Link to new blog

Check out our families Washington adventures at:

http://eightmuddyfeet.blogspot.com/

D-Day

Today is D-Day, Delivery Day..

...the truck arrives today, and today is my last day to get everything, even the samll annoying stuff into a box or the trash. 

I'm making a run to the dump this morning, to get rid of the big undesirables.  So glamorous I know. 

I also can't sleep, however surprisingly I am able to survive on the little sleep I am getting since my brain will not turn off.  Too many things to think about.  But this is it.  If it's not packed by today, it may not be going.

Tomorrow the men from church come over to pack up the truck.  I'm sending Dave away to pick up his friend from the airport so he won't be tempted to help.  Like he did Tuesday night, when they came over to take down the trampoline and play structure, and he spent the next two days exhausted and in pain.  Yep, no repeats of that happenin'.

My hope is to get everything into the garage tonight, and then tomorrow morning open it up, and let the loading begin.  I hope it all fits, I hope they do a great job packing (as Dave is the super packer, and unable to resume is normal activities).  I hope it goes quickly, and is painless as possible. I hope.

Tomorrow afternoon it will be over, I will spend that evening preparing myself and crew for our two day drive to our new home.  I am so looking forward to that drive. 

Wish me luck, it's all about today!!

Countdown is on...

The moving truck comes on Friday
We pack on Saturday
We leave on Sunday
We arrive at our new home Monday night
The boys start school on Tuesday

and as of next week..
http://eightsandyfeet.blogspot.com  will become:

http://eightmuddyfeet.blogspot.com
I'll continue to post on both blogs for awhile, but you can start using the new one right away!!

I had to share...

I had to share these adorable pics, because, well, they're just too cute not too.






Last school year, my dear friend Shauna and I swapped kids twice a week. One Tuesday she would watch my little miss Natalie, and Mr Caleb while I had a few hours of mommy time, and then on Wednesday I would watch her two sweet kiddos Ella & Ty while she helped in the classroom. The next week we'd switch it up, and she'd have mommy time, and I'd help in the classroom. It was a wonderful set-up, and it was perfect that the boys were the same age, as well as our little girls. (and we got to spend time with our older boys Josh & Jake while helping in their 1st grade class)



I will miss her sweet friendship and all the wonderful things I've learned from her. I will miss our kiddos playing together, and I will miss these silly little girls.


(thank you Shauna, for taking these cute pictures, and for everything, we'll miss you guys so much)

Birthday Memories

And that evening my sweet hubby and I enjoyed a date night and yummy food, Chicken Fried Steak (another big fave), and then feasted on yummy Rasberry Cheesequake Ice Cream Cake (love raspberries) for dessert at home with the kiddos and parents (thanks again for watching my little loves)


Simple and Sweet, my favorite!!

Beautiful Beach Day!!

So I'm not exactly sure what has been up with the weather this summer on the coast. 

We began with drizzly mornings followed by cloudy cool afternoons...

...by July we had a few days where the sun peeked out of the clouds just enough to feel it, but was sadly followed by more overcast days...

...August started with cloudy mornings, and at least warmer afternoons, but heavy cloud cover..

..today was beautiful, I was skeptical as I drove through fog to get to the beach, but by late afternoon the clouds lifted, and I saw the pretty blue sky, and the lovely warm sun...

..now it's not suppose to last, as it is suppose to cool down as the weekend approaches.  But I'm OK having a warm 70's day, mixed in with my normal cloudy 60's because I saw and felt the sun today.  Woo Hoo!!

COMIC-C0N 2010

A day after beach camping we cleaned ourselves up and headed down to San Diego for Comic-C0n 2010.  We parked near the airport and took the trolley which drops you off right in front of the convention center, so nice..

We made our way through all the booths, and the kids faves to see all the new Leg0 and H@sbro toys coming out this fall, a chance to play games that haven't yet been released, check out new movies coming out, and get tons of freebies.  Plus who doesn't love hundreds of crazy people dressed up as their favorite movie/comic book character?

We took the trolley down two stops and enjoyed lunch at Kansas City BBQ.  Evidently this is where the wild bar scene from TopGun was filmed in 1985, wow do I feel old, I love that movie, a classic.  The food was delish, and prepared us to finish up at the Con.  The boys each spent their money, and some of ours on toys and memorabilia, and we got out right before closing.

Afterwards we took the trolley back to the car, dropped off Dave at the airport to make another trek to WA (this time he found us a house) and made our way back to Grandma & Grandpa's to pick up Miss. Natalie.

(sorry for yet another crazy collage)

Beach Camping 2010

Last week (yes, I'm a little behind) we were joined by family from Utah as we enjoyed a week of beach camping in Carlsbad.  Although the weather was cloudy and sometimes gloomy (as it has been most of the summer here!) we had a great time, cousins for the kiddos to play with, cooking outdoors, beach all day, and great company.





For more beach camping 2010 pics, click here

We have a place!!

