Balloon Festival

Last weekend, Katie and I took a road trip to Albuquerque