My TWO Minutes of Fame...

A few weeks ago my friend Julie got cold feet and asked me to take her place in shooting a informative commercial. I was to ask a few questions while Clyde Haase a well known Landscape Architect shared his "Landscape" knowledge with viewers. So Beth, you will have to let me know if he knows his stuff. He seemed very interested in you when I told him I have a friend who is a Landscape Architect. When I could tell he was hinting to make a job offer I told him your husband already keeps you busier than you would like be. I sure had fun! Thanks Julie for the opportunity! I think she is really getting to know me & my LOVE to be in the "Limelight".
Okay, I have a confession...it's not really my yard Maggie! Be sure to click on the link BELOW!

http://www.housetohometv.com/segments/watch/17/winter-preparation/


http://www.haaselandscape.com/ more about HAASE

Prized Pumkins!

Every year for the past three years Grandpa has planted pumpkin's for each of our kids. He uses those "special" giant pumpkin seeds. It is always exciting to see whose will grow the biggest. Last year it was Justin & this years winner is...ASHLEY! Although, she seems to care less of the size. Her brothers on the other hand, do care about the size. The BIGGER...the better! Jacob was again, very disappointed. This year the kids planted their own pumpkin's themselves when they had their first overnight er with grandpa. This happed to be the time last spring, when mom & dad enjoyed a night w/o kids on a quick "Business" trip to Seattle! WOW, that was fun! We even squeezed in a Mariners game. On the way to the game we stopped at McCormick & Schmick's. I can still remember the wonderful seafood we ate there...& oh, the mixed drinks as well! Got to do that again soon!!!!

Yes...again

Last week I let Justin cut class to join Ashley & me for our annual CO-OP Green Bluff field trip. This years trip took place at Hidden Acres. We filled up on apples (oops, there was suppose to be a limit of 1 apple per kid) & picked out a pumpkin. We also enjoyed a hay ride under the sun accompanied by a breeze. Oh yeah, the corn maze was also a hit! Followed with a flavorless donut & some tasty cider that the bee's REALLY wanted to taste. It was all GOOD!

Green Bluff & more...

Last weekend we went on our annual Green bluff adventure! This year's trip included some blackberry picking and of course our second annal Townsend Winery stop. Man, that winery stop sure helps make this trip a hit for mom & dad! And then off to Siemers to get some pumpkins & apples. This year the carnivores in us could not resist the smell of BBQ in the air & we stopped for a plate of meat to share. Finally, we stopped at Knapp's Farm for some blackberry picking. I wonder how much they would have charged us for the blackberries if they would have weighed us on they way in? After our tummies were stuffed & hands were stained with berries we headed home where mom made her first batch of FREEZER jam! YUMMYMMMMY!

Jacob turns 9...

Jacob celebrated his 9th birthday just two weeks ago. He decided months ago to just invite a friend or two and do something fun. Well, he decided to invite his best friend to the fair with our family. They have been best friends since their first day of the first grade. We had a GREAT time together. You would think we saved $ by doing it this way but that would be incorrect. It seems that the old dollar does not go far at the fair these days. Those fancy little wrist bands that get you endless rides, comes with a price. A HUGE price. We had cake, ice cream, prizes & pizza before we left.Yes, in that order. We decided to do the cake first. That was a hit. So who said you have to have a BIG bash to have fun. This was by far the smallest number of guests Jacob has ever had for his birthday & probably the most memorable.

A teachers tale...

Today Justin's teacher came over to me to share a conversation she had with him a few days ago. She senses my nervous response & assures me it's okay. She tells her story...the other day she paused & looked at my son. She said "What is your name...no let me guess. It's JUSTINE, correct?". He replies "No". The teacher then responds with a confused expression. She ponders & thinks a bit. She throws some other names through her thoughts. She finally replies "Oh, well what is your name?". He replies with "just Justin". She thought is was so cute & I agree. I have so many of these moments I could probably start a separate blog & title it as, "kids say the cutest things".

Passing the time...

Oh, quiet day...

Today was the first day of school. The first time both Jacob & Justin were students together at Hamblen! We are so excited that Justin has the same Kindergarten teacher that Jacob had three years ago! Mrs. Mattox is the best! Jacob is now in the THIRD grade. I can't believe it! His teacher is Mrs. Onstot. We are excited for a new school year.