What a great day!

Today it rained, in typical Seattle fashion. Out of the blue, there was a downpour, and did it stop us? Heck no! All of my kids got up and started getting really excited because of the thunder and lightning! What a great day!

Happy 13th Birthday

Can you believe it? Madison has made it to the ripe old age of 13! A child that we have been so lucky to have in our home.

Life has never been dull since Madison joined our family. She came into the world in such a way that people definately knew she was here, and she continues to let people know that she is around. For the last week, Madison has made certain that nobody would forget her birthday, and we didn't! How grateful we are the have such a happy, loving, kind and caring daughter to share our lives with! Happy Birthday Teenager!

Our Chorus

There is nothing quite as soothing to sleep to, as a loud chorus of frogs. Since the weather has been so warm here, in the 70's, we are able to leave our windows open at night. For us, desert dwellers, we are used to hearing the crickets sing us to sleep, not so in Washington. We live backed up to a water storage pond. At night the chorus that sings us to sleep are these lively green animals. Last night it was sooo loud, I almost had to shut the windows! Then I remembered, to relish in the differences that we are able to enjoy here in Washington. Now, if I could persuade the 16 year olds in my house to let Marco and Polo, their tadpoles they collected, go, my house might not be quite so much CHAOS!

It's War!

It's war! The gopher's that have taken over my backyard are going to have to move to another location! I have just mowed my back lawn, and it was a harder workout than I have EVER had to do. I am surprised that I didn't fall down in one of the many little holes these sweet animals have left for me. Any suggestions on how to rid myself of them? I am willing to take any and all suggestions!

Beautiful Sunny Day

I love these beautiful days! The sun starts shining around 4:00, the weather gets a little warmer, not warm enough to be outside tanning of course, and the kids decide that it is time to go outside and play because all of their friends are finally home from school! Who would have thought that this 95* loving woman, would find these June days so wonderful! Just saying.

Congratulations Nikki & Holly!

As many of you are aware, California has finally legalized gay marriage. I am certain that there are a number of you that don't really care, as it has no effect on your lives. This is having a huge impact in our lives, and in the life of one of our children. Nicole Marie Chandler, Jac's oldest daughter and my stepdaughter, is getting married today. She and her partner Holly have been in a committed relationships for 3 years. Together they are raising Nikki's 2 boys in a kind and loving home. I know that this is not the conventional wish for parents, but we couldn't be happier for the two of them. That the love that they share will afford them the rights that Jac and I have, and so many of us take advantage of. I know also, that some of you will be offended that I am supporting this, but I want you to know, that I know that our Heavenly Father loves each of his children unconditionally. It is not for us to judge or be judged by others. My hope for them is simple, that they will be able to live a long and happy life together, with mutual respect, love and understanding, and that they will raise the boys to be upstanding young men. Nikki and Holly Congratulations! We Love You!

We Have Arrived!

Who would have thought! Never would we have thought we could fill up so big of a moving truck with our STUFF! That is right, STUFF! Now, depending on who of this clan you are talking to, it is very important STUFF, but none the less. The STUFF got put in the truck and it made a very long journey to our new land. This has been an adventure, but a fun one. Quinn said it best when he described the new house as "better than Reno", Who could have thought we had moved into a young kids paradise! Quinn is surrounded by boys that are soo thrilled that he has moved here, he is even playing football in the rain! Anyone that has heard me yell for the last year, get outside to play!, will appreciate this. Close by is his forest that has trails for a young adventurer to explore. As for the others, they are liking it just as much. Michael is having a bit of trouble with her directions, but I guess you would call it a learning experience for her also. All of the kids have been enveloped by kids that just want to be their friends. Hallelujah! I will post more with the pictures that I promised later. Keep checking back for more info on the adventure.