E, T, Ask

Gonna blog again

2010-06-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back and need an outlet so blog here I come.

Autumn has been to the ER 3x in the past 3 months. First was for a horrible cough, fever spike wiht in an hour from normal to 104.7. Turned out to be pneumonia. Second was for a non stop cough and trouble breathing. Diagnosis was pneumonia came back. We were out of town and went to a different ER. Loads of anti-biotics and all seems better.

For the past year or so she has been saying she has problems catching her breath. I do this often also and did as a child too. Now it only happens when I am majorly stressed out or overly focus on my breathing so related the same thing to her. We didn't think there was anything actually wrong with her breathing.

Friday was our last ER visit. She has started shaking, throwing up and majorly freaking out because she thought she was going to die from not being able to breath. Said she wanted to die and couldn't breath. I somewhat expected the ER to send us away with a reference to see a child psychologist about having anxiety about breathing but I thought something might seriously be wrong as well.

As much as I teach myself about health and know alot of medical conditions, I know I don't know I don't know everything. After the hour+ wait in the ER, her breathing came back to normal and no more throwing up but the doctor did notice a slight heart murmur and ordered an ECG. The ECG shows abnormal results (whatever that means!) and he said he was very glad we came in. Based on this and other things in her medical history he picked up on things.

We have an appt with a pediatric cardiac pulmnologist (SP??) tomorrow. They will do an ultrasound of her heart and see what is happening and to what degree. Based on the symptoms and history, she likely has a hole in one of the walls of her heart. Worst case is open heart surgery. Best case is medicine to strengthen her heart and continued monitoring to make sure the hole closes. Both scenarios have very high success rates and she will live. The fact that I need to discuss something that causes doubt of her continuing to live has my stomach in knots.

Trying real hard to keep things normal around here but I feel like collapsing, crying and never moving again. Of course, Erik feels the same but with less talking. We are both extremely concerned. Father's day could have brought better news than this.

We are thankful and positive though. Thankful for health insurance, thankful it will be identified and treated and thankful the doctor found something. This explains alot of things we've noticed that were off since she was a baby.

i think it's the end

2009-09-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

well, you can see i never posted pictures like i said below. i treid but my external hard drive crashed...nearly died. it has ALL my music and all of our pictures so I was freaked out and haven't been back here since!

now, i just can't seem to find the time to blog so there won't be any new posts here for awhile. maybe in the winter I will have more time but right now, i seem to have too much other stuff to manage.

my external harddrive should be about 90% recovered by now. 200.00 later, i will get it back. i miss it.

teresa

It's been so long

2009-08-22T09:11:00.001-07:00

Gosh, I didn't realize it's been so long since I posted. I am not done with work until 9/8! It will be a busy next couple of weeks with nearly every single person in both Erik and I's families at some point. It will be loads of fun though!

My sister is getting married. Erik's sister just got married. Erik and his mom's birthday. His brother and our niece and nephew coming to town. My family get together in Chelan. I can't wait!

Today is a day of preparation since I haven't done any nor for the first day of school that can be thrown into the mix above.

All is well in the Kasprowicz house. Erik and I have both been super busy. All he has been doing is working and sleeping-working and sleeping.

We have managed to keep the lawn mowed and the garden watered and the kid fed. Here are a few pics of the last month or so.

Listen to The Fixer, the first single from Backspacer

2009-07-29T13:19:00.001-07:00

Listen to The Fixer, the first single from Backspacer

Posted using ShareThis

Hottest weekend of hte year

2009-07-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

It's here! This weekend is suppose to be the hottest yet!! Wooo hooo! I love it! Almost makes me want to live somewhere where it is like this all of the time but then I probably wouldn't love it as much.

We've been going to the lake 3-4 times a week. I love swimming. Autumn is getting pretty good too. She even jumped off one of the old stumps the other day. I think they must have recently stocked the lake the other day because there were hundreds of little trout swimming with us. Autumn had a lot of fun trying to catch them with her hands. They were gone the next day. Weird to swim with them at first but they got out of my way.

These pictures are about a month old. I'll try to get some new ones this weekend.

Nothing like Summer in Seattle

2009-07-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

Seriously, there is not...warm weather and Seattle area is like heaven on Earth or maybe it just seems like it because it doesn't last long?

Each year I love it more and more. To jump in a cold lake or lounge by a freezing river on a 85+ degree day...ahhh...nothing better.

I have been quite distracted and elated by the weather the past couple of weekends. I have a deep tan, am sleeping well and look forward to what each new day brings.

I;ve got some pictures but was too distracted today to upload by mowing the lawn, pulling turnips and listening to good music with the doors open and breeze blowing.

Happy Summer y'all!

Teresa

Know your sunscreen

2009-07-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

There are lots of reasons to know your sunscreen. I hate sunscreen every day use but it def has it's place in this world. Autumn has a horrible burn on her back right now.

The thing below will let you see how your sunscreen rates on many levels...protection, carcinigens, chemicals and waterproofness (prob not a word....)

Find Your Sunscreengreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Summer!

2009-06-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy couple of weeks filled with end of the school firsts for Autumn. Camping trip, ballet recital, family in town and fun adventures.

Yesterday we went to a water park with wave pool, slide, swim pool and other fun water things. The night before Autumn and I went bowling. I think we actually met the characters from Kingpin. Creepy but it was fun. Autumn had her end of the year tap/ballet recital and had a blast! Stephnie (Erik's mom) was in town to see and had a great visit. Our great weather stopped right before she got here but it's back now!

One of the things about having a big yard that is hard is that it's hard to ever really get out and DO things because there is so much upkeep to it. Weeds and sticker bushes have taken over a large part of the garden in the front. I haven't even weeded the whole thing yet this year.

The veggie garden is doing good. We've had lots of lettuce, peas and strawberries. The one bed with the compost has turned into a monster while the other beds grow slowly. We will have alot of whatever it was that was in the compost...I am thinking cucumbers but might be pumpkins. They have yellow flowers.

Here are some pictures from the last couple weeks.

Funerals

2009-06-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

How many funerals have I been to? I really could not even count. Don't want to count. Some have been more agonizing than others. Then songs that are played with them...ugh..every time they are on the radio I cry. Hate it!

The pain is so much. I think I almost threw up at the last one I went too and honestly, I didn't even know him THAT well. Was there for good karma to support the family. Tore me up.

So, I decided I just can't do funerals anymore. Each time they take a piece out of me. I suppose that is the reason for going to them but if I have to sit in Flintoff's funeral home one more time, I might loose it....

Because of this "decision" I chose not to go to a funeral today. Mike Taber, who I worked for a good couple of year (8 years ago) died. He fought a mighty battle with cancer and ultimatley lost. He was really what one would call a great man. Family guy, always smiling..I told him once he was the best boss I had ever had and just wanted him to know that.

And then...I didn't go to his funeral.

The feeling I have now and will have forever is worse than the feeling I would have had at the funeral. No matter what, he still has a piece of me.

People come into our lives for a reason. When people pass, they are suppose to take a part of you with them. They deserve it.

I wish I had gone to the funeral. Thought I could remember in my own way but seems there is something to this whole ritual stuff.

On the plus side, my cousin is having a little baby girl any minute now! Another cousin was blessed with an adoption of a little girl to join their family.

Life gives, and life takes away.

bloooog

2009-05-14T19:29:00.001-07:00

Sorry-haven't been posting much. Same old story. Have to sit at the computer to blog. Back hurts. Sucks to sit.

Mother's day was breakfast in bed, early morning drive, nap followed by an uninterrupted finale of "Rock of Love Tour bus" (my guilty obsession), a good work out and nice evening with lots of nice genuine mother's day wishes and cards. Uneventful but fab-u-lous.

It is suppose to be a nice weekend. Erik got pebbles in teh garden and it looks pretty. We have tons of volunteer pumpkins in the garden. The compost wasn't quite compost yet. Good but I am not sure how all the other plants are going to feel about them in a few months. Will have to get creative vertically.

That's it for now.

Happy sunshine days~

The tramp

2009-05-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Erik put together the trampoline yesterday. He had been reluctant because he is always worried about Autumn's safety and didn't even want it up without a net around it. So he ordered the net but it didn't come with poles. He didn't realize this until after he had set up the trampoline so it has stayed up!

Of course, now he sees there is not as horrible a threat of paralysis if we are careful and do one at a time.

I also found it is a great place to lay down and stare at the sky without having to worry about bugs, the dog licking my face or getting my butt wet. The dog isnt' too happy that he can't bother us up there but I love it and it is really comfortable.

Adding to the list of things to buy when I am a millionaire-trampoline bed.

Pictures

2009-04-26T09:02:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of the inside of the house lately.

The new woodstove and some birdhouses I hung on the big wall. Wish I was cool enough to have made them but I didn't.

This is how cool our kid is....

2009-04-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

Autumn is on spring break and got to spend most of the day at Grandma's house because Erik and I both had to work today.

She came home with this:

She went on to tell me it was a game she made. She did this ALL BY HERSELF. No help from Grandma or anything.

It lists out things you need in life. The objective needs a bit of work but the premise is so cool. You roll dice and tally mark the numbers as you go around the "board". First one to 100 wins.

The things Autumn says you need in life are (with her spellings):

Peace
Butey
Fairness
Compiny
self time
frends
love
fathe
trust
magic
family
resons (told her I slightly disagreed with this but we agreed that reasons help us understand things sometimes)
fun
slepp
work
play time
lerning
groth
time (because of course we all need more time!)
opshons

and of course a free space where you get to make a wish for anything you want. Autumn's wish..."for everyone to be happy and not have reasons to be sad."

OMG, my kid is.so.cool.

Last night while we were watching American Idol, I found out that an "internet friend's" son was nearly abducted while they were visiting Seattle. It was unfortunate that Autumn was still up and saw my reaction and I probably should have filtered it a bit more but I didn't.

They were at Pike Place Market and the mom looked away for 5 seconds, turned around and the boy was gone. Thankfully, she started yelling his name and both parents started looking for him. They saw him being led away by a man pulling his arm. He let go after the boy heard his mom. The good news is the boy wasn't harmed AND they caught the bastard. He will be charged next week in Seattle court for child abduction. No prior record-no history. One 65 yr of sicko who has probably slipped through the cracks endless times hurting other children and won't any more!

Teresa

Rainy rain

2009-03-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

It's already nearly 5pm on Saturday. Where oh where does the weekend go?

Autumn has a cough and not feeling tip top. We got the carpets cleaned today because the dog mistook the upstairs carpet for the yard and left a few deposits up there while Erik was snoozing yesterday.

I got in a super duper nice workout today and went grocery shopping. Now feeling lazy and satisfied.

For those that haven't heard me complain about my back these past 3 months (ok i'm sure everyone has heard me complain about it if you're within earshot..) things ARE getting better. Good God it's taken awhile but the chiropractor is a man of magic. He doesn't even do the cracking manipulation stuff. Working out and stretching carefully has been the biggest help but there are only so many hours in each day. I feel like there are more good days than bad lately. Today is a good day.

Since the furniture and crap is all off the carpets, I feel like putting things in different places. Not ideal since Erik is the one that will have to move things and he doesn't see as much "fun" in rearranging furniture as I do. Plus, who knew it took like 6 hours for carpet to dry? That is how my brain works.....yeah!! clean the carpets...oh wait, what? they'll be wet for 6 hours? Crap.

I suppose Erik's time would really be better spent on one of his various projects outside. Maybe the half done shed he started 5 years ago? The partially built garden? Finish off the other 50 ft of the first 8 feet of fence built? Maybe do something about the front yard that is really a big huge mud pie? Not to mention the other half of the yard that is all mud as well from driving his trunk all over it (well..other things too) or maybe just burn the big pile of yard waste that is sitting in the mud pile??

As you can see, I am loosing my mind from the all the projects he starts around here before finishing the last one.

So today he asks if we are going to start on the deck soon. Comical. Really.

Weekend

2009-03-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

ahhh...this weekend was really what weekends are all about except the long nights of not sleeping well.

Autumn got a kitty last weekend. Her name was Daphene but Autumn changed her name to Pixie. I seem to always call her Trixie or just kitty.

