite word. I like to say it and like to hear it. It's a lovely word.

New Moon is less than a week away. Cracking the book tonight for a quick re-read.

I have a great sister, who I got to talk to tonight. I miss you and need to come see you soon in Minnesota...

I signed up for the Turkey Trot 5K next weekend...After the race there is a Mashed Potato eating contest. "Hey race sponsors, I am pretty sure that people that run in the race will NOT be partaking in the eating contest. Call it a hunch."

I have read the below book no less than 9 times this week. It is quite sweet and Mo loves it...

I watched 'Love Actually' last night. What a great flick, and I highly recommend it...Why, Why, Why do I have such a fetish for Hugh Grant? Notting Hill, About a Boy, Love Actually...the list goes on and on.

Prepare yourself. I am sure I will have at least two more postings this week. I have so much to tell you, kinda.

Night everyone...blog you later.

Almond = Joy...

2009-11-03T21:54:00.000-08:00

First of all, I am supposed to be on Weight Watchers. I do good 75% of the time... it's that 25% slice that messes EVERYTHING UP.

See these...

I had NO IDEA how good they were, until today. At 36 I tried my FIRST EVER Almond Joy...One of my sweet, sweet co-workers told me that it had to take at least 5 mini ones to equal a whole NORMAL sized candy bar...

Too bad I ate at least 10 of them.

[*sigh*]

So I came home...packed Mojo into the car and he played at the YMCA Adventure Zone while I ran 3 miles on the treadmill to at least off-set some of the above sweet coconut goodness.

The nice thing about Weight Watcher is that the next day is always a NEW day...

Here is to new beginnings...

Our Soccer Star...

2009-11-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

So let me just lay it out there for everyone's ears.

I am not one to say, "Good Job!" to anyone when their effort isn't there.

I am not the one that is going to make you feel "All warm and fuzzy inside" if you were almost there but it wasn't in your heart.

I am a true believer that you should NEVER force a child to do something that they don't like or want to do ONCE they have given it a good try.. In this specific case ~ Soccer.

We, like other parents have tried our children at several activities...

Gymnastics ~ failed (let's just say a child with Cade's energy has no business around gym equipment) Will Cade ever try it again? Maybe, but it will be his choice, not ours.

Skiing ~ complete success. I wanted him to start learning to snowboard...he said no, not yet. I LISTENED...

Soccer ~ nailed it; unbelievable success. He now does both fall and spring season.

Football ~ Sorry, I just can't put a 7 year old, who still hasn't passed the 45lbs. mark in pads & a helmet and feel good about that decision. (Morgan on the other hand, he is going to play football next year...because soccer for him ~ COMPLETE failure.)

Okay, off my soap box and on to what this post is ALL ABOUT. MY CADE!

He rocked today, and I mean ROCKED. The kid was playing 3 postions at the SAME time. I have said it before ~ and I will say it again ~ I wish I could bottle this kids energy because it would be the stuff black markets are made of.

He went left when he was suppose to...

He stopped the ball on a dime...

He had shots at the goal...

He had assists at the goal...

He made great turns...

He protected the goal...

His kicks ROCKED!

He truly was the best kid on the field today. And coming from me, that is big (scroll back up and read the first 3 sentences)

This is how he ran for THREE whole quarters...

...he never gave up...

...even when the other team laid him on the ground...

...now here is a great drive...

Beautiful, long stride...

Completely out-maneuvered this boy.

...and again, he kept on moving...

...he never stopped, never gave up...

...and the best part ~ he was smiling the whole time. That's the kind of stuff that makes a parent proud. Not that they are succeeding in a sport, but that they truly LOVE what they are doing. And soccer, he loves it.

Now note to my Mom & Rod ~ Thank you for never pushing me into things I didn't want to do and for supporting me whole heartedly through ever cold football game and even colder track meets. I always knew you were their watching and it made me happy. I have you to thank for all my successes back then. I love you Mom and Rod!

Here's to my boys...I love you both!

Ninjas and the Great Pumpkin...

2009-10-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

Bob told them to smile [He's my joker!]...and you can actually tell that Morgan is!

Off and running...this energy ran low once their costumes were damp with the rain...
and finally, ninjas get candy from a really master.
In our home we have a tradition ~ Not unlike the Easter Bunny, we have another magical beast known in our part of the country as The Great Pumpkin. Each year the boys leave out their candy, and the next morning the candy has vanished. It the candy's place is a toy for each boy. They love it! Don't worry, we do let them keep 10 pieces and they select each piece verrrrrrrrrrrrrry carefully.

If you are wondering where the candy goes...it travels to work where I force all of my teammates to eat it.

Til next year...

Happy Halloween...

2009-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Be Safe...

Quote of the DAY...

2009-10-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

Oh, This one is golden.

Setting: Back seat of my car
Cast: Morgan & Cade

Mumbling coming from the back seat, and then ~ a very loud voice rises up.

