Random

I am so far behind right now. This summer has been a busy and fun one for us, but there are so many pictures to edit and so little time! I will catch up in a bit....I just wanted to take a minute and write down some random thoughts that I have had recently, and of course, some funny sayings by my two little men! And since we are in Yakima right now sitting in a hotel room, and I don't have anything else to do, I am just going to write! :)

Let's start with the funnies:

-We had Tawna (Teage's sister) and her kids staying with us last week after a Christensen family camping trip. Tawna has three children, ages 10, almost 8, and 3 1/2. Maiya is just a few months older then the boys and they were playing most of the week, fairly happily together. :) Then at the dinner table the last of their stay.....

Dylan: "I was born first'

Lucas: "I was bigger"

Maiya: "I am bigger then you....I have bigger arms and bigger legs!"

Lucas (without skipping a beat): "You have a big head!"

Maybe they were getting more sick of each other then I thought! :)

-I got out of the car the other day and stretched, and my back cracked a bit so I said something out loud to the effect of "oh man that hurt!" Lucas asked what was wrong and I just said "oh it's nothing babe, mommy's back just cracked a little bit". Lucas thought about that for a few seconds and then in all seriousness replied "You mean like an egg?"

-Teage thought it would be good opportunity the other day to ask the boys about new babies and how they get here, etc. He asked them "Who puts a baby in a Mommy's tummy?" (NO, I am not pregnant! Thank you for asking.....). Dylan replied quickly "Mommies and Daddies".....wow, smart kid. Teage took that as a good sign and now has decided that the birds and bees talk is complete. Oh goodness.... :)

I am so far behind on my thank you's for the CF Auction this year. I have just had so much to do, and not enough time to do it. And unfortunately something extremely important, but tedious at times, got left on the back burner. Now I am feeling terrible about it, and absolutely need to start soon! I truly appreciate all the individuals and businesses that helped and donated to our event, and I want them to know that as well. It is interesting though, chairing an auction like ours definitely opens your eyes to how some people do business (and how some people DONT!). And the simple yes or no answer, and how it was said or done, has changed my shopping habits considerably. Thought I would share some of the major winners and major duds.....

Winners!:

-Friends and Family!!! Came through in so many amazing ways, and went the extra mile for me and the CF Foundation!

-Fred Meyer

-Top Foods

-Marlo Flower!

-Olive Garden and Outback Steakhouse

-Issaquah Trophy

-Heidi Isaacson and the Snoqualmie Casino

-Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Duds: Most of these businesses didn't just say no, which would be just fine especially in the economy we are living in..... they said no with no charm, no customer service, and no people skills. Or, they just plain were rude about the whole thing.

-TARGET!!! (Surprised? I sure was. Both years I have put this event on, they have been TERRIBLE to me and the cause)

-Jamba Juice

-Primo Grill, Tacoma

-Pacific Grill, Tacoma (yeah, Tacoma restaurants were not friendly to me at all)

-World Market

And, side note, because of my experience with this event, I would shop at Kohls over Macy's ANY DAY!!!!!!!!!

The other thing on my mind has truly been my family. Things have been crazy for us this summer with Teage working long hours, me working inside and outside the home, family, friends, and fun as well. But inside all of this chaos (at times), I have learned to appreciate my family and situation even more. I have such a wonderful and loving husband whom I adore, two children who can test and try me, but teach me love and patience everyday, a beautiful home with wonderful neighbors, generous and loving extended family on all sides, a fabulous church family, and the list could go on and on. I know that I complain at times about all of the "things" that I have to deal with as a mom (don't we all?), but then I look around me at all of the true blessings Heavenly Father has given me and am completely humbled. I am very grateful.

Hope all our you, our friends and family near and far, are doing well also. We think of all of you quite a lot. Have a fantastic summer!!