Pixie and Roman don't get along so well. I think they will in time but Pixie is too scared still and Roman is pretty protective so when she hisses, he barks, hair raises, etc. She stays up in Autumn's room with the door closed and Roman sits outside it. They've seen each other bunches and Roman is in his crate and Pixie's door is open right now but she hasn't come downstairs on her own yet.

Autumn and I just made chocolate chip cookies. I let her lick the batter and she says to Erik in the Lazy Boy-who can't see us in the kitchen-"Daddy, I got the first chocolate chip cookie!!" There is not much that will get him up out of that chair when is is getting ready to go to bed but up he got and sauntered into the kitchen looking for the cookies...she got him! They both tease each other so much. Was good to see her get him once.

We planted seeds in the garden yesterday too. Not sure if they will all make it but would be nice! Still have one big bed and a bunch of planters left to fill up. Should be a good year for the garden if I can stay on top of things!! Erik has one more bed to build too.

Here are some pictures Autumn took from her own camera.

Ocean in March

2009-03-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we are back from Forks. For Autumn and I, this was suppose to be a trip to the beach, hiking in the rain forrest and exploring but for Erik it was a fishing trip. All is fine and good because it was way too cold to be on the beach and too much snow on the road to the rain forest. We still had fun.

We stayed in the cabin the first night but Autumn and I went to a hotel the 2nd night. I just need running water and indoor toilet.

We had stopped at the town store and there was so much "Twilight" stuff. I thought, "gesh, the teenagers in this town must really be into that mo\vie or something." When we went to the pizza place for dinner the waitress said kids come from all over the country to Forks because the movie was filmed there or based off there or something.

Seriously, signs everywhere that said "Bella shops here" or "Bella eats here" or "Look for Jonathan". I haven't seen the movie so I have no idea what this is all about but have added it to Netflix for when it comes out on DVD.

Here's a few pics and a few of the snow we had a home before we left. Thank goodness Ted made it over the mountain passes on his way to our house. I think it might have been the worst conditions ever to drive in over the passes.

Ted and Erik had a great time fishing but didn't catch anything. We saw tons of eagles though. They make funny noises. Again, should have taken pics but I wasn't into carrying my camera around.

No pictures of the new ride yet but it drove well to Forks and back. I am having a hard time enjoying it too much because my back is still a mess and sitting hurts. For all of you with no back problems, say a quick thank you to your maker.

Sick with the fluuuuuuuuuu

2009-03-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

Well, Autumn and I have been sick with teh flu all day. She's been going in and out of sleep and sweating up a storm and crying ALOT. She isn't one to have the flu and not give it a fight. She does NOT like being sick.

My heads been pounding and I am tired of the couch looking outside at the sunny day.

I am selling my Jeep tonight (crossing fingers!!) and buying a 4 runner tomorrow. It was a super good deal and the gas milage is actually better than what I am getting now. It will be so nice to have a good safe cool car. Not cool to have another thing to pay off but the sales taxes on the house left a nice amount to deduct so we are getting a fat refund this year. Time for a new car for me. :)

Here we are. Sickies.Black and white for more effect. Also some of Autumn in the 1st grade play where she had had a big role. Only 5 kids total had roles and she was one of them!! It was only 1 line but still...was SO proud of her!!! No stage fright in this girl! Also a few of Erik in his uniform. You can tell how tired he is...

Open blog again!

2009-02-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I removed the permissions on the blog. Tired of being scared and just going to leave it open.

Erik actually went to the work of the guy who tried to add me on facebook. Asked why he was trying to add his wife. The guy was a bit freaked out but said he just added everyone in his address book and had quite a few people asking questions. ERik also mentioned that the road rage stuff but the guy said it wasn't him. Erik believed him. All is good.

Erik has the flu. I've been cooking. The dog has been bonkers. He really needs to be around other dogs more so he doesn't think he is a person.

We are going to Forks with Erik's dad Ted soon. (Hi Ted!!) It will be fun. We all need a vacation. Getting away from the normal fuss and routine is good.

Tomorrow Autumn and I are meeting my cousin, Shawna and going to the Ballard farmer's market to get some goods! Lots of fresh veggies/meats and things. We are also going to take home their trampoline and use it until they get a yard again. Hard to go from a house in Idaho to a house in Seattle. So that house in Seattle is a condo with no room for the way cool trampoline.

Looking forward to lots of bouncing this summer!!!

Hopefully pics tomorrow. Getting a picture taking bug-hopefully I'm not mistaking it for the flu bug that Erik's got...

Peace!
Teresa

Feb

2009-02-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

So it's February. It's cold but not rainy. I am getting the itch to be outside. Autumn and I have been going to the park next to her school each Sunday. We've been taking Roman with so he can get used to people and behave on the leash. Not going to great..my wrists are sore from holding the leash and he growled at a little boy today.

Autumn wears her roller skates and has the best time! It is really windy and cold though.

Here are some pictures of Valentines day, Autumn and her top loose tooth, the sky and some Elk (maybe Bear?) rubs at the park we were at. EVERY single tree was rubbed like this. I think it was fresh from this morning. We were there a few hours after it about 10am.

ehh, well...

2009-02-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

I locked it again but sent invitations to people. I am so mad that I have to have this private now but I think it is best with all the pictures of the house on there, etc.

The deal is that a couple days after it seemed that guy followed me home, someone added me as a friend on facebook and I added him thinking I must have known him but I didn't. Turns out he is from my town and when I googled his name, it goes to an article in the paper that shows he works for the transportation department. Not the same guy that followed me home but probably a friend of his. Now that guy's facebook profile is gone.

So, weird stuff....but will either make a new blog and send everyone the link or just keep it as private.

Back on!!!

2009-02-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

So I finally opened this back up!

I had closed it to everyone because of the road rager that followed me home and weird facebook stuff but I am back to semi normal now. Home alarm installed, german shepher by my side all the time and gun in the dresser drawer-we are all set!

So, not much to talk about except thanks for hanging in there...we are doing some work in teh yard to stop the dog from running in mud and beautify it.

My back is out-hard to walk. We had snow this morning but now its gone. The dog stinks. Autumn is growing out her bangs and Erik CLEANED THE HOUSE today!!

All is good around here.

Teresa

Martin Luther King, Jr...I mean DOCTOR Martin Luther King, Jr

2009-01-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

Autumn is learning about him in school. She is also learning about racism. What a sad thing to have to learn but at the same time it teaches so much. She keeps telling me stories about him and calling him Marin Luther King Jr and then saying, "I mean DOCTOR Martin Luther King, Jr" That Doctor part seems pretty important to her.

She has come home every day talking about Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges and Martin Luther King Jr. She seems so young to be exposed to these stories. They are hitting her in a way that is hard to put in to words. I suppose it I chalk it up to growing up and learning about the world.

We have a picture of Martin Luther King, Jr and a copy of his "I have a dream speech" in our house.

Personally, I think he is one of the great Americans that people should think of more often than one day a year. I can't wait for the day when I can forever without hearing someone referred to by the "color of their skin but referred to by the content of their character." We all know that day isn't here despite a 1/2 african america president. (wooo hoo Obama!!!)

Have you ever really read or heard that speech? Even thinking of it brings tears to my eyes and goosebumps...even after all these years.

part of the speech:

"But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrong deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone."

For those of you thining I have some sort of allegiance to the black community....get past it...this isn't about that. MLK was an amazing speaker with a profound non violence message. THAT is why I admire him so much. It just so happens his message was discussing racism.

Peace! Tomorrow-remember a great man by acting in peace or responding to hatred or bitterness with dignity. Don't perpetuate.

Teresa

Flooding

2009-01-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

I probably should have mentioned that we are not directly affected by the flooding going on here. A large part of our yard doesn't drain well and had a bunch of water but we are on top of a hill and far from the river.

We finally drove through downtown last night though and stopped at a friend's place who was flooded. About 2 inches running through his whole house for about 8 hours. NOt a pretty sight.

Autumns school is high enough off the ground and didn't get water inside (TG school budget around here is bad enough!) but has been closed nearly 3 days now because the parking lot, field, roads, etc had about 4 feet of water in them.

The houses downtown always look so funny in the summertime when you see them 8 feet off the ground. In the winter you realize why...

Here is a link to the flooding going on around here lately. The mountain pass is about 30 miles east of us.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets/72157612242253091/show/

Teresa

Evil..

2009-01-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

Not really but I have to say one of my FAVORITE things to do is wake Erik up when he is sleeping. Seriously, I am not a bad person. Really! he doesn't mind...as long as I don't do it alot.

So, he sleeps alot because he works graveyard right? Sometimes 2 jobs so I get alot of opportunity....I have to be in the right mood too since most of the time I am just beat too BUT...

If he's asleep in the lazy boy and the camera is handy...I set it all up, try to get it focused and yell REALLY loud, "OMG, Erik, what's going on?!!?" he wakes up so fast and has the funniest look on his face and I DIE laughing. I am laughing just typing this...

It is bad..I know but I just can't help it!! There are so few things that make me laugh SO hard. On a regular basis, it is this, Ralphie May and America's Funniest Videos. So fun!

Trust me...he doesn't mind or I would stop! He loves it when I laugh. I am sure he is happy for me to be able to laugh so easily at this so he doesn't put up a stink when I do it. I am laughing again just thinkin about it. Oh, it's terrible...I shoudl go do it now...hahahaha.

Anyway, here the sweet man is when he was just woken up and another one when he was sleeping with a smile on his face like a kid on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, he was woken up before I got the sleeping shot with the smiley face.

See what he puts up with?!? Awww..he's a good guy but shhh, don't tell him these pics are on here!

Pictures!

2009-01-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

I finally got some downloaded and turns out I didn't even take any of how much snow we got. It snowed again last night but just enough to make it pretty.

Here are some pics of Autumn's cooking, christmas morning, our day at the Nutcracker, playing chess when the power was out and some others.

Peace through order

2008-12-29T08:40:00.001-08:00

oh, i remember where i saw this..it wasn't a religious thing. It was on a show about the Great seal on the back of the dollar bill.

What day is it?

2008-12-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

I think it is Saturday. The days are all running together. With working form home and all the time off, I feel like it doesn't matter what day is what...time is just running together and...I kinda like it. :)

Gosh, how nice it would be not to have to go work every day. I could wake up, putter around, cook, clean, work out, play with Autumn and my stress level would be so much lower. I always realize that when I have time off. Work is a pretty stressful place. I kind thrive on making order out of stress though so I guess that is why I never have actually quit. My latest motto is "peace through chaos". After I made that up in my head, I read it somewhere about some kind of religion or something. It's true though...everything is peace through chaos. Work, parenthood, marriage, weather, health, our bodies, life!-everything...just over and over again-peace through chaos. You get the peace from going through the chaos and surviving it.

Anyway...

Autumn, Erik and I went bowling today! Omg, it was so much fun! Yesterday, we all went hiking in the snow down the street at a former campground. We really should have brought snowshoes. It was about 2 ft deep and hard to walk in. Again, SO much fun. Note, I am would not be an ideal person to have on your team if you were to choose teams for snow ball fighting. My aim is no good. Erik...well, he'd be good to have on your team.

Autumn is better but has a junky cough when she runs or exerts herself too much. She's been staying up late, waking up early and laughing alot. Today she filled some thing out that asked what her favorite thing about Christmas was. She wrote "being able to spend time together." I am truly loving having "our" daughter back. She gets so diluted with all the kids and crap from school.

We are watching Michelle's dog, Zion. He is such a good dog. He greeted Erik with a huge poo accident the other day but he is all better now. He's an old dog and doesn't put up with Roman's antics much. Roman doesn't put up with another dog much either but they will survive.

Well, off to the couch to chill with Autumn. I've been researching camping places on line forever now. I don't do NY resolutions but am going to make it a goal to go camping more this year-starting in April.

Peace!
Teresa

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T13:53:00.000-08:00

Well, we survived the storm. Power went out about 8:30 so we slept with sweatshirts and warm clothes. Erik drove to work and had to actually stop a few times because he couldn't see in front of this truck. When he got to work and opened the door, the wind blew it backward and now it is all messed up.

Power came back on later that day about 5pm.

The one day of no power was worse than the week we went without a couple of years ago. We had the woodstove then and it was dark but cozy. We are getting another one soon.

