The Funny Farm

storytime

2012-01-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

How was your weekend? Matt was out of town for Sunday so I sat around all day & let the boys entertain themselves. I had entire pints of ice cream & caught up on all my shows, like I had just had a bad break up. I even did the ugly cry when Will Schuester proposed on Glee.
Matt & I had a terrible dating relationship. Our very first break up was so silly. I was going to see my dad & I said I would miss Matt, he would not say it back. Well, I really didn't think we had anything left to say after that. (double snap!) We worked it out later over the phone, me in Arizona, but Matt was in front of a living room full of people at his mom's. (back when you were tethered to the wall to talk on the phone) He started crying & got a bloody nose. Now tell me, would it not have just been easy to say, "I'll miss you, too"?!
image found here

storytime

2012-01-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

A few times in life since moving out of my parents house, there have been moments of furniture serendipity. It is notable because we have moved so many times. (8 times in 11 years) You are low on funds & think you will have to get by without, make do. Then all of a sudden an aunt clears out her storage unit or you drive by that never ending yard sale across town & spot a perfectly aged red picnic table that is priced for just exactly what you can afford. It is just bliss when it happens. Since moving to Seattle we have been given a lot of free stuff. The latest qualified for storytime, in my mind.

Matt & I have never purchased a dining room table, we have been given 5. Our growing family bumped us out of each of them, either because we kept adding people or because the boys broke them. When we moved to Seattle we did not take anything but a plastic fold-out table, like you use at BBQ's or garage sales. We have been getting by but the moment Matt got his job I was ready to shop for a table. We had strategized on size, price, the look we were going for & then I pulled the plug. I was resolved that we would be given a table. I was not thrilled about more meals served on the plastic absurdity but I was convinced a table was coming our way. Then we got an email. Our landlords are realtors & had the table & the china cabinet left at a property they sold.

The table is nicely built & sturdy, seats all of us, goes with our chairs, & needs just a little revamping. Even my parents, who were visiting & went to pick up the furniture for us, were excited. We all kept staring at the table & smiling. When I get a feeling like I did with the table Matt always says I should play the lottery. I seriously doubt that winning the lottery could make me as happy as our cast off, nicked, old table does right this minute!

china cabinet

2012-01-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

More free furniture! Our landlords gave us some old furniture. This just keeps happening to us and I love it! Here is a terrible basement "before" pic of the china cabinet:

I am hoping we will get it all glammed up like what I have seen around the web.

Like this classy white one.

this rad yellow one, with a pink horse, eee!

Here is a show-stopper in red.
I like the idea of turquoise or pink even. Hmm... Thoughts?

company

2012-01-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

My parents visited recently. I had jobs for them from the first moments they arrived. Picking up free furniture ( more on that to come!), finding a used saw for Kaleb's "weapon-making" (yikes!), sewing Valentine's decor (pics coming soon), and making scrumptious "man quiches" filled with nothing but meat & cheese. We did try to get out and try a sunset trip to Woodland Park Zoo. It was fun to be in the zoo when it was practically empty, that is until the arctic wolves were eyeing us a little intensely. Whoa! Exit stage left. It was probably a good thing because the guy at the front gate told the boys at 5:00pm the zoo lets the big cats out to roam freely. Thanks for all your help & memories made, Grandpa & Grammy!

winter style

2012-01-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

I take it for granted that I am surrounded by such handsome guys. Guy style is so effortless, I love it. Matt has rocked some facial hair this winter & Kaleb is working the driver's cap & missing teeth look.

I think Seattle may just be making us all cooler.

storytime

2012-01-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

I want to tell more stories on this blog. So I am starting with my very first one. My very first memory. It takes place at preschool. It is actually at preschool storytime, which happened, as is often the case, after show and tell. The teacher was open to a few students bringing something to share with the group. I was one of the kiddos that brought something that day. It was a doll of my sister's & it had a wood cradle & a blanket that went along with it. I shared with the group then took it back to my cubby after the allotted sharing time was over. Then, for reasons unknown to me, I felt the pull to stay at my cubby and play with the doll. I was told repeatedly to put it away & come back for circle time for a story. This sticks out vividly in my mind because I am a rule follower. I try to learn and master systems, I am a little autistic that way. (well, an internet test once told me that's what it is) Anyway, you have to know how strong that desire must have been that day to stay with the doll at the cubby, for me to ignore & continue to disobey my teachers commands. And then, face the consequence of having a time out.

There are times in life when my main wiring for following the rules will become unhinged & with equal conviction, I will fight unto death (or time out) against those authorities I was hell bent on pleasing. I think the effect is particularly confusing for others.

In my last few years I have been learning the toxicity of religion. The rules that have made me to feel safe & accepted have failed me. I have missed out on community because the rules were valued over relationship. This first memory of mine is so strong because I was barely ever immersed in childhood things. I was busy asking my dad about hermaphrodites. (no joke, check-out line at a busy grocery store around age 6) I had a great childhood with a lot of happy memories but none but this one where I remember delighting in something DESPITE others being clearly unhappy with me. I want that place again. Not that I want to be selfish & play alone with my stuff. But to let unfiltered joy find a place in my life. Where I am not worried how it will sound, what people will think, or who will like me less.
(image found here)

12

2012-01-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

Before bed on Saturday night I looked over at Matt & said, "no offense but today I told Parker he was the best thing that ever happened to me." Matt laughed and said, "I told Parker that today, too."

The ways this young man has changed our lives, it is just too big for words. The other day I was debating with him about something (kid loves to debate) and he said, "Mom, it is my job to tell you the truth. It is not my job to make you believe me."

I about fell down dead. He is so smart. Smarter than most adults I know, I have said before. He just gets it, what is in his yard and what is not. Maybe that is why he is always having so much fun. Because when you just focus on what is yours, there is a lot of time left to enjoy life.

Just like when I was terrified about what everybody thought of me being a teen mom, I looked into those knowing brown eyes & I knew if I just focused on the tremendous gift I had been given, it would all be okay. And it is, it is better than I ever imagined. Happy Birthday, Firstborn!

(birthday details; Parker went to a NFL game with his dad in the fall but he was delighted to spend last weekend with his Grandpa Ken & Grandma Annie. He requested a movie & the Rainforest Cafe on his actual birthday.)

weekend

2012-01-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

Something terrible awful happened this weekend. This little guy, well, he turned 12. I am heartbroken. I told him a million times to quit growing and he has not listened.

Upbeat birthday post to come, once I stop sobbing.

date night

2012-01-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

(Quick pic before we headed off in the swagger wagon. Those yellow tights are my absolute fave right now.)

