Motorcycle Show

Jeremy has a passion for motorcycles...on and off road. And one of the ways he celebrates it is to attend the Seattle Motorcycle show every year in December. I've been a few times, but don't enjoy it as much as he does. So, for the last few years, he's gone with his brother Josh and Derick. They have a good time hanging out and talking with the other motor heads at the event. There's usually a stunt show and lots of machines to check out. Derick does his best to sit on every motorcycle he can get to. He gets pretty excited about each one too.

Just for fun, here's a few pics from years past:

It's good Daddy and Derick time....and I get a chunk of testosterone-free time out of it too.

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

Like many families, the holidays bring a mixed bag of feelings. There's lots of love, some joy, some sadness, some fear, and some dread. It's hard to stay focused on what's important and positive. Jeremy and I are working off of our tightest budget we've ever had. It's tough. And totally do-able. I keep reminding both of us that Christmas is not about how many presents are under the tree, but about the feelings, the love, and the togetherness we feel when we exchange those gifts. We both want to provide fun and lasting memories for our children, similar to what we remember from our childhood.

One of our favorite family traditions is to start off the holiday season by going to the Ivar's Clam Lights at Coulon park. I love Christmas lights....it's something I got from my mother. And Renton does the park up with an amazing amount of lights. There's holiday entertainment, Santa with candy canes, horse drawn waggon rides, Christmas carols by the fire, and the Christmas ships cruise by the waterfront all decked out in lights. The four of us bundled up and enjoyed the spectacle. It was *just* the thing to get us in the right mood for the holidays.

Darla is walking

So, I'm quite behind on actually blogging about this. Darla started walking shortly after her 1st birthday. She took her first steps on Tuesday, November 17th at our weekly dinner in Shoreline. My Dad was able to capture the moment on film.

Since then, she's been walking better/faster/more often every day. The smile on her face as she staggers toward me is full of excitement, pride, and joy. Ah, freedom!!

It won't be long before she's able to keep up with the boys.

My Thanksgiving Prayer

Mother, Father, Spirit within;

I want to thank you for the amazing man with whom I am sharing this lifetime as partners. He lights my fire, warms my heart, and challenges my brain. Thank you for the handsome little boy who's creative mind and busy feet keep me on my toes. He gives the best bear hugs a mother could ask for. Thank you for the beautiful little girl who's smile radiates into my soul. Watching her explore the world brings me such joy. Thank you for the supportive family, and the rich circle of friends that surround us. Thank you for the roof over our heads and the food on our table. But, most of all, thank you for living inside my heart. Thank you for helping me shine my light and be the best me for all to see.

To all the wonderful people who read my blog: Many blessings to you on this beautiful day of thanks.

Darla turns one

Our precious little girl has turned one year old!!! Friday the 13th was the official day. What fun that she and I both are born on the 13th of the month. I love that little connection with my girl. We just had her one year appointment today, and she's right on track. She measured in at 29 1/2 inches tall and 21 lbs. The Doctor said her growth has slowed down a little bit since her last appointment, and we suspect that is due to her flat refusal to eat anything off of a spoon. For months now, even if it's something we know she likes, she won't touch it if presented on a spoon or fork. So, I'm getting re-familiarized with finger foods. But, she's still in the 75% for weight, so I'm not worried.

We recently upgraded Derick to a booster car seat so we could move Darla into his convertible seat. It fits her much better than the infant seat and will continue to grow with her. I think they both like the change. Jeremy and I feel better about it too.

Darla's personality is starting to really shine through. She is such a clown when she's with people she knows.....she loves to play peek-a-boo and chase games. Usually, I only get to actually chase her for a couple of steps before she turns around and heads right back at me, giggling the whole way. Just in the last two weeks, she is starting to show affection too. She gave her cousin Cooper a BIG hug the other night, and he didn't even know it was happening until it was over. She will also lean in for kisses, and gave a big one to Derick this morning without prompting from either of us. I almost cried, I was so touched. I love watching Derick and Darla interact.

Darla is not walking, yet. But it's coming so very soon. We catch her standing without holding something frequently, and as soon as she realizes it, she drops to the floor. Once she gets her confidence going, there will be no stopping her! She is a master at cruising, though, and can get around really fast when she wants.

