Crazy Spuds

We have harvested our odd bunch of spuds and there is barely a normal looking one in the bunch. I'm not sure where they get those perfectly rounded potatos in the bags at the grocery store - they must put them through a strict modification program. Maybe our vegetables are indicitive of the mutants that live in this house . . .

Sten declined to participate in this activity

A Lesson in Culture

The girls went on a field trip to the Symphony today. This is Maren all dressed up in her exquisite fussiness to attend the event. Milah was photographed too, but we don't post pictures of girls with scowls on their faces:(

Season Finale

Since Milah is a soccer fanatic - we re-did her room in a soccer theme. Her team was undefeated this season. Sten informed her that the brand "Adidas" stands for, "All day I dream about soccer" so we need to write that on a wall - it seems rather fitting.

Attacked by Bandits

The kids didn't have school today and we found ourselves with a few extras around here. They decided to dress like bandits this evening among one of many activities. I still hear them up there rearranging the furniture (or so it sounds). I suppose they'll all whine when it's time to rise and shine as we have to be at the soccer field by 8:45.

Jade

Milah

Kylie

Pitiful Parenthood

Hmmm, just the other night Sten knew I was headed to the store and he texted me requesting an item. I was directed to the "shaving" section, and was instructed to purchase a certain razor. Ouch! I don't know if they've ever found a mother sitting on the floor in front of the razors with an empty tissue box in her lap, and a glazed look in her eyes. Once upon a time, when I held that gurgling little towhead in my arms, I never pictured this moment. I'm always grateful when I pass the diaper aisle that I don't have to shop there again, but razors??? It's just one step closer into adulthood and one step further from wiping his nose and sitting on my lap getting "cozy". Boo Hoo from pitiful me.

In other news - Maren came home with a paper full of sentences that she had written that said, "I will follow directions." When questioned a little further about this activity, she responded that "She forgot that she wasn't supposed to talk." I think this frequently "slips" her mind.

Soccer Soccer Soccer

This is Maren's first game and "Coach Weld" was the substitute coach for the day. This pleased Maren tremendously, but she wasn't too thrilled with his "plan" here, as she had to sit out 1 quarter.

Wagging the finger means, "Ball hogs will not be tolerated!"

"We got the spirit, yes we do - we got the spirit, how 'bout you?!"

Don't worry (Great Grandma), the green is just hair spray

We are knee deep in soccer season. Milah has had several games and Maren's first game is this Saturday. Milah has definitely found her niche with soccer - she seems to have natural talent and is quick on her feet. It's not a successful game for Milah unless she's scored most of the goals, and she is never ready for the game to be over.

Milah loves to play forward and Maren loves to play defender. I am anxious to watch Maren in a game - during practice she is intent on getting to the ball, no matter if she is up against a kid three times her size. The coach is in awe at how tough she is.

The Coast Crew

These pics are from Mom's card - she and Dad recently did an RV trip on the Oregon Coast and they ended up here last night- so I stole a peek at her pictures. My Dad is the speck on the bridge trudging back with bakery bag in hand. Scott always says that a road trip with my Dad is simply a stop at one bakery to the next - he says he rolls into town and sniffs the air, which leads him to a back street, and a little shop loaded with trays of sticky rolls and flaky pasteries. I guess we better not poke too much fun - they brought some delicious french bread to compliment our soup.

Newport, Oregon

Last week, Mom and her sisters (Bonnie and Carol) enjoyed some "girl time" in Gold Beach. Did they go shopping? No. Did they go to a spa? No. Did they go fishing? YES! Well, they tried to go fishing, but they came up empty handed.

Mr. Fix-it to the Rescue

Scott was in a frenzy to re-coat the South side of the house before the pending rain, so his new/improved bucket truck sure came in handy. The forecast doesn't look as gloomy now, but at least it's done. I'm looking forward to the rain which will force him inside to finish up a few projects (well, maybe more like a dozen or so). Sten and a friend completed the wood stacking endeavor - so we're ready for some lower temps.

I'll take some guacamole with that

Hmmm, what do you do with an overgrown tomato patch? Make salsa, of course! We didn't do too bad, but I need to wash my hands after cutting those fiery peppers - my lips, my ear, and my cheek are numb. Muy bueno salsa, amigos!

I read an interesting idea for canning salsa online- after it is in the jars, put the lids on and run them through the dishwasher, minus the soap. Apparently this seals the jars just as if you would have processed them? Whadya think?

Scott rented a trackhoe for a month and has put 130 hours on it. I think he dreams up new projects in the night and spends the next day completing them. I'm certain he'll shed a tear when they load it on a trailer and haul it out tomorrow.

A new entrance - I almost drive off the road looking at the improvements. My withered grasses are rootbound and will come to life in a few weeks - they don't look too perky today tho. I planted some Aspens on the backside and am nervous about their invasiveness. We don't want to be pulling them out of our drain field in a few years.

Deep in concentration - trying not to bonk his Dad on the head or knock Mr. J in the water.
Today they constructed a retaining wall in the pond using guard rail that was cut in 7 foot lengths and placed vertically in the water.

Just a little tap to get it to sink in the ground 3 feet.

The dock was used as a barge today. I get to paint the pondside of the guardrail tomorrow - sounds like a job for a prison work crew.

I'm in T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Last week I spent a little time in the girl's classrooms. After school, I mentioned to Maren that her teacher was INCREDIBLE. She informed me today that she had told her teacher that I thought she was HORRIBLE. yowsa! I think the teacher and I will be having a chat tomorrow morning. I'm so glad Maren had innocently informed me of her conversation - allowing me to do some damage control - sounds like I'm going to be the one sitting in the principal's office.

I spoke with her teacher just now and she told me that Maren had given her a big hug and said, "My mom says you're horrible, but I think you're great." I wonder if you can install a filter between the brain and the mouth?

Water Polo

Sten has chosen to play water polo this Fall. It is an intense sport and certainly exciting to watch. We are all a little green on the specifics of the game, but we know that we cheer for #13 in the cute little cap. I remember how those studly football players liked to wear their jerseys at school - I wonder if Sten is going to wear his beanie to class? I haven't played either sport, but it looks to me like the real studs are in the water - whew, that's some hard work!

WOW! Double digits!

Milah had a "kid" birthday party complete with photo shoot. I discovered a photographer on Craigslist that offered to bring fun costumes to your party and then do a mini portrait session. The girls had a blast and although Milah is showing a bit more skin than is decent - I just had to share them. (Ok, Great Grandma?!) I think they had even more fun catching crawdads, salamanders, and swimming tho.

Ahhh, aren't they sweet?

Grumpy Gals

A look of surprise!

Classic Maren -

Back to School!

Maren - blowing me a kiss while leaving. (boo hoo) Today is Maren's first day of 1st grade. (boo hoo) We all know what that means - she is gone ALL DAY. (boo hoo) Anyone that knows Maren, would know that she is an extremely loving child but can also be quite (ahem) challenging. I told Scott that it feels like we should be paying someone to have her for the entire day! (sniff sniff)

Milah has not been too eager to do her own hair - but she came downstairs on the first day of school with her hair fixed. We call this the "Marcia Brady" do - she is very excited for school to start and has had her supplies neatly organized for weeks.

I'm pretty sure that Scott is singing a "Back to School" tune in this picture - Maren and I went shopping and she just HAD to have that poncho -


This is what a high schooler looks like . . . I had to beg him for this one picture and he wouldn't let me kiss him goodbye - hmph!