Date night rolls around about once a month for us. With it comes a new appreciation. For each other, for good food, & for the absence of our wild children. My sister got word that this place was the spot for a spectacular night out, and it did not disappoint. If you are in the Seattle area, get yourself there!

let's get physical

2012-01-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

image found here

It is the beginning of the year and all the exercise talk starts up. All the gyms are packed. (or so I have heard) I was reflecting on this, because I am 30 now, which means I am more reflective. Or at least I am trying to be. I actually think I may have an insight on this. I have been doing some light stretching & cardio once a day for about 10-20 minutes. Nothing much, right? Well, I have noticed that the nagging inner voice that is never satisfied, (You're too flabby, too pale, not youthful, not in style, undesirable. You guys have any of these?) well, it has piped down a bit. I want to stress, THIS IS NOT BASED ON VISIBLE RESULTS. It is just a thought change. Like I have checked the box & told my self-hate, I'M WORKIN' ON IT, so just shut up already!

fresh

2011-12-31T17:14:00.000-08:00

Almost 2012! We are gearing up for cider toasts, confetti poppers & banging on pots at midnight. The boys are really so excited & it is contagious.
Here is what I get pumped about- organization. I know, thrilling. I found some inspiration from the lovely blog stephmodo:

The secret to an easily-maintained clean living space is simply having less stuff to clean up. You would think it's some kind of organization system, right? But truly, when it comes down to it, the issue is just keeping tabs on how much we are accumulating in our living spaces because having lots of "stuff" = having to always be cleaning up that "stuff".

Before we moved to Seattle, we hosted a large garage sale and pared down quite a bit. And since moving here we continue to be concerted about what things we are holding on to--it's truly a constant process and not just a one time effort (although I wish it weren't so). In fact, I find myself purging things from our home on a fairly continuing basis--about once a month in fact. While it is a bit of a pain to sort, sell, donate, schlep, etc. the end result is pure satisfaction...and liberation...and clarity of thought. As crazy as it may sound, the less "stuff" we have, the more interesting our lives become. Meaning, instead of being constantly consumed with maintaining our junk and the accumulation of this and that, we are focused more on experiences--treasures that stay with us always. So all in all, it feels like putting forth the effort to clean out nooks and crannies a good thing.

Also, Aden has a new 'do. The Before:

The After:

And the Jamba Juice date with Mom:

Happy New Year!

holiday hangover

2011-12-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

I love the attitude radiating from this picture of Collin. He was sporting a plaid sport coat on a Sunday morning church service. Also, you can see his super long slender fingers that he inherited from his Granny Annie. That was the very first thing I saw when he was born. Totally captivated by those tiny hands that made us a family of 6.

It was kind of an outtake, though. I always find myself unable to erase all the wack-a-do photos on the computer. The outtakes are so fun to look through. They tell an unscripted story.

Nothing draws a boy like a ladder.

Nothing reconciles brothers like a chance to clink glasses for a Christmas Eve toast.

I was a little disappointed when I sorted through the Christmas photos because they all looked like that one. But that's our story. Our blur in time called life.

And then there is this...

Just keepin' it real.

Season's Greetings

2011-12-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

No white Christmas in the Pacific Northwest. And that is just fine with me. I have enjoyed the extended autumn colors and afternoon sunshine, yes! The sun! It has been such an unexpected pleasure when it shows itself. Also, the season has brought the joy of morning tea with honey brought from Barcelona for my birthday by Andrea. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

We left all the Christmas decorations in Idaho when we moved. I was pretty panicked about not being able to get into my Clark Griswold swing of things. But it turned out so great. I crafted banners, glittered pinecones, searched the internets for a free printable nativity, & recruited Ellen to paint. It was a nice challenge, I loved seeing how little we need to bring in commercial Christmas & plastic Santa.

There were some of the same traditions as we've always done. Advent calendars, gingerbread houses, planning the Christmas dinner. (everything with my boys usually involves food) I love the rhythm these annual activities brings to the season but I think I am most jazzed about some of the new things we started this year. I invited some neighbors over to craft & eat an amazing lemon curd cheesecake I baked. We taught the boys "Away in a Manger" and sang it every night. I didn't fuss over wearing our Christmas best. (or even combed hair-gasp!)

It was new with old, & all kinds of good.

advent

2011-12-21T16:25:00.001-08:00

We are closing in on the end of a whirlwind year
for our family. Last Christmas I was reeling from
Matt's cousin being shot in the line of duty. We
celebrated with him on Christmas Day, he was
already released from the hospital at that time.
It was hard for me to work through. I knew God
had miraculously intervened to save him but
I felt scared & out of joint. He was Matt's cousin,
childhood best friend, they worked together, &
the shooting was just a few blocks from our Nampa home.

Before I had worked through any of that, God started
pressing on Matt & I in a different direction. It started to
get really uncomfortable for us in areas of our life we had
previously thought settled. We have some names for God
around here, we like John Eldredge's "Divine Thwarter," or
Matt Chandler's, "Haunting", Beth Moore has said, "He's just
the bossiest thing." Yes, we felt all that in our wonderful life
we built in Nampa. Thwarted. Haunted. An unrelenting pull
away from the comfort we were enjoying.

In 2010, Matt & I had a ridiculously good vacation to Seattle.
It worked it's way into our minds as the Promised Land.
Remembering that we are raising 4 little people prompted us
to take another, more realistic, trip. In February we drove on
icy roads to stay in Seattle's crappy hotels, wander Safeway,
& stalk affordable neighborhoods. We thought the surefire
cure for the unrest we felt was to see milk at $6.00 a gallon
& witness a few back alley drug deals.

Nope. In fact, after a tear-filled church service, Matt felt like
we were supposed to move and NOW. So we headed back to
Idaho and began to plan it out. Matt spent the spring trying to
wrap up the work he had loved for eight years. It was a heavy
load to set down, bittersweet in every way.

We found ourselves on the road to Seattle. Matt & I,
my sister, 4 kids, 1 dog, a minivan, a moving truck, and
2 fish in a crockpot inside a vintage Mercedes. Sounds like
a bad country song, eh? We moved on Memorial Day,
along with half of the Northwest. The last hours spent in
traffic just minutes from our new home, felt like days.
The first month was exhausting. And lonely. But we were
so hopeful. Our new adventure had begun.

Matt took a week to get us settled and then began to look
for work. The idea we had was that either A: This was going
to be a 6 week sabbatical and then we would go back to
Idaho or B: Matt would find meaningful work that was not so
hard on our family. (and, that this would all be made clear
once we were moved. You know? Like a nicely wrapped gift
left on our bed pillow.)