Morgan says, "Cut it out, Cade."

[silent pause]

Morgan says, "Mommy is not the one that gets sent to Mommy and Daddy's room."

[very pregnant pause this time]

Morgan says in a low voice, "We are the ones that are the troublemakers."

Mother's of Boys are rejoicing EVERYWHERE. I couldn't have said it better myself!

Oh wait! one more...

Cade says, "Mommy, your going to have to put that one on the blog."

[sigh] He is one smart kid...

Now, off to put my troublemakers to bed...

Jack-O-Lanterns & Jackie-O-Lanterns...

2009-10-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

Another Year for carving... and believe it or not I actually carved a pumpkin as well. Of course I wore gloves because they are way, way, way to slimy for me.

Cade's first pumpkin...all by himself, no help from anyone. Personally I am so impressed. He handled the scopes, the guts the knives with ease. Or at least I think he did ~ I wasn't actually there when he did it.

Ahhhh...now the expert. Every year Bob does a 'collection' of jack-o-lanterns. Just like they say in the movies ~ an ensemble cast of characters. Sure they can stand on their own...but they are much better as a whole.

Now for mine [look far right...yep], mine is the one with the stupid grin. Say what you will, but I am a happy girl, therefore my Jackie-o-lantern [yes! My pumpkin is female.]has to express my personality.

I end it with the 'fireworks' setting on my camera. WHAT? Where did that little boy come from and why, why, why does he have a croquette mallet???? We may never know.

Good Night from Jack & Jackie...

Yes and No Session...

2009-10-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Yes ~ I did make FOUR soups this weekend, hoping to avoid cooking throughout the week. (Chicken Noodle, Chicken Tortilla [Yum!], Vegetable Beef & Chicken Taco)
No ~ I do not like all the soups I made, but luckily my husband does...

Yes ~ Sickness did hit the Rowan household in the form of a 102 fever for Morgan.
No ~ thankfully it is NOT H1N1.

Yes ~ It was a Jane Austen kind of day...ahhh, Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility.
No ~ I am not going to leave out Emma and North Hanger Abbey...I will watch those tomorrow night.

Yes ~ I folded loads of laundry while watching most of the above movies.
No ~ I do not want to fold [or look] at another load for at least a week.

Yes ~ There is no doubt this child is mine. Down to the dimple in his right cheek.
No ~ I am not denying it.

Yes ~ I have confirmed That Cade has inherited the Williams' mind for math. [Thank you Mama!]
No ~ I can not say the same about his reading and writing skills. [I still have hope!]

Enough answers...Enjoy your evening.

Pumpkin's Galore...

2009-10-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

Oh, the yearly trip to Gordon Farms. We found ourselves headed North to the very fertile farmland know as the Skagit Valley. Yes, they are known for their tulip fields, but their apples & pumpkins are a close 2nd!

You know what was different this year?

Ummm, well the boys are a year older.

The sun was shining very, very, bright.

We actually went into the fields this year.

Morgan kept 'disappearing'.

It wasn't cold.

I just realized that Bob drank the cider and I didn't get a drink.

Our little 'secret' farm has been discovered and it was crowded.

Morgan and Cade both picked out there own pumpkins this year. Morgan's has become a security blanket of sort. He has been carrying it around the house all night. Thankfully he did not ask to sleep with it.

Now we have ahead of us pumpkin carving tomorrow, and I have enough apples to make apple bread AND apple dumplings...Nummy! My home is going to smell scrumptious!

Well, enjoy this year's photos. And if you wanted ~ click here to see last years photos...

And just like last year...Boo!

Official Race Photo...

2009-10-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

So there were photographers everywhere along the 5K I ran last Sunday on the UW Campus...now if I had KNOWN they were going to get me crossing the line I might have at least smiled. Instead? I look like I am about to pass out.

Oh well, it gave me a good laugh...

Bib #2618 Photos!

My next race is November 28th...you better believe I will be smiling when I cross THAT line!

toodles!

Wordless Wednesday... (almost)

2009-10-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Morgan @ Husky Stadium

They only 'thought' that was a 'W' in the center of the field. It is actually an 'M' for 'Morgan'.

The never wordless...

Flu Shot...

2009-10-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

So I caved and went ahead and got a flu shot...so when I come down with the flu tomorrow because they injected raw chicken eggs along with a dead flu strain into my body don't say I didn't warn myself!

Looking back on the 5 minutes it took to get the shot, I actually start to laugh at myself! Read on, and you will see my meaning...

One of my MALE co-workers asked me if I was scared to get the shot...I stopped and looked him in the eye ~ my not so delicate response..."I birthed two boys, do you really think I am scared of a flu shot???"

Thought to self #1, Next time I will wait until AFTER the nurse gives me the shot before I tell her a joke...not sure what I was thinking.

