The holidays are over!

December/January are always our whirlwind months, filled with birthdays, holidays, and an anniversary. And if we're not travelling to northern territories (Spokane), we're usually hosting visitors. So forgive me for taking so long to finally gather the courage to make a post.

Karsyn celebrated her 6th birthday in December with a Gymnastics party. The kids all had a great time. And she loves being SIX!


Our good friend, T.C., came to stay a couple of nights and to hunt with Paul. Those two always have such a good time together...it's like boys' camp or something.

Then Paul's parents came to celebrate Christmas with us. We were happy to have them here for about a week. It was a busy week, capped off with a trip to Kansas City's Great Wolf Lodge. The kids had a blast, and so did their parents -- I'd definitely do it again! There was a ton to do in the hotel, so much, in fact, that I hardly got any shopping done at the next door mall! Guess I'll have to make another trip just for shopping!


After the new year, Andrew celebrated his 8th birthday. He chose not to have a party this year, lured by the $100 bill I promised in leiu of a party. Instead, he had his best pal over for a sleepover. (I have a photo of him, but it's still on my camera)

Whew...doesn't seem like much when you put it in writing, but if you consider that all of this happened in less than 4 weeks...

Hope your holidays were happy & filled with friends and family!

Weekend at the Cabin

A friend of mine reminded me that I needed to add a new post, since it's been a while. Thanks, Maricar!

In November, we took a trip out near Concordia to stay the weekend in a cabin. While there, we fought to stay warm, until the last day, when the temps turned quite pleasant. We saw deer, geese, ducks. And while driving around the lake, we discovered that we were minutes from a major Kansas tourist attraction -- The World's Largest Ball of Twine! It was big! Here are a few pictures from the weekend. I tried my best to take some portraits of the kids. These have been played with in my photo-editing software. And I couldn't resist trying for an Ansel Adams-like look with the trees.

Trick Or Treaters

Now for a short blurb about Halloween. Andrew, a.k.a "Ash Ketchum, a Pokemon Trainer" and Karsyn, a.k.a "Cute black kitty". The kids even insisted that their pumpkins match their costumes. Paul helped Andrew design carve a Pikachu (a pokemon character), and Karsyn picked out a black kitty stencil. And he got lots of practice carving pumpkins. Our first set rotted before Halloween, so he carved us new ones the day of.

Backyard Friends

The kids are always finding fun animals/creatures to play with in our yard. We have many caterpillars and butterflies every year. But this year, we discovered quite a few frogs and toads. And most recently, we have had some bunnies. The kids found one in our front flower bed! They're always full of smiles when they're playing with their creatures, so I thought I'd post some photos.

Off to School

Yesterday, we all headed off to school. It was our first day of what will be many chaotic, rush-out-the-door, run-to-the-bus stop days. The kids were both excited and nervous. I, myself, had a little anxiety (and yes, maybe a few tears) sending the baby off to Kindergarten. Waiting for the bus to get home, I paced with anticipation. I couldn't wait to see the kiddos!
Karsyn immediately announced that she had forgotten about her lunch that I had packed for her in the morning, so she ate hot lunch. (something Andrew wouldn't have done) She was very excited about her day, and shared lots of stories. Andrew had a few, but he's a boy of very few words.

As Summer Comes to a Close...

I thought I should recap our summer adventures....

June
I spent most of the month in physical therapy and visiting various doctors for the back issues. No resolution, but I'm optomistic!
The kids went to Zoo camp one week and learned about Apes.

July
We celebrated the fourth on July 1st -- also Paul's birthday. He put on quite the show (trust me, the photo does no justice!)

The very next day, the kids and I started off on our annual trek to Spokane. 3 days, many movies, many fast food drive-throughs, and VERY many rest stops later, we arrived at our destination. The highlight of the roadtrip had to be the motel in Montana with the giant water-slide that fed into a regular motel-sized swimming pool. The kids thought it was hysterical to try to swim up-stream in the pool. And they each shot out of that waterslide like rockets!

