Project 365:: Day 296

Day 296 It is getting harder and harder to see the mere 11 months difference between these two. Clark eats more than Kannon and with Clark now walking they spend a lot more time side by side teaching each other new things. I love them!

Project 365:: Day 295

Day 295 The boys love exploring the Seattle Center, especially trips to the science center and the children's museum. Doesn't the space needle look strangely like a UFO??

Project 365:: Day 294

Day 294 This big boy knows how to run!!! Kannon loves running around the park, especially running down hills and feeling the speed kick up towards the bottom. I love watching him see things through new eyes everyday. I cant believe he is turning 2!!!

Project 365:: Day 293

Day 293 Nothing more beautiful than sunrise over a honey bucket. I never thought I would be up earlier enough everyday to see sunrise....welcome to adulthood.

Dear Clark:: One Year Old

To our little goofball, Clark.

Our world became brighter, fuller, and even sillier with your arrival. You came into this world with a head full of hair and a big personality. From day one, you were full of cuddles and smiles. Your first smile and laugh were big and bright and you continue to crack us up. You make yourself known with your big-bellied laugh and sneaky grin.

Kannon, your big brother, has always loved you. He tries to share his toys and food with you and together you work it out---a few bruised heads and scratches in between. You are starting to hold your ground. You no longer let him get his way. I love seeing your struggle for independence and attention.

Clark, you have a way with people, always making them feel understood. Your smile, laugh, and deep brown eyes are wise and comforting. Watching you crawl is most certainly amusing as your head bobs around to a musical soundtrack. Everything is funny to you--Emma, licking your toes, Kannon, jumping on the couch, and even Daddy, sneezing.

You are also our trouble maker. Kannon has started saying your name "Claaaaark!" just like we do to get your attention. We can always find you in places you don't belong, like under the table, on the kitchen stool, or putting buttons in your mouth. You are sweet and so sneaky! You keep us on our toes but are predictable with your love.

We were so surprised when we found out about you, but we couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome. You have made us better parents, you were the best gift for your brother, and together we have formed a wonderful family. On your first birthday, I wish for you to carry your optimism where ever you go, making everyone smile around you, and to never let a cry or tear get you down. You are our goofball, never let that change.

Thank you for showing us how to live, we all can use a little more bob in our step. Happy birthday!

Love,
Mama

Project 365:: Day 292

Day 292 This kid eats like a pig these days. Did I mention he looks like one too?

Project 365:: Day 291

Day 291 Just another reason why I love my new job! The view downtown is awesome, especially with fall colored leaves!

Teaching is going so well. I love my school and feel so blessed to have found an collaborative, supportive, and passionate group of people. I have 8 kids all between 3-4 years old. Preschool teaching is hard but rewarding. Between 9-5 I do not sit, blink, or even finish my coffee. On a normal day, I have 2 accidents, 4 crying kids, and teach a mini-lesson daily on the dangers of running through the classroom. But, I revel in my kids excitement as they come running into the classroom every morning excited to see me, learn new songs, and ask what we are doing today. I find myself reflecting each day to make the classroom more welcoming and exciting. I challenge myself to find new ways to engage my kids through teaching, circle-time, and their independent learning centers.

My school also has its downs. I got punched in the face on Monday. One kid screamed he hated me when I took his spray bottle away for spraying kids in the face. I watched in horror as one of my kid's started choke-holding another. Between 9-5 I am a parent, a friend, a teacher, a singer, an artist, a janitor, and a nurse. I am preparing my kids for success in school and challenging them to become compassionate individuals and you can't put a price on that.

I cant wait until my boys are old enough to come along with me!

Dear Dale::Three Years of Marriage

Dear Dale,

I cant believe three years has passed by us already. It seems like just yesterday we were exchanging vows on the mountain top. In three years, we have lived in three states, adopted a dog, celebrated the lives of two children, helped friends and families, had huge arguments and even bigger make-ups, and continue to laugh each day at our non-stop life.

Things are just now starting to slow down as we celebrate the routine of our jobs and life, but my love for you continues to expand exponentially with each passing day. I love watching you play with our children, supporting them in their struggle for independence, and catching them when they fall.

I am so grateful that you have supported me in my journey of becoming a teacher all while supporting yourself in your hectic job, raising children, and putting food on the table.

Together, we have achieved a balance, one that offers laughter, love, and joy. You are always one step ahead of me, finishing my sentences, taking out the garbage just as I am getting ready to ask, and even dreaming the same dream. So it should be no surprise that we would get each other similar anniversary gifts. I couldn't help but laugh as I saw the new shiny alarm clock sitting on my end-table as I wrapped your new watch. Perhaps, we both just felt there is never enough time together and counting down the hours keeps us a little sane. In any case, I love you. I love us. I love the family we have created together. I will continue to stand by your side, through every adventure that comes our way, and I will cherish every moment.