Apparently I was tense...the nurse told me to relax the muscle so it wouldn't hurt so much. Thought to self #2, "Did she really just say ~wouldn't hurt SO much???"

Thought to self #3, "OOOOOOOOUCH! ~ what is she trying to do to me?" It's just a flu shot.

My goodness, she could have AT LEAST made sure the padded part of the bandage was over the ~~gaping hole~~ flesh wound.

Thought to self #4, back at my desk and then it hits me, "Okay why, why WHY is my arm STILL stinging?"

Next time go to the nurse NOT wearing the white medical coat. The one in the coat was only wearing it to make me THINK she had more years of experience with a ~~jack-hammer~~ needle.

Lastly, thought to self #5, "Was I really expecting kid gloves? I mean, come on, it was free!"

Hope your flu shot was as enjoyable as mine...

Mo's eMOticons...

2009-10-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

As we NOW say in in our home, so 'mo'vely...

5K: The results are in...

2009-10-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

...and I am extremely happy about them.

It did not rain.
It was not cold.
I did not finish last.
I did not walk.
I did not fall.
I never once felt my blister from this post.
Basically, I did not die...I survived!

I also did better than I anticipated.
I was passed by quite a few runners, but I did my own passing as well.
I started in the middle of the 9:00 minute pace group, and I held my own.
The course was beautiful, once I remembered to actually look around.
The University of Washington is a beautiful campus.
There were lots of inclines and hills, but they were managable.

Inclines ~ total success, I never slowed my pace.
Hills ~ total success, I did not quicken my pace.

I kept my head up, my shoulders loose...
and I even had a kick at the end.
I passed two people in the last 100 meters before the finish line!

So the Results:
Time ~ 28:41
Overall Place ~ 322 out of 1037
Division Place ~ 23 out of 160
Gender Place ~125 out of 638
Race Pace ~ 9:34 minute mile

...and now, I am ADDICTED!

I can hardly wait for my next race to create my first PR.

You may also notice that my left side bar has goal #1 struck through now!

Before the Race, Outside Huskie Stadium

Lining up at the Start/Finish Line

My Kick at the End

You can just barely see me with the Gun time of 29:14.

Me and two of my biggest fans, Cade & Morgan

One blissful runner...

Tomorrow's the day...

2009-10-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

So I will be turning in early this evening.

Tomorrow is my first every 5K race. It means that I will have fulfilled my 1st, "Thing to do before I turn 40..." item. Check out the others I still need to do in my left hand column.

Here is where I will be tomorrow. Wish me luck, I am going to need it!

Dawg Dash

An Award...

2009-10-17T17:42:00.001-07:00

Thank you Ace, for the award back on....ummm... October 6th! I am a little behind.

So here are 10 honest things about myself that probably only my mom and husband know...Let's be honest ~ this is going to be hard, probably embarassing, and some of the items are from almost twenty years ago!

1. When I read a book, I don't always start at the beginning...and I always know how it's going to end. Call it impatience, I am fine with that.

2. In high school I use to sneak 3-4 Schwann's strawberry fruit pops up to my room at a time...I stashed them in the waist band of my pants!

3. I love to grocery shop. I even have a pre-printed grocery list (that I made myself, and it's organized according to the rows in my store). I only have to check a box if I need to pick it up at the next visit.

4. I sneak candy, popcorn and diet pepsi into the movie theatre with me quite often.

5. I love romance novels...they are like candy and I don't have to think!

6. I ran 100m hurdles in high school and still hold some records. Best time was 14.85 seconds. I high jumped in college. That lasted 1 short year. Reason? I couldn't excel for a coach that I couldn't respect...I never realized at the time that this would by true in everything I do in life!

7. I hate to argue. Probably why my husband and I are such a good match.

8. I could never be a stay at home mom. I love my boys too much to put them through that. Some of you may disagree and I am okay with that, but for me ~ I need time away from them for myself so that when I am with them I am at my best. They need the time away from me as well.

9. My 7 year old still climbs into bed with me and Bob every night. My four year has never done this. Secretly, I am going to be sad when he no longer needs his mommy.

10. I moved to Denver, CO in 1996 without knowing anyone except my husband (boyfriend at the time & attending University of Colorado-Boulder). On my trip to interview for jobs I was honked at and flipped off by another car. I was so shaken I had to pull over and I started crying. I knew right then I had to be tougher...Now, in 2009 ~ I can let ANYTHING roll off my back. Is this good? maybe not, but if I cry its for something serious and never trivial...

Honestly speaking...

Conversation of the Afternoon...

2009-10-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Setting:
My car, driving to soccer in the rain, but the sun is shining at the same time. The glare is tremendous off the road and I am having a hard time seeing anything through the windshield.

Players:
Me & Morgan

Conversation:
Me: "Uuuugh! I can't see a thing through the windshield!"