Autumn got sick later that night and has had a horrible fever and cough. She is on the mend but hasn't been able to go tromp around in the huge piles of snow outside.

I managed to get into work yesterday for the first time in days but am stuck home again today.

Here are some pictures of the snow outside.

oops, maybe not-need to install a driver for it to read the camera..will post 'em later.

Merry Christmas! And happy birthday to our pup. As Autumn will tell you, he turned 1 today.

Oh, Autumn got a letter from Santa. It was so official. I know who you are but am letting her play the game. Erik is encouraging while I just listen. Very nice letter :)

Teresa

Storm

2008-12-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

There is suppose to be a huge storm this afternoon and night. Thelast time there was a storm this bad, we were out of power for a week. The time before that, a tree went through our roof. So..I am not feeling so great about this storm that's coming, espically since we don't have a woodstove anymore. We used it last time to keep us warm and cook on.

I haven't posted any pics for awhile because our computer died and I can't seem to get this extra one to read my external harddrive yet. Haven't put much effort into it though.

This computer came from Stephanie and has tons of pics on it. Here are some old ones of Autumn when she was younger. What a pretty girl! Erik and I NYE 1999, one of Erik, Jason and Tammy as kiddos and one Autumn will surely kill me over when she is older. She is actually smiling in this pic. This was her way of smiling for quite awhile...

Autumn

2008-12-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

Autumn was "star student" last week. This means she got to bring in pictures to put on a billboard, art work and a questionare filled out about herself. Then on Friday, she explained it all in front of her class. Thankfully, I was able to make it. Erik was too! Should have seen her face glow when he walked in.

Of course, I don't have any pictures of it but her teacher loved all the baby pictures. It made me realize what a little girl she is now. Once those 2 front teeth are gone, she'll be all grown up. ok...ok..not really but it feels like that more and more each day.

She will still crawl up in my lap. Still cuddle up next to me when she sleeps. She even tries to "cry" when she gets a scrape, bump or cut. It is quite fine if she wants to cry but this cry is an attempted cry-like, "I am 3 and gonna have a melt down but am 6 and it's not really going to happen" type of cry.

She still has these same toes that are now just slightly bigger. Same little butt that she called ballons on her back and the same little giggely, smiley eyes.

I think the world knows that I would love to have another kiddo but probably won't. I had shy'd away from holding little ones for a few years because it was really hard to know I would never have another one of "my own". BUT-I am over that now. I LOVE holding babies!!! OMG, my little nephew Hudson!! I could hold him and watch him and stare at him for hours.

Children/life/babies are such miracles! I love watching them learn and I guess we don't see that as obviously with Autumn anymore. She seems so grown up but I know she is still learning..it's just counting by 2, 5, and 10s now instead of how to say her Ls or Rs or use the potty. I am sure there will be plenty of more firsts.

Once-before I had Autumn-I was at some airport killing time people watching. There was this lady with a baby in a sling, all tatto'd up, hair died black, long and goth. Maybe it was the sling that got me but I just thought..that is the parent I will be but I am SO not ready for that yet. I am not ready to have that baby strapped to my chest while I am carrying 3 other bags of stuff but I knew someday I would be. I have always wanted to be a parent more than anything else in the entire world. I remember telling my friends that when I do have a kid that they would probably never see me because once I had a kid, my life was ALL about that kid. They told me I was crazy...but that's the way it went and I wouldn't have it any other way! Ok, well...maybe she could have slept through the night before she was 3.

Here are some pics of her burning the sage the other night, all her Santa pictures and stuff.

Santa

2008-12-12T16:08:00.001-08:00

Autumn wrote a letter to Santa this year...in June. She thanked him for working so hard and making Christmas happen in the wintertime. It was so sweet! She insisted on mailing it to him. We stuck it in the mail box addressed: "To Santa" in her 6 year old penmanship.

Occasionally, she asks if Santa has written back but he never has. I want to write her a letter from Santa and play along with the Santa game but I just can't get over the Santa myth. Her letter wasn't even asking for anything. It was just to tahnk him...such a cool kid we have. I've told her that I don't believe in Santa. Erik does though....and has convienced her to believe too.

I feel bad that she doesn't get to have the childhood belief in Santa but I just can't lie to my kid. I know..I know...some people don't see it as lying but I do and that's just where I'm at..

Although, I can't say I would object if somehow a letter ended up in our mailbox addressed to Autumn from Santa..

Decemeber

2008-12-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

Well, we've been painting butcher paper for wrapping paper, getting presents, cooking, baking and all sorts of things. It's been fun. It has really only been Autumn and I since Erik is working or asleep but he is always off doing some hunting thing usually anyway so not too much different...

Tonight I had a split decision to burn some sage. Autumn and I walked around the house and brought it to each room (even the one Erik was sleeping in). Feels better. Probably a total mental thing but maybe those Indians were onto something. Maybe my 1/16th Indian was kicking in but I feel good!

I just don't know how to put the darn thing out!

Teresa

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was great! We had about 20 people over. Erik and I both made a turkey. He smoked his-I baked mine. The smoked one was great! Tonight is turkey noddle soup.

It has been a nice 5 days off from work. I had taken Wednesday off too. Autumn and I have been hanging out alot since Erik is working the graveyard shift and is ubber sick.

We did manage to get a tree today at a cut down yourself place. It was pretty neat. Here are some pics.

Who are you?

2008-11-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

Do you read this blog? Who are you? Leave me a comment!! I love it when I get comments so I know who reads. I know of few key people who read but love it when people I know-leave comments!! Leave me comments so I know you read. I used to be on a bulletin board on the internet but can't seem to find the time anymore to be there. I miss my internet friends dearly.

The internet is an amazing place where people can transcend above their normal first impressions of people and really relate to each other as individuals. I have learned so much from people that I would normally not have had any communication with through internet land. I love it and miss alot of those people dearly! Quick shout out to Tammy, Becky (conservative and liberal), Michelle, Eileen, Kim (!), Jen and sweet baby (amazing open adoption story-my mind is wayyyyy open to adoption because of this woman), Tracy!! (http://www.morethanaminivanmom.com/), Shannons!! (Canadian and non canadians!), I miss you all!

A bit off topic from my original post but I miss my internet friends. boo hoo.

It is very windy "here in the mountains" tonight. So I better post this quick before we loose power. I put that in quotes because for us it is quite normal to "live in the mountains" but Erik started his first night at the casino last night and they think of it differently. This casino is PRIMO...top of the line...but well, we are in Snoqualmie which is the 2nd to last town before a major mountain pass. In his orientation they said, "well in the mountains, winter can be rough, be prepared," blah blah blah. I suppose they need to warn these "non-mountain" people about the weather.

Granted we do get really high winds (30 mph is normal) and we actually do GET SNOW! Most places don't around here. Ok, those in Wisconsin/Minnesota can stop laughing now-they actually warn people of snow.....

Well, anyway, Erik has started his 16 hour days and working night shifts. Should only be 2-3 times a week of working from 10pm-4pm thenext day. He'll get about 5 hours of sleep a day those days. He's a trooper though and thankfully the Navy and being a fisherman has conditioned him well to no sleep life.

Here are a few pics of our lives lately.

Wednesday

2008-11-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

I've been SICK! Like 3 weeks now. Finally made it to the doctor because I realized it was a sinus infection. Made the appointment, told him I had a sinus infection, he made sure my lungs were cleared, agreed and gave me the perscriptioin. Quick and easy $150 for him!

1 dose of antibiotics and I started to feal better. Not perfect but not drained and grouchy, tired, and sinusy crap.

What the heck did people do before antibiotics? I mean seriously...most medicine I can somehow live without. I can live with a stuffy nose, a cough, a sore throat, stomach ache, heartburn, fevers, etc but a sinus infections. No can do.

If I was a pioneer woman I would die. For sure. So here is a quick shout out to Mr Alexander Fleming (yes I had to look that up). Ok maybe Louie Pasteur needs an "atta boy" here too. Thanks to both men who figured out this gross antibiotics stuff I can now breath and swallow. I can talk without pain and without sounding like a caveman.

Oh and yes, I am sure to take my probiotics each day too. For those that don't already...probiotics are very helpful-everyday.

Now....how to avoid future sinus infections. This is my current mission in life. Oh that and planning thanksgiving dinner!!!! wooo hooo!! love it! Whole family coming over to OUR HOUSE!!! So excited!

Teresa

Obama!!

2008-11-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

Been busy and no signs of letting up...still no pics.

Last night was so very very cool. I loved Mcain's speech and Obama gave me chills and tears. How proud I am to be an American! Honestly, I don't think I have ever said that. Both parents being Marines an a husband from the Navy, you would think it would have crossed my lips by now...

It is so nice to be able to finally catch up with the rest of the world who has leaders of color, women, various religious preferneces. It is so refreshing to be albe to have faith in the deomcratic voting system. How amazing to finally feel progress and have sometihng to look forward to other than having fear be shoved down my throat.

I am so tired of the the bullshit that been feed to me on so many occasion. For all those that think Obama is a secret Muslim terrorist...enjoy the next four years and hopefully someday you will be big enough to say how very wrong you were.

Obama is a great man...a great American man! He is a great leader because he is inspiring, innovative and selfless.

I look forward to the next 4 (at least!!) years. To repeat the echo of our house at 8pm last night "woooooooooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooo!!!"

Oh...exclude Erik from all of the emotion of this post. He DEF doesn't agree. Oh and he sucks...

Teresa

Long time no post!

2008-10-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, today was Autumn's Halloween birthday party. I didn't take any pictures but I think Erik got a few..will have to check in a bit.

I am really sick with a head cold...the kind that makes you really tired! My dad and Barb have been in town since Thursday and been staying with us. Has been nice but I feel bad since I have been so sick and not able to do much.

The party today was great. I made it for 2 hours which I wasn't sure was enough but turned out it was perfect. Kids were in costumes and we ate all sorts on funny Halloween foods.

Dad and Barb leave tomorrow back to Wisconsin. I'll probably be in bed all day since Autumn will be in school and I don't want to infect the people I work with not sneeze all over them all day.

I got sick at the worst time!! I know it is because I went to see Kings of Leon On Monday night and was up WAY too late so my immune system welcomed sickness but even so...It was SO worth it. I love Kings of Leon. One of my most favorite bands EVER!

Love,
Teresa

Moondance

2008-10-12T16:38:00.001-07:00

ohhh...how many times have I heard this song in the past 3 days...98,763,745,343? close!

"Moondance" by Van Morrison is Autumn's Halloween theme song. Her favorite part is "the night's magic seems to whisper and hush" because it "REALLY sounds like Halloween!!"

Right now she is dressed up in her vampire costume. I just got a bite on the shoulder followed by wishes of real vampire teeth and wantings of turning into a bat. It is Erik's turn to play and they are playing a vampire game. I placed restaurant earlier already so I am off the hook.

Restaurant was set up with her little desk and chairs upstairs. She made a menu, place mats and served me my order. The "maranade" with ranch, cut up cucumbers, water, chives, lemon balm and oregano from the garden wasn't the greatest....but palatable.

The one thing I think I have done as a parent that has been most beneficial to every family member is to ALWAYS leave markers, crayons and paper out. Her room is upstairs now and we still have a basket of drawing things and paper on the dining room table. We have done this since she was old enough to use a crayon and it has always been so neat to just watch her ideas be put onto paper. There were only a few slight crayon marks on the wall-now easily painted over.

We've been working on house stuff all weekend. I'm not sure what Erik's malfunction is with things but everything he builds, hangs or installs is about 6 inches too high. If we ever sell this place, someone will think a giant lived here.

Happy easy Sunday!
Teresa

Fall

2008-10-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Or around here...Autumn!!! hahahaha

We love Halloween. We've got he house decorated. There is a fine line between gross scary and fun scary. Autumn loves it too. Now if I could only convince her to dress up as something not scary but just fun. We are running out of scary things to dress up as.

Baby Hudson comes home tomorrow!!! He has been in NICU for 30 days but is such a little tough guy that he is going home early. John and Amy are very blessed and I'm sure could use any prayers/positive energy and thoughts anyone could give first time parents. They will be fabulous but these first few weeks will be a big adjustment.

Here are some latest pics. I got a haircut.