It was not clear. Not one moment of clarity since we left the
208 area code! The summer moved on with many
blessings- amazing neighbors, generous friends, a better
understanding of our family. But no insight, no plan, nada.
I could go into how this played out, but I won't. I will say that
the waiting was excruciating, soul-squeezing, draining,
exhausting work. Matt & I agree, the hardest it has ever been
to hold on.

School started after Labor Day & I had decided there was
not enough chaos in our unemployed, unsettled, impatient
lives. Let's Homeschool! I wanted to quit on the first week.
But we persevered and we are at a better place with it.
I love having the boys home and learning more about how
each of them think. That being said, I do not think it will be a
long term situation for our boys.

Come November, we thought we had hit rock bottom &
surrendered. And then the bottom of rock bottom fell out
from underneath us. All the rejection, emotion, & panic of
the job search was too much. I asked Matt if we could just
leave the applications that were in process & not apply
anywhere else. We agreed that he would not apply any new
places & if we were not gainfully employed by the New Year,
we would pack up from our extended sabbatical & head back
to Idaho.

We are now in the throws of Advent. Matt & I greet this
season with a new understanding of what it is to
wait. And! Matt got the call last night that he has
a job, starting...

The first day of the New Year.

Merry Christmas to you & yours from The Archuletas

k-love

2011-12-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we were lucky enough to get a last minute visit with Kelly & his boys. We met Kiel for the first time & I have never seen such a good natured, flexible child. We had our hands full with 6 boys but that baby just rolled with it. Matt & I feel so thankful for sweet nephews who have captured our hearts over & over again. Miss you, Koen, Kace, & Kiel!

(iPad pics because I left my camera in Idaho when we visited for Thanksgiving. Ellen is bringing it up here tomorrow & we will have a short visit with her for Christmas. More cute pics of the baby to share from my camera.)

on tradition

2011-12-10T20:58:00.001-08:00

I am trying to bring sparkle and shine to the rough and gray 'round these parts. I push for Christmas, for jolly & bright & unreasonably cheerful. But the Hum Bug's are winning out. So I brought out the big guns: the gingerbread house tradition. That is the thing about a tradition, on the outside it all stupid & contrived but then it grabs you. The magic of the season, the smells, and the sounds, it grips you & you find yourself feeling downright merry.

blessed

2011-12-01T07:30:00.001-08:00

A friend offered to take a family picture over the Thanksgiving break for free. Thank you, Carrie! I love to look at all my men corralled & smiling on days when I am feeling particularly homicidal.

more random

2011-11-26T14:21:00.001-08:00

Pretty soon I will get back to some actual content on this here blog but here is some more random to go with pics from Kaleb's iPad.

I had been wanting to try a Shellac manicure & finally a Groupon popped up for a local place. It was worth every penny because of what the lady said as I was leaving. "Remember, jewels not tools." She, of course was talking about babying my newly polished nails but I thought that was choice advice for my single friends.

Kaleb was playing with Legos the other morning, saying, "Attack the Minnovites!" but then an hour later I walked by & heard, "Attack the Mennonites!" AWESOME.

Lastly, I counted the other day & we have been given 12 Bibles since the year 2000. I think this says something. Not sure what that something is, but there is definitely a message there. Kind of brings to mind this scene from Saved. When she throws the Bible, so funny.

http://youtu.be/umLUKBlpyoY

thanks

2011-11-23T07:19:00.001-08:00

ra ra random

2011-11-12T09:28:00.001-08:00

Gettin' down with our inner artiste.

Ooooh, a centerpiece keeps it classy. And you bet your boots there is Christmas music playing 24/7.

This is how said music affects Matt.

just now

2011-11-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

Collin: "Mama, can I watch Dora on the puter? Pleeeease? It's my best day! Pleeeeeease?!!! I won't be naughty or break it or put anything on it? Pleeeeeease?!"

And then....he hissed at me. WTH.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

From some crazed footballs fans, Rosie the Riveter, an assassin, the Ranger's Apprentice, & Leonardo.

2011-10-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

Not all who wander are lost. -J.R.R. Tolkien

pun'kin

2011-10-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Our trip to the pumpkin patch 2011. We found a great place in Puyallup, WA to get out of the city & play in the pumpkins with Grandpa & Grandma. So many fun memories from their time here, nothing like generous grandparents to feel spoiled rotten.

impromptu

2011-10-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

Right after the Science Center we wandered past this freshly raked pile of leave & once again, I was not quite ready with the camera. Little boys move like lightning & have no time for photo shoots. They do however, go with the flow, have boundless energy, & brush off grudges easily. That is better, for this mama, than a perfectly posed picture. Love my band of hooligans, I do!

weird science

2011-10-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

Along with the swords, Grandpa & Grandma brought us Science Center passes. We had a fun afternoon playing & learning at all the exhibits, nice to have a one adult-one child ratio in a place like that. Trips like these are counted toward homeschooling hours as well. Here's to making learning fun!

My favorite to watch was Collin. He took it all in with such wonder, this space shuttle, the dinosaurs, he thought they were all the real deal.

The butterfly room was an unexpected favorite for the boys. They tried very diligently to keep still for the chance that one would land on them. Then, one did, and Mom's camera was not quite ready. Boys and butterflies, who knew?

And after all that, Grammy asks for one picture. Err... they're working on it? Ah well, good thing they are so cute most of the time.

armed

2011-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Grandpa brought custom handmade swords for each of the boys. They were elated & began "training" immediately. Yes, it is dangerous.
...and it is awesome.

purge

2011-10-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

blechhhhhh!aggleflabbleahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhf@!#ugggggghhhhhhhhhhhh!

click on photo for source

So...you know when you are mad because someone made you mad but you are more mad because you allowed them to make you mad? Mad about being mad? That's what I am feeling right this very second.
In case you were wondering. Thanks for letting me word vomit. I feel so much better now. Have a beautiful weekend.

We will be playing with Papa Ken & Granny Annie, they arrived yesterday! Pics & post to come.

schooled

2011-10-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

The homeschool is schooling me. It is crazy hard to get into a new rhythm after the longest summer break ever. (May 25- Sept. 6) One thing that has been working is our new (to us) bookshelf. We end up doing most of the online school in the living room so it has been great to have all the boy's curriculum so accessible.

The added bonus is the price, free! We have met some very generous peeps up here in the Emerald City.

This little guy knows how to make the ladies swoon. A fist full of weeds yet it SLAYS ME.

control freak

2011-10-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am waving my freak flag high here. I am, admittedly, a huge control freak. Raising these boys serves as a daily reminder that I have little to no control in life. That's okay, I know The Boss well, His plans are good & so is His track record.