Mojo: "Mommy, don't be a bully. It's not the windows fault."

Me: Now I am laughing uncontrollably and STILL able to see nothing!

Apparently all our anger management discussions are starting to get through his thick skull!

I am soooo smart...

2009-10-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

...literally, I am brilliant!

I have been training for my 5K now for about 6 weeks. I can hardly wait! You can smell the anticipation in my home, well...you can certainly smell the sweat from all the workouts...

So let's get to my braininess. My lovely, adorable friend ~ we will call her 'C' to protect the innocent ~ liked me soooo much that she gave my these pair of shoes (look down)

I I I I I I I

VVVVVVV

Aren't they lovely? Yes, I know. To bad they turned my feet into pulverized beef. (Are human's considered beef? Anywho...) I would show you, but that would be quite tasteless. Let me stress the damage by mentioning that I had TEN bandaids on my feet.

Good News? I was at least able to make it home without crying.

Bad News? Well, I now have to run on these feet in two days!

Now, please go out and prove that you are smarter than me! Shouldn't be that difficult this week.
Tata...

I love October...

2009-10-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

There are so many things to love about this month!

candy and fake spiders...

lots of fun costumes...

The only day during the year my door bell rings and I am NOT afraid to answer it (is anyone else like this???)

decorations and fun baked goods...

HALLOWEEN...

Reading Spookly, the Square Pumpkin and Pumpkin Soup...

Cooler Weather...

Jumping into piles of fallen leaves...

Apple Desserts and Apple Cider...

Pumpkin Patches..

Bob's JACK-O-LANTERNS...

You can't tell me all of the above doesn't get you excited for the start of the Holiday Season! (Well, except for the whole door thing...that my issue and I am working on it.)

It's coming fast so hold on tight and enjoy it while it lasts!

2009 HeartWalk...

2009-10-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

I did something on Saturday that made me feel a wide range of emotions...

I was happy,

sad,

proud,

angry,

weepy,

smiley,

tired,

frustrated,

hopeful...

you name it.

Mojo and I participated in the 2009 Heartwalk and I am so glad we did it. It was a 5K Walk that helped raise money and bring awareness to the #1 killer in this country.

and not only did I walk the 3.1 miles to the finish line...

I got to carry a 40 pound child on my shoulders for half of it.

(hence the 'tired' description above)

happy~to be running after Mojo, my energizer bunny, the whole time

sad~to see all the names of those who have passed this year

Proud~to be a part of this large group

angry~well, only because Morgan left his listening ears at home

weepy~to see all the pictures of those who are no longer here

smiley~to feel a sense of accomplishment at the end

tired~as mentioned above thanks to Mojo

frustrated~that I did not do more

hopeful~because next year, I will do more!

If you have never done a charity event I highly urge you to try just one.

It is very fullfilling and energizes you to do more...

to do better...

to make a difference...

even if it is small...

it is something.

I would like to introduce you to...

2009-09-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

...my new companions.
I love them, and they love my feet. I will never again estimate the impact a good pair of shoes can make...

They make their race debut (along with their owner) on October 18 at 9:35am for the Dawg Dash at the University of Washington in Seattle...

You may think you know me...

2009-09-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

...but here are just a few things that you probably DON'T know.

I always return my shopping cart to the store after grocery shopping. I think it is extremely lazy not to do this- I mean didn't I just walk over a mile up and down the aisles? How hard is it to walk 100 more feet to put the cart back inside...consider this a pet peeve of mine.

If someone is crying, I am almost guaranteed to cry as well.

I hate mushrooms...passionately.

Overall I am a likable person...If someone does not like me I have a hard time accepting that and I never forget them either. I think I have some issues with letting go...maybe.

I love anthologies...especially romance and vampire ones.

I wanted to be an accountant my first semester in College...but my Sister 'the architect' inspired me so I graduated with a Bachelor degree in Interior Design.

I love daisies...they are my favorite, followed closely by orange roses.

I ran college track for one year at the University of Arkansas...I don't regret not showing up the next year either.

I am a much happier person if I work-out in the morning.

I love cheesy high school movies...I don't think I will ever out grow them.

My nicknames in high school were 'toes' and 'snow white'.

I have lived and worked in 4 major cities ~ Little Rock, Denver, Minneapolis, and Seattle...

I hate disappointing people.

I think it is rude and selfish to arrive late to a child's birthday party.

I clean when I get upset.

So now you know a little more about me... hope you still like me!

I am so bad...

2009-09-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

...I am stumbling, and tripping and frankly just falling down on my face. I can stay motivated for awhile and then...I LOSE IT!

Walking ~ 30 days straight
Running ~ 2 weeks straight
Watching what I eat ~ 8 weeks straight

...and then BOOM! I go on a binge...Can I tell you how badly I DON'T want to step on the scale on Tuesday? It will go up so I am telling you all now. I was so close the 10 lbs being history and now I will be luck to see 5 lbs still gone.

this week, goodness what didn't I eat???
this week, when did I actually work out???

