Spring is here.

Spring always reminds me of a fresh start to the year. New buds and flowers, new baby birds, and new beginnings. Not to mention my goal to get a raised garden, or two, up and going asap! School has challenged me in that area, as thinking about it and actually getting it done has been a struggle. This is our first Spring in our place, and have had some exciting discoveries of daffodils and hyacinths coming up all over our yard. The girls actually brought me a handful of daffodils the other day, it was so cute. Kali brought me her neat little arrangement of short stemmed ones, then Clara came around the corner with hers, roots, dirt and all! Was too funny. But despite the rain and colder weather, we were able to catch some photos with our daffodils. More would be taken, but my camera is broke, so when it works we take full advantage of it! Photo-ops galore. :)

Crazy, Crazy Busy!

Its been quite awhile since I updated this thing and too much to catch up on. So I think a summary would suffice until I can keep up more diligently on this bad boy. Thankfully Facebook has provided a great outlet for family and friends to keep up with our crazy life.

Most of you know that I quit doing hair, after 9 years, to pursue graphic design. I researched my options and decided going back to get my degree in graphic design was what I really wanted to do. I applied to Mt. Hood Community College back in the summer of 2009. It was a limited entry program, which meant I had to apply and hopefully get accepted. I honestly didn't know too much about the school except it was REALLY far away. I prayed about it and felt that if I was to go to this school that it would happen, and not to dwell on it for the next month of waiting. Welll, that proved hard NOT to do, lol, but I did pretty good actually and when it was about that time that I was suppose to receive my letter of acceptance, I had peace about it. I won't lie and say I wasn't shaking as I opened that letter and not analyzing the thickness of the letter (thin was not a good sign in my book). And it was a thin letter! Oh boy. Then the shaking and sweating of the hands commenced. I really couldn't tell you where the rush of excitement and smiles came from. I had been so laid back about, not worried, and now I was jumping up and down tremendously overjoyed.

Fast forward almost two years later, and I am now gearing up to graduate after this term. Its so surreal right now, it doesn't seem...um, real. Its been a very, very tough road for me getting this degree. A lot of hard work, stress and tears some days, thinking I would never make it. I really didn't think I was going to come back after my first year. I was so completely stressed and worn out. 't was a grueling and intense program, yet very much worth it since now I can say I "did it". I even had several teachers even comment, when they first found out I was a mom, that they couldn't believe I was doing the program. But through this, it gave me a level confidence in myself and my abilities that I never would have gotten otherwise. It has also changed other parts of my life as well. Its definitely a new chapter in my life, one that I feel was meant to be and one I'm still waiting to see what is suppose to happen....but that part I'm not worried about. Its in God's hands.

Dancin Girl

Clara and Her Groove

Zoo Trip.

Zoo Trip with Matt, Amy, Avery and Ethan.

Probably the best trip we've had with the kids.
It was pretty hot that day, but ALL the kids had fun.

Cooling off.

Amy and little Ethan
Clara and her crazy hair.
Clara loved the fish...she tried to "catch" this one.
Funny enough, it was probably as long as her!
Clara chasing a poor little bird. Clara was
determined to catch it too.
kali loved the train.
The kids got great views of the polar bear,
who seemed very social that day.
Front row seats for the polar bear!

Kali was as tall as the Sun Bear.
Dad (next to her) was almost as tall as the
Grizzly Bear
Clara trying to escape the stroller.
Not surprised.

Clara hitchin a ride on dad. What a dad! :)
Clara's thoughts "I...can..almost...see...them!"
Kali and Avery dancing to the music
that was playing in the concert park.
Clara gets in on the dancing too!
Clara and Ethan chill in the shade
the girls got a kick out of the geyser.
A day well spent at the zoo.

4th of July

July 4th Trip

I'm very much past due on this posting. We went up to Everett (north of Seattle) and spent the 4th at Lake McMurray where my Uncle put on a fantastic firework show! It was a very fun trip and we even got to visit Pike's Place Market on our way back. A little on the humid side for Steve though(didn't do so good). But I found a Tully's coffee place AND the 1912 original starbucks...the line was very long, so we didn't stop in...next time. Hopefully we'll be able to go back up soon.

One happy passenger

And another happy one...we're doing good so far!
Spending time with Gma & Gpa Johnson

Playing in Great Grandma's backyard.
That was a treat!

Hanging out and enjoying the view off the deck.

Taken a dip in the Lake

Uncle Mark (in the dark hat/tank) preparing the
fireworks on the dock for the show. It was mostly
done all electronically and to music.

Aunt Cheryl laughing at clara who
discovered ice cubes in her cup.

Playing ball with dad...

then in the sand.

Clara and the dog. The dog was the same size as Clara! LOL

My cousin Jeremy, my dad and my
dad's youngest brother, Dan with
Porsha the dog, hangin.

Clara taken hostage by Aunt Cheryl. ;)

then Clara found happiness with her balloon.

clara and the dog again.

And the fun begins!

kali really liked this one!

Grandpa giving Clara a glow stick. Ooooo! ;)

Kali all smiles...this was before the fireworks.
Then it was Kali under blanket and ears covered.


Three generations of girls!

Clara and her watermelon sandals.

At Pike's Place

Inside

This is where they are known to throw the fish.
Wasn't too much action going on that day, even
for a busy day.

The original Starbucks, est. 1912

Posin' girls..Kali loved her Tully's shake.

Waiting for kali and I.

Going back home. Guess Kali didn't agree. ;)

I don't think Clara cared.
I think in the end, we were all glad to be home
and in our own beds again.