You know what I can control? Serving up a warm bowl of Olive Garden inspired soup.

And there were even candles on the table. FANCY.

found here

weird & awesome

2011-09-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

We were picking blackberries in the alley behind our block last month. One of the free activities we have taken advantage of in our new season. The boys were busy at once brainstorming what act they would be if they were in a circus. I smiled & took in one of the rare moments when they are all laughing & being silly together.

They are so weird. I love it, because I am weird. I come by it by my mother. She was always dorking out with my sister & I when we were growing up. That freedom she gave me to be weird is such a gift to me.

So Collin must come by it genetically. Matt & I read an article around a year ago saying that Steve Carell was the 4th of four boys. We looked at each other & knew, yep, that'll be Collin.

He moves quickly in his random acts of awesomeness so his "Freaky Rabbit Ninja" hat started to slide off his head. "Freaky Rabbit Ninja," can't be havin' none o' that.

Kaleb constructed Collin a turtle shell from a cast out box. Leonardo from the Ninja Turtle is part of this kid's DNA, I think this shell may go to college with him.

Clothes are ALWAYS optional for this boy. Note the filthy feet, but at least the kid is washing his hands.

"Hey Collin, what's that in your hand?"

(cue Collin lowering sharp stick in plastic sheath)

"Nufing Mama."

If I get shanked, at least you all will know what happened.

the end

2011-09-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

I have finished the last book. I am still crazy geeked-up about the whole thing. I spent the entire morning of my 30th birthday finishing it & then promptly ran out the door with the three oldest boys to see the last movie installment in theaters. That did not seem like an occasion worthy of the day but then, on the way there, it hit me. It is a rare thing when a mom, a middle schooler, a ten year old, & seven year old are all incredibly excited about the same movie. We loved every minute & we did it together. What a happy tale I have found myself in.

a birthday affair

2011-09-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

We were given tickets (and $100 cash to spend!) to our first ever Puyallup Fair. Some friends at Mars Hill blessed us & it just so happened to coincide with my 30th birthday. We took the afternoon off school & headed to the fair.

The boys really liked this attraction...hmm....

Lost children or deep fried butter, wow. I mean, just, wow.

My baby boy, Collin, is in one of those swings! He was a daredevil, as always. I do not think the height requirement took extra-tall four year olds into account.

A super fun way to spend the day. We were right at home with the Carnies, how I do love our little circus.

book six

2011-09-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

Albus Dumbledore: You must be wondering why I brought you here.
Harry Potter: Actually sir, after all these years I just sort of go with it.

Parker's ferocity with the Bible ( he just finished for the 4th time, btw ) trumps my Potter obsession. I will say the books continue to resonate with me deeply & our adventures of late.

Aden Jolie-Pitt?

2011-09-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Aden Mathew is in 2nd grade this year. He had an absolute blast in 1st grade, this kid just loves school. I am working to make our "homeschool" equally rewarding for him. He is a natural rule-follower & likes to challenge himself. I am loving his quirky style, accentuated by his new haircut. Someone said he looks like one of Brangelina's kiddos.

We are into week two of the online schooling. The first few days were excruciating. I was so ready to give up. This week has been better & I am hopeful. As I am walking through the lessons with the boys, I have had some tender moments where I am just so glad they are mine. I really like my kids. I feel so lucky to be their mom even with the weightiness that goes with that.

Parker

2011-09-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

For some strange reason my preteen did not want a back to school photoshoot. Hmm...shocking. These are some recent pictures, though. Parks got a nice summer buzz from Dad & is handsome as can be. To think I agonized over what this kid would look like when I was pregnant.

I am going to have to step up my game if I am going to teach Parker anything this year in 6th grade. He hates the idea of the Online School but he has been much more trusting of his dad & I over the past month. I want to brag on him a bit, this young man has read his Bible, front to back, THREE TIMES THIS SUMMER. This may seem inappropriate but, HOLY S***! He is inspiring us to a new standard as his passion is contagious. All that reading has led to some amazing conversations & is one of the reasons I know we are supposed to be in Seattle for this season.

Parker, you continue to raise the bar. We are so proud of you & the man you are becoming.

green thumb

2011-09-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

This little gem popped up in our yard about a month ago. Eep! Eep! More pink flowers? I know I am in the right place. Also, hummingbirds are consistently found hovering around it.

Kaleb has always had an interest in nature. He is happiest covered in dirt & looking for wildlife. I appreciate his green thumb because no one else in the family has it. I think his shaggy 'do goes with his personality so good, looking all the more like Grandpa Jeffrey as well.

I snapped a few photos of his on his first day of school. He is a 4th grader this year. (Whaaa???) Parker, Kaleb, & Aden are going on the adventure of Virtual Academy with me this year. It is public school curriculum done at home & a certified teacher is available for meeting standards & help if needed.

The flexibility in schedule combined with the uncertainty going on in our life right now, were the reasons I thought it would be a good fit. Wish us luck! (I will post the other boys pictures as well. Kaleb started first because his materials came in the mail first.)

book five

2011-09-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

I am still reading & obsessing more than ever. This book was the hardest for me to read, a lot of rage going on inside Harry. Kaleb decided we should watch all the films again after reading each book. This film was the most disappointing as well, in comparison to the book. I guess all that rage would be even harder to watch so they cleaned it up.

Not sure if I have lost all of you who follow this blog. The book reviewing will probably end with Harry, I just needed a change in the narrative on the blog. I know I am a late-comer in the Potter world but I am savoring each book while I can. Finishing the books is bittersweet, then I will be back to my own tale. One that I am more & more convinced, is a good story.

"Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness."

Dumbledore to Lord Voldemort

book four

2011-08-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

"we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open."
Dumbledore

"what would come, would come... and he would have to meet it when it did."
the last line of book 4

I tell ya, these books are just hittin' the spot for me. So timely, the messages come through dear Harry's turmoil.

You know what has been the difference from a good day and a bad day around here? I mean, the days that you just soak in every wonderful moment and the ones you wish had never come at all?

Nothing.

That's right, nothing. The circumstance for us in Seattle, (no job, no family, everything being unfamiliar) has stayed the same for us, for the most part. It has just been the way we look at it. Matt and I are fighting some hard battles in perspective, and we are finding joy along the way. It is such an ugly process, seeing your heart always prefers the easy way, the comfortable way, the socially acceptable way. (uggh...) Then we celebrate with our loved ones on the other side, because we are better for it. Seeing the dark bits in one another and finding we are loved anyway. Makes me choke up just typing it.

beach bums

2011-08-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

the crab pot

2011-08-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

As promised, we took Kaleb to the Crab Pot in Pike's for a seafood feast. I could not get a decent picture of the birthday boy, he was buzzing with excitement.