Enough...That is my shame this week. I am gong to bed now so I can step opn the Elliptical tomorrow morning at 5:00 sharp.

Okay, I feel much better now...

I am going to brag...

2009-09-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

...because, well, he is only 4.

Smiles happen...

2009-09-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

...when you watch 3 grown adults fight over your homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies during the last 20 seconds of a silent auction (and each batch went for $40!)

...when my 4-year-old knows and reads to me 10 sight words!

...when Bob requests that I stop by the store on my way home so I can make my special bruschetta.

...smiling now.

Terror Tuesday...

2009-09-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

Can you believe I...

Worked out

Dropped off & picked up my boys today

Only Worked an 8 hour day

Made Vegetable Beef Soup

Baked a Batch of Cookies for a Silent Auction

Survived homework with a 2nd grader

Taught my pre-schooler the sight words 'in' & 'the'

Cooked Chicken Noodle Soup for a sick husband

Made my lunch & school agers lunch for tomorrow

Forgot it was Tuesday

Put the boys to bed

Dyed my hair dark brown

folded laundry

unloaded dishes

wrote two blog posts

and now I am reading Sookie!

...yeah, me neither. I can't make this a habit.

Happy Birthday P-Man!

2009-09-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Can you believe I am old enough to have an 8 year old nephew??? I know it's crazy. I was like, 12 when he was born...

...and if you believe that, then you are more gullible than me.

PS...I love you Parker!

Aunt C...

PSS...I am sure your Mommy told you by now, but I am not the most reliable when it comes to getting gifts sent in the mail on time...hold tight Buddy, it should be there in 5 sleeps at most.

Planes, Trains, Gondolas, & Automobiles

2009-09-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

And now, the wait is over... We had a fun packed, mini-vacation over the long Labor Day weekend at Silver Mountain in Kellogg, ID (No, this is NOT where you get Frosted Flakes Cereal either!) ...complete with

Planes,

~~trains~~ gondolas &

Automobiles

The boys woke up without anticipation...yeah, that's what happens when you don't tell them about a trip until you are AT THE AIRPORT. I highly suggest it for everyone's next vacation. Then, they actually sleep the night before.

After our quick 45 minute flight to Spokane we ventured across Idaho to Kellogg for a hiking, water parking adventure. Below is the evidence and it was so very enjoyable and peaceful for all four Rowan's... Cade holding onto the Gondola...

Travelling up on the Gondola...Cade

Top of the Mountain...

In case you've never seen a ski slope during the summer. It was pretty amazing.

One of the many fireplaces located in the Gondola Village... Cade & Bob

Gondola Ride Down...Morgan

Mojo & His personal Airplane...

My Favorite Photos...Shadows of me & Mojo

Photo of the Silt Slides on top of Silver Mountain...this is usually covering in snow & pretty amazing. It was treacherous to walk on. Especially for a clutz such as I.

'The Rowan Boys...' almost to the bottom again...

Floating around the 'Lazy River'...Mojo's favorite

More Lazy River...

Huckleberry Ice Cream...

Cade is sad to go...

Our Condo while at Silver Mountain...very nice.

Morgan, Airplane and more of the Condo...

Gondola Village Courtyard, view from our balcony...

Another view from the balcony...the blue support is the Gondola lift...

Finally heading home...

And that's about as many photos as I can handle...Blog you all later.

22 of 52...

2009-09-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

I love the set-up and breakdown pictures when you are trying to get that perfect photo. Sometimes these more fun than the perfect photo! These photos are of Mojo and I on the Gondola ride up to Silver Mountain.

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52 Weeks is a year long challenge for Mom (that’s me) to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is my chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with my family. Click on the button above to see other Mother’s that are taking part in the challenge – and we all know it IS a challenge.

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-09-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Thoughts...

2009-09-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

I am in the mood... whether they are happy thoughts or simple pleasures, I felt the need to make a list- a HAPPY list-tonight...here it is in no special order!

Fudge bars
Loose jeans, as opposed to tight jeans before
After 12 years - the best annual performance review EVER!
Knee hugs from my boys
Diet Pepsi
Knowing there is now less of me to love!
The word 'nummy'
Running
Sookie Stackhouse books (go ahead, I know you are going to google this!)
Ski Season is getting close!
Big, dark sky with lots of stars
First Day of Second grade
A clean kitchen
Red Vines, Red Vines, Red Vines {sigh}
Listening to my 4 year old read books to himself

Hope you have some happy thoughts today as well!

First Day of Second Grade, and History Repeats itself...

2009-09-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

We have a 2nd Grader. When did THAT Happen?

okay, now for the story.

