Steps On Our Journey: 2009

The Pumpkin Patch

Monday, October 19, 2009

Last year we skipped the pumpkin patch and the Christmas tree farm and we heard about it all year long. We bought our tree at Fred Meyer for $20 and we felt jipped. The thing lost half the needles before Santa could show up and the kids wondered if he would even bother stopping by.

Needless to say, this year they made it very clear that we had to visit the pumpkin patch. But what about the $20 pumpkins you ask?

Lisa made a deal with them. We'll go to the patch and ride the boat, ride the train, and do the maze but if we buy a pumpkin there, we can only get one. Otherwise we can go to WinCo and everyone can get their own pumpkin for $.17 a lbs.

And the kids chose Winco.

Now about the train and boat ride. We're not talking Disneyland here. the rides are about as low budget as person can get. Note the scary, tailless shark attacking our boat?

The train ride back was pretty tame, but AJ still managed to get scared with the noise.

The Laundry Basket

Of course Summer and AJ are into sports as well. Previously you saw Summer doing the high jump into the washing machine. Below you see Summer complicating Mom's life.

Tae Kwon Do

Brendan is going on 1 year in Tae Kwon Do and we've been happy with it. I think his confidence has grown and his motor skills have improved greatly. The sales pitch they hit you with makes you think they will build your kid into a combined Abraham Lincoln and Chuck Norris. We haven't seen that yet, but he has really taken an interest in Star Wars light sabers.

Above is Master Kim putting Brendan's latest belt on. Master Kim won the Olympic gold medal in Tae Kwon do in Barcelona in 1992. We have been very impressed with his patience and demeanor. But I still don't see the Lincoln/Norris connection.

Blue Lake Runs

During the pre flu era (last week) I trained for a 15k run at Blue Lake in Gresham. The purpose was very selfish, I wanted to see how fast I could run.

Of course, I've dragged Lisa and the kids all over Portland to various races this summer. When I hit her up with this race, started off with, "Remember Blue Lake and the great play equipment they have there? They have a kids race! oh and did I mention a 15k!"

Natalie was at soccer so we took the other three and one of Brendan's friends.

At the start of the half mile run. I think the two boys were a little intimidated by #314.

This is Bren crossing the finish line. The funniest part was when anyone tried to pass him, he would speed up until they gave up. Then he would slow down to his little trot.

I didn't really like the pictures that came out for me, but I will say that I ran well. 7:13 average per mile and 11th place overall. That was good enough for 2nd in my age group. Not bad for my first attempt to be competitive.

And if anyone tries to tell you to carbo load by skipping all carbs for a few days and then piling on the pasta, don't do it. It is an evil trick to ruin your glory for a few days after the run.

The Kids

Trouble

The 14 month old is now hobbling (controlled walking) and getting in the most unlikely of places. Who knows what she was looking for inside the washer.

Usually she can't make it in, but I'm guessing that she just ate a big meal so her center of gravity was, uh, above the waist. All she had to do was start leaning and then...

Soccer Season

With the change in cool weather comes soccer season! It seems like Natalie enjoys the game, but is starting to enjoy the socialization even more. Do other kids always go through that "I don't want to go tonight" and then dance around and be a clown at practice stage?

Brendan is playing too, but since I coach his team that leaves Lisa battling the two younger kids on the sidelines. I wonder what the parents would say if I took pictures while coaching the kids at the same time.

On second thought, I should record what they say. That would be much more funny.

Flu

So I'm working on day #3 of the flu and getting quite tired of it. Unfortunately, I don't have the energy to do much. So what shall I do? Update the blog.

Of course, I don't really know if I have the swine flu, but I hear the risk getting H1N1 at the Dr. while getting tested is fairly high. So I'll just stay home until I'm better. Unless I start to making oinking sounds or grow pig ears.

So all of those who have not yet abandoned blogging for facebook, read on!

But she's still our baby

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Today Summer is one year old. Happy Birthday, Baby!
The kids played "Limbo" with streamers for a stick. More like "Speed Limbo" since they were running.

Brendan wrote a sweet card with some spelling help from Natalie.

She wasn't quite sure what to do with the cake. But she figured it out pretty quickly.

The cake was a hit! Happy Birthday Summer Pie!

Snake

Written by Lisa:

I hate snakes. Hate them hate them hate them. Normally, they inspire shivers up and down my spine, a racing heartbeat, and a "creepy-crawly" feeling for the rest of the day.

Yesterday I was out in the backyard when this big guy slithered by about 12 inches from my foot. I did not freak out, my heart did not race, I didn't even move. I calmly called the kids to come see and to bring the camera. I proudly showed Ezra this photo tonight thinking he would be amazed at my newfound reptile maturity. The only thing he said was, "Why didn't you catch it????"

I guess I'll pat myself on the back. Good job, me.

Tae Kwon Do

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Brendan and Master Kim at Brendan's Tae Kwon Do rank advancement. I think Brendan's favorite part is the sparring where he gets to chase after one of the instructors to use his moves. I would hate to be on the receiving end of one of his attacks.

Silver Falls Part II

A few more pictures of Upper North Falls and North Falls.

Camping at Silver Falls

So Ezra, Natalie, and Brendan all took off on Thursday for a camping trip at Silver Falls near Salem, Oregon. The weather was hot, the place was packed, and they picked the perfect spot to go explore.
The pic above is just as we started the short hike down to the first two falls. an you see the trail right behind the water fall? Back in the 1930's the original owner of the land used to charge people $.10 to watch him push old cars off the falls into the pool/rocks below. Times have changed a bit.Natalie catching up on the Star Wars action...