Latest house pics

2008-10-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

Autumn loves painting on rocks. Here are 2 form the other day. I had done an Obama one but Autumn was loyal to Hillary and made her one too.

I realized I hadn't posted many house pics since we've been done. Still finishing up the old upstairs and need to hang some stuff but here are some pics.

Fun!!

2008-09-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had a family trip up to lost lake to do some fishing. I have been complaining lately (around this time every year!) about not getting any family outings. Hunting season seems to do this to me...

It was a bit windy and cold and no fish were caught but we still had a good time. Here are some pictures. Erik called Autumn over to see some pollywogs..uh..tadpoles. Then we look at the water some more and there were thousands. I'm not sure how we lucked out getting here at this time but we did! Autumn was catching them and talking about their little legs. So cool!

I really hate 1st grade. I really do. I hate that it's all day. I hate how tiring it is for Autumn...honestly, if I didn't have to work, I would totally homeschool. We had a ciriculum night last night and I talked to her teach er a bit. I didn't like her at first but now genuinely do...It is only her 2nd year and she hates talking to parents (her words) but she got teary when talking about social studies and what the kids are learning. Teachers really are amazing people....now if I could just remove all the kids asking Autumn if she has a crush on a boy simply because she is playing with him or some kid slamming her fingers in a gate that isn't suppose to be open, we might be ok...Autumn doesn't know I hate school and she loves it but I still hate it.

Also included some pics from some mushroom hunters results we saw at Lost lake. There were lots of people hunting and they must have had too much.

Lastly, a pic of what the kitchen usually looks like. I LOVE having a kitchen!

Busy weekend. Tomorrow I get to go out!!! Bree's birthday! Fun! Sunday I go out again!! Going to see My morning Jacket (a band...) and meeting at Heidi's. So excited!!

Teresa

Thankful Friday

2008-09-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

I am copying my friend Kim and how she has a thankful Friday on her blog. I think it is important to reflect and truly be thankful for things. This week, I am thankful for:

* Medicine to help my baby when she is sick
* Little girls attention spans that forget how frustrated a mommy can be
* Old friends who connect me to me
* The past for reminding me of who I am
* Crockpots for letting me cook while I am at work
* America's Next Top Model (TV show) to allowing me to escape
* My sister for being born
* Good red wine that makes a meal so much better
* my puppy for always being happy to see me
* Computers and phones so I can work from home when needed and allow me to spend more time as a mother.
* Long shirts so no one noticed my daughter had her jeans on backwards all day at school.

Love,
Teresa

Victims

2008-09-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

Our dog/puppy has somehow attacked those closest to us. The attached picture is the victims soaking in warm water to get the dog slob off. On the left is Geega. Autumn's very first baby doll from Erik on her first birthday. The middle is my teddy bear from my mom 20+ years ago. On the right is Alice, Autumn's dear kitty she sleeps with.

Alice was most brutally attacked and will require rhinoplasty. I am not a surgeon but feel confident we can make her presentable. The other victims were rescued in time. Teddy bear is a bit leaner now though since the perp was able to take a significant amount of stuffing out through an existing hole in his neck left from a previous animal attack. Romy routinely goes after Erik's slippers but they have somehow been caught in time and not torn up.

We also are the proud owners of a garbage can. I must say, I truly love it. I do still feel guilty using plastic bags but it is something I will just have to come to terms with as I have my love of clorax wipes. For the last 7 months we have used cardboard boxes and paper bags strew about in various places. Erik was most affected by having to take out the garbage nearly every day. It leaked, it spilled, the dog got into it....all sorts of fun.

I also attached a picture of some huckleberry muffins I made today form huckleberries in our yard. For those not from the Pacific NW, huckleberries are just like blueberries but red and really tart. I don't really like them actually but Autumn and Erik do. I might scarf one down though just to see how they are in muffins.

We are about to start another week. Autumn is getting over her first virus from school and is all sniffles and coughy now. Erik is thrilled about the buck he got last week and is hoping for the same thrill in getting an Elk soon. That is where he is now. I guess my don't kill animals karma has stopped working.

Baby Hudson was born to John and Amy last week! Very exciting! He was 2 lbs 10 ox and is a little guy but a fighter. I saw him in NICU last week. Amy is home nad recovering and Hudson should be home in 6-8 weeks. Good thing they live close to the hospital.

It is lovely sunshine today and the next few days. We are going to go out in the garden and plant some things for fall.

Love,
Teresa

1st day of 1st grade

2008-09-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

Autumn had her first day of FULL day school. From what she says, she was in little kid heaven. As the bus was coming down the road, she started to fidgit with her coat zipper. I asked if she was nervous and she said she was a little bit because it was all day and then she hoped on the bus with a quick hug and a kiss.

I met the bus at school. It was 10 minutes late! So she was late on her first day. I made sure she knew how to get to her classroom that we had visited the day before. She did great! I met her off the bus (which was 45 min late!) and she said it was the best day ever.

Today was her 2nd day and she said it was even better.

She paints a pretty picture but I saw the look on her face before she saw me when the bus pulled in. I heard her say she sat alone on the bus ride to school. She talks about how she loves it but I know there are rough spots in her days. She says she didn't mind sitting by herself on the bus. She LOVES lunch time and can't wait to get a "hot" lunch so she can load up her tray and pay for that crap with the little credit card.

I said she could buy lunch 1 day a week. She said Wednesday. Good choice. Nice break up of the week for packing lunches.

I just got her hair cut and I love it. The guy did a horrible job so I had to fix it when we got home. Erik says she looks like Loyd Christmas but I love it.

Here is out baby holding up a 1 for first grade.

Also some pics of red headed wood peckers on our tree the other day. They just went around that thing in circles.

And some family pics at Chelan minus John and Amy who are working on keeping little Hudson cooking:

Posting...

2008-09-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Seems things just get busier toward the end of summer. Alot of the blogs I go to are quite bare lately.

Today is labor day. We got home from Lake Chelan today. It wasn't super hot and was great swimming for those of us who could bear the initial frozen limbs. It is just the perfect swimming lake. So clean! Autumn had a wonderful time and didn't want to leave. Lots of playing, swimming, staying up late and just plain fun! Can't wait for next year.

Tomorrow is meet the teacher day. I took the day off to spend time with my baby the last day before she is a full time school kid. Full days this year. She will love it but it just takes up so much time.

Erik's mom and husband came to visit for Erik's (and Stephanie's) birthdays. Was a nice time. Here are a few pics of their visit. I haven't uploaded pics from Chelan yet.

Housewarming!

2008-08-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

So we did it! Finally and OMG we invited the universe. I think next time, it will be family, friends or neighbors instead of all. It was just alot of people and I am TIRED!

Sebastian spent the night. Autumn was over the moon! He had spent the night 1 other time.

Can I just say I LOVED all the people who commented about how far her room was from our! Her room REALLY is far-like around the corner up the stairs, etc. So it was nice to hear that other people think it is too far for her to be sleeping in too. She never sleeps in it. I know when she is a teenager she will love it but for now we are all ok with her sleeping in our bed still. So anyway-makes for sleep overs interesting. Sebastian slept on a sleeping bag on the floor in our room next to the bed.

Thunder (why isn't it thundering) and lightening last all night after the SUPER hot day-I swear it was 100. Cooler today but suppose to get more storms today. Love it!

here are some pics and some of Autumn picking blueberries the other day. I broke out the camera late so only got a few of the brbq. Ted and Robin came on Thurs and left this morning. While they were here, we all were sitting around and this little frog was hopping around the wall and floor.

oh and last weekend, Autumn woke up and this was the first thing she did. Then came to me and gave me a big hug.

Bigfoot?

2008-08-15T15:31:00.001-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/08/14/bigfoot.body/index.html

What do you think?

Teresa

Pretentious

2008-08-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ranting....beware.

I don't have many pet peeves. I am fairly easy going, accepting of everyone and cannot stand people who are pretentious or people that think they know everything!

What is it with some people? Do we really have to hear about how your are sooooooooo right and everyone else is sooooo wrong? Is your head so big that you have to make it your goal in life the explain how right you are about things because there is no possible way you could be wrong?

What ever happened to diversity? Why don't you see value in that? Is your head shoved so far up your own ass that you can't see past your little world?

I don't know if it is our area or if it's because I just got back from vacation but seem to have run into some very pretentious, close-minded, egotistic, filled with hot air types these last few days.

In the words of Adam Corrolla, I wish the dragon would swoop down pick up the blow hards and drop them in the flaming volcano.

Is it really so hard to let people live their lives without the evil glares, snobby attitudes and shoving your opinion down their throat. Who cares what you think?

Anyway, tomorrow is another day. Parade in town. Autumn will have fun. Back to the house to finish painting and organizing. Remove myself from society for a few days other than the parade and gym and I'm sure I will adapt back to this money hungry, consumerism, i'm better than you world.

Teresa

Back from vacation!

2008-08-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Idaho (Post Falls/Coure D' Lane) is so neat. I've always said, if I were to live anywhere else, it'd be there. So pretty, nice weather, lots of rivers to swim, cost of living is NORMAL. OMG, everything is cheaper there.

Keelee's wedding was great. Fun by all and she was so happy! We camped in Vantage on the Columbia river on the way there and then up in the Idaho national forest on the way back. Saw a moose, did some fishing, drove ALOT.

We got home on Monday and were so happy to be home. I love our house. I'm not scheduled to go back to work until Thursday so have been a beach bum the past few days. Is suppose to get to 100 today. Poor Erik is working today. Well, even if he wasn't at work, he'd be working around here. He never seems to take a break. Just too much to do around here.

Here are a few highlight pics of the trip. P.S. You can click on any picture to make it bigger. Yes, the dog is laying in the river. The river was sooooo pretty. Only knee height all the way across.

Look what we found in the yard

2008-07-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

On our way out, we saw this in the yard. For as far out there as we are, this doesn't happen often.

Also including picture of the coolest shorts ever!

Gesh, it has been awhile...

2008-07-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

No new pics cuz stuff pretty much looks the same.

Have been busy getting things out of storage and figuring out what to do with them. Mainly, this means sorting through boxes and boxes of Autumn's old clothes. They always say "I got pregnant right after I gave everything away" right? So what the heck, we'll give that one a shot.

It is really hard to part with this stuff though....

Autumn has been doing great. She has had 2 private swim lessons and learned more in those 2 than the 5 "sessions" she had the past 2-3 years. We try to go swimming every Fri night for family night at the local indoor pool. It's been fun and her learning to swim more eases my fears of her love of water.

We leave for a wedding in Idaho this week. Road trip!! Only 5 hours though...I don't think that really counts as road trip. We may have to make Autumn endure a REAL road trip again soon and go to Disneyland, WI or AZ...but winter is coming up and that won't happen then.

Other than the King Co Sheriff driving up and down our road tonight, all has been great here. Some of the neighbors are, uh...oh I don't know but the cops seem to visit them a lot. We are having a housewarming brbq soon so I am sure we'll get the scoop soon enough.

I hope everyone is having a great summer. I've decided for sure that it is-by far-my most favorite time of year!

Teresa

The sun

2008-07-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

ahhh....summer...I LOVE it!!!

I didn't manage a Sunday post yesterday because the beautiful days have kept me busy. I had managed a PSA (public service announcement) mid week though..

Erik started painting the house last week. He still has the trim to finish but I snapped a shot of the front that has the trim painted.

Work is still being done on the new bathroom and it is not a usable space yet but we have "moved in" pretty much everywhere else.

I made a cobbler from the strawberries in the yard and some left over blueberries. While I was upstairs cleaning the carpet (from 6 months of construction use) and Erik and Autumn wrestled outside, the puppy managed to scarf half the pie. Guess he was hungry. I think it was the last of this year's strawberries too. He looks so innocent.

Yesterday, some friends came over and we had a blast. Autumn and Raya had fun with chalk on the partial sidewalk we have.

I had the day off today. Amen! Autumn went to her first day of a dance camp and then we went swimming at with Addie at her condo pool. I have decided once I become rich, the first thing I will buy is a pool in my own yard. Ain't nothing nicer than being out in the sun and hopping in for a quick dip and swim then laying around the pool. Autumn agrees but would rather be a manta ray snuffling for food at the bottom of the pool.