History: CASSANDRA
A young 12 year-old in 7th Grade came home one day and told her mom, 'Ms. Shopfner (Art Teacher) moved everyone except for me because they wouldn't stop talking to me!' (sigh, I know you are laughing Mom...and I will indulge you of course.)

Now History Repeats itself: CADE
A young 7 year old in 2nd Grade came home one day and told his mom, 'I got moved today mama because everyone sitting around me wouldn't stop talking to me!' (sigh, he is now sitting front and center of the teacher, the PERFECT place for this quite little mouse.)

Everyday I am reminded how much Cade and I are a like. And everyday- I thank my lucky stars. My Mom survived me and still loves me so I know I can do it too!

I am still working on our Labor Day post...stay tuned!

Blog you all later...

Idaho = Great Trip

2009-09-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Well the Rowan's had a great trip over the long weekend. We are all pretty exhausted and ready for the start of 2nd grade tomorrow. Here are a few pictures of our exciting weekend. Stay tuned for the full post tomorrow evening.

Night all...blog at you later.

21 of 52...

2009-09-03T18:53:00.001-07:00

ME and THE BOYS

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52 Weeks is a year long challenge for Mom (that’s me) to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is my chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with my family. Click on the button above to see other Mother’s that are taking part in the challenge – and we all know it IS a challenge.

Oh No! Twilight move over...

2009-08-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

This can't be happening.

This has to be a dream...a very good dream.

Okay all you ladies out there that love Twilight. Here is your next Muse.

My husband in all his infinite wisdom once told me that an author has one paragraph to catch and bring in their readers. And it's true. Usually if I struggle with the first chapter in a book I will set it down and never pick it back up...

Ladies, this book didn't take one chapter or even one paragraph...this book took one whole sentence and I was turned to mush.

"I'd been waiting for the vampire for years when he walked into the bar."

Done.

'Dead Until Dark' by Charlaine Harris...

I'm done for! Blog you all later...

No really, that did not just happen...

2009-08-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

WHAT???

I really didn't think I was going to have the 'hickey' conversation with my boys until they were much older. Granted, I didn't think that Cade would be giving them to himself either.

My four year old beat up a little boy at day care today. Yep! So proud, wouldn't you be? We got two notes. First one read, "Morgan began hitting a little boy repeatedly..." The second one read, "He beat up a little kid from a smaller class." Hmmm, still not sure exactly what happened...Little chap spent his entire evening in his room by himself. Let's see if it sticks!

You all know I am addicted in every way, shape and form to Red Vines. Well, one of my wonderful teammates pulled out a 5 lb. tub of them at work. No No No! Please don't do this to me... Well let's just say that I can eat Red Vines at anytime of the day, and that tub is now 2 lbs lighter just because of me! *sigh*

Alright...So long suckers. Blog you all later...

20 of 52...

2009-08-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Cade and I after a massive Lego search for that one missing piece among millions. Don't worry, we found it...eventually.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for Mom (that’s me) to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is my chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with my family. Click on the button above to see other Mother’s that are taking part in the challenge – and we all know it IS a challenge.

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-08-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Mojo and the Fox

So I've decided...

2009-08-16T21:08:00.001-07:00

Oh! Kimber just did this over on her blog and I love it...Here is mine!

So I've decided...

To start my 5K training this week.
That taking care of one child is easier than two.
That I complain too much.
I prefer a good book over a great movie.
That my family rocks! (Every one of them...)
My Red Vine addiction is a problem.
That frozen grapes are better than chocolate cake. (Try it!)
To start writing letters instead of emails.
That I hate to talk on the phone.
I like squash.
That you can overcome your Twilight addiction, but why? *sigh*
That I don't miss television.
and like Kimber, I love to go to the movies ALONE.

Lovely!

19 of 52...

2009-08-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Picture of Mo and I after his tests with the Institute of Learning and Brain Sciences...Check out his new jacket. I love the color.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

52 Weeks is a year long challenge for Mom (that’s me) to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is my chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with my family. Click on the button above to see other Mother’s that are taking part in the challenge – and we all know it IS a challenge.

18 of 52...(Really, Really late posting)

2009-08-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Wow! I went on my first tubing trip ever last week and it was awesomely COLD! I say this alot, but I have lived in Washington for almost 12 years now and I still have so much to experience. My beautiful friends joined me on this '3 hour ~~freeze your tushy off~~ tour'. And below are the pictures to prove how crazy we were to tube in a snow run-off river...

Above: Jen, Me and Katrina. Check out the beautiful tube tie-down Jen & I did. Picture was taken by Marie...

So the river was a little dried up at the beginning. Loking back ~~thank goodness because I probably would have suffered hypothermia if it hadn't been~~ it was good exercise to get the blood flowing in our soon to be frozen legs and feet.

I was trying to lean back here and NOT be in the picture. Instead I look like I am going to be ill. So this is me, Katrina and Marie...photo taken by Jen.

Ahhhh...the scenery was quite breath taking...

