I haven't laughed this hard at SNL in years.. We watch this at least 4 times a day when we need a pick me up
Maybe it's just me, but do you ever feel like the Judy of your family?!!
p.s I am not advertising for W the movie....
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Seattle trip 1st day
I've been wanting to post on our trip to Seattle for a week now, but it's going to take forever. So... I'm going to post by day. I know the anticipation of each day will be almost unbearable for you, so I'll try to hurry.
First of all, we're thinking of you Aunt Kathy! Feel better!
Personally, I was so excited to have my girls with me in my hometown. I couldn't wait to show them all around, and be tourists with them. I always get a little nostalgic when in Washington, but I know that can't be helped because it is so gorgeous there. Anyway, you must always start a trip there with food from Ivar's, so luckily our awesome friends the Gunnells were willing to meet us in Seattle and eat lunch. Unbeknownst to them, all the Bjorn's were game,even Nekell with her 2 week old baby Peter! So we all went downtown. Here we are at the wharf eating Ivar's. Could this be any better? Thanks Chris and Tanya for coming!!
While Jim and I were talking with Chris and Tanya, my mom and dad had the girls out feeding those mangy seagulls. It was actually quite funny. Those stupid birds are so overfed, and so over fighting over food, you practically have to force food down their gullets just to entertain the kids. I'm sure this bird was thinking "D@*&%, it's my turn again! I just had to go, where's Vinny, it's his turn! Shoot, I need a smoke break!"
After the great food, (I ate a huge bowl of clam chowder, and a full basket of fish and fries.) It was just slightly too much! It set me off on an epic eating episode the whole weekend. But hey, that's what vacations are for! Anyway, we walked up the wharf looking at the fun shops, of coarse showing the girls the mermaid and chocolate slugs. After that, we walked up to Pikes Place market, which Jim kept calling Pike's Peak market. I only mention that because it really got on my nerves. That was so fun, of coarse we saw the flying fish and all the gorgeous flowers that were dirt cheap. I'd forgotten what it's like living somewhere with color. The only colors we have here in CO is beige. (it seems) The colors were so vibrant, of everything you saw! So here are the girls holding these amazing flowers for $4!
We wandered around Pikes Place market for awhile, here I am trying a chocolate covered twinkie. It would have been awesome if it hadn't been made 2 months ago.
Here is my brother Andy and I with Gavin (this pic is revenge for my 70's man hair picture at the reunion)
So anyway, after wandering in Seattle for a few hours, we headed to Ikea for a record breaking quick browse, then home to Andy's for dinner. On the way home, Nekell, Marylyn and I stopped for pizza, and while there we accidentally picked a fight with a brace face 15 year old who wouldn't break $100. When she so rudely said she couldn't take anything over a $20, we demanded to know where it says they couldn't take it. She, (with a seriously bad attitude,)pointed out at least 3 signs stating the store couldn't take bills larger than $20. After all this, she had the nerve to fight with us about the chicken wings. Some people's kids are so freakin rude. So after going home, eating, and realizing we needed more, Marylyn and I sent Andy and Jim to get more because we were sure we wouldn't be welcome back there.
And that's the first day, combined with playing with Annika, Analiese, Gavin, Peter and Aniva. Whew!
First of all, we're thinking of you Aunt Kathy! Feel better!
Personally, I was so excited to have my girls with me in my hometown. I couldn't wait to show them all around, and be tourists with them. I always get a little nostalgic when in Washington, but I know that can't be helped because it is so gorgeous there. Anyway, you must always start a trip there with food from Ivar's, so luckily our awesome friends the Gunnells were willing to meet us in Seattle and eat lunch. Unbeknownst to them, all the Bjorn's were game,even Nekell with her 2 week old baby Peter! So we all went downtown. Here we are at the wharf eating Ivar's. Could this be any better? Thanks Chris and Tanya for coming!!
While Jim and I were talking with Chris and Tanya, my mom and dad had the girls out feeding those mangy seagulls. It was actually quite funny. Those stupid birds are so overfed, and so over fighting over food, you practically have to force food down their gullets just to entertain the kids. I'm sure this bird was thinking "D@*&%, it's my turn again! I just had to go, where's Vinny, it's his turn! Shoot, I need a smoke break!"