Sunscreen Info

2008-07-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

For those of you that use sunscreen all the time, please read:

Ultraviolet light from the sun comes in two main wavelengths – UVA and UVB. It’s important for you to understand the difference between them, and your risk factors from each.

Consider UVB the ‘good guy’ that helps your skin produce vitamin D.

UVA is considered the ‘bad guy’ because it penetrates your skin more deeply and causes more free radical damage. Not only that, but UVA rays are quite constant during ALL hours of daylight, throughout the entire year -- unlike UVB, which are low in morning and evening, and high at midday.

If you’ve ever gotten a scorching sunburn on a cloudy day, you now understand why; it’s from the deeply penetrating UVA!

Since UVA’s are inherently more damaging, AND persistently high during all daylight hours, wearing a sunscreen that doesn’t protect you from UVA is going to give you virtually no benefit, and be detrimental to your overall health.

Two non-toxic ingredients that scatter both UVB and the more damaging UVA rays are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They’ve been used all over the world for over 75 years as safe sunscreens.

What Makes Sunscreens Toxic?

A study in the April 2004 Journal of Chromatography found that there was significant penetration into the skin of all sunscreen agents they studied. And slathering a carcinogenic agent onto your skin may in fact be worse for your health than ingesting it, as it goes straight into your blood stream.

By following experts' recommendations to apply generous amounts of sunscreen every few hours to prevent skin cancer, you are likely absorbing a fair amount.

Making matters worse, scientists are not even sure whether sunscreen prevents against melanoma in the first place. They’ve suggested that sunscreen may prevent sunburn, but may fail to actually protect against cancer because most sunscreens only screen out UVB, which makes vitamin D, not the UVA that causes most of the damage.

Some studies have even found a link between melanoma and the use of commercial sunscreen! Additionally, potentially harmful chemicals such as dioxybenzone and oxybenzone are some of the most powerful free radical generators known to man. And yet other studies have linked specific chemical UV filters with the transsexualization of male fish and coral reef degradation.

In light of that, I believe it’s imperative to do your homework, and to ONLY use a natural sunscreen with safe, non-toxic ingredients, so as to not add to your toxic load, and perhaps still not be protected from damaging UVA.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Maybe I will be able to make this a weekly thing and get on here every Sunday?

We were dog sitting for Michelle. It is the 2nd time we have watched Zion and fell in love with him. You say "sit" or "come" one time and he listens. Someday....someday...Roman will be the same.

We ended up going with John and Amy to their beach house. Was a nice quick getaway. John went bonkers buying fireworks. He and Autumn had something in common and bonded as they watched/lit them off.

Here are some pics. I tried to add one of everyone.:

ahhhh summer...

2008-06-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, summers really are a busy time of year. The sun is up at 5ish and down at 9ish. Lots of time during the day to do STUFF. With the extra day light and nice weather, we have been out doing stuff after dinner like finally picking out the tile for the shower, getting all the light fixtures, moving stuff into the new house.

We still have everything in storage and at John and Amy's but should get it out within a week or two. I am always saying a week or two but seems right...

John came with his new tractor (starting a excavating company if anyone is interested...) and did an awesome job at moving the 20 ft pile of dirt that was left from digging the foundation. He rounded out a little hill off the side of the house and cleared out some brush too which made out yard bigger. Loving it!

Erik got primer on the eaves of the house yesterday (in 90 degree heat) and we have to pick the final colors today so he can paint it next week.

Autumn has had a blast the last few days. Trampoline with a bunch of kids on Friday night. Yesterday we went to Heidi's salon with my mom and did hair/girl stuff. During the day we did the slip-n-slide and garden stuff. We haven't been watching much tv since it is still upstairs. I didn't realize it was in the 90s and went for a bike ride which is all fine and good but not up hill with no water. That sucked. Erik is off for a run while it is not too hot yet. I am hoping for Erik that this time away from the tv will turn into his agreement of canceling the satelite. I would LOVE to be TV free all the time. Roman is trying his best to avoid the sun.

Love,
Teresa

The newest member of our family

2008-06-14T14:54:00.001-07:00

We got this little guy last night. I had been so busy and stressed so left everything in Erik's hands to find and pick one. The breeders live way out in the hills totally off the grid. No power, use rainwater, etc. Neat people.

Puppy is almost 6 months old. He is very mellow and clingy-a far cry from Cole, our last German Shepherd. The crating is new to us but puppy loves it. We just leave it open for him and he hangs out in there alot.

He doesn't have a name yet but the candidates are: Vaughn, Hawk-eye, Sawyer, Samish, Cougar or Alex (Autumn's favorite).

Autumn had a graduation ceremony from K on Fri (pics below). Also included a few of her in her tap dance outfit with Grandpa John, Barb and Uncle John on their way back to WI. Uncle John is now on his return trip back here and should get home today. I am sure he packed his truck full of Leinenkugels (his fave beer).

Love,
Teresa

The pink room!

2008-06-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sheild your eyes!!! Pic of skates and with Grandpa too.

No new pics

2008-06-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted any pictures of the pink room yet. I actually have them on my camera but I don't know where it is at the moment. I think it is in the car and I am too lazy to go out and get it right now. Myabe will get them posted later today.

Life has been really busy lately. I took a new job. Still with T-Mobile but as a manager of the group I used to work in that supports global (and national) roaming. I relaly liked the world aspect of the job but being a manager is a whole new ballgame. It was kind of a spur of the moment decision to apply but I think everything happens for a reason so I am sure this will be the right choice.

Dad and Barb have been in town too and we have been meeting with them at John and Amy's each night. Our place isn't quit ready for visitors but Erik's mom comes into town tonight and she is staying with us.

We got a free twin bed frame (thank you freecycle!) and will set it up for her in a room that has no window coverings or anything else. All floors/carpet are in though so it isn't too bad.

Today is dance rehersal and tomorrow is the recital! They have them wear make up and everything! Autumn is gonna lovve it. They do a tap dance to the Jungle Book song "I wanna be like you-who-who". Maybe i will try to figure out how to add music to the blog...

oh, here is a version of it by smash mouth-they will be using the original one though

I Wanna Be Like You - Smash Mouth
Teresa

FLOORS!

2008-05-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

Can I say how much I love my friends!?!? Brent, Mona, Randy and Lance were responsible for the beauty in my life today by putting in the floors in the kitchen and dining room. Check it!?!?!

Erik and I finally celebrated our wedding anniversary. Good excuse to go have a date and we went to dinner at the Salish Lodge. There were very few things on that menu that I would eat but dinner was amazing. We had some crazy weird, actually good, salad and chateau something or other meat. So full....That is def a once every few years place.

Teresa

Paint and cabinets!

2008-05-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here are pics of the recent painting and kitchen cabinets. Floors go in on Tuesday and will look more homey then. The bedroom is not really as orange as it looks. I left off Autumn's room which is hot pink because, well, I figured you all liked to be able to see and it may blind. A few of us posing with a fake bird too. I was going to post a shirtless picture of Erik on evening jelly bean run but he has a scowl on his face and probably would get mad at me. Would have served him right though for never letting me take a normal picture of him. Oh and we missed our anniversary. It was on the 21st. Makes 3 years married and nearly 9 (OMG!) together.

Love,
Teresa

Updates

2008-05-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

I will post pictures soon of the cabinets and paint inside. Hopefully, they don't look too wierd without floor or furniture. I have the finished product in my head and, no matter what people are saying about the paint color, it is turning out exactly like I wanted.

Erik never made it to the survivor auditions but I think I will make it a goal to get him to apply next time. It would be so neat.

Autumn got a dollar from the tooth fairy for her lost tooth. She asked if I was the tooth fairy and I told her I wasn't going to lie to her and does she really want to know. She said, "yes" so I told her that I put the dollar there.

It was so nice and sunny for about a week and now it is back to mid 60s and cloudy and cold. Good for the garden but chilllllly....

Autumn has only 20 something days of school left and a ballet receital next weekend. Busy busy!

Teresa

Survivor?

2008-05-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

I am trying to talk Erik into applying for the TV show Survivor. They are doing applications today in Tacoma. He would be so good on that show. We were just talking about it and looking at the application. HE would LOVE it!!! One of the questions said he would have to build his own shelter and get his own food. His reponse, "I do that already". I think the biggest problem would get him on a plane to get there.

We actually have never even watched Survivor so maybe that would be a good thing for him if he got on??

We probably won't even get down there to apply but sure is neat to think about.

Inside of the house is painted and Autumn lost her first tooth yesterday!!!

Outside

2008-05-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

The inside hasn't changed much since primer and white ceiling paint look the same. Walls are tomorrow! Here are a few outside pics. I added one of our back up in case it gets to paint smelly inside (camper), the garden Erik built-it's about half done but we've got stuff planted. The new bench he made today-that is our pumpkin patch behind it. We'll see if that grows....Autumn the builder and Autumn and I on the swing. It was a long day at work-can you tell? Some random pics of the yard and the front of the house. The little porches will someday be one big deck with hot tub and stairs down into the yard!! The yard looks so good in these pictures. Mowing it is kind of my job and I just did it on Mother's day.

Funny story

2008-05-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, we were invited to dinner to Christian and Ania's. We had come to our home in the afternoon and the fumes were REALLY bad from teh drywall business going on that day. We knew we couldn't sleep there. So, we asked to spend the night at C & A's after dinner. They were so nice and it was lovely. Autumn had the best time with their tiger kitties.

Anyway-on the way home in the morning, we stopped for breakfast. We were REALLY hungry. We got a table and sat there for, oh...about 10 minutes before I finally stopped someone to get us coffee and water. Then another 10 minutes later our waitress took our order. About 20 minutes later the people that came in after us were finishing up their food and ours hadn't even made it to the table but we had been given our check. Still not sure why we had the check already.

At this point Erik is fuming. He was ready to walk out when they hadn't given us coffee but we were there and I didn't want to eat fast food so we stayed.

I asked the hostess to make sure that our order had been put in. She checked and said there was some mix up but it shouldn't be long now. So another 10 minutes and our crazy waitress comes with our food but before she puts it on our table then turns around and walks away. Then comes back and gives us the food. She wasn't sure it was ours. Erik had one square of ham in his omlette, yucky cheese and no jam for his toast. She forgot my toast and Autumn didn't have a sppon or fork.

Well, after Erik and Autumn are done eating, my toast comes out with butter-I mean margerine-on one centimeter of it-with the jam.

After telling us the order was messed up, we just started laughing. Sometimes you just have to realize that getting mad doesn't solve anything. The whole thing was just so silly.

Oh, on our way out, the waitress dumped a plate of food and cup of water on the people next to us when she was serving them. No joke. My jaw dropped.

We seriously thought we were on that show Boiling point or Hidden Camera or something.

Poor lady.

Teresa

The good, the bad and the ugly

2008-05-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Good=primer on drywall, porch and seeing the end insight.
Bad=primer and drywall dust on everything not coverd (TG I covered the beds!)
Ugly= the bedroom/dining room with plastic curtain-drywall sand and mud up the stairs

Oh and the sun and Autumn's tank top are deceiving. It was probably only 68 in the direct sunlight that hour that day. We are now back in sweatshirts and shivering in the rain. Not kidding.

Anyone want a crockpot?

2008-04-25T10:55:00.001-07:00

I am tired of crock pot cooking now. Main things are either Mexican based spices or tomato based soup/stews. We are all tired of those things and cleaning the darn thing.

Drywall is up in the whole house and they are mudding now. They haven't started sanding the mud yet. I am freaking out about all the drywall dust. There is a plastic curtain hanging upstairs to keep the dust out but that is impossible.

The laundry mat has lost it's novelty and is now a chore instead of fun. It is still pretty cool to be able to wash it all at once and then dry it all at once but I'm over it.

The good thing is that it won't be much longer. The kitchen is going in soon. We've picked out cabinet space stuff. We've picked out a new fridge, over the stove microwave and a washer. None of which we can really afford but we'll deal with that when we get to it. It is fun to pick out new appliances. Most are so energy efficient that the power shouldn't be too much more since all the old stuff were enery suckers.

I took the day off because...well, I wanted to. Got a work out in and Autumn is about to get off the bus and the sun is out! We are going to go do some outside stuff. Alki should be pretty today. Maybe I can bring our laundry to Brianna's and get her to cook us dinner? :)

Teresa

Heat!

