Perspective

Today is the day we start emptying out the house. Boxes have been packed and soon they will be hiding in a storage unit, ostracized from their pals. As if they had feelings. Too bad they couldn't sprout legs and march themselves up the road and move themselves into the storage unit.

As we packed some boxes a few nights ago, Sawyer said, "I don't remember moving being this hard."

Funny because at the same time, with the kids' fabulous help, I was thinking, "I don't remember why I thought moving was so hard."

I guess it's all a matter of perspective.

"Sushine in the morning makes me happy"

Chalk off another item I've wanted to do for a very long time. Painting our mud room.

It WAS light blue--like the bathroom. And a bedroom. And another bedroom. (C'mon folks, a little variety would be nice!?) So, after living there for 4 years, I searched mistint paints at two Home Depot, Sherwin Williams and Fred Meyer, and found a wonderful, warm buttery yellow paint-similar to Avy's old bedroom. (C'mon Heidi, a little variety would be nice.)

Then I painted the trim black. Yes, BLACK! And I love it! Although my eyes still see the trim blue. But nothing that a black rug will fix. So now my (clean) kitchen looks like it has a little sister, not a reject appendage tagging along for kicks.

I think I'll play John Denver in there this afternoon when I get home and admire it some more.

The Big Easy

In news of the week at the Watts' Homefront, we are putting our house on the market. Three weeks ago, we had absolutely NO inkling to move. Then we had a hairbrained idea and next thing you know, we are listing. It wasn't an easy or rash choice. And part of us will not be sad if the house doesn't get lookers. We love the home, the view and the endless possibilities for fixing it up.



So, I have begun the quick, but deep, cleaning and de-cluttering to make it show ready. (Even THAT in itself is a good reason to list a home--all the projects that can be put off have an up front and center due date.)


Yesterday I worked on the kitchen. It looks marvelous to me. All the cupboards are clean, dishes we never use are gone and it sparkles. (But I think that is stuff that only I would notice, Slade had kept it clean long before I came along.)



I'd tried the "self clean" oven latch but it was not working. Darn, I'd have do use the elbow grease version. I skeptically bought oven cleaner. Slade applied the foam last night and this morning, all I had to do was wipe away the foam. Lots of foam, but it was SO easy! Why did I think it would be hard? Why didn't I do it 3 years ago? I have a new love . . .

Wish List Season

This weekend, out of the blue, Avy came barreling upstairs excitedly yelling that she knew what she wanted for Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocsxKZg5LGs

This is no joke. She is completely serious. Every few hours, she'd bring the subject back up. We even heard her talking to herself about it, "When I get the H2O Mop, I can clean this . . ."

I guess I can't complain if the girl finally has caught the cleanliness vision.

Momma's Toy & Buster

Yesterday I had a shoot in Richland, WA. Since I was driving right by Corbett, I stopped to meet Lotte's new family member, Buster.

He was like a blast from my childhood. I can't help but think those little wiener dogs are cute. My kids would love one, but I am armed and ready with all my reasons not to get a dog.

But this dog was not a yapper and didn't even run away from home, even with the door open. Other than the poo, the hair and responsibility of keeping something alive, my kids' odds slightly improved. Cute little Buster.

The girls loved him. I know my kiddos would love one. I did hear a good pro this week: just getting the kids out and moving more. Hmmmm . . .

While there I tried out a new toy. A fish eye lens. It distorts things to the extreme. Sometimes that is good to see more of the surroundings or intentionally distort things to bring attention to a particular feature or item.

Sophie was standing right in front of me, but look how tiny her feet are. That green tomato is larger than life.

Or how the flat lawn looks round. It reminds me of a mini planet. Truly, this is Buster's WORLD.

And I love how it makes me want to squeeze Jordan's little rolls even more! Yummy baby fat. Soon enough it will be gone, so pump it up.

The Perfect Birthday

Today Kennah is 9 years old! She has had a flawless weekend of partying, friends and FAMILY! It was an absolute delight to have so many of our family members celebrate. We enjoyed having those we love so much share a few hours with our "little" girl.

All on her own, Avy made this wonderful sign to round out (and only) decorations for the evening. In the hurry to get everything done yesterday, I neglected the work that she did. What a great little sister!

Grami made a delicious and beautiful cake. "Vanilla with vanilla," the birthday girl's request.

And the best part--no tempting leftovers! It was devoured by this group. MMMMM...

Music was in the air . . .

. . . and will be in the next few years, as Kennah puts her new guitar to use!

Let's hear it for the beauty of September and the IDEAL weather in Oregon. The kids played outside. Dominic's expression could tell a million stories.

Reevkah sampled Sam's latest creation and hobby--bottling his own sodas.

Je dors, mais mon coeur veille

I do not speak French. But I sure love HEARING it. I wish I could hear that phrase spoken, because translated it is beautiful:

“I am sleeping, but my heart keeps watch.”

Isn't it a peaceful, yet actively present statement?

The PERFECT years!

Kennah had her birthday party last night.

We seem to have entered the phase of slumber parties. It seems too good to be true to have HER make invitations, bake some pizzas and a cake, buy candles and PRESTO, a party. (Sadly, I do miss the days planning themed parties, they were always so fun. But a lot of work, as Slade will quickly point out.)

Slade and I enjoyed kicking back (literally), hanging with the girls.