And lastly, this is me after 2 1/2 hours inside my tube...I can't believe the picture is not blurry because there was not a single part of me that wasn't shivering...Ladies- I love you all and I would do this again anyday if I get to spend it with you all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
52 Weeks is a year long challenge for Mom (that’s me) to be in a picture once a week for 52 weeks. We are always the ones behind the camera, this is my chance to get out in front and be in the pictures with my family. Click on the button above to see other Mother’s that are taking part in the challenge – and we all know it IS a challenge.

Priceless...

2009-08-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

It is a Morgan and me week for five days. Cade and Bob are off in San Diego trying to win some Pokemon Video Game Championship. It's no big deal. Cade just finished in the top 4 in the United States so he got a free trip to San Diego to compete for the Big Kahuna...

Yeah, it's kind of a big deal actually, but I will talk about that later. I have a priceless moment for you all.

Trip to Nordstrom to buy Morgan some new shows (aren't they cute?): $45.00

Trip to REI to buy Morgan a new school jacket/hoodie: $35.00

Dinner for Morgan and me at Claim Jumper: $22.00

The look on Morgan's face when the motion sensor toilet flushed while he was still sitting on it:
Priceless...

Now go experience your own priceless moments. Would love to hear about them!

Quote of the DAY...

2009-08-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Morgan: "Mommy, if I take all my clothes off it's called my 'Birthday Suit'."

Me: (In my mind) After four years of life for this child, that was NOT taught to him by his parents...it's was taught to him by his Gramsie.

*sigh*

I miss you guys already.

Goodnight...

Observations of an Early Morning Walker...

2009-08-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

You notice a lot of things when you go on early morning walks, especially about little creatures...here are some of my recent thoughts in no certain order...hey, on the weekend I take looong walks so I have a lot to think about!

"Hello, Mr Spider? Can you please cast your webs just a little higher? I don't particularly like to wear your home, especially if you are in it."

"Hey you annoying Blue Jays, do you see this concrete path? I promise I am not going to leave it. I am not interested in feasting on your bird eggs."

"Oh Dear, that sunlight beam is only inches away from that slug...Must seem like a mile to them." The next day-same spot..."Oh well, looks like he didn't make it."

"Hey everyone, can you please adjust your sprinkler systems so that they will spray the sidewalk too? I need a little cooling off."

"What? C'mon, that really wasn't a white bunny rabbit. Was it?"

"Oh Boy, another hill...just what my numb legs wanted!"

"Um, excuse me. Can you please trim back your plants so they are not over hanging the sidewalk...especially the blackberry bushes?"

"Why oh why did that racoon just cross the road? He really should talk to the chicken first."

Hope your walks are as enlightening as mine!

Four Squared...

2009-08-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

What a quiet home we had today...almost eerie to be honest. Now the boys are sleeping and Bob and I are typing away on our Blogs. So very relaxing.

We love company...we love entertaining too. We don't do it alot, but it is a blast everytime. We had the pleasure of having my neices and my SIL & BIL stay with us over the past week. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of them, but I did get my neices and my boys...here is the FOUR SQUARED crazies during another one of those HOT days last week (WARNING WARNING - We actually had a day where the temperature was 103 degrees. I know you midwesterns are like, 'Humph! Big Deal'. Well, please remember that we usualy don't have temperatures above 85 degrees, therfore WE HAVE NO AIR CONDITIONING...) Okay- back on task...check these cuties out!

Okay now onto our next guests which arrive tomorrow! Can't Wait...

Just Another an AWESOME Saturday...

2009-08-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

So, I have lived in SeAttle for 11 years noW and I can truly say therE is no place like it in the United States...I love it here. PleaSe come Out and visit and you May all seE why!

Okay let me get to the topic - see the picture above ^^^. It took me 11 years to finally go see the Blue Angels Airshow at Seafair. ELEVEN YEARS! Why did I wait so long???

It was my first ever Air Show to boot, and it was performed over Lake Washington which was truly AWE inspiring. The Blue Angels came all the way from Pensecola, FL (one of my favorite beaches!) so that we could all stare up at the sky for 30 minutes. They turned and rolled and continuously made me jump at their near misses and close flying. These 6 pilots have 'Nerves of Steel', in the words of my insightful husband. I have to agree.

Now here are a few pictures to show you just a glimpse of these incredible pilots and our hot afternoon...

The boys - anticipation is almost better than the actual event - but not this time! There were hundreds of boats waiting for the show to start. These photos don't do the water craft justice...

Now here are the money shots...they were loud and they were low. I hope you all have a chance to see them as well someday (you ladies with little boys - they will love this!)

Okay, I am off to nurse the right side of my body, which is currently hot pink...oh sunblock! Why do I avoid you when I obviously need you???