2008-04-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't it the most wonderful thing you have ever seen?!?! This is our furnace. We have been without one for nearly 3 LONG winters. The ducting was also piped into the old part that we live in now. I must say that when we had heat coming through to this house, I realized what nut jobs we are in doing all this. I am still glad we have done it but, OMG, we have lived miserably the past few years in many facets of life. Great in many too but words seriously cannot describe how nice it will be to have a REAL house when this is done. I think it will be about 6 weeks until we are done.

I attached some other pics of our front door. It still needs to be stained. The view out Autumn's old room window (yuck!). The picture with the insulation is facing the yard. The little holes at the top between the window/french doors are where the sconces will go!! how exciting!!!!! Also some more of the master bedroom and insulation.

No pics this time

2008-04-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

Not alot to report. House is coming along. Siding is on almost all over. Tomorrow it should be done for good. Electrical is being done and still plumbing going on.

The plumber showed up at 6:45 am the other day. We are all usually at some stage of awake by this time but not always out of bed. He came by last Sat at 8am. I swear he is one of those people that gets off on getting a rise outta people. We don't care too much though.

We also found out we are about 9k over so far. About where I expected but wished it less. Just when we thought we had paid off those darn credit card bills. At least we have 0% interest on them for awhile.

Autumn is on spring break this week and spending alot of time at Grandmas. She loves school so much and is ready to go back but has a great 4-5 hours a day at Grandmas too.

We have a vent or plus or whatever it is that makes the stink not come up bathroom piping that is not working right. Anytime we use the water alot, it stinks REALLY bad in the bathroom. We try to keep the door closed and put towels over sink vents, etc. This is def the worst part of this experience so far.

Well, that and us pissing off our crazy neighbor. Well, everyone says he is nuts but he has always been nice to us...well...until the plumber peeled out in the mud on the easment in front of his house. Wendal takes great pride in his yard, grass, trees, etc around him. He wasn't happy to see it all mudded up by his house. We were nice about it and Erik offered to fix it for him it was a one sided conversation with Erik talking and if anyone knows Erik-that ain't much talking.

Erik found out by the smell of one of his million jackets that there was a wild cat laying claim to the house. We caught it with a live trap the other day and drove him to a new home. Hopefully that is the only one. Trap is still out there but nothing the past 3 days.

Happy LOST watching tonight if you are a Lost watcher!! Is it a new one yet???

Love,
Teresa

Photos from Today!

2008-03-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

Latest pics of the house and fence Erik is building. Actually has been snowing all day. Wet though and, much to Autumn's dismay, won't stick.

Autumn flying a kite at Gasworks Park.

It actually snowed here today. I am beyond ready for spring.

Peace!
Teresa

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it is Easter already! Wasn't it just St Patrick's Day?!?! Autumn wore a fancy dress all day. We went out to breakfast and dinner (I think we are tired of dishes in the tub) and we watched "Enchanted". Autumn has eaten far too much candy. I really don't understand why kids are given so much candy?! If I eat as much candy as she had, I get a sugar high and crash. I can only imagine what is happening in her little 50 lb body. I am almost considering banning it all together but I am sure I won't.

We did get to color some eggs last night with Dustin, Michelle and Kaden. Autumn had a blast (when doesn't she?) and Erik actually came with. Not sure he had the greatest time but he came and that's something I guess. He is kind of stressed lately with all he feels he needs to do around here with the garden, the fence and cleaning stuff up. I do my best to avoid him. Not in a bad way but in a way but like-gesh, there will always be stuff to do, relax!

I am obsessing about cabinets and bathroom vanities. I am almost starting to dislike them. All these measurements and choices....and flooring!! It never ends. It is nice to be able to pick exactly what we want BUT there are so many choices I never know if we pick the right thing. We haven't even had to pick anything for certain yet. Lighting...I do feel good about our chosen lights.

Back to the work week on Monday. Why do weekends go so fast?! I think the forecast for the next 5 days is rain. Good thing the roof is on and water isn't pouring in anymore. We ended up having to tear up the carpet by the door. No way that thing would ever dry. Oh well, will look better with wood flooring anyway.

Happy Easter y'all!
Teresa

Autumn stories

2008-03-18T22:18:00.001-07:00

I just have to brag about my kiddo because she is so neat. There she is jumping off the school bus.

As most people know, her birthday is the end of October. Kindergarden cut off is like the end of August. I lost sleep over whether or not to start her early last fall. Obviously, we went ahead with it. We paid $200.00 and had her "evaluated" and she passed so she goes and she loves it.

So anyway, we got a note that parent teacher conferences were scheduled next week. This is the 2nd one this year. Then we got a note saying they were only scheduled "if necessary" and we aren't scheduled for one. So she is doing so well, the teacher doesn't even need to meet with us.

At school today was the K musical of "The Little Red Hen". It is all 3 K classes singing with a few lead roles. Autumn had mentioned last week that she was practicing being the duck in the play. I didn't realized this meant she was picked to be the duck out of aprox 60 kids. Well, she said when they practiced the play and she did her waddle that everyone laughed at her. She was, surprisingly, pretty upset about it. We discussed it and I suggested she tell the teacher that she was sorry but she didn't feel comfortable being the duck because she felt like everyone laughed at her. She actually had a bad dream about this and was yelling in her sleep about the little red hen (don't worry-it's not uncommon for her to yell in her sleep). Next practice, she told the teacher and they got someone else for the duck role.

So now she was a farmer like all the rest of the kids BUT, my point is, SHE WAS PICKED OUT OF 60 KIDS TO BE THE DUCK! Even though she didn't do it, I am still so proud that the teacher saw her and wanted her for the duck. Also proud of her speaking up to the teacher and telling her how she felt since she felt so strongly about not being the duck.

I'm really just so proud of her in school. She is doing exactly like I thought she would. Not over achieving and not under achieving (well except for being asked to be the duck!) I didn't want her to be bored in school but I didn't want her to struggle. She is such a good kid and such a smartie. I'm really glad I'm her mommy and love her so much!

Teresa

House photos

2008-03-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

No more mud!!!

Framing is being done!

Things are moving along quickly. I am very slow at adding pics on here. We have since gotten part of a roof. Erik just came in and we chose what shade of roof thingers to have. Fun fun!!

I seriously just sit back and am in awe that this is happening. It is a dream come true. I am not sure what my goal will be after the house is done since this has been it for SO long!

Teresa

Reason number 4,542,057,743 I don't mind living in the "cube"

2008-03-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

Getting Autumn to bed at night is so great. We are all upstairs and each end up reading a book. She can actually read quite a few by herself now so we each read one or a page of one or something while we lay on the futon which is on the floor.

Then if Erik or I is too lazy to get up we'll lay around and chat.

The other night was song night and we each sang songs in the dark before going to sleep. Autumn's choices were Little Mermaid, Yellow Submarine and Rocky Raccoon. Mine: Mercedes Benz and Moonshadow. Erik likes the theme song from All of Me and the song Steve Martin sings to his girlfriend in The Jerk. Too cute!

Anyway, this "forced" time together is very special. I love it. It's not all roses. There was one night when I just needed to GO and there was no where to get away from anything but it was short lived.

Everyone keeps saying we will get tired of this but I am kind of loving it. Cooking with the crockpot makes me do all sorts of new recipes too.

Today is garden day. We (mainly Erik and my brother, John) are re-doing the whole thing and will have a massive awesome garden next year. SO excited!!!

Happy Saturday!

Love,
Teresa

Our boy

2008-03-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

Our boy, Cole, died last Friday morning. It has been really hard to think about and deal with so I haven't blogged until now.

We had gotten back from our trip with him, all was good. Then on Thursday, Erik noticed he wasn't eating or drinking. He also wasn't moving much. When we come home or when Autumn gets off the bus, he was usually excited to see us and check stuff out. He wasn't doing that.

I came home with Autumn about 5 and she had some kind of virus too and threw up in my car (yuck!!). So when Erik got home from running, he cleaned up the car while I took care of Autumn. Cole just stayed in the yard watching over stuff like he liked but we knew he wasn't feeling good but just weren't able to pay attention to him yet.

He came in about 6 and I realized how sick he actually was. Erik went to get our neighbors who do dog sledding and have like 15 dogs (yes 15!). She checked him out and said he seemed ok but maybe jsut ate something bad. So, we had him lay down and rest. I figured he'd fall asleep and wake up all better.

Well, about 8pm, he got up off his blanket and headed downstairs. I told him to come back, stay, etc but he wasn't listening (unlike him) and he headed downstairs. Then stopped and threw up. Poor guy was trying to make it outside like the good dog he was but couldn't make it.

Then I knew this was really bad. I called a vet who referred us to a place in Bellevue. I was crying because I just knew that he wasn't going to come home but Erik thought he would so I tried to calm down but I was able to at least say my good bye.

Erik brought him to the vet. They did x-ray and it showed blockage in his intestine. For 2k they'd go in and remove it and we'd get our dog back. So Erik came home and we waited for the vet's call that the surgery was done, etc.

Well, about 11 we get a call that call isn't strong enough for surgery. They'll keep him on an IV for a bit. Then an hour later another call that Cole collapsed and they had to do CPR. Then 30 min later a call that they did surgery and his spleen was 10x the normal size and that was what was on the xray and there is nothing they can do.

I hear this but am still in denial. Erik heads to the vet to be with Cole but hee didn't make it in time. After they opened Cole up, all they could do was put him to sleep. Poor guy died without us there. That is the hardest part for us.

Erik made it home about 2am. We cried and cried. Thankfully, Autumn kept sleeping. We are all in a small space due to the construction but she kept sleeping.

Neither of us slept more than a couple hours that night. We are still waiting test results but the vet thinks Cole must have eaten some rancid meat and it killed him. Erik thinks Cole must have eaten a clam or crab on the beach or something.

Anyway, we are still sad and miss him tremendously. I am glad though that it seems some how nature took it's coure instead of someone maliciously doing something to him like we originally thought.

Well , that's that. House is all going well and on schedule. We aren't sleeping as well at night since our security system is gone. I ever mention that some of our neighbors are nutty? Also have a level 3 sex offender one block away. I am all about forgiveness and moving on but sex offenders don't fall into that category. That guy is ever on our property and he will regret it.

Teresa

We're back

2008-02-26T19:25:00.000-08:00

Well, the cabin was for sure a cabin. Autumn and I were iffy about the outhouse but it was really secluded and peaceful. So, I said, we'll give it a shot and stay the first night. Erik was happy. Autumn was not. I brought all the bags in (the gate key didn't work so we had to walk quite a way with everything). Then I saw mouse poop ON THE BED. We all have our limits and mine might be higher than some but it doesn't go past mouse poop where I sleep. So we hotel'd it for 3 nights and had a great time.

We went to the Hoh Rain forest and hiked around. Cole (our dog) wasn't able to come to the hike because the ranger said the elk, deer and cougars seem to attack if they see dogs so the poor guy spent alot of time in the back of Erik's truck.he was able to go to Ruby beach with us though.

Then we headed to Sequim. The sunniest place in Washington. We stopped at Olympic Game Farm and got face to face with some buffalo and close to some grizzly and kodiak bears. They are so cute that I wanted to bring one home. Much cooler than the regular black bears around here.

3 crabs on the spit in Sequim has the BEST food ever! OMG! I had halibut for dinner 2 nights in a row on this trip and it was SO worth it.

Homer to the foundation poured and drainage stuff in. I think we get floor/framing started soon!

Pics of latest stuff:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9KbOW7No0hY

Teresa

Latest

2008-02-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

Well, Autumn and I are living the good life at my brother and Amy's new, fat house. While it isn't home, it is nice to not have to do my dishes in the bathtub and have a washer and dryer. Honestly, I do miss home....home is home no matter how much a mess it is.

BUT, we go home tomorrow and it has been nice to become one with the civalized world for a few days. Off to unciviallized again on friday when we go to Forks for a few days to stay at Erik's buddy's cabin on the Hoh river.

I have been so busy that I don't even know what to expect. Cabin can mean so many things....Just recently I found out it means that outhouse applies. It also means heat though so that's good.

