Let's Hear It

Since I haven't taken the time to blog lately, I thought I'd ask all of you to help me out. I need some fresh ideas. So give me your tips on:

Laundry, how do you motivate yourself to put it away once it is folded?
Potty training
Fun summer activity ideas
Exercising tips and motivation
Healthy eating, quick snacks, family favorites
Photograph organization, do you scrapbook, put them in albums or throw them in a box?
Waking up, how do you get yourself out of bed, do you jump out quickly ready for the day or slowly wake up?

OK, let's hear them. Any other ideas that you may have, feel free to comment.

Abby's Field Trip

Last week I got to go with Abby's class on a field trip. It is fun to live in an area where these amazing sites are just minutes from our home.

The Vista House at Crown Point.
Picture of the class, teachers and parents at the Vista House.

Giant sturgeon at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. This guy said he wanted me to take him home for a BBQ.
Upper Horse Tail Falls. This was a quick hike. I'd like to try this with the family. It is a little steep, but beautiful. The trail takes you behind this waterfall.
Multnomah Falls is just beautiful. Whenever we drive by on I-84, I always try to take take a look at it.
Abby at Benson bridge, (notice it in the above photo) watching as the water cascades down the lower falls.

I had a great time, the bus ride was loud (note, next month for Peter's zoo trip take a pair of ear plugs). Each stop was quick, but our guide from the Portland Audubon Society, was very knowledgeable and kept the kids interested. Every year I vow to hike the gorge more, but we usually only make one or two hikes. This summer I'd like to try a few more hikes, anyone want to meet up at Eagle Creek?

Peter's Birthday Celebration

Peter turned 7 on May 2. We survived the last birthday of the season.
This was taken out in our orchard. The trees are beautiful now, maybe tomorrow after church I'll be able to get some good pictures of the kids. Please please no rain.

Abby turns 9 & Visitors Part 2

Abby turned 9 on April 24. This is her funky new outfit.
For her birthday, we decorated t-shirts, the more paint the better.
The loot.

Visiting us from Thailand was Rick's cousin Theresa and her super cute daughter Hisako.

We also went bowling. Got to love those shoes!

Michelle showing her moves. Peter loved bowling. He can beat us everytime on the wii. He beats us in real life too.
Abby and a friend begging to open the gifts.

Visitors Part 1

This week were were lucky to have my mom visit from Utah. Sarah and Iris decided to come join in the fun.
Iris is so cute. My kids had so much fun playing with her.

14 Years!

Today, April 8, is our 14th Wedding Anniversary. Happy Anniversary Rick, I love you! I don't seem to take too many pictures of him, something I need to try harder at! This is the only one I have on this computer. The kids were each given a 9 tile puzzle for Michelle's birthday. Rick is trying to help Peter solve his puzzle. After he finished Peter's, he then worked on Michelle's, Cristine's and Abby's, then Cristine's again and again and again. She likes to mess up the picture. He is amazing man, I enjoy watching him as he works and plays. This weekend, I was asked to hold several pieces of steel while he was welding. I thought about taking his picture, showing all the sparks flying around him, but my hands were busy, the camera was inside and I didn't want any stray sparks to land on my camera like they did on my arm.

Happy Birthday (tomorrow) Mom! I love you. Looking forward to your visit next week!

Michelle's Birthday and Technology

Michelle turned 5 on Friday. How did my sweet little girl grow up so quickly?
Standing in front of the birthday sign we hung on her bedroom door.
Some of our fun decorations. Doesn't that paper lamp look neat next to my mother-in-laws tile print?

Michelle was so excited for her birthday. She woke up at 6am, came into our room to tell us it was her Birthday. We hugged her and talked to her about the day she was born and other fun memories we have. At 6:30am the rest of the kids came into bed with us and we all told fun Michelle stories. Did you know she loves to play puppies?

Michelle had preschool, but Abby and Peter did not have school, it was grade preparation day (?), so they went wild with the balloons and crepe paper. When I arrived home from work, we quickly made a cake, ate dinner and celebrated Michelle's special day.

*******

My cell phone decided that yesterday should have been the start of daylight savings. This morning, I use it as my alarm clock, it woke me up at 5am. I didn't realize what time it actually was until after I woke everyone up and went downstairs to start breakfast. I finally looked at the clock on the stove, then looked at the clock on the microwave. I went back upstairs and told everyone to get back in bed. We then slept for 2 hours and I drove everyone to school, which then made me late for work. At 11am as a co-worker clocked in, I told her that she didn't start until 11am. I then realized it was 11am and not 10am as I thought. I still am very confused as to what time it is today. I should be serving dinner, it's 5:30pm, but I haven't started it yet.

Rick asked why I didn't notice how dark it was outside, I told him I don't open my eyes until I shower. He also said I shouldn't be so dependant on technology, but without it, I would sleep until 8am. Hopefully technology worked better for you today!