While in Spokane, we did our normal touristy stuff with the grandparents. Shopping. Hiking. Children's museum. Chuck E. Cheese. Silverwood. Riverfront Park. And we got lots of family time! We were busy EVERY day of our 2 weeks there. Karsyn even learned how to ride her bike, Thanks to Uncle Aaron -- he's a master at bike-riding instruction, seriously. It only took him 5 minutes to do something that I'd been trying to do for weeks. Here's a few snapshots from the Spokane visit:








We returned at the end of July. Since then, we've had swim lessons, and another Zoo class called "Poop Patrol" -- yes, all about Poo! Andrew even had to dig in some Elephant poo to look for interesting objects! Thankfully he's into science and found it interesting rather than disgusting!

And now, so early in August, we're gearing up for school. Andrew met his 2nd grade teacher this evening, and Karsyn met her Kindergarten teacher. I'm not ready for summer to be over -- but I guess all good things must come to an end.

ONE YEAR GONE!

Unbelievable. Once year gone. One year since I last posted to this here blog. A blog I set up to keep my family & friends updated on everyday life. The intention is always there...it's just the follow-through that I can't do.

So, in the last year, what happened?

Got a cat, Sparkle.
Andrew finished Kindergarten.
Spent some time in Spokane for the summer.
Andrew started first grade, and Karsyn started pre-K.
I went back to work part-time.
Headed up a fundraiser for Andrew's school.
Andrew was a race-car driver for Halloween; Karsyn was Cinderella.
Karsyn turned 5!
Spent the Xmas holidays in Spokane with family.
Andrew turned 7!
Got a dog, Star.
Paul had neck surgery.
Family came to visit.

Doesn't seem all that busy. I guess I could've made time. Or maybe there just wasn't much to write about.

Recapping March

Well, March Madness has come and gone. It was sad to see my team go out early, and none of the teams I had put my $ on did what I had hoped they would. So goes March Madness! I did get the honor of beating Paul in his work's bracket competition, thus earning him the name "Mr. Mandy Forgey". Poor guy! (said with a big grin)

The kids and I took a much needed vacation to Spokane, leaving behind our warm spring weather for the bitter spring cold of the northwest. We had a great visit with family and friends. The kids had their first SKIING experience, which went way better than my own -- no tears from them! I got to hang out at the lodge, drink a couple of beers, chat with my mom, all while the kids took lessons and hit the slopes with my dad. Here's some pictures of them! Aren't those little skis adorable?




And now it is April. Easter has passed. But it seems spring has passed as well! Mother nature has bypassed summer altogether and brought back winter! I'm tired of the cold & wishing it was warm. Guess when I'm complaining about summer temperatures, I can look back on this and be reminded that I had wished for it!

Announcing....the 2006-07 WCC CHAMPIONS!

Oh, yeah! The Zags pulled off a great Tournament win to earn a trip to the BIG DANCE!

Kids Dream Big

So we went to the Circus on Sunday night. Aside from the cost (YIKES!), it was actually a very good show...never know what to expect at these things.

At the end of the show, these two guys (the Extreme Espanas) got on some dirtbike/motorcycles and got inside a giant steel ball. They proceeded to ride their motorcycles inside the ball -- together! And then one of the guy's wife got inside the ball & stood in the middle while these two crazies zoomed around her on their bikes. Andrew, who had been saying "that looks really dangerous" about almost all the acts, turns to me and says, "I LIKE THAT EXTREME STUFF!" Oh, my...am I in trouble!

But, here's more... Karsyn took a fancy to an act where three ladies got on these suspended hoops and did some acrobatics while dangling from the ceiling. The announcer called them the "circus lovelies". She turns to Paul and says that that's what she is going to do when she grows up. Her first career aspiration is to be a Circus Lovely. I am in serious trouble!

WCC Champs!