Bibs & mallets? We knew we were in the right place.

Tasty, entertaining, fun for all ages. We left happy & full.

Fun times with a boy that reminds me of life's most important matters. Time in nature, snuggles with loved ones, & exercising your imagination daily. How fitting that our redhead would be that spark in our lives.

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
~Mary Oliver

new digs

2011-08-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

This is our family room in the basement. It is finally coming together & the best news...it was mostly things we had or that were given to us. The couch has hide-a-bed, visitor friendly! I mean who doesn't want to hang with the unemployed, stressed, & chaotic Archuleta 6?

round 3

2011-08-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

I just keep reading, & Harry keeps delivering a quick escape from my woes. This book was my favorite so far. I enjoyed the ideas about fear & seeing things for what they truly are.

"The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed."

"You think the dead we loved ever truly leave us? You think that we don't recall them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble? Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself most plainly when you have need of him."
Dumbledore

zoo x 2

2011-08-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

Granny Annie treated us to Zoo Boise passes while we were in Idaho. We had such a fun morning exploring the new exhibits in this growing zoo. All the boys had a chance to feed the giraffe, pretty cool to get that close.

We have used the passes at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo as well. Funny, in such an impressive place, that our boys are drawn to iron statues, baby turtles, & their littlest brother's antics.

Inspired by Rio, one of the dollar flicks we caught with Bumpa Ken & Grammy Annie in our short visit.

2011-08-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Are you ok? Is there anything I can do to help make things better? If nothing else know that I am thinking about you and your wonderful family. I know that everything just works itself out. With every down there is an up. You will be able to brave this storm. Worse things have happened. Take a deep breath, get a huge bowl of ice cream, and then just take one day at a time. Remember that there are people here who love you and believe in you. We are your cheerleaders cheering you on in this new adventure. I am sending you a HUGE HUG from this email. Make one of your wonderful boys hug you and pretend it is me. I am thinking of you and know that the most challenging road makes the end just that much better. LOVE YOU!!!!!!

Since I am not there to make you bake to forget your troubles, I am sending some quotes instead that make me happy.

Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow. - Alice M.Swain

If you don't learn to laugh at troubles, you won't have anything to laugh at when you grow old. - Ed Howe

If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough. - Mario Andrette

There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and leaving it behind them when they go. - Frederick Faber (This is you!)

A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. - George Bernard Shaw

It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis. -Margaret Bonnano

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. -Albert Einstein

Choice, not chance, determines destiny. -unknown

Live. A lot. Unleash yourself upon the world! Go now! And fly free in the frowning face of convention. Giggle. No, laugh. No, howl as if you've never grown up. Understand that this is not a dress rehearsal, this is it! Take it all in. Yes, every last rose and every single breath. And by all means, whatever you do, drive a real cool car.

It's a dangerous business going out your front door. -J.R.R. Tokein

That is an email sweet Andrea sent me after my last blog plea/whine. Just the thing to make me feel so loved & supported. Thank you all for your kind words. I really try not to take advantage & just rant all the time. At the same time, I do not want to be fake about how freakin' hard & terrifying this all is.

So another day, another book down, & another really timely read about feelings of doubt & overcoming fear.

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

—	Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets

Thank you for continuing to pray & send good thoughts our way. Not sure how it ends for Harry, I think he dies...

Potter's hands

2011-08-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

I just finished the 1st Harry Potter book. I have long been a fan of the films but was too lazy to read the books. Throw in 10 weeks of unemployment, well there you go. The first book took me just a day & I loved every bit. Especially Dumbledore, wicked smart, that one.

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that."

"Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing that Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign...to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed, and ambition, sharing his soul with Voldemort, could not touch you for this reason. It was agony to touch a person marked by something so good."

" to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."

Dumbledore

We have had without question, one of the hardest weeks of our lives. It was part of why I jumped into Harry's tortured world, to soothe myself. If you are a pray-er, we'll take some please. Double order, heavy on the grace.

double digits

2011-08-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Kaleb is 10 today. Hip Hip Hooray! He brings joy & sunshine to our family just as he did that first day. My heart leapt when I saw that plump, red-head baby boy. I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to call him mine. I think every mom should be so fortunate as to have a tender-hearted, redhead child, there really is something special there!

We will celebrating in the usual Archuleta way, with good food. Pancakes, donuts, & a seafood feast.

snips & snails

2011-07-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

& puppy dog tails... that's what Bumpa Ken's house is made of. Our second stop in Idaho was another backyard retreat. Granny Annie had build your own sundae supplies & weinie roasts & cartoon network aplenty. The boys instantly felt loved & spoiled. Grandpa spent Saturday crafting weapons for each of the boys while they caught toads & played basketball. It was pretty much every young boy's dream come true.

the un-plan

2011-07-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

"That did not go as planned." Aden

I am delighting in this little comment Aden made a few weeks ago. This summer I am mastering the art the un-plan. It is mostly good, maddening for sure but a good skill to be seasoned in.

summer bliss

2011-07-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

We headed back to Idaho for a quick visit a couple weeks ago. Our first stop was Grandma Ellen's patio paradise. She has created such a fun space for us to relax in the Idaho sunshine.

And the photographer for most of the afternoon?

Yep, Collin has a new interest.

the 4th

2011-07-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a happy little photo dump from our Independence Day adventure.

Pirate's landing at Alki Beach

2011-07-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

guess what?

2011-07-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

Nope, not pregnant with a baby girl. I can dream though. No, actually this is an overdue post on the visit we had with Andrea over the 4th of July weekend.

We had no problem staying busy. We made cupcakes, bread, ricotta cheese, pizza, doughnuts, & many batches of ice cream. She brought up her sewing machine & helped me with the onesie dresses pictured above. (a friend just had a baby girl) She even made some costumes for the boys.

This roasted beet, bacon, & basil pizza with the homemade ricotta was by far the best pizza I have ever eaten. Yes, that good.

We met up with Andrea's cousin & his family at an annual wooden boat festival near Lake Union. This was one of the first sunny days we have had up here that actually felt hot. The boys had a good time exploring a new hobby & we all left happy & sunburned.

Matt & Andrea have mastered the trick to eating all those goodies, they are both runners. I considered it quite a feat that I drug myself out of my food-induced coma to capture this photo.