She's been growing teeth like crazy.....3 new ones in the last month. She now has 7 total; 4 on top and 3 on the bottom. Needless to say, we've been going through the Motrin like it's water.

In my earlier posts, I mentioned her new found love for books. And that continues to grow. She received some really great books for her birthday and is totally enjoying them. It's alot of fun to sit with her and read now. I'm so glad that both of my children enjoy books, as I do.

Jeremy, Derick and I are really enjoying our little lady. One year has passed since she joined our family and I don't think we could imagine our lives without her now. Happy Birthday, Darla!

Funny Conversations with a 3 year old

Derick and I have all kinds of funny conversations. It usually starts with me trying to answer questions and explain the life around us. I don't always remember them well enough to tell them, but this one I had to write down.

On Tuesday (11-10) afternoon, we were in the car headed up to Shoreline for our weekly dinner with my parents. I hear a quick intake of air from behind me.

Me: Derick, are you ok?
Derick: I swallowed my gum.
Me: It's ok. You'll just poop it out.
Derick: What??
Me: You'll just poop it out, honey.
Derick: What??
Me: The gum will go from your tummy through your intestines and eventually you will poop it out.
Derick: (after a pause) In my pants??
Me: (Laughing) No, not right now! It will come out the next time you go potty in the toilet.

Proud Auntie!!

I am so excited to welcome the newest member of our family to life on the outside. Sydney Sommers Kunz was born today, at 7:30am. She weighs 7 lbs, 2 oz and is 20 1/2 inches long. Everyone is healthy and doing well.

We are so blessed! Cooper and Derick are becoming good friends and I have the same wish for the girls. Darla and Sydney will be almost exactly one year apart. I am imagining all the fun princess parties to come. Another fun note for you number people: All of Jodi and I's children have been born on consecutive days. Sydney: 11th, Cooper: 12th, Darla: 13th, Derick: 14th. Different months and years, of course!

So, Congratulations Kunz family! Welcome to the world, Sydney! We are so happy to have you join our circle of love.

Boo!

Halloween has come and gone already. With a sick computer, (and a sick family) it's been difficult to update with pictures. But, I was able to rescue some pics today while operating in safe mode.

We carved pumpkins with the family, had a costume party at Derick's preschool, went to the Renton Mom's Group Halloween Carnival, and did some trick-or-treating in our neighborhood with some family. Here's some of my favorites from the holiday.

Darla and I picking out pumpkins.

Jeremy's pumpkin.

Jeremy helping Derick carve his OWN pumpkin this year.

Derick's dragon costume.

Renton Mom's Group Halloween Carnival

My computer blue screened in the middle of downloading this shot. But it was my BEST one of this pose. Now it's my only one....so I should be thankful. Darla, Derick, and Jewel: Cute Cousins!

Ashley, Tim, and Lucas came by for some trick or treating and a visit. It was good to see them.

Darla has discovered books!

Up until now, books have been like most other toys, something to chew on. But in the last week, Ms Darla has discovered the story inside. She loves to turn the pages and will point to the pictures, waiting for us to respond in some way. Currently, her favorites seem to be farm books. Anything with animals keeps her interest. She likes to hear the sounds we make when she points to an animal on the page. Some days, she can be quite obsessive about them. There are only so many times mommy can go through, "The Big Red Barn" before tiring of it. But, I do my best to appease her because I want her desire to read to continue to grow. Bring on the books!

Field Trip to Kelsey Creek Farm

Last Thursday, we went with Derick on his first field trip with his preschool, Pied Piper. The class got to visit Kelsey Creek Farm, in Bellevue. It was a beautiful day and Daddy took the day off from work to join us. It was nice to have all of us together for the fun. Derick was surprisingly a little shy and cautious on the trip. He was too scared to pet the pony and rooster, but got into helping Farmer Jayne make clean beds for the animals in the barn. Leave it to my kid to enjoy the tools! We had fun exploring a little after the program and found a pile of leaves to play in. Derick got to pick out his own pumpkin to bring home. He's quite proud and ready to carve it tomorrow night with the family.




