HUGE relief

It's Oregon dream-time! Sunshine, mid-70's, tulips and daffodils, and fresh cross breeze through open windows. The hope of spring. I know it won't last. Yet. The reason? I pulled out the box labeled, "Summer Clothes." I know I shouldn't have done it. But there are t-shirts that I haven't seen for 6 months just begging to be worn. Skin, that needs to be in different clothes, just waiting to be warmed (and turn even just a hint less pale.) So I did it. Yes, I take full responsibility for the next rainy day. But I couldn't defer my gratification.

I rolled the box from under the bed. Opened the lid and saw my favorite pants packed on top. Not even wrinkled. I must have planned ahead when packing and KNEW these would be the ones I would wear first. I slipped them on . . .and the were too tight. AGH! These clothes could not have "shrunk" over the winter. They had no dryer action. It was the depressing truth. No more denial. Instead, I less gleefully reached for a skirt--with elastic--while recollecting all the days I did not go to the gym.

A couple of hours went by (with a new found appreciation for walking Spock) and I had a little brainstorm. "Maybe those were the pants that I outgrew 3 summers ago and saved because I am going to loose a few pounds." I quickly dug deeper and found my beloved pants. And they do fit! I guess I am not destined to an entire summer of elastic after all.

Today

I think today is the kids' 3rd favorite "holiday." There is much planning and scheming all in the hopes to pull the perfect prank. However, they are still working out the correct proportions of believability and presentation. Skills. It's all about the April Fool's mad skills.

Even in my heightened awareness of the mumblings of youth, I still fall for things. Slade woke up this morning and started the day like any other day. Until he came rushing back upstairs, turned on the light and said, "Heidi, the basement is flooded!" So much for my warm cocoon, I was out of bed ready to save all my equipment and supplies. Once I was out, he reveled in his success. That darn Oregon rain makes such a prank believable.

One day I'll get him. And I am so ready for some sunshine!

Easy Rider

A few months ago I told Slade that I would forever be happy on Buttercup, the smallest lift at Mt. Hood Meadows. Well, I am proud to announce I actually moved beyond that today! (I think deep down he knew that I would graduate to larger slopes so he gave me time and space and just let me do it on my own.) I still struggle with the toe side of things. And my right leg (and heel) definitely does way more work than my left (ouch!).

Now I know why people risk life and limb. Simply put, it's fun!

Computer Skills

Slade and the kids went to see "Coraline" but I opted to stay home with my new B/F/F (Kennah has entered this abbreviation stage of life), my nifty, blazing-fast computer. I edited and posted 5 shoots today and was going to start burning back-up disks before moving on to some designing some other files.

That is, until my computer froze (and I am afraid, crashed.) AGH! This computer, with built-in back ups so I'd never loose anything again, did just that. And on my first official day of using it.

I feel like the Titanic, just when it hit the iceberg. All I want to do it get caught up. But it feels like I am sinking.

the perfect day

It's snowing! I thought it was just a fluke as the kids left to catch the school bus this morning. But, the flakes have picked up.

Ahhh, it's the setting for my ideal day! The peacefulness of falling snow. The stillness of an empty house. The lack of any commitments anywhere but my desk. Whipping cream in the refrigerator for a toasty hot cocoa treat. And a new, super fast computer (with all my programs and prefernces loaded) that will help me get all caught up. It's everything this girl could ask for.

Excuse this "fair weather" blogger. I've got things to do and nowhere to go!

Princess' birthday

Families have their own "pet" names. (I don't mean it as in animal names--terms of endearment.) Babe, hun, dear, kiddos, etc. Some are new concoctions that develop as life unfolds. I call my girls, "Sweetie." Others are throwbacks to the old days. My mom called me, "Punkin."

Friday night as we sang "Happy Birthday" to Jenni, I heard a new name emerge. Dominic had been practicing a special version just for her. Every time we sang, "HBD to you," there was a quiet, but definite, "Princess" heard across the table.

I couldn't help but smile at the sweetness that this little boy feels his mother deserves princess status! What a lucky mom!

Saved? by the bell

At the beginning of the year I saw these bells advertised. Cute little bells on cute little ribbon. Their purpose? To "potty train" your dog. Every time Spock is taken outside, we repeat the exact phrase, "Outside. Ring the bells." And then give them a little jingle. "My dog was trained in one week!" the woman boasted.

I thought it was brilliant. A way for Spock to communicate with the kids to let them know he has to do his deed. We've had it two months. Never has Spock nudged it.

That is until last Saturday, when all the kids were outside and he desperately wanted to be with them. Slade and I were talking and we hear the very CLEAR sound of bells. We looked over and sure enough, Spock is standing at the door. He finally did it. And since he did, we felt obliged to take him outside.

And he's done it since then. Mulitple times a day. Yes, DAY--when I am home. I am now at the bekoned call of a little dog.

Talk about a plan backfiring!