17 of 52...(Better Late than Never)

2009-08-01T19:07:00.001-07:00

Okay...I am a couple of days late on this but it was worth it! We just returned from a great trip to the 2009 Seattle Seafair Airshow featuring the Navy's elite squaron, the Blue Angels. I know, I know... You have all seen them, but this was the first time I have ever been to Officially Watch them...This photo was taken pre-show, hence why I still look happily white...currently I am a nice shade off hot pink! Aren't my glasses cute? I LOVE them! Except they make my entire face sweat - oh well, the things we do for fashion.

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Wordless Wednesday... (almost)

2009-07-29T05:38:00.000-07:00

Our fears have been confirmed. My youngest child is brilliant...Wish me luck.

2 + 2 = 4...

2009-07-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

The Rowan's (that's me...) were blessed with two handsome boys...

The Simpler's (that's my sister-in law & brother-in-law) were blessed with two beautiful girls...

That makes four children under the age of 8...

I remember that I have been in pink withdraw when I see them. There are ribbons & tights & sandals & ponytails & detangler & dolls & ruffles & princess discussions...

What about dragons & poop & superheros & ninjas & bloody toes & bruises? Oh yeah, I still get those discussions too. Except they are laced with discussions like, "Cade is cute Mommy. I am going to marry him." Guess we will have to break the bad news when they get older...Sorry, first cousins don't marry each other in this family....

So here are the crazies- enjoying an afternoon of Slip-N-Slide without a single cry or injury.

Here is to the two cutest nieces in the world. I ♥ them so much... please try to ignore the monkey boy, I promise we feed him...

16 of 52...

2009-07-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

Great trip to the zoo on Sunday...and it yielded this fun little photo taken by Bob...

Me...smiling.

Cade...indifferent.

Mo...pretending to ignore the camera. (...and tickling my neck in the process.)

That about sums up my crazy boys!

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My reality...

2009-07-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

...living in the Northwest without air conditioning.

...loving two little strong willed boys.

...wishing I was smarter in my 20's.

...watching my 7 year old do a handstand while I am scolding him. (and smiling to myself because I did the same to my mom & dad when I was growing up...ADHD baby!)

...wanting to see 30 pounds fly off my body quickly.

...craving Red Vines ALL the time. I mean ALL the time.

...still getting blemishes in my 30's.

...picking up after all three men in my home.

...living with eczema.

...a strong addiction to food.

...experiencing numb toes when I wear high heels or walking shoes.

...wondering when the next mole will pop up on my body.

...having a terrible sweet tooth.

...pampering myself every Sunday.

...wishing I had more patience.

...sleeping on 6" of a bed,while my 7 year old takes up 36".

...no TV.

...can't get enough of dance music.

...wishing I would stick myself out more.

...overworked for 10 yesrs. Now having a hard time with the slower pace.

sigh...and that is just a small slice of my (couldn't be better) reality.

Wordless Wednesday... (almost)

2009-07-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

No words can do this photo justice...

First Award...Ever!

2009-07-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

What??? I have no idea what to say...This is my first award ever! Thank you Ace...you rock! So now I have to actually DO something! hee, hee. So here goes...(psst! that award lady is what I am going to look like when I lose all this extra poundage...sorry, I digressed.)

How it works: USE ONLY ONE WORD! Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers.(This is more like a guideline, not really a rule, right???) I am sure all you smart people out there can figure it out (includinf any loopholes).

1. Where is your cell phone? lost
2. Your hair? blah
3. Your mother? active
4. Your father? ponderer
5. Your favorite food?
6. Your dream last night? none
7. Your favorite drink? DietPepsi
8. Your dream/goal? travel
9. What room are you in? dining
10. Your hobby? none
11. Your fear? heights
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? alive
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? mean
15. Muffins? addicting
16. Wish list item? AudiA4
17. Where did you grow up? Arkansas
18. Last thing you did? ate
19. What are you wearing? dress
20. Your TV? big
21. Your pets? ummm.Ihavechildren!thankyou.(nospacesequalsoneword)
22. Friends? awesome
23. Your life? chaotic
24. Your mood? full (See#18)
25. Missing someone? Mom
26. Vehicle? Camry
27. Something you’re not wearing? heels
28. Your favorite store? Target
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? umm....sniff
32. Your best friend? Hubby
33. One place that I go to over and over? Safeway
34. One person who emails me regularly? Hubby
35. Favorite place to eat? MyGranny's

I'm passing this award on to:

Dallas
Katrina
Jolee
Carin
Lindsay
Denise

Ace was nice enough to give me two awards...I will save the other for a rainy day, which could be tomorrow!

Our own Tarzan...

2009-07-20T22:29:00.001-07:00

This was new...well, Morgan terrorizing his older brother was nothing new- but climbing the rope to the top was CRAZY NEW!

Like my moving Header? I am trying to learn HTML and this was one of the cool features. Got to love the internet.

Cheers to you all and Happy Tuesday!