Our friend, Clarissa, was taking our family photo after the farm visit. Derick was not in the mood for any more photos, but Darla was showing her emerging fun personality. Check out this sequence of photos and the HUGE grin on her adorable face!

Lighthouse

I am a lighthouse. Strong, sturdy, standing the tests of wind and sea. I stand as a beacon, a welcome sight for travelers. Warm shelter awaits my shores. I also stand as a warning, danger lurks in the waters nearby. Rocks, surf, and sand.

Today I weather the storms with calmness. I am a pillar of strength and might. But, there have been recent storms that are taking their toll. Chipping away at the weak spots in my tower. Finding those loose stones and casting them away from me. I can feel the slow eking of my energy through the cracks.

It is time for some repairs. Patch jobs will not hold the coming onslaught. The winter will be a long, slow climb from shabby run-down to beauty, strength, and light. I am built to last.

Camping in the Olympic National Park

Jeremy and I LOVE the fall. It's one of our favorite seasons. And after getting married, we decided to go on an annual camping trip around the Columbus Day holiday. In years past, we've explored the Oregon Coast and Sandlake/Honeyman ATV parks; Long beach and Cape Disappointment; and Lake Quinault & Kalaloch.

This year, we decided to go to Sequim and Port Angeles. We camped in the Olympic National Park; at the base of the road to Hurricane Ridge. The camp ground was called Heart O' the Hills, and it was aptly named. We drove about 5 miles up into the hills from the Visitors Center to get there. It was BEAUTIFUL!! The fall colors along the road were glowing with pretty sunlight. The mossy trees were full of green. The campsites were a little smaller than we are used to in the State parks. But, we were able to find one that was close to the bathrooms and had plenty of room for us. Behind our campsite was a glorious natural playground. There were lots of downed trees and old growth forest for us to explore. It was perfect.

We spent 3 nights and 4 days in the area, cutting our trip short by just one night. We visited Hurricane Ridge, Sol Duc Hot springs, and the Dungeness/Sequim area. We cooked great meals, roasted marshmallows, and cuddled up under the covers at night. The only big blemish on the weekend was Jeremy's lumberjack accident. He was trying to split a branch from a fallen tree, when it snapped and sprang back up into his face. It hit him just above his eye, scraping and cutting the skin open. It also hit his nose and gave him a black eye. It was a scary moment for us, as we assessed the damage. The good news: his eye is fine and the rest of it will heal. No stitches needed. It was a good lesson for the whole family about safety.

I knew going out there, that it would be cold, especially at night. So, I packed lots of warm clothes and blankets for the family. However, it turned out to be A LOT colder than we expected. Clear nights in the mountain hills makes for some COLD sleeping experiences. Jeremy and I could handle it, but keeping the kids warm and happy proved to be more challenging. Derick was most affected, and was more verbal about it than Darla. After two freezing nights, and lots of whining, we stopped at a sporting goods store and purchased a portable heater. It took the brittle chill out of the air, which helped.

Overall, it was a fun trip. We got to see some amazing scenery. The views from Hurricane Ridge reminded us of Paradise on Mount Rainier. Beautiful. The Sol Duc hot springs was interesting, and it gave us a chance to shower and clean up-mid trip. We didn't spend alot of time at Dungeness, but decided we'd come back another time to explore it when our children were better hikers. Derick enjoyed our visit to the Olympic Game Farm alot. He kept asking to see more animals.




We look forward to making more camping memories and hopefully teaching our children about the beautiful area we get to call our home.

The new, old me

Today I had my second counseling appointment. What an amazing experience. It's so helpful to me, to sit with someone who knows nothing of who I am, and share. I had two big AH HA! moments today. I am gaining insights into what may have contributed to my depression. Over the last week, I've been noticing myself coming alive again. It's almost like an awaking. It's like the depression was this thick fog, and I was lost in it. Now, I have energy to do things that I want; like gardening and swimming. I'm wanting to connect with my husband and my friends again, and I'm thinking about old loves like massage, energy work, and using oils in my everyday life. After marriage and kids, I've changed. Yet, the heart that beats within, is still me. I have to learn how to enjoy my interests and be a mom and wife. So, it's about balance, and finding the right balance for me and my family. I'm excited. Giddy almost. It's a little like going on a first date with myself. What will I learn next?