Thank you so much Andrea. For being adventurous enough to visit, tough enough to stay the entire time, & loving enough to say you'd do it again. You are definitely one of the crew!

funny face

2011-07-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

summer time in the city

2011-07-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

image via http://www.avintageposter.com/

See that uncertainty on my face? So yeah, there has been some hard days BUT. (I feel a need for a but) BUT, we still push through. We still rally around the dinner table. We still had a fun 4th of July. (more to come on that) We carry on with squirt guns, donut runs, & sleeping in after watching whole seasons of Meerkat Manor. It is a weird balance I am learning. The control freak inside is in need of heavy medication. Everything gets done at the end of the day & God has shown up in ways I am still waiting for the words to explain. It is good, He is good, even when my tantrum-throwing, type-A, must have a plan self is in a stress coma heap on the floor.

image via http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/2011/07/happy-birthday-usa.html

the hook up

2011-07-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Lindsay got a job with Metropolitan Market the first week we moved here. It is a very nice, upscale market with a location in West Seattle. She let us know about a free cupcake decorating event they were hosting. The kids, meaning all of us, enjoyed it immensely. Auntie knows how to hook us up.

“For there is no friend like a sister, in calm or stormy weather, to cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands.” -Christina Rossetti

lost post

2011-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

These photos are from the last week of school. The time in Washington has been hard, way harder than I thought & in different ways than I imagined. Looking back at the pictures of the boys with their friends, makes it more difficult. This is a new chapter in our lives but I keep wanting to flip through the pages to get to the happy part. I always look back & see, that time was the happy part. Even these pictures of field day, ice cream parties, & award ceremonies were filled with anxiety for me. Now, I look back on them & I see boys that were known & loved. Truth be told, I am scared about whether that will happen here. Kaleb in particular, has missed that feeling. Matt & I are busy trying to give him extra TLC.

around the house

2011-07-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

Not a heap o' trash, it's the garden.
Grow baby, grow.

Culturally sensitive door mat, came with the place.

Yay! I decorated. I first saw this project here.
It is hot glued to the wall, wow, that is resourceful, if I don't say so myself.

The before shot. Have I mentioned how much I lurve having a fireplace? (2 actually!)

We also have a sofa now, almost like we are grown ups, almost.
Good thing this is not smell-o-vision, the couch smells TERRIBLE.
I have been running to Bed, Bath, & Beyond like mad for de-stinkafication products. Yuck!

Back to the fireplace, love the fireplace. Bonus, it does not stink.

A lot of trees in our yard. Funny, because the shade is not really needed here in the Northwest.
The sun has been persistent though, we have seen it shining through the trees more days than not.
Welcome to Seattle, Archuletas!
p.s. do not get used to this nice weather.

And my very most favorite, a love note from Aden.
Complete with eye glitter. I ADORE eye glitter, man, this kid gets me.
My love of eye glitter & my boy's affection made me think of this snippet I read on the internets:

"The only way I can describe what it's like to hold you as you make these high-pitched, exhilarating outbursts about the simplest of things is, well, use of illegal drugs. People ruin their lives with illegal drugs because they want to feel that feeling I feel when I'm holding you in the morning.

Because it is the purest essence of that which hasn't been desensitized by pain, loss, disappointment, or failure. It's the thrilling rush of hope and possibility shooting right into the core of what it means to be human: we are alive! We live! Look! Another day to be alive! That is the fundamental principle behind everything meaningful. We are alive to witness."

Casa Archuleta

2011-06-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

We had another Grandma invasion. Ellen came for Father's Day weekend, and as Lindsay says, "She turns everything to gold." Projects are Ellen's favorite way to interact and boy do we have projects.

It is an amazing feeling to have someone who "gets" us to talk to.

She helped us rescue this table from the garage & shabby-chic-a-fied it up for perfect use in our kitchen.

Ellen planted veggies, I am just praying I don't kill them. (Or the slugs, eek!)

Our visitors have been troopers, seeing as we have virtually no furniture. That was another great thing about Ellen's visit. She brought a queen bed frame with her & stayed with the boys so Matt & I could peruse the strange offerings of craigslist. We actually have a sofa now. This was all in addition to the time she sent us off on a date & paid for it! The boys had their fill of M&M's, homemade tortillas, & Grandma's funny stories about their dad. Thank you, Ellen, we miss you so much already.

advice

2011-06-22T00:54:00.000-07:00

Collin has been giving out some priceless words of wisdom around our house. This includes:
"Don't eat poop, that would be yuck!"
"Don't eat Jake, then she would be ruined."
"Don't eat trash."
"Don't eat your shirt."
And on, and on. This kid is keeping all in line. They usually come with a warning after "Then it won't be bootiful anymore." I am loving the practical nature he is taking on, and that it is mixed in with all his imaginary four year old awesomeness. Yesterday he asked if I had seen his "bonfoomerang." 10 points to the person that can guess what he was referring to.

Lovely pink donut photo from the interwebs.
It makes me happy to look at.

Don't be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.

Another gem from cyberspace.
Writing on the blog has been surprisingly difficult lately.
Not sure why, what with us being unemployed and all.

"Don't give cherries to pigs or advice to fools."
Irish saying. Those Irish really knew how to sum it up. I bet they knew not to eat trash.

father figure

2011-06-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Our fantabulous neighbors have made the move infinitely easier. Ty, Rhiannon, Eli, & Zander are gracious, funny, & so helpful. Did I mention our dog killed some of their chickens? Yea, that is a story for another day. They invited us to an Art Car Show a few blocks from home on Father's Day. This is something you would see in Boise around Hyde Park.

There were some interesting agendas represented. We all were beyond creeped out by this Jesus wagon. But it was free & entertaining & gave us one more chance to celebrate the man that makes our family tick. We love you Matt! Happy Daddy's Day!

another day at the beach

2011-06-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Kaleb has been longing to explore some tide pools since we breathed word one about Seattle. That kid just loves exploring nature. We have yet to find them but we had fun discovering small crabs, shells, & the ever present seagull.

Mama has bangs again. Trying to stay hip in the big city.
Also, trying to keep an eye on my young boys
as the girls volleyball tournament was happening in the background.

Really?

These are good times, and you & me are havin' 'em.

2011-06-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

Matt & I had our first real date night since moving. I called it "Garbage Gourmet." We visited Po Dogs & Mighty O's Donuts. AMAZEBALLS! It was so good.

Vegan donuts, only in Seattle.

The "Don King," chocolate with coconut & French Toast.

Chicago Dog, pickles, tomatoes, peppers, onions & spicy mustard.
Seattle Dog, cream cheese & scallions.

Just the thing I needed in my funk.
To spend time with the person who knows me best.
(And loves me anyway!)