The Zags did it again, winning the conference championship outright! Last night they had a great performance, with all guys bringing their best to make up for the flu that had struck poor Raivio and Matt Bouldin. Definitely a team effort! What a team! (of course, I'm a little biased)

Check out this stellar dunk from Jeremy Pargo:

Awesome, just Awesome.

Derek Raivio had some big plays Saturday night against USF. In the video, Derek was highlighted as SportsCenter's #4 "Play of the Day" for his beyond half-court shot just seconds before the half-time buzzer. It was one of those on-the-edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting games. Glad the Zags pulled through with a win! Wish them luck for tonight!

Here he is. Derek Raivio. My all-time favorite Gonzaga University bball player.

Isn't he adorable?

(photo taken from www. gozags.com)

See his "Play of the Game" @ http://www.krem.com/sharedcontent/VideoPlayer/videoPlayer.php?vidId=122085&catId=218

Big Fingers!

Raise those proud hands one more time for those Gonzaga boys! They displayed valiant courage against the opposing Memphis team tonight, pushing the game to overtime, and almost winning! Final score has them losing by one, but in my hearts, the Zags won big time. They're a great bunch of guys, with love of the game, pride in their school, and just pure heart! It was a nailbiter of a game.

Thinking of starting a Derek Raivio fan club. He's my fav! I'll have to find a video/pic to post of him. He smiled during the game today...rare, but worth watching for!

GO ZAGS!

Two Things

A friend sent me this in email. Thought I'd post it here.

Two Names You Go By:
1. Mandy
2. Mommy

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. T Shirt
2. My favorite GAP jeans

Two Things You Would Want (or have) in a Relationship:
1.Laughter
2. Romance

Two of Your Favorite Things to do:
1. Scrapbook
2. Quilt

Two Things You Want Very Badly At This Moment:
1. A full body massage
2. Highlights

Two pets you had/have:
1. my husband
2. my kids

Two things you did last night:
1. Watched TV
2. Got up with kids in the middle of the night.

Two things you ate today:
1. Toaster Strudel
2. Low Fat Yogurt

Two people you Last Talked to:
1. Karsyn
2. Andrew

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Running Errands
2. Finishing Valentine Party preparations

Two longest car rides:
1. Topeka to Spokane
2. Roadtrip around the Southern US

Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Fourth of July
2. Christmas

Two favorite beverages:
1. Diet Coke
2. Coffee

Get out those big fingers!

It's time to cheer! Time to rally behind my favorite college basketball team. THE ZAGS! After some unwanted drama this weekend, the team rallied for their 50th victory on home court. What a great bunch of guys! Way to go, team!

They grow up so fast...

Just a couple of stories about the kids that show how fast they're growing up!

* * *

The other day, Karsyn asked (for the 3rd time that day) if she could watch the Naked Brothers Band. I asked her what it was about the show that made her want to watch it over and over. She put her tiny hand up to her chest, patted her heart, and said, "Because my heart tells me." She is completely lovestruck by the young, 6 year old drummer, Alex. "He's just SOOOOO funny!" Uggh...I'm dreading the teen years!

* * *

And yesterday, Andrew woke up at 6:30 am (yes, on a Sunday!) and turned on the t.v. all by himself. Paul, listening from our room, could tell that it was not set on a cartoon channel, so he got up to help. When he went out to offer to change the channel, Andrew said, "Naw. I'm gonna watch SportsCenter. Did you know Texas beat Kansas last night? Oh, hey look, football is coming up next. I'm gonna watch that!" Paul came back to bed with a glazed over look in his eyes. He says to me, "I don't think I've ever been prouder in my whole life!" Yes, at 6 years old, he's taking steps towards manhood.

The story behind the title

SO, one day I was driving around town. Andrew was playing with a light saber behind me, and he kept poking me with it. He says, "Hey, how do you like my big finger? You like it? You can get one of your own...just go to BigFingerdotcom. You can get your own big finger at BigFingerdotcom. "

Ever since then, I've thought if I ever set up my own space on the web, it would have to be called "bigfingerdotcom".