We Are Thankful

First and foremost, we are most thankful for the health of our families this year.  There have been some challenging times in 2010 so we are so happy that everyone is healthy now.  I have also realized lately that I am extrememly thankful for the roof over my head.  We have had some cold weather lately (it was even in the negatives) and I can't imagine what it is like for those less fortunate.   

For Thanksgiving this year, we headed up to Chelan to spend time with Mom and Dad.  It was a great day and Jackson had a lot of fun playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house!  And he got to see Aunt Stacey and even gave Randy a hug bye as long as I would hold his hand. :)  Here are some pics from the day...

Playing Legos with Aunt Stacey (I think Aunt Stacey had more fun than Jackson!) 

Trying to get a family picture. It's always a challenge with Jackson.

Playing with Grandma Pat

And Grandpa Steve

After the feast :)



The Hunter is Home

And by hunter, I'm not talking about our dog! :)  The hunter I am speaking of is BJ and it was a long two weeks at home without him.  I thought I appreciated how hard it was to take care of a child by yourself but after this hunting trip, I have a whole new appreciation.  Seriously, I'm not sure how the single parents out there do it (well, I guess they don't have a choice).  But really, being a parent is hard work and especially when you add sickness to the mix.  So... we are SO happy he is home.  I was amazed by the change in Jackson's whole demeanor last night when getting to see his Dad for the first time.  He was so happy, it just melted my heart. We are complete again. :)

As we were talking about his trip last night, I asked BJ if he took many pictures.  I should have known the answer was no (other than a few cell phone pics) like usual.  Luckily, his cousin Chad came through!  He posted an album to Facebook so I quickly saved off a couple to share. :)  Chad won't mind (I hope!). 

Chad took some beautiful scenery pics.  Here are a couple of my favorites... 

 Here is the hunter with his deer.  Not the "big" one he wanted but at least he got one.

And I had to include a picture with Chad.  After all, I did steal his pictures.

Finally, here is camp.  As you can clearly see, they are roughing it.  Our trailer is the one in the back corner behind BJ's truck.

This Time of Year

It seems like fall=sickness in our household. Unfortunately, this year is no exception.  I feel like we have been battling since late September and I am hopeful we are on the mend.  Last year it was swine flu and this year it is a horrible cough. So horrible in fact, that I coughed so hard I pulled a muscle in my ribs.  And let me tell you, you don't realize how much you use those muscles until they hurt.  The good thing is Jackson didn't have a lot of trouble with the cough.  He healed and is now onto another cold.  So we have been laying low around the house and using creative ways to keep ourselves busy...

This is a sun tent my friend Pia gave me.  Jackson thinks it is loads of fun!

And the oven warming drawer is always a hit!  Good thing we don't use it. :)

One Year Ago Today...

I was a nervous wreck. I "worked" eight hours that day however, I'm not sure how many hours were actually spent working. All I could do was look at my cell phone and wait for the next phone call or text message to arrive.  My Dad was over at Harborview having major back surgery and somehow I was talked out of driving over to be with my Mom in the waiting room. To this day, I regret that decision and I will never again not follow my heart when it comes to being there for my family. So there, take that Mom and Dad. :)  I WILL be there the next time something like this happens because I need to know that you are ok.

Anyway, back to the real reason for my post.  Reflecting back on the last year, I just want to say how proud I am of you Dad (and a shout out to my Mom for putting up with/taking care of my stubborn Dad). :) I know you expect to be able to do everything and are probably frustruated at times, but all things considered you have come a LONG way!  So cheers to you Dad. I hope you are raising a glass of your finest tonight... you deserve it!

Jackson and Grandpa the weekend prior to Grandpa's back surgery

Jackson and Grandpa playing legos recently :) Dad finally gets to play with a little boy!

Here Goes Nothing!

So I have to admit I really like blogs... I like reading them, looking at the posted pictures, seeing what other people are up to, etc. even if I don't know the person.  Kind of weird I know but I think blogging is a great way to keep people updated.  Which brings me to why I would create a blog.  First of all, in less than a month, my parents will be residing in a different state. :(  I know, I know it is temporary but still hard to swallow.  So I definitely need to keep them up to date (especially my Mom)!  Secondly, I think I need a new creative outlet that is quick and easy.  After all, my job title has the words "risk" and "analyst" in it.  Not very many opportunities to be creative, let's put it that way.  So now I will have an outlet to write about my favorite people in life, my family.

So here goes!  My goal is to write weekly updates... and if I really like it, maybe more often!  I love to take pictures (especially with my new camera) so it will be a great way to put them to use.  Now I just need to figure out how to post them. :)