"These are good times, and you & me are havin' 'em." That is a toast from my dear father, shared with me by my mom recently. He was an alcoholic, so I am sure he knew a few things about a good toast. ( I am just sayin'.)

crash

2011-06-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

It hit. The aloneness of this journey. It found me.

Not that I expected sunshine & giggles but we were seizing the day, you know? And I am finding that those anthems, CHOOSE JOY or LOVE WINS, ring truer in these times. They will be the song of our summer. That life is what you make it, enthusiasm is a divine possession, & hakuna matata. We will cling to precious words of encouragement because they are so desperately needed, not easily cast off as they sometimes are.

Thank you again for reading this journal and on occasion, responding to it. It means so much to me & now more than ever.

one week in

2011-06-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well, a week later we are still standing. The Grandmas invaded and it was splendid. We had good food, late night chats, laughs, & navigated a wicked case of diarrhea. (Yes, you read that right, nothing brings a family together like diarrhea.)

This guy got plenty of birthday love.

The park has a zip line!

So there was more time at the beach, the park, pizza stops, & of course I continue to unpack. There are a few small moments around the house that feel like home already.

Aden chats with the neighbor, Zander.

Xander's older brother, Eli, is nuts over Kaleb.
There have been so many dots connected for us already in this short week.
Great neighbors is one of them.

More of the awesomeness that fills the Archie home.

Still trying to capture the beauty of the rhodie in the yard.

So a visit from my mom & her mom was just what I needed. My 82 year old grandma has an enthusiasm for life that is so inspiring. I listened to her stories of struggle & triumph over the years, leaving me encouraged, thank God. Because, in reality, the house mostly looks like this:

the graduate

2011-06-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

Our firstborn had his last day of elementary school last week. The school went all out with performances from each 5th grade class, award ceremonies, & a dove release.

I have said it before, it all goes way too fast. It does not help that from the moment I locked eyes with Parker James, I knew he was here to wreck me. To shake up all my preconceived notions, break down my walls, & tenderize the deepest parts of my heart. What a glorious inconvenience.

Then, Grammy Annie treated us to Dairy Queen. Marcela & her boys joined in the fun, too. She kept laughing so I would not have a break down.

oh what fun

2011-06-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

Aden Mathew is witty & delightful & today, he is seven years old. We had dessert for breakfast at the French Bakery, Bakery Nouveau. We drove to a magical forest wonderland park to play & hiked to the beach. And it is not even 12:30 yet! More surprises to come...Grammy Annie is visiting!!! Shh...it's a surprise!

westside story

2011-06-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Let me just say, we are loving West Seattle. The neighbors, the community, even the spring weather.

Marcela said the house needed something pink & sparkly.
Well, check out what grows at the end of our driveway!

Aden has been doing this happy dance since we arrived. Cracks me up, that kid.

Remember I said we would fill the house with awesomeness?
This is what I spoke of. AWESOME.

Fresh eggs from the neighbors chickens. Squeeee!!

Life is good. More to come.

brick 29 bistro

2011-06-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

Lindsey, Kylee, & a super lucky me.

Before the big move some of my very best friends took me out to my very favorite place in Nampa. The Brick 29 Bistro is just a few blocks from our old house.

I was breathing in a bag about all the details but what do you know? I look pretty happy here.

Double the fun, Marcela & Andrea met me on another night, same place.
How bad can things be with these friends & that dessert?

Thank you ladies & everyone who pushes me to be my best, strengthens me with encouraging words, & puts up with all my mess. I am missing you already.

home

2011-06-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

We are here. The Seattle Experiment has begun.

Here is my big take away from the move, so far. There are days, really awful ones. You spend the day licking 300 envelopes or walking 10 miles at the high school track. Days spent cleaning the dust off the ceiling fans, and more days spent lining drawers with contact paper. Boring, terrible days.

And then you wait one more day. Those envelopes? Your wedding invitations. Those crazed laps around the track? You were in labor with your newborn. All that cleaning? You moved into your first house.

The past days have been hellacious. The packing, moving, cleaning, driving, & unloading had me wanting to quit at least 50 times a day. The boys have been so great through it all. Our support system has reached out to me in amazing ways. Lindsay has kept me laughing, so I won't start crying. And that man of mine? MADE OF STEEL.

We have found renters for our house.
Our little fixer upper never looked so good.

This 26 ft. truck was the last one left in the Treasure Valley & what do you know?
It was waiting for us just a few blocks down the road.

But we made it. The adventure is unfolding. We are home.

seven

2011-05-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Aden's birthday is the first weekend we will be in Seattle. I thought a little send off birthday bash would be a great way to celebrate. I was crazy stressed, with packing up & everything that still has to happen, but when I look at the pictures I am so glad we did it. Isn't that the way it always goes?

Cashing in, BIG TIME.

Aden & a crew of boys, everywhere we go the boys just seem to multiply.

We had the water themed party at Lakeview Park
with another huge event going on in the background.
I joked that we hired a live band for our party.
Good friends & family showed up & we did not get rained on, hooray!

Bobbi & I, nothing has changed since 8th grade for us.
(Except maybe we don't sneak off to cheerleading practice
with vodka in our sports bottles anymore- yikes!)

The Nelsons have been such great friends to us & the boys.
They are some of the most innovative & pioneering folks I know,
in practical things & relational.

I will give Aden a proper birthday post closer to his big day, our little blond firecracker is 7!

2011-05-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

I had the day to explore Seattle a few weeks back while Matt interviewed for a job. It is such a strange shift, telling myself, "this is not a vacation, this will be home."

I guess it is good we will be locals, because "Tourism is crap."

Farmer's Market! There is one in our neighborhood.

Yes folks, that is the sun, IN SEATTLE.

I hardly knew what to do with a couple hours to myself,
so ice cream & thrift stores lent a hand.

I covet those metallic topsiders. LOVE.

Then Matt met up with me & we headed to Molly Moon's for some ice cream.
I found out later that I went to Boise High with the Molly Moon,
what a happy small world.

So ya, I had ice cream twice that day.
The sun was out in Seattle, it just seemed right.

Matt is the best date, I love him but I also really like the guy.

Salt Licorice & Thai Tea. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Later that night we stopped in at a French bakery near our house.
Those French, they may be known for being jerks
but boy can they work magic in the kitchen.

the before

2011-05-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

Pictures of the new place in Seattle, ya know,before it is covered in fingerprints & awesomeness.

The new place has 2 fireplaces,this one is in the basement living area.

The basement windows with bars on them shouldn't look so pretty,
but I love 'em. Bonus: harder for boys to break a window.

A lot of old house storage built in, this will be the pantry.
In haste, Matt & I ripped all the cabinets out of our Nampa home.
Ever since, storage just calls to me.