Once the suger kicked in, the giggles were non-stop. That is a sound that someone should market.

Wonder how Slade held up by the end of the night?

Just a little over the top--such the exaggerator!

Office Mate

Since leaving the hospital, I have often commented on how I miss the interactions of co-workers. There is something to be said for sharing ideas and collaberating on things. Instead of being on the clock, I have to rope people into talking "shop" when around me. (Sorry to all those who don't want to--just tell me and I'll stop.)

But last week a warm blooded being showed up and was willing to be involved. Very persistant, too. Not a big talker, but supportive, non the less.

But he has already moved on. So much for my morning salutations.

I Fought "The Man" . . .and won!

Slade thought I was wasting my time to appeal the denial of insurance coverage for Sawyer's growth hormones. And by the end of the day yesterday I began to think he was right.

But who else was going to advocate for my son?

This morning after passing through security, not being left alone in their building, being assured no one had no prior knowledge of the situation I met with a panel of 6 reviewers. I faked as much confidence as I could and read my prepared speech.

They asked me questions (wait, this wasn't supposed to be interactive.) "There is a lapse in data from your doctor. Why is that?" Happily I replied, "Your plans don't cover wellness check ups. We had him measured any time we were there for another concern." (But, hey, I thought you didn't know anything about the case?)

After being politely escorted from the building, I left still nervous.

But by the time I returned to my office, the decision had been made. . . APPROVED!! (That is for 21 days until we switch insurance providers. But that is not the point.)

So, the moral of the story is "ignore your husband's advice." Just kidding.

FIGHT FOR YOUR KIDS--NO ONE ELSE WILL!

Insurance "Appeal"

I have to preface this blog with three facts:

1. I am thankful that my kids are healthy.

2. I am thankful Slade has a job.

3. I am thankful Slade's job offers him health insurance.

With that said, I want to vent a little about the ridiculous racket, some may choose to call "insurance." In January we began to pursue growth hormone for Sawyer. He was tested and and his doctor diagnosed him with a deficiency due to the fact that:

1. The 3 hormone levels that produce growth hormone are, in FACT, low.

2. An MRI showed that, in FACT, his pituitary gland (which produces above stated low hormones) measures smaller than normal. (Perhaps that would explain the low hormones?)

3. He is at the 5th percentile in height (which is the exact cut off for the diagnosis). Never mind that his father is ABOVE the 100th% which may explain WHY he is at the 5th% rather than a smaller percent. (Either way, he is not in line with his genetics. Oh, yeah, that's because he has a defeciency.)


The insurance denied the claim. We expected that. Who wants to pay $1500/mo for the next 10 years?

A third party company represented us due to the fact that insurance companies deny it on a regular basis. Claim . . . still denied.

Our doctor wrote a clear letter appealing the decision. He stated he was so certain that Sawyer's diagnosis is correct that he'd be willing to have other endocrinologists review the case.

Insurance denied THAT appeal.

But not to worry, THEY (BCBS) will review THEIR previous decision with more of THEIR employees who represent THAT company?

Does this seem strange to anyone besides me? Where is the neutrality? Where is the independent interest? Who is advocating for us? What knowledge do they have? Where is the other specialist our doctor asked to review the case?

It is so frustrating because, although it is evident to the doctor and to us, the insurance can hide behind their numbers and avoid paying for the VERY thing that insurance is supposed to pay--medical NEEDS!

ARGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!

It makes me want to call Michael Moore . . .

Soccer Boys

Slade and Sawyer have kicked off the soccer season. Slade is a great coach and many of the same boys return to his team each year. (At half time they started kicking with their left feet to give even out the skills in the game.)

Soccer Girl

Today was the first official soccer game of the season. Avy has improved much, which is so fun to see. (#13)













But, she still enjoys her sideline time.













It's always a question of which she enjoys more.

Back to School

After a fun summer of spontaneity, relaxing (and a fair share of working), turning a cold shoulder to bedtimes and not caring who catches the early worm, organization and schedules have re-entered our lives.

Slade gets up first at 5:35. He heads to the kitchen and makes breakfast and lunches.
Heidi showers at 5:44.
Sawyer showers at 6:00.
Kennah and Avy roll out of bed at 6:10.
Slade rides his (well, Joel's) bike to work at 6:40.
The kids leave for the bust stop at 6:48.
Heidi follows up on the bus stop at 6:58.

Ahh, for those of us that like order, it is a little slice of heaven.

By the look of it, the kids are happy to be back as well.

A+ Advertising

I love advertising. I am entertained guessing who the target audience is in situations. "Just why are they saying THAT?" "What would they change if the market was different?" Just some of my commercial musings. And I love it! Superbowl ads, something I look forward to each year. Call me a nerd, but after all, I do have a communications minor.

This week the kids, while in the car listening to NPR (OK, I can't blame the comm minor on that habit) started a discussion that eventually ended up centered around the word "elite." I gave a decent definition and was mentally patting myself on the shoulder for loving the my kids' maturing minds. Sawyer, wanting to clarify the meaning, and perhaps show off two extra years of knowledge said, "I know what 'elite' means. . . the Army."

I knew I shouldn't laugh when he was so darn serious, but I was so amused that the Army has successfully advertised to my TEN year old son. Is he really their target audience? He certainly "got" the message. Loud and clear.