After the great food, (I ate a huge bowl of clam chowder, and a full basket of fish and fries.) It was just slightly too much! It set me off on an epic eating episode the whole weekend. But hey, that's what vacations are for! Anyway, we walked up the wharf looking at the fun shops, of coarse showing the girls the mermaid and chocolate slugs. After that, we walked up to Pikes Place market, which Jim kept calling Pike's Peak market. I only mention that because it really got on my nerves. That was so fun, of coarse we saw the flying fish and all the gorgeous flowers that were dirt cheap. I'd forgotten what it's like living somewhere with color. The only colors we have here in CO is beige. (it seems) The colors were so vibrant, of everything you saw! So here are the girls holding these amazing flowers for $4!
We wandered around Pikes Place market for awhile, here I am trying a chocolate covered twinkie. It would have been awesome if it hadn't been made 2 months ago.
Here is my brother Andy and I with Gavin (this pic is revenge for my 70's man hair picture at the reunion)
So anyway, after wandering in Seattle for a few hours, we headed to Ikea for a record breaking quick browse, then home to Andy's for dinner. On the way home, Nekell, Marylyn and I stopped for pizza, and while there we accidentally picked a fight with a brace face 15 year old who wouldn't break $100. When she so rudely said she couldn't take anything over a $20, we demanded to know where it says they couldn't take it. She, (with a seriously bad attitude,)pointed out at least 3 signs stating the store couldn't take bills larger than $20. After all this, she had the nerve to fight with us about the chicken wings. Some people's kids are so freakin rude. So after going home, eating, and realizing we needed more, Marylyn and I sent Andy and Jim to get more because we were sure we wouldn't be welcome back there.
And that's the first day, combined with playing with Annika, Analiese, Gavin, Peter and Aniva. Whew!
Up to posting again
So I finally feel up to posting about our trip to Seattle. The reason it took so long is I've been thinking so much about our neice Hannah, and Mara. It's been one year since Hannah's passing, and almost 2 weeks since Mara passed away. It's just been weighing on my mind, and the thoughts are too many to post. So, here is a picture of Jim and I with Mara and her dad Brian. This was taken less than 24 hours before she died. I hate that I have a cheesy grin on my face under the circumstances, but it truly was such a pleasure and honor to be with them. They are such a beautiful, wonderful family! I'll never forget as we were leaving, Mara lifted two fingers to wave goodbye to us. It was such hard work for her to do that, she is so precious! It's such a small world that we even met the Adam's family. The week after Hannah died, my brother called and told us that their good friends' daughter Mara had the same form of extremely rare cancer as Hannah. There are only 200 cases in the U.S each year. We just feel blessed to have known these little girls, and have learned so much from them.
Monday, September 22, 2008
In Memory of Mara Adams
Today at 8:12 am little Mara Adams passed away from the same cancer our niece Hannah had. Jim and I were able to visit her in Seattle on Saturday, and what a blessing that was. She could only mover her fingers to wave goodbye when we left. Both of these little girls were so strong in their fight against this cancer. I am truly inspired by their courage and strength, and their families strength as well.
Please remember the Adams' in your prayers as they go through this terribly painful time. They are the most amazing family and truly an inspiration. Their website is www.maraadams.com
Please remember the Adams' in your prayers as they go through this terribly painful time. They are the most amazing family and truly an inspiration. Their website is www.maraadams.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
all kinds of updates
I actually have the time and brain power to update the good ol blog... Tomorrow we head to Seattle for a weekend trip, we are all so excited, all 5 of my siblings will be there, and we'll get to see brand new baby Peter, Annika, Analiese, Aniva, and Gavin. how nice of all my brothers to pick practically the same name. But how fun to have kids the same age! Not mine of coarse, my girls will be the ones babysitting, and doing all the dishes for the entire extended family! Poor girls,It's just not fair! They are just kids too.... Sorry, I just had a flashback of my cousin Amy and I. :)
Now onto my cooking adventure, things are going really well with my cooking goals. I haven't found an apron yet, because I'd rather make one out of a towel. I think that would be cute. Anyway, I have planned out the entire month, and so far, so good. I did cook most of the meat after shopping, so that it would be easier to throw the recipe together. That helps immensly! I saved some chicken and steaks to cook fresh. But, we've tried alot of new dishes, and it's been fun. I think I'll definitely keep going.