Upstairs fireplace & hardwood floors!

Once again, I am swooning over closet space.
Also, the lilac right outside makes for a beautiful view.

round up

2011-05-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Parker played basketball this winter.
Matt coached & Parker actually listened to him.
Shocking.

Aden's 3rd quarter assembly.
The adults were doing the "Firecracker" cheer,
he was judging the parents on their enthusiasm.

Daddy came to watch Aden get his reading award with Collin & I.
Aden has gone nuts with reading this year,
by 4th quarter he reached 500% of his reading goal!
That was more than any other 1st grader.

Aden & his fabulous teacher, Mrs. Evey.
She is obsessed with pirates, so Arrr...chuleta was the perfect kid for her classroom.

LOL

2011-05-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

nanny

2011-05-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

Yep, we have a nanny. She works for free. From sun up to sun down she goes on field trips, weeds the yard, makes ice cream runs, & wipes runny noses. (Once last week, in an emergency, she wiped Collin's nose WITH HER SHIRT! Right then, I knew our communal living experiment would work out just fine.)

edible art

2011-05-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

About once a month I have been able to teach an art lesson in Parker's 5th grade class. I think he has enjoyed it, as much as an eleven year old will let on anyway. To wrap up the year, we mixed primary & secondary colors of frosting & frosted color wheel sugar cookies. Parker is sad to say good-bye to some good friends in his class this year, they all enjoyed project. In fact, this was by far the kids favorite art activity from the year.

aden

2011-05-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

After 4 boys, 11 years, & countless injuries,
Aden finally broke our lucky no stitches streak.
He jumped of the bed & caught the toy box corner with his eyebrow.

A few days later, those 3 stitches were healing up quite nicely,
but the bruising was more obvious.

My mom took Collin so I could join Aden on his Discovery Center field trip.
Here he is giving the weather forecast.

Shaking claws with T-Rex.

Mastering robotics.

And having lunch with his good friend, Connor.
Aden has had a terrific year in 1st grade.
I was so sad to hear his wonderful teacher is looping with the kids to 2nd grade
& he will miss it. Those are some big shoes to fill.

mother's day 2011

2011-05-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we gathered at my mom's for food & family.

Tried, again, for a decent family picture.

Pretended motherhood is always an honor, even on sleepless nights.

My mom says all we did as babies was sleep.
Praise God some of the whiny, projectile vomit, Barney on replay
moments will be blotted out someday.

score

2011-05-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Becca had this awesome, Grease inspired,
bowling party idea to send Matt & I off to Seattle.
It was quite the success.
There were about 20 of our teacher friends there to have one last blast.

This lady has been the sweetest surprise of 2011. Marcela, you are my soul sista!

Heidi, sassy Marcela, Fawn, Amy,
& Daddy in the back...yep, Daddy.

Someone enjoyed herself a little too much.
Thanks Becca, we had mucho ridiculous fun times.
This will be a yearly tradition, for sure!

XI

2011-05-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

My love & I celebrated eleven years married on Wednesday.

These pictures show what most of married life has been for us.
It starts with a sweet, tender moment.
Then something distracts us.

I am the first to start catastrophizing.
Matt has a sunnier disposition, he is harder to deter.

He holds on, even when the moment is over.
He holds our family together & leads us on.

Then we usually laugh about it later.
(See, he is still holding on.)
I love this man!

coming together

2011-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed to have these guys around for the
house-hunting, boy-dunking, rain-drenched Seattle adventure.

The new Archuleta casa. It is very similar to our current set-up,
2 bedrooms upstairs, 2 bedrooms downstairs.
But! With 2 bathrooms. REJOICE!

This little guy is growing up. He actually got in the hot tub at the pool.
Which, since he is deathly afraid of swimming, was huge.

battle for seattle

2011-05-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Fremont Troll!

Look! Mom is in the picture, thank you Aunt Lin-Z.

Crepes at Pike's.

Egg Hunt!
My parents filled around 400 plastic eggs,
it took the boys less than 20 minutes to search them out.

Collin, ever the performer.

capture

2011-05-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

These & more at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhcseattle/5658417584/in/set-72157626460486067/
Great pictures, wonderful memories.

surf's up

2011-04-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

zipper

2011-04-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

Lindsay calls it the zipper. The new family that is forming in our home. A big zipper God is zipping together. As we plan our budget, look for a place to rent, or shop for road trip snacks. We are all being pushed & pulled & molded together. It is something special, something new, something terrifying. But a beautiful community is coming together.

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, wow, wow.

Please forgive their mother's crazed screams, she was understandably so proud.

Qwest Field, transformed for Easter. Justin Forsett, Seahawks running back,
even raised the Jesus flag in place of the 12th man flag that is customary before kickoff.

Parker offered Aunt Lindsay his coat to dry her seat. What a gentleman he is becoming!

Kaleb hung out under the giant umbrella with Grandpa Ken & Grammy Annie.
He was so at home in this new city because they were there.

Aden jumped up out of the water after baptism, just like he shot out on his birthday.
He is so pensive, he has usually thought things out & is ready to go when the time comes.

My man is so strong for our family.
I am so thankful for the prayers Ellen said for his mate over 20 years ago,
so glad it was me she was praying for!

The rain fell down & we were all baptized, in a sense.

Flooded with joy, at the work of our Savior. Hot tears streamed down our faces & our hearts almost burst. I have not felt this since Parker's slippery 8 lb. 14oz. newborn body was handed to me. Matt & I, foolish 18 year olds. All our families rallying for us. A new adventure. And it is a good one, an exhausting, thrilling, beautiful tale we have found ourselves in.

road trip

2011-04-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

I must confess, traveling in a pack of 7, I wanted to trade the swagger wagon in for a Suburban or a tour bus of sorts.

blessed

2011-04-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

There is so much swimming in my mind from our Easter weekend in Seattle. I think the best I will do is to put it all in chronological order. That means starting with this, from last week.

Kaleb made Honor Roll!
Aden reached 400% of his reading goal!
Parker received multiple awards but his mom & dad missed his assembly...waa...waa...waa... We have such over-acheivers I will have to admit is has been hard to get to all the festivities this year. I suppose there are worse problems.

Aden learned to ride bike! It took him all of about 6 minutes to figure out. I know, he needs a helmet. We win parents of the year with this post.

Found what is left of Aden's bike helmet, & a very charming grin.

On a completely random note. My hair is long again, I want to chop it all to a few inches. Summer will make this worse.

More coming on the great big awesome adventure we had in Seattle. Happy Easter! Even a few days later, it is such a blessed time of year.