Oh what a week.

I am trying to get better about blogging.  Of course, when I actually have things to talk about, it makes it easier to blog.  So this week, well, I practically have a book to write.

Our week began with the disappearrance of our cat, Sasha.  He went missing for two days.  We thought we heard his sweet cries near our house and searched every tree, window ledge, and shed.  Nothing.  We searched old house thinking maybe he made the 1/2 mile trek to what was once familiar.  Nothing.  After we had given hope, our other cat, Professor, bolted out across the yard.  He came back every five minutes taking a mouthful of food outside with him.  Well, whatever rescue mission he was on---worked.  Sasha came running home covered in cobwebs but otherwise healthy.  Our spirits were lifted.  I am not gonna lie Sasha is my favorite and my heart was beginning to break thinking I wouldn't see him again.  After lots of love and kisses life went on as normal.

Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit. They stayed with us for a few days and spoiled the boys and gave us a chance to hang some photos and organize our new house.  We always love having family in town! We stayed busy going to gymnastics, the zoo, and eating delicious foods. Unfortunately, I was sick for most of this visit and have yet to recover.  I am pretty sure I have a sinus infection but I haven't had a chance to get into the doctor.

Today, I was feeling very blessed.  After we dropped Kannon off at preschool Clark and I ventured out to have a wonderful day.  It was wonderful.  It was a perfect Fall day.  We went to the bank, walked around Pike Place Market, picked out flowers.  We even stopped by Piroshky, Piroshky! We went to the new cityTarget---crazy, right? We continued our adventure and headed to our well-visit at the pediatrician's office. That's where the day took a turn.  Clark was already cranky from having a short nap.  We were in the waiting area when Clark rolled off a little kid-size couch.  Oh, the screams.  His alligator tears told me this was more than just a little bump.  His pediatrician agreed and even though there was no swelling suggested we head straight to the ER.

Jarred watched Kannon.  I picked Dale up.  Together we headed to Children's Hospital.  When we got there we felt like fools as Clark waved to everyone, smiling, and giggling.  The x-ray told the truth.  Two fractures.  This is one tough kid!  After they fit him for a soft-cast and a sling we headed home with instructions to call the orthopedic on Monday.  From there, they will decide whether to re-set the bone (if needed) and fit in a hard cast.  Until then, our little monkey has to be extremely careful--impossible, right?

On top of everything, we are cleaning our old house tomorrow and Saturday to prepare for someone else to move in.  I am not sure how we are going to get everything done considering we are sick, broken, and tired.

I did get a really sweet letter in the mail from A Family For Every Child.  I have loved volunteering with this program.  Not only is it for a great cause but I get to have fun and be a little more creative than I would for a normal session.  I have also met really interesting kids and enjoy hearing from their case workers that they have found a forever home.

So that was our week. The highs, lows, and everything in between. 

Growth.

I just posted over on my photography blog about how life is growing around us.  It is finally hitting me that I am 1.) an adult 2.) a mom 3.) busy beyond belief. 

Somedays, I feel like I am 16 again, laughing and rolling on the floor with Clark and Kannon by my side.  Then I remember the dishes, the bills, the car maintenance, the piles of laundry and the never ending to-do list.  Oh man.  Life.  Who has time to write let alone shower?

As you know this year has been a year of growing and changing for us.  We have been searching for ways to live a cleaner, healthier, and happier life. We made a list of things we were unhappy about and have slowly been hacking away that list. I shouldn't say "unhappy" more like "stuff that needs to change" list.  First to change was my job, then Dale's.   Things were good until our rent went up and suddenly our house seemed crowded and unaffordable.   So we started the search for new housing and suddenly we found the jackpot.  A 2 bedroom, 2 bath, pet friendly, all utilities included house across the street from the boys favorite park.  Did I mention that it is saving us roughly $900 a month?  Hell ya!

 Random photos at the park.

So we began the move and chopped away at our list again.  Eliminating hings like too much plastic, too much stuff, stained towels, etc--all the things that we complain about at 10pm when we are trying to clean.  It all went to Goodwill.  One of the benefits of moving?  Getting rid of all that junk! Who needs 12 pairs of fingernail clippers, 6 aprons, and 14 tupperware lids?  Not us.  So we began our de-cluttering, packing, organizing adventure. It was a lot of hard work and I had to say goodbye to things I was attached to but really, why do I keep lugging around textbooks from HIGH SCHOOL? 

Another thing to note about this move is that its just us.  Dale, Kannon, Clark, and me.  Marriage and parenting is already stressful and as much as we have loved having a roommate (AKA Dale's best friend Jarred) it was time to be on our own.

 Our new view. Those are the Olympic Mountains you see.

We are starting to grow up.  Yes, we were already adults when we had kids but I think it took us awhile to adjust to the little things--like the fact that staying up till 1am is really not healthy.  So, we make ourselves go to bed at 11pm.  We do things like make a big batch of salads and soups so we always have a meal on hand if we are busy.  We pulled out the crock pot!  We walk the dog every morning and every night as opposed to just letting her play in the yard.  We don't leave dishes in the the sink or socks on the floor.  We pay bills as they come instead of putting them in a pile on the counter. We drink tea instead of coffee (I try anyways!).  Sheesh, I am starting to sound like my dad.  And at the end of the day, after the kids have gone to bed, we snuggle up on the couch and watch the news.  Its official.  I am an adult.

While all these changes were taking place, we got cable (I LOVE IT!), my photography business is expanding, and Kannon started preschool.  Dale and I are both volunteering for A Family For Every Child and playing dominoes during naptime.  In the 4 years we have been together, we are finally setting a healthy routine.  Routine is good.  The kids like it, we like it. Trust me, we aren't totally boring.  We still have moments of spontaneity--like hiking at Discovery Park or stopping for a quick snack at a creperie down the street.  Or making a chocolate cake minutes before bedtime. Yum.
 
So there you have it.  A random blog about where we have been, what we are doing, and where we hope to go.