Brendan chillin...
Dad nappin...and Brendan Karate Choppin?

My Morning Ride

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

I feel like Superman.

Yes, on days I ride my bike I wake up before the crack of dawn and dash around the house putting on my tight little biker shorts and hoping I didn't forget a comb to smooth out my helmet hair when I finally arrive. Then I dash under the garage door, careful not to trigger the sensor, but as fast as I can in stiff biking shoes.

Then I'm off.

Riding into the dark on my white stallion, we fly past a few early morning joggers and hope that the just awoken driver is aware of the bright lights flashing in front and behind me. The first descent brings enough speed to need the fastest gear as I build for the first big hill. Just as I feel the sweat start to soaken my hands, I try shifting to a fighting gear, but as usual, shift the wrong way. "Crap!", I say and scramble to adjust and get my sorry butt up the hill.

Then I'm off again.

The descent is short, but oh so appreciated as I zoom around, quickly approaching the terrifying beast. Then, just before the last hill, What? A red stop light! NOOOOOOO! I need speed to tackle that monster! I'll unclip, no wait! I see yellow! I can do it! I peddle harder, then shift, relief, and pain. Shift, relief, pain. Shift, relief, pain. I stomp on the monster as I climb up his back, each time pushing my legs to grind as deeply as possible. Then I stand, one final assault at the peak of the battle.

I've conquered the magnificent creature.

I slow to a stop, unclip, and race down the steps to the already waiting train. I race to the door and wave to the waiting chauffer. People notice my breath and look away, surely wondering why someone would dress like a freak to fight for the day. I rack the bike and lean to the wall. Panting and feeling my legs tight as rocks. The people, they glance again at my battle gear as I smile and they look again to their books. I soak the looks in, for again, I conquered their creature.

And still they stare.

We escape at the booth and to hide from their stare. I stable the stallion and shower up fast. I change to my daily clothes and enter the routine. I walk to the floor and say hi to all who unknowingly just awoke. I sit at my desk and nobody knows.

Natalie, something is missing from your mouth!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Any tricks to helping the tooth fairy remember the pick up and delivery?

Taste Test

So AJ, which was the winner? Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or the pear?

Natalie's Big Day

Natalie turned 8 in February so she decided to be baptized and become a member of our church. It was a very special day for the entire family, especially because Grandma and Grandpa Heath were able to attend as well as Grandma Jean.

Who has been playing with the camera?

We downloaded the pictures to the camera today. Lets see if we can guess who has been playing with it.

Upside down on the couch. Could someone have been standing on their head with a camera?

Lights must have been out. 23 perfectly black pictures.

I think we have a clue....

More feet?

Getting warmer...
Gotcha!

He used 143 pictures. Good thing we don't have to pay for film anymore.

BRENDAN!!!!

Fire!!!!

So on Sunday Ezra had the brilliant idea to make cinnamon rolls. He has made them before, but this time things turned out a bit differently. As the rolls expanded, butter dripped onto the tinfoil in the bottom of the oven and started smoking. We opened all the windows and the kids were swinging towels around trying to get the smoke out.

Then before we knew it, flames were in the oven and making even more smoke. Luckily we pulled out the nearby fire extinguisher and put the fire out.

The worst part: The lost cinnamon rolls.

The funniest part: From the moment Ezra said fire, it took Brendan exactly .05 seconds to be out the front door and to the designated emergency meeting tree.

What we learned: We have 7 smoke detectors in our house and everyone of them works very well. Also, Summer can sleep through all 7 without waking up.

Fact #1: The smell of smoke can last in your house for at least two days (and counting).

Fact #2: Cleaning out the oven is worse than cleaning up any kid fluids.

The Best Part: An unforgettable lesson (including visual aids) in fire safety.

The Next Sunday Cooking Challenge: Rice Krispie Treats

"Mom, my toast didn't taste very good today."

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

This past Sunday after church, we were having toast for lunch. It was the "healthy" precursor to our Sunday Sundaes (our weekly bribe for good church behavior). Ezra served everyone toast with what he called his new "secret sauce". He later showed us that he had added a little sprinkle of nutmeg to go with the cinnamon and sugar we normally use. We all thought it was a nice twist to our standard toast.

Today I told Brendan to make his own breakfast while I showered. At our house, "making breakfast" generally means pouring yourself a bowl of cereal and milk. Brendan took advantage of my absence today and decided to do a little cooking on his own.

So as I was finishing drying my hair, Brendan came into my bedroom. Here is our conversation:

Brendan: "Mom, my toast didn't taste very good today."
Lisa: "Toast? You made toast?"
Brendan: "Yes, but it didn't taste very good." (makes a yucky face)
Lisa: "Umm, okay (trying to be patient while thinking of the mess in the kitchen). Did it get burned?"
Brendan: "No."
Lisa: "Well, why didn't it taste very good?"
Brendan: "Well, I tried to use Daddy's secret sauce. But I didn't know which one it was. (remember, he's still learning to read) So I had to use them all."
Lisa: "All of what?"
Brendan: "All of the little things."
Lisa: "You mean all of the little spices?"
Brendan: "Yes, spices."

I came downstairs to find his toast preparing station:
Here I have lined up the spices so they can be clearly seen. He remembered from Sunday what the nutmeg container looked like and found all of the similar-looking canisters in my spice rack:
And here is the tasty toast. That is a quarter-inch-thick layer of spices on the second slice!
And yes, that is also a snickerdoodle on his breakfast plate. I guess he found that in the freezer while getting out the bread. I'm not sure why he didn't finish that.

I think tomorrow I will stay in the kitchen while Brendan makes his breakfast.

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