Speaking of towel things, I made the girls each a pair of pajama pants out of towels, why you say? Because they are all on swim team and over the winter they'll have their toasty warm pants to wear to the car.. I am quite impressed with myself, I even put an iron on patch of their initial on the bum. The more I sew, the more I see that I'm going to have to buy a serger. No question about it.
My parents and Jim's brother Mike's family all survived hurricaine Ike. My dad said it sounded like a train going by right outside the window, all night long. He said it was awful, but he didnjoy using his chainsaw right away. Mike's family did well also which was a huge relief! Strangely enough, just last month my dad connected the generator to a light switch in the house so all he'd have to do is flip the switch and the entire house had electicity. Great timing!
The girls are enjoying school, swim team, and piano lessons. I am certainly at my limit for activities. And believe it or not, this is a breeze compared to the summer. Now we just need to figure out how to get them to pick up after themselves.
We have 3 foster babies right now, and the girls love it! We have David who is 2, Makayla 1, and Dradin 6 mo. It sounds insane, but we enjoy it, and this is how I imagined I'd feel doing foster care. They are all adorable, and some days it's hard but I enjoy it.
So for now, that's the update, I'll post plenty of pictures from Seattle.
Now onto my cooking adventure, things are going really well with my cooking goals. I haven't found an apron yet, because I'd rather make one out of a towel. I think that would be cute. Anyway, I have planned out the entire month, and so far, so good. I did cook most of the meat after shopping, so that it would be easier to throw the recipe together. That helps immensly! I saved some chicken and steaks to cook fresh. But, we've tried alot of new dishes, and it's been fun. I think I'll definitely keep going.
Speaking of towel things, I made the girls each a pair of pajama pants out of towels, why you say? Because they are all on swim team and over the winter they'll have their toasty warm pants to wear to the car.. I am quite impressed with myself, I even put an iron on patch of their initial on the bum. The more I sew, the more I see that I'm going to have to buy a serger. No question about it.
My parents and Jim's brother Mike's family all survived hurricaine Ike. My dad said it sounded like a train going by right outside the window, all night long. He said it was awful, but he didnjoy using his chainsaw right away. Mike's family did well also which was a huge relief! Strangely enough, just last month my dad connected the generator to a light switch in the house so all he'd have to do is flip the switch and the entire house had electicity. Great timing!
The girls are enjoying school, swim team, and piano lessons. I am certainly at my limit for activities. And believe it or not, this is a breeze compared to the summer. Now we just need to figure out how to get them to pick up after themselves.
We have 3 foster babies right now, and the girls love it! We have David who is 2, Makayla 1, and Dradin 6 mo. It sounds insane, but we enjoy it, and this is how I imagined I'd feel doing foster care. They are all adorable, and some days it's hard but I enjoy it.
So for now, that's the update, I'll post plenty of pictures from Seattle.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Trip to Utah
This past weekend we went to Utah for Courtney's big weekend. It was so much fun! Courtney Jane Binns is now by the judges stamp, a Binns. But she already was anyway, although it sure is nice to have all that paperwork out of the way. Courtney was sealed to her parents in a beautiful ceremony and then it was party time. We did all kinds of fun things including going to the state capitol. We enjoyed seeing Binns cousins and even playing hide and go seek. It is quite fun when all the adults play too. And the party would not be complete without a cartwheel from David. I had to do a cartwheel too, uh... that was painful. I also got to see my dear friend Kacie who I've known since I was 14. We talked and giggled the whole time just like we'd seen each other yesterday when actually it had been 9 years! It definitely won't be 9 years again. She is family & it is really beautiful to have an "old" bff. You know what I mean! All in all, it was a great weekend.
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