The house is coming along nicely. Erik has been there with Cole each night since last time I found that Cole doesn't mix well with John and Amy's little french bulldog, Lola. He is nice to her but seems he has to, uh..."mark" his territoy. If I EVER have to deal with THAT clean up again, there will be pigs flying outside the window.

We realized today that the kitchen is going to be too small. So, we asked the contractor to adjust the footings on the foundation for another 6 feet. It will cost a bit but I think it will be worth it. The kitchen was suitable size but just not as big as we'd really like it.

Foundation is poured on Monday! Wooo hoooooooooo!!!!

Peace!
Teresa

Color changes

2008-02-15T12:15:00.001-08:00

I seem to change the colors on this blog as much as I do my hair. Sorry. I think I'm sticking with this one though....for now.

Pictures!

2008-02-14T19:09:00.001-08:00

I use shutterfly who and I can't seem to work linking with with their site so you have to view them at this link. Lots of Autumn at the Children's Muesum and a few at the zoo with Raya, Jessica and Nona.

oh I am dizzy from the house shaking....we are now about 5-6 ft in the air.

Link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9KbOW7No0eo

Teresa

The trailer is gone

2008-02-13T09:21:00.001-08:00

I still don't have pictures but I have a good excuse....when the demo was done, the phone stopped working which means no internet so I can't upload them anywhere and work blocks photo uploading. They better get that back up since I am on call for work starting tomorrow-joy.

If you'd like pics, give Erik a call and he can forward some to your mobile phone if you can get pictures on it. He took a bunch with his phone.

Autumn was excited to watch it be demo'd but I figured it'd be a bit traumatic for her and thankfully she was at school and Grandma's for most of it.

Last night was the melt down I'd been expecting. We got home and she ran around the house yelling "mommy look at this, you aren't gonna believe this, this is so cool!". She thought the house looked pretty neat from the outside too. It does-minus all the mud...and it is very exciting.

Considering this is the only home she has ever known (or remembers), I knew she was going to have some sentimental attachment to it. As much as I hated the stinky, yucky, falling apart beast, I still had alot of good memories in it. Since I was feeling a bit melancholy, I knew she would have a hard time eventually.

Last night was her break down....Lots of tears, crying and requests of getting our old home back and that she doesn't want a new home. Eventually, she wore herself out and fell to sleep FINALLY at a decent hour. She woke up a bit sad but it wasn't "true" sad and she was fine. I'm sure that isn't the last we will hear of it but it was the worst of it.

The last few days have been soooooooo stressful. The hardest part of doing all this is working. I had a hard enough time working, being mom, wife and housekeeper. Now, I have to keep on top of all the demo/construction stuff. It is my own fault since it is just my nature to "have" to know what is going on. Thankfully, Erik hasn't worked all week and has been there helping and managing it all but I still feel like I need to know what is going on.

Erik also always helps out equally with house stuff so really I shouldn't complain at all. After some wine, a few episodes of Lost and a nice fluffy pillow, the stress was gone and we all slept soundly in our own little house.

I still can't believe we are doing this....and that we am actually going to have the house we've have always dreamed of with the family we've have always dreamed of.

Dispite the mud, the frozen dinners, overloaded laundry basket and all the other challenges we face, it really doesn't get any better than this.

Love,
Teresa

It's happening!!!

2008-02-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

I will have picture soon. I promise! I have inside before pictures and tomorrow the trailer is being torn ff. I will post some before and during tear off part.

We are all moved into the house portion. The door to the trailer part doesn't close all the way so cold air is rushing in still...I am not sure what we are going to do about that yet tonight. Erik just moved the woodstove out and is taking the windows out. Just have the oven to go.

Correction..he is taking a window out. He just came in and said it is a PITA to take them out and they are only 120 new soooo..I am over it. We'll just get new ones. Also gave up on the fridge and washer. Free to good home if anyone local wants them.

We moved the couch and living room stuff to my brothers today (two trips) and Erik took another trip to storage this morning. All kitchen needs are now in Autumn's room . Our good little fridge from Dustin works out perfect. The microwave is on top of that and all dishes and coffee maker on top of Autumn's dresser.

We treated ourselves to a night out last night and Autumn to her favorite babysitter. A good time was had by all and Fool's Gold was a good movie.

Autumn has been having a semi-rough time. We have both been super busy, she's been overtired and everyone's patience is wearing thin. I took a step back this morning and was able to remain calm when Erik got an attitude and Autumn threw a fit about not being able to help move the couch. She really is an incredible little girl and doing really well with all that is going on but the being tried is a bit much for her.

Tis just the beginning....but we are all a good team. Erik has his role and I have mine and we both know what they are and do them happily. Things like this make me realize that we really are each other's halves. We get so used to having each other around, we forget that there is no one else that would put up with or do things so well with the other like we do.

We are all very cozy upstairs and downstairs. I'll post pic later. We are still staying at the Hilton tomorrow night though.

Love,
Teresa

SO excited!!!

2008-01-31T22:18:00.000-08:00

We offically closed and will have a start date tomorrow. Our wonderful builder came by last night and we talked for 2 hours about the plans, ideas, etc. I am having a hard time believeing that this is actually going to happen and our house is going to be so damn cool!

I am just sitting here up late working. I have two mobile phones both on speaker and working on 3 different issues. It isn't always like this (in fact almost never) and I will go in late tomorrow but I still hate working at night. It will really prob only be 2 hours or so but still. wah wah wah.

Updates on other stuff.....Erik hasn't been working much. His boss has always been flakey but it has been like 5 days the past 3 weeks. It has sort of been good so he can get stuff organized in prep for the trailer demo. We just have the appliances to move out and put in storage. The couch, tv chair and few odds and ends are going to John and Amy's extra room. Oh...and the kitchen...that is going to suck. We still have to pack that sucker up.

But sooooooooooo happy!!! We just an out of wood too so it has been REALLY cold in this no insulation crap hole of a trailer. I have taken to staying in the bedroom which is in ths house part we are keeping.

Almost done with work....sleepy....signing off for now.

Oh, Autumn is extremly excited that groundhog day is only TWO days away. Will the groundhog see his shadow? We are going to the Alice in Wonderland exhibits at the Children's Meusum that day but she is more excited that it is groundhog day. Go figure!

Teresa

Singed, sealed....nearly delivered...

2008-01-25T08:10:00.000-08:00

Erik and I signed a mountain of paperwork last night for closing on the loan!!!! It was more than I had ever signed on any other previous closing. Mainly so much because this was a one time close so we won't have to go sign again after the construction phase is complete.

The escrow company even gave us a $50 gift certificate to the Keg. How nice was that of them?

They still need the builder to sign a few things and then send things off to the million places all that paper goes to.

This means no mortgage payment for us this month and a smaller one next month! We are saving every penny though because I know there are going to be many costly surprises in these next few months. We plan to still pay ALOT of things out of pocket.

The sickness has gotten me good and I am home today. I think we might try out a new doctor that is just down the street. They are naturopath doctors too. I think they might even be covered by our insurance??? Why has it taken me so long to try them?? I have seen the same doctor for over 20 years now. It would be weird to switch to this one regularly. Autumn is going go too. She is home from school today but probably could have gone. She just has a slight cough and is feeling good. I am pretty sure I have a whole head sinus infection.

Ever since moving to this house (4+ years ago now) I get a sinus infection at least 1x a year. Before that I had had one in my whole life. I am sure it is because of the air/mold/dust from the old junker. Thank goodness it will be gone soon!!!!!!

Love,
Teresa

Not yet

2008-01-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

Haven't heard from the closing people yet. Why do these things take SO long!?!?! Also the builder has said he won't be able to start until 30 days after closing. I read that in the contract but hoped he could start sooner. I spoke with him and as soon as we close, he will arrange for the demolition man (how cool would that job title be?) will come to get rid of the trailer. Then the house jack uper man (not so cool job title) will come and get the house jacked up on cinderblocks to pour foundation.

So, we are moving forward just SLOWLY...

I guess it is a good thing since Autumn had the worst flu ever. You know she is sicker than sick when she doesn't move laying on the couch watching the "democratical database" on tv with us. She is a Hiliary supporter by the way. I think it is just the girl-girl support she is going for.

I am about to get sick now since it is hard to avoid the sickness when the sick is coughing in your face.

She slept nearly 13 hours last night with 1 night terror so unsure if she will make it to school today.

The angel just woke. Happy Wednesday!

Teresa

Closing!!

2008-01-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

Monday we have a call with the broker, builder, us and the bank. It is the LAST step before papers are drawn for signing and closing. We get funds 10 days after closing. So we are REALLY looking at two weeks now.

So exciting and scary but more exciting. We hope there aren't a whole lot of hidden surprises like a boulder the size of Russia under the house or rotted floor. Oh boy did I just jinx us? We will know soon!

We both have been so tired with doing so much in preparation for this. We just have a few thigns to put in storage and then have to take out the windows we are keeping and the woodstove. Those will be the last things we do obviously but we have to make sure all else is in place.

We got rid of Autumn's twin bed (storage). It wasn't like she was sleeping in it anyway. I put the futon on the floor next to our bed and she slept on it last night. I think I crawled in with her at 2am since she wasn't quit ready to sleep all night by herself. Since she is a sleep walker, I am a-ok with that. Bedrooms upstairs and sleep walking is not a good combo.

Have you seen Michael Moore's "Sicko"? Such a good movie! A must watch for everyone. Healthcare should be on the TOP of everyones' important topics list.

Teresa

2008!!!

2008-01-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

New Years is never a big holiday in the Kasprowicz house. Through the years, I have learned that it is better to just stay with those you love than force them to go celebrate a holiday they do not think should be one. So, dinner and home was all she wrote. Then, of course, Erik had to meet some friends at the bar and didn't even end up at home at midnight anyway. Somehow I woke at 11:59 to realize this and then was mad and couldn't sleep until 2am. Whatever.

It's now 2008!!! I like New Years. I like reflection. I like looking forward to new things. This year will bring us a new home. Less debt. Snow adventures! Hoping for a baby but maybe not. Hoping for some travels!!!

For the life of me, I can't seem to get Erik to get on a plane again. We have a niece in Arizona that we haven't even met and a dear nephew that is growing so fast!! I won't drive there in winter and have been already a few times in summer and not sure if my Washington butt can bear the AZ summer heat again.

Some of our closest friends are moving to Spain next week. Erik has almost committed to going to visit them sometime but not for sure yet.

I am going to go to Vegas though. My BFF, Brianna, wants to go on her anniversary. Since she has gotten rid of the extra baggage that was her husband, we figured what better a time to go??! Mona, you are coming too! I can't wait!! I haven't had an actual Teresa vacation for, oh, about 7 years!

Not much to report about the house. Still waiting on contract wording, underwriting, etc. Also still thinking it will be 2 weeks (as we have for the last 2 months). Hopefully news soon!!!

Peace, health and love to all of you in the new year!
Teresa

Merry Christmas to us!

2007-12-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

We had an asbestos tester out on Friday to see if the trailer had any asbestos. If it did, we would have to do abatement (sp??) and pay tons of $$ to dispose of it.

The super nice guy came and took his samples and said that he thought for sure there was some in the two back rooms! Not good. I'm bummed and Erik is freaking out about the time he put in a new part of the kitchen floor without a mask (bad Erik). Not to mention the Autumn's (and ours) health in general.

The guy sent me an email later that day that said he was surprised but nothing came back with a positive! Talk about a relief!!! If there was asbestos, it might have ended up being about 20-30k more.

Things are busy around here with Christmas. I am off for 6 days. Erik is off all next week. We just got back from the new Cabela's store and are not impressed. Autumn seems to be coming down with something so I need to get her to bed and rest up for the Nutcracker tomorrow! My grandma bought us and my mom tickets for a tomorrow matinée.

I hope all of you have enjoyed your first full day of winter (today) and are enjoying these last few days before Christmas!

Love,
Teresa

oh look! I did it!

2007-12-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

Still working on sizing....

The house

2007-12-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

I had a dream about it last night. It was SO cool. In my dream, we moved all out stuff out, did our thing for the day and came home to the new house. It was all done-in one day. Definitely a dream!

It was also a rambler which is not at all what we are doing.

At the request of wonderful cousin Daniel, I'll describe the picture in my head. It's in Erik's too but he seems to forget major details like if we are having a drop ceiling or a porch. Go figure.

