Just Because...

she is such a great kitty!

Mole Part 2

Chris wanted an up close and personal picture of his 'friend'. 

Hearts and Crafts

Chris came home early Friday sick.  Chills, fever, aches.  Not good.  So while he was quarantined in the bedroom Emily and I focused on some Valentine Day crafts. 

 

 

One Less Mole...

 

Most of you probably know that we had a big mole problem this summer.  Think of Bill Murray in Caddyshack and you had Chris.  It was an obsession and frustrating and ultimately we had to have a mole service come out and help.  So  you can imagine Chris's state of mind when a mole hill popped up again.  So we purchased the same traps that the mole service used and guess what...Chris caught one.  I didn't want to get too close but under the trap is a dead mole.  Sorry animal activist but what is the purpose of a mole?

 

Meet Spike

Introducing Spike, our new fish!

 

R.I.P.

May he rest in peace our beloved Barnacles.  A sad day yesterday...our beta fish died.  Of course Emily shed tears but it was a surprise that I felt sad too.  I cared, fed and cleaned his tank for 3 years!  Off to the pet store today....Emily is already thinking of names for her new fish.

Papa Bike

Happy birthday to Papa Bike!  Enjoy your special day.

Announcing....

Justice Schaller!  As in one of my best friends is the 31st Superior Court Judge in Thurston County Superior Court.  It was such a honor and an amazing experience to witness the swearing in ceremony of Chrissy.  In her professional career she is Justice Christine Schaller but to me she will always be Chrissy. 



I love this picture.  And not for the obvious reason.  For the fact that Chrissy is first and foremost a Mom.  Edward wasn't sure of what to make of the swearing in ceremony.  And all he wanted was his Mom.  We teased Chrissy that Edward is now sworn in as an elected official too!
 

After she was robed, Chrissy spoke.  She is such an eloquent and concise speaker.  My favorite part was her talking of her late father, Ed Schaller.

The girls with Judge Schaller.  Karla, Jen, Chrissy, Jamee and me.  It was awesome that Jen flew up from San Diego to witness this event!

We got Chrissy a beautiful custom made brooch.  It's hard to see in the picture but the brooch has three charms.  One is a red jewel (she loves red).  One is a gavel.  One is a peacock which stand for integrity.  We also got her a print with a quote from Abraham Lincoln which states "Be sure you put your feet in the right place then stand firm".

Step Right Up...

and place your order for GIRL SCOUT cookies!  It's official.  January 11th 2013 kicks off pre-sale season.  Pick your favorite flavor and let Emily know how many boxes:

-Thin Mints
-Tagalongs (peanut butter patty)
-Samoas
-Do-Si-Dos (peanut butter sandwich)
-Trefoils (shortbread)
-Savannah Smiles (lemon cookies)

Watching your waistline?  Well you can donate a box of cookies for 'Operation Cookie Drop' and it will go to military personnel stationed away from home!

Ah Bugger....

our luck ran out!  It seems like everyone is sick.  And I thought we may have escaped the germ thing.  But no, Emily came home from school on Wednesday not feeling well and had a fever.  We are on day 2 of fever and aches and no energy.  Just praying for a speedy recovery and that Chris and I stay healthy.

Hello 2013!

Well it's 2013.  And how did that happen?  Time is flying!  I heard someone say on the radio "today is a gift...what will you do with it?" That really stuck with me.  Anyways, we are getting back into our routine after a wonderful holiday season.  Emily's back to school, Chris is back to work and I'm starting up my full-time work schedule.  It's my ninth tax season!  Emily chose to stop swimming lessons and start back up with gymnastics.  Tonight is her first class back. 
On a side note, as I'm typing this post it's really snowing at our house!

L-I-F-E

Remember this board game?  Well Emily got it for Christmas.  We have played it about 6 times...

Three Amigos

What's with the trend of mustaches?  They are everywhere...accessories, gag gifts, etc. 

Too Sweet

not to post this picture.  Wednesday we got to dog sit for Sadie!

Thai Take-out

It's tradition....we host a Thai take-out dinner the day after Christmas for my girl friends and families.  This year everyone (except the Byard family, they live in San Diego) was able to attend.  It was great, fun, loud and lots of chaos! 

The girls wrote a song and dedicated it to Niko.  Madlyn sang while Emily accompanied with her guitar.



Not an easy task getting all these kiddo's coordinated to take a picture!  From the left we have Max, Madlyn, Niko, Emily and Edward.



 

Over the river...

and through the woods to the Pederson's house we go.....
Christmas day/evening was spent with my side of the family at the Pederson's house in Maple Valley.  And a great time was had by all.  And a fabulous dinner was prepared!  The most yummy prime rib.  And lots of fun gifts.  And lots of laughs.

My favorite girls!

Grammy Jill checking out her personalized calendar from Emily and Kaitlyn.

Hello Santa!

Santa delivered on Christmas morning!  Complete with a....

Friendship bracelet maker......

a Slushy Magic maker.....

and a glitter lava lamp!

I think my favorite gift to Emily was the guitar that Chris and I gave her.  It was a huge hit.  She even has a 'song book' that she made this morning to record her very own songs.

Those of you that are Christmas Vacation fans like my husband can appreciate these Marty the Moose mugs.  Chris had to test them out with Christmas morning egg nog!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is spent with the Moser side.  We headed to Sandy and Al's around lunch time, had appetizers and then a wonderful yummy dinner.  Mixed in there was of course lots of holiday cheer. We were spoiled! Thank you for a great day filled with fun memories!

 

 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Merry Christmas!

20th?

Wholly Batman....20th girls annual ornament exchange?  Yes!  Jen, Chrissy, Karla, Jamee and I have done an ornament exchange each year and 2012 marks the 20th one!  Even though Jen B. is in San Diego she is always with us in spirit. Thank you Jamee for hosting a wonderful brunch.