Love,
You wife,
Kat

Project 365:: Day 290

Day 290 These boys are best of friends---in between the tackling, biting, scratching, and headbutting of course. They love to sit by each other and play follow the leader. They have developed their own conversations and jokes and it is no doubt they will best friends forever!

Project 365:: Day 289

Day 289 Hanna's back!!! Hanna is here for the next month or so and I couldn't be more delighted with her arrival!!! After all the hugging and catching up we moved on to making mini-apple pie cookies and let me just say that they were delicious!!!! Of course it helps to have sidekick like Hanna around.

Project 365:: Day 288

Day 288 Three birds, one stone: Kids needed entertainment, fridge needed cleaning, and toys needing washing--hence the veggie drawer car washing station. It worked beautifully!

Project 365:: Day 287

Day 287 Reason #331 Why I love Seattle!!! Who could resist??? I had a field trip to the science center today. The weather was great, the kids had fun, and I enjoyed my first pumpkin spice latte of Fall.

Project 365:: Day 286

Day 286 We had a friend stop by and visit--Meng! Kannon loved screaming his name down the hallway and playing with him. Apparently, Meng hijacked my iPod because I found this picture of him about 2 days after his departure. It brought a great smile to Kannon's face....MENG!

Project 365:: Day 285

Day 285 We had an in-service day at school, so I finally had some time to organize things! I love my classroom setup!!!

Project 365:: Day 284

Day 284 We are loving our new weekly tradition of scoping out Farmer's Market for flowers and fresh food. Kannon loves the chance to explore the bell tower and bustling market.

Project 365:: Day 283

Day 283 This kid is growing up too fast....already texting the ladies at dinner.

Project 365:: Day 282

Day 282 Kannon snagged his first kiss from a cutie named Sadie. I think he appreciated the peck!

Project 365:: Day 281

Day 281 Holy crap! Clark just turned ONE! Where did the time go?????? More to come on my little guy's big day!

Project 365:: Day 280

Day 280 My class!!! I made this bulletin board during planning and I love it! I love my kids even more!

Project 365:: Day 279

Day 279 Hey! Just because you are almost one doesnt give you right to steal my eggroll!!!

Project 365:: Day 278

Day 278 Ugh, I am a commuter now. Check out that long line of buses.

Project 365:: Day 277

Day 277 My grandmother was telling me about this place that bakes a cookie for you while you eat your dinner. Well, we found the place and Kannon was certainly happy!

Project 365:: Day 276

Day 276 Kannon and Clark's wild ride!!!

Project 365:: Day 275

Day 275 Waiting for lunch at Revel.

Project 365:: Day 274

Day 274 We took advantage of the last of sunny days and had a quick bite to eat at Revel. I think Kannon was happy with the rice bath he gave himself? The birds will be even happier to clean up our mess!

Project 365:: Day 273

Day 273 I started working!!! I love my school and I am so grateful to work with such wonderful people!!! I was even more excited to come home to my growing boys. We took a quick trip to the park where Clark showed off his new slide skills--yep, he can crawl up the stairs and slide down BY HIMSELF! I suspect big brother Kannon had something to do with all this!!

Project 365:: Day 272

Day 272 Dude, keep your clothes on!!! Apparently, the whole "no shoes, no shirt, no service" thing doesn't apply to our little exhibitionist. He took his shirt off 4 times during dinner!!!!

Project 365:: Day 271

Day 271 Jarred is almost ready to come home, yay!!! We took a quick visit to the hospital and the boys did well despite all the chaos. Kannon was happier once he found a perch to stare out on the world....typical kid.

Project 365:: Day 270

Day 270 Like father, like son.

Project 365:: Day 269

Day 269 We packed our bags for a night of hotel fun. We wanted to be close to Jarred for his second surgery and likewise needed cable tv to watch Dale's restaurant appearance on the Food Network. So we settled on a modest hotel near my former college, Seattle University. It was so much fun!!! Kannon is already dreaming of higher education....

Project 365:: Day 268

Day 268 Apparently, our cat, Professor, has noticed that we haven't been around. He made friends with the stuff dog. How charming, right?

Project 365:: Day 267

Day 267 So these are a week behind but let's face it. Our week has been insane! Between Jarred, the boys, and me starting a new job, I haven't had much time to pee let alone sneak blogging time in.

This is Jarred. Our godfather, minister, roommate, best friend. Last week, he flew off his motorcycle and broke his hip. We were scared to death not knowing where he was or what his condition was and were relieved to find out it was only his hip. Jarred had two surgeries, a few blood transfusions and is on his way to healing. Hopefully, he will be home soon to heal in the privacy of his own bed instead of a crazy hospital, wrapped in cords, IVS, and constant interruptions.