The trailer is about 650 square feet and we are tearing that sucker off!!! It includes our kitchen,living room, porch (for the dog and shoes), half bath with shower,small room for Erik's hunting stuff and a extra room that we used for storage and guest bed. It also has our washer and dryer in the hallway to the guest room.

Our house part is also about 650-700 sq feet. It includes a full bath 2 big rooms and a fair size closet. Oh and steps going upstairs. Pretty much 2 square stacked on top of each other. This is where we will live until we can get things livable in the house which will probably be at least 3-4 months.

We have a camper Jayco J that we can use with a camp stove. We will have water and power most of the time but sometimes won't. For those times, we will stay in a hotel or with my brother John and Amy-if all works out with timing of school, work, dog care etc.

Once the trailer is gone, our house will be raised and put on cinder blocks and foundation poured for it and the new house parts. I think this part will suck the most.

The house will be set back about 5 feet from where it is now so it will be flush with the existing house. That will be kitchen. Nothing fancy except a garden window. High ceilings, cool cupboards/organization and a bar for quick eating times.

Kitchen will be ceramic tile probably or maybe that fake hardwood stuff. The living room and dinging room area will be hardwood. So will the hallways. Laundry room...not sure yet and bathroom is linoleum that Bree didn't need and we are saving in the shed. All high ceilings except the living room. French doors facing the yard that are off the living room and a wood stove near there too. In a few years, a huge deck will be off all this overlooking the yard with a hot tub.

There is a bathroom next to the living room that we will probably splurge on with special tiling for a huge walk in shower area. Then a big bedroom with walk in closet that will be our exercise area and guest room. If this breaks us, it will be a room to rent to someone we love.

There will also be a huge laundry room, storage area and another bedroom that will kind of be an exact duplicate of the house part we have now and will be living in. So, 2 bedrooms upstairs. Downstairs, the current room, bathroom, laundry and storage.

There will be an outside door off the laundry to a little patio that will then have an entrance to the big room/exersize room.

After the house and deck, we will build a big garage and a guest house in the back of the property. That won't be for awhile though.

We will also have a fence around the whole property and call it the Kasprowicz compound! Just kidding.

It really is our dream house. We really are going to do it and we really do need patience but it will happen.

They are building a hospital down the street and have put in a power station near us. All the neighbors think we will all get bought out someday but I really hope we don't. I want to live here forever!

I have plans of coming home from snowboarding and chilling in my hot tub in the snow.

Hopefully you followed me through that but I doubt it.. :)

Oh-still too lazy to post pics but here is a link to how the house looks now and the recent snow.

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9KbOW7No0a4

Love,
Teresa

Good year? Bad year?

2007-12-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

As I sit here and listen to my fabulous daughter in the shower singing "Since you've been gone" by Kelly Clarkston and surfing various websites, a question pops up.

Has this past year been a good year, bad year, worst year ever or good with a few bumps? hmmmm....Really? hmmmm..... really.....

Ok, so this year has been pretty much like the last 4 years with a few changes here and there. On the surface, life seems steady and even. Erik and I have our battles. Autumn and I have our battles (although not as much as Erik and I) and Erik and Autumn have their battles but we always-eventually-work them out.

For the last 4 years, life has seemed pretty constant. There have been the few changes of fertility doctors, preschools/schools, surgeries, weather changes and plans for the future but we are, overall, steady and strong.

It makes me a bit sad that this question "how was my year" makes me so sentimental. I do feel thankful that we haven't had troubles but I also yearn for something good to shake things up.

Being a parent always brings something new but somewhere along the way you get used to new stuff I guess and it doesn't really seem new-just seems normal to have things change.

Building the new house with definitely shake things up I suppose.

I think I've fallen back into the desperately wanting to have another child phase. It comes and it goes but, oh how I want to carry a child again, care for a newborn and watch a baby turn into a little person. And to have Autumn be a big sister in all of this and Erik a parent to another child?!? Just the icing on the cake. That'd be some good shaking up.

Thinking back on this year, I miss Jeff more. I miss Ty more and I am sad for my friend Carrie's family. These things are bad shake ups from this year. Terrible and inconsolable things.

This year has been has been moderate in every other aspect so I guess overall it has been an ok year? Has it? I don't even know anymore.

It's been good. It has been good with a few bumps-well roadblocks but we are safe, warm, happy and healthy. Life is good and I look forward to next year.

Love,
Teresa

The latest...

2007-11-29T19:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I still haven't found the time to figure out how to post pictures. I am going to have to hit Kim up on some lessons.....

I have plans to take pictures soon though and get them up for the BEFORE picture.

We are pretty cozy lately in our crappy little house. I hung a sheet in the hallway to the "yucky" part of the house so it stays much warmer and I don't smell the smells with my super sniffer. For those that don't know, I have a super power...Yes, I do and it is the amazing ability to smell things. I can be upstairs and smell that the fridge is open or that Erik had a beer 5 hours ago.

Honestly, I don't really like my super power.

So, about the house. I faxed in the last of the paperwork on Monday during my lovely 6 days off enjoying the real world (not the show!). PSA-don't fax things from Kinkos except in dire emergency. It is .99/page. Twenty dollars later, the broker had what he needed.

I think our next step is drawing up and signing loan papers. This is, of course, if they have all they need and we don't need to put any more $ down-which we shouldn't--I don't think.

Autumn is enjoying ballet, kindergarden and decorating her room for Christmas. Erik is hunting every spare minute. I think I am his hunting curse since he has had nothing but bad luck. I could care less if he ever gets anything except for all the $$ that has gone into this "hobby".

I am shopping for Christmas, loving the new cookbook I bought myself and hitting the gym in spare moments. The cookbook is "The everything in one pot cookbook". I misread the title when I purchased it for the bargin price of 5.99 at TJ Maxx. I thought it was for Crockpots but it's not. Still a neat cookbook though. We will be cooking mainly in crockpot, microwave and Brbq while rebuilding so I thought I better prepare.

I seem to be picky with books. Cookbooks, fiction or non fiction. They are all either very good or very bad. The leisure book I am trying to read now seems in between so far. It is called Giraffe and written from the point of view of a giraffe that was caught and brought to a zoo. Not sure if I'll make it through.

Anyway-Autumn is hitting the sack and it is Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy night. Gonna park my butt on the couch and escape to tv land.

Love,
Teresa

Oprah and Henry Rollins

2007-11-21T09:49:00.001-08:00

What do the two have in common? Well, probably not much to anyone except me.

I get the Oprah magazine monthly which was a Christmas gift from Ted and Robin last year (thank you!). It is not a magazine that I would normally even pick up but it has seriously got some of the most thought provoking articles I have ever read. I love it! They are the kind that stick with you...and make you challenge your normal views on things.

And Henry Rollins....well the thing about ol' Hank that I love is that he reminds me to think outside the box and force myself to step outside the mainstream media that is hard to avoid. He reminds me to "look" for things to keep me aware and those things are not always easily accesible. He has a show on the independent film channel that I LOVE!! Thank goodness for the ability to auto record stuff so I never miss it.

So the two together have made me decide on this blog post.

I read something in Oprah's mag that was how we (a people) seem to be less affected when tragedy encompasses something more than a single person. For example, a study was done where people were asking for donations for a girl that had a horrible disease and needed $$ for medical help. This compared to a group of 3 children that had the same disease that needed $$ for medical help also. The request for donation for the single child was absurdly higher than the one asking for the help for 3 children.

Seems backwards hu? Point of this all is that we seem to become desensitised when a tragedy is reported in large numbers. We seem to have more sympathy when it is individualized. Maybe because we can relate more? Maybe because it seems we can make a difference more? Who knows.

Few days ago Henry Rollins had Don Cheatle on. He is the actor from Crash and Hotel Rawanda. Apparently, he is quite the activist also. His current cause is the genocide in Darfur. He says he gets the question alot about "what can I do to help the people in Darfur?". His answer was, "Yes, what CAN you do? You can talk about it and look within yourself to find your contacts, your motivations, and your talents". He suggested discussions with people about it in order to make people aware of what is happening and some day someone may be able to do something. An example was, a grassroots org in CA that had passed a bill for investment funds not to be able to be invested in companies that do business in Sudan which some how tied to Darfur interests. Through discussion, things like this will happen. Personally, I can't do much more than discuss but would love to help anyone that has any ideas on how to help.

So, I am doing what I can and blogging about Darfur and hoping we remember the 400,000 men, women and children that have been killed in Darfur and the 2.5 million people that have been displaced.

This is how Henry and Oprah relate in my mind. Both snip its of info that come together in my head. By noticing and realizing how I am desensitized to the 400, 000 number, it seems to hit me harder and I sympathize more. So much in fact that it nearly brings me to tears-which it should everyone.

Think about these numbers......400, 000 killed. What can YOU do to help?

One last thign that sort of ties in...from Bill Gates. I am sure I won't get this one verbatim but he said something like-we seem to complicate issues when it comes to helping people. We shouldn't have to consider what the 10 dollars we donate is going to. We just have to know that it is going to help. Whether it pay for the gas to get the goods to those that need it or pay for a single immunization. We need to stop over analyzing and just help.

We don't need to look at the whole picture in order to save one life or help one person.

Easy for Bill Gates, I'm sure...but really has some substance to it I think.

This may be depressing for some people but that isn't my intent. My intent is to make us more aware and to TRULY realize how thankful we all are for all the the tangible (clothes, food, homes) and non-tangible (love, freedom, health) things we have. I hope we all keep this in mind this year when we are thinking about what we are thankful for or see the opportunity to help others-near or far.

Happy Thanksgiving

First blog post!!!

2007-11-10T16:31:00.000-08:00

I figured I better jump on blog bandwagon. It seems this would be a good way for me to keep everyone updated on our lives as we get closer to starting the ever pending "house project."

For those that don't know, Erik and I bought this .96 acre place about 4 years ago and had always planned on tearing half of it off and rebuilding a house. It has just taken a tad (like 3 years) longer than we anticipated and now we REALLY need to rebuild.

The part we are going to rebuild is a 1985 or so single wide manufactured home. So, pretty much, we live in a trailer. Erik drinks bud light. I listen to Kid Rock. We think one of our neighbors makes crystal meth and it isn't the one who actually blew up his trailer before we lived here. It is a different one but the one that blew his up frequents this place. Just a few bad seeds. All the other neighbors are pretty mellow-like us-just want a nice house and a big yard to do what we want.

Seriously though, it really is the perfect area for our dream home. We are right off the freeway. We've got a huge yard to play in, garden and have people over. Close to hiking, snowboarding and hunting (Erik not me!). We just need to get rid of this manufactured home that is-literally-falling apart.

As of today, we are still going through underwriting for the loan and pending a few last pieces of documentation and builder stuff. Only source of heat in the trailer part is still the woodstove or the oven if I feel lazy. Thank god for dry wood though!! Makes life so much easier. I suppose I should put a thanks into Erik here too for chopping and stacking it all summer long.

We are hope things will start in about 2-3 weeks. We've packed up, thrown away and rearranged nearly all of our stuff. This way, when we get the green light, we will squish our 3 lives into the 650 sq ft upstairs downstairs + bathroom area that we will live in until the house is done.

Oh vey!

On the having a baby front, we aren't doing much fertility stuff now. Haven't for awhile...I got tired of all the pills, doc appts and craziness that world brings. I am still taking half of the metformin they said I should take. It's tolerable and suppose to make my egg quality better. So we hope for the best but try not to get our hopes up. I think I will get a hysterectomy by age 36 though if it hasn't happened by then. Just need to make sure all the cancer is for sure gone.

I was doing some on line research the other day about the type of cancer cells I had. What I read said that the adeno carcimoma in situ is very rarely caught in it's early stages. So most people that have this type, need to have chemo and radiation and all that. I guess I got VERY lucky that it was caught the stage it was. Only 10% of people that have cervical cancer even have this type. Oh and it isn't caused from HPV like the other 90% of cervical cancers. They don't know what causes it.

That was today's PSA. :)

Autumn is doing great. Loving kindergarten, meeting new friends and catching every cold there is. Such is life in wet Washington though I guess. Am off toPCC to get some probiotics and me some new vitamins soon...

I hope to figure out how to post pictures soon to show a bit into our life.

Love,
Teresa