Last night my sweet hubby got into Seattle after midninght due to flight delays, but before heading to work early this morning, he met with a lady to look at a house.


It was a bust..not the one for us.


He drove to work, and I busily started my search, maybe just maybe he could look at a few more while he was up there (WA), we're hoping to move in a month!!


I found another one, and on his way from one campus to another he stopped by and checked it out.


but, in my constant searching I had found yet another one, this one, was it.


He called back to report on the house, and I could tell it was already blah, I interrupted, and exclaimed that I had found it, the one.


It was only a few minutes away, and on his way, so why not..


I had already seen the 15 or so pictures on the listing..


So when he called back and said "We're done", I knew we were, and we had a place.


The pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place...


Our new city of residence Bellevue, Washington, and here's a peek...
(and only 8 minutes away from Trader Joes, Costco, Target, Old Navy, and Nordstrom Rack..YAY!!!)

Day at the Beach..

After weeks and weeks of June gloom, that spilled into July gloom, we had our first real day of sunshine on Monday, July 12th.  Yes, summer here has finally begun.  The drizzle and cold that has kept us inside is gone, hopefully for the rest of the summer!!

Monday we hit our local San Clemente T-Street and except for a bit of wind enjoyed a perfectly lovely beach day.  Today, we met up with Trish and kiddos, later to be joined by Shauna and kiddos and enjoyed another great day at the beach..it's about dang time!!


Best Big Brother Ever!!


Playing in the Sand..

Lovin' the Beach

Mother's Quote

Let every mother realize that she has no greater blessing than the children who have come to her as a gift from the Almighty; that she has no greater mission than to rear them in light and truth, in understanding and love; that she will have no greater happiness than to see them grow into young men and women who respect principles of virtue, who walk free from the stain of immorality and from the shame of delinquency....I remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world.


Gordon B. Hinckley
October 1993

We finally have fruit..

Two years ago I couldn't keep up with the amount of fruit falling my trees, and then last year as I looked forward to it, and all the nummy jams and desserts I would make, I had nary a one.

So this year in great anticipation I have been checking my two fruit trees, and have seen promise.  At first lots and lots of blooms (popcorn popping on the apricot tree...) and then tiny green fruit that has grown and grown and is now filling with beautiful color.  We finally have fruit!!

Apricots and plums that is, so if anyone wants some to make nummy jams or jellies or even just bite into the pure deliciousness, come and get some (and if you have any recipes to share, please do!!)

Natalie's Outfit

Natalie is in the habit lately of changing her clothes several times a day.  This afternoon she surprised us with a new outfit, that just had to be shared. It was mostly in the styling of the outfit that we especially loved.

Now you will note that she is completely color coordinated (it does help that I put her clothes away in actaul outfits, rather than tops, bottoms, etc.)

However, the extra matching layer was all her, and she dug out the headband that matches as well from her hair stuff.

Extra credit of course for the styling of the headband, which she really liked this way.. :)

We are moving!!

eight sandy feet will become eight muddy feet this fall..

Yes, you read that right!! We are moving all of our belongings, our four crazy kiddos, and the dog to the land of rain, and everything green!!

We always knew a change was in store for our family, just never quite what it was.  And as things always seem to go with our family, this happened really fast. 

We have thought many times to put down roots here in Cali, and every time we looked, it was never right.  We have been patient, knowing that our time would come, and just as many things do, the answer to our prayers wasn't quite what we expected. 

Last August we made a trip to Washington, following the California and Oregon coastlines.  The kids feel in love, and so did we, but everything hadn't lined up yet.  We entered another school year, and fell back into our normal routine.  We even looked yet again at houses here, only to hear the resounding "no, this isn't right" in our hearts.  By early spring of this year we were thinking again of Washington, and if we could make it work, and when.  We set a goal for June of 2011, on our recent trip home from Utah.  

A few days later Dave left for yet another work trip up to guess where, WA!!  He casually mentioned that we were still interested in relocating, and by the next week he was home meeting with important people and they all agreed that it was best for him to move up.  They asked if we were thinking June, and Dave piped in that our kids were still in school, but that we could probably move by the end of summer.  So June of 2011, has become August of 2010.  I know this is right, and that it is a great opportunity.  We are excited for the change, and for the possibilities for our family.

I'm so grateful for the tender mercies that we have enjoyed, and for listening when the answer was no, but preparing and being ready for when the answer was yes.

Saturday's 4th of July Bike Parade & Breakfast

Saturday morning we enjoyed the annual pancake breakfast and bike parade...







Josh was too cool to smile...

Busy Week...again!!

Daniel started Cub Scout Day Camp this week, and although at first he was hesitant and uninterested in going, he came home Monday afternoon so excited, and full of stories to tell.  He did everything from archery to shooting, to tomahawk throwing, and of course crafts.  The Marines (camp was on base) drove up the tanks and they were able to play on top of them, and inside them...he couldn't wait for the rest of the week.

Tuesday I went to Vista to visit my bestie Trish.  Even though the weather was gloomy and cool, we had a great time just talking while the kiddos played.  We have such an amazing friendship that can be picked up at anytime and it's just as we left it.  It was so easy and fun!! Can't wait for the sun to come out and share some beach days with them soon!!

Wednesday found me deep into my first summertime project, the dining room table.  After lots of wood putty, sanding, and several coats of paint, lets just say I still have a long way to go!! Hoping to finish it up this weekend...

Thursday the kiddos and I joined Daniel at camp.  The little ones went into the tot lot, while I was ad adult volunteer with his group.  My Dad also joined us which was fun for Daniel.  We were first treated to exotic animals, and even the actual monkey that was in Pirates of the Caribbean.  After that we did some tomahawk throwing, and I even tried it, and got one to stick..woo hoo.  After lunch with grandpa we said our goodbyes and I took the little ones back to their area.  We then did obstacle courses, learned survival skills, had the option to eat grubs and crickets, and learn how to trap animals and make shelters.  I was exhausted by the end of the day, and needed a good nights sleep to put in another day on Friday as a volunteer.

Friday morning I was awoken by Daniel in the bathroom.  He had caught the bug that has made it's way through most of our troop.  Wasn't thinking this is how the week would end, but on the flip side, I have a full nights rest, a sick kiddo, a whole house to clean, and a table to tackle.. I'm kind of looking forward to getting a lot accomplished today..wish me luck!!

Swimming

Del Mar Fair

The summer would not be complete with a trip to the fair...

We met up with my parents, and my brother and his family, and feasted on yummy food, fun rides, animals, and tons of nostalgia..

First, the animals..



then, the rides...







and finally, the food..

Summer is here!!

                                                         (picture courtesy of Shauna-na)



The kids are free!! (and so am I for that matter)

Summer is here!!

We celebrated right after school at our dear friends, the Reeds.  Shauna made this awesome sandcastle cake, with candy rocks that the kiddos loved, it was pretty delish too!!

I am so looking forward to do nothing days, and no schedules.  The beach, the pool, and the park will be keeping us entertained.

First on the list, Del Mar Fair later today!! Woo Hoo!!

Last Pack Meeting

Thursday night we had our last pack meeting for the school year (we take the summer off!) and enjoyed a bbq and some surf lessons for our activity. 

June gloom finally said her goodbyes and we were treated to a beautiful sunny warm evening with warm water for the boys.

Happy Father's Day!!

I have an awesome Dad, a fabulous Father in law and to top it all off my husband is amazing! I'm the luckiest wife in the world to have a Dad as great as Dave for my kiddos!

Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads!

G*ld Star

Usually I post about what the kiddos have done, or things we have done as a family.  Very rarely, do I get to give a huge congratulations to my rockstar of a husband.

So, here ya go...

Today Dave received a huge award from Micros*ft, the G*ld St@r Award.  This is an award that you must be nominated for, and is really a big big deal.  It also comes with a sizable cash reward, which is even more awesome.

But, my favorite, favorite part is..

That others have recognized how dedicated he is, and how he truly is such a hard worker.  We have comforted ourselves many times with just the knowledge that he has put forth his best effort, and that no one can challenge is amazing integrity or work ethic. 

Sometimes it's nice just knowing that others do notice.

Way to go babe, you totally earned this!!

Preschool Graduation

(forgive me for posting my memory pages, but I'm getting caught up on that as well as blogging, so it's a win win!!)

Memorial Day Trip - Part 5 (the end!)

After lunch and a nap we got ourselves back in the car and headed north to the dairy farm.  The kiddos learned about the new high tech milking machine, the methane gas area, and saw all the stages of a baby cow.  The littlest ones were a bit skiddish, but the kids were able to feed some of the older calves...




That evening, we packed up our stuff, and by mid morning the next day, we had bid farewell to our lovely hosts, and were on our way back to California.

I am so grateful that my kids (and myself) are exposed to a more rural, simple kind of life.  Thank you Ephraim, we'll see you at Christmas time, when you're covered in white!!

Memorial Day Trip - Part Four

On our last full day Ephraim we first went out to visit Dave's uncles' Turkey Farm.  He had just received in 20,000 turkey chicks, and evidently they were still in their "cute phase".  The boys had fun playing in the "brooder" with all the chicks, but Natalie was beside herself with glee.  She must have picked up each and every chick, sometimes two at a time.  She would even offer them to the rest of us, that little girl was in heaven!!

Memorial Day Trip - Part 3

Sunday evening we were joined by Dave's sister, Robin, Steve and the girls.  Along with Doug, Amy and crew, Andy & Jennie and family, and Gordon & Marcia.  We all made our way up the mountain to Lake Hill for some fishing.












The boys caught some fish, had fun running through the woods with cousins, while Natalie and her little girl cousins were busy playing in grandpa's truck.  The rest of us sat around the campfire, talked and enjoyed the sunset.