Back Yard Fun

One of the benefits of living next to nowhere is the neat animals we find. On one of our walks Friday night, Vic found this lizard on the trail behind our house. He brought it home for Erik to play with. Erik was so thrilled by this thing, and was sad when we had to let him go at the end of the night. We set him in the garden, and Erik woke up bright and early the next morning and went out to see if he could find him again. No luck.

Seattle Art Museum

Today we had an impromptu visit to the Seattle Art Museum. It really didn't turn out to be as much fun as I had expected. There were about four pieces that Erik liked, but mostly he kept asking when it was time to eat lunch. One piece Erik enjoyed was the floor, because it was kind of like our floor. I think the most fun part of the experience for them both was the bus ride back to Vic's office to catch up with our car. I get nervous riding public transit because you never know who you're going to meet, and I'm always afraid of getting on the wrong bus or missing my stop and ending up in Timbuktu. The whole time Erik was waiting for his sundrops (they're like m&m's) that he could have after lunch. So we ate our lunch on the bus and I told him he had to wait until we got to the car for his candy...which turned out to be a blessing, because those of you who know Erik, can guess what's about to happen. We get in the car and Erik buckles his belt and anxiously waits for his sundrops. As we drive off, he rips the bag open too quickly, sundrops go flying everywhere, and he bursts into loud wails.

But it's always fun to try something new.

Resume

So I've been feeling a little down lately. A little depression mixed with PMS and boredom on top.
So I found this job online that I kind of want, and the guy asked me to send him my resume. I sat down to write it and became so overwhelmed. Bothered by the big 8 year gap in my experience and feeling like I have no skills to offer anyone. I searched the net for inspiration, and after starting, stopping, deleting, and starting again, I started getting into a flow. After reviewing my jobs that I've had and the things I learned from them I started to come up with a list of qualifications. By the time I was finished I started feeling pretty good about myself.

Sometimes it takes a little reflection and tooting (ha,ha) one's own horn to lift you up.

Creativity

This is a shout-out to Rainey from those of us who let our kids dress themselves.

Tricked

Erik has been wanting to try one of these claw machines. As his parents, we talked extensively about how these machines are not set up for you to win. How you will probably put your money in and come out with nothing. As you who know Erik know, years of wisdom and experience mean nothing to him. He insisted. He had to find out for himself. So Sunday morning we went down to Fred Meyer and he had his eight quarters in a cute crocheted purple purse he borrowed from Taryn. I again warned him that this was not a good use of his money. But he picked out his toy, put in four quarters, and got nothing. So he was determined, he put in four more quarters and tried again. This time when he got nothing he burst into tears, loud wails and cries. We had to sit with him, crying and wailing while Taryn finished spending her money in a machine and walking back to the car. Dissappointment is the one emotion I can not handle in a child. It breaks my heart too much.

I guess that's what we get for breaking the sabbath. :)

Erik again

While having a discussion about why Erik threw his sisters clothes all over the floor, he says to me, "Sometimes I lose my temperature, just like you mom."

Sisters

I have debated over the last few days whether or not to blog about Kelli and Kass's trip. For two reasons, 1. they have both already talked about it on their blogs, so it seems redundant. 2. I can't help it from having a sad tone, as I am feeling sad now that they're gone.
Once or twice, or sometimes three times a year I go through a phase where I really struggle with being so far from my family, especially my sisters. Now is one of those times. I am never more myself than when I'm with them. I never laugh as much as when I'm with them. Being with family really fills my spirit.
So it's hard sometimes when they come up here to visit, fill my life with comfort and laughter, and then fly home. It's a bit of a let down for a few days.
But it WAS so great to have them here. We had a lot of fun. If nothing else, I know they love losing at Settlers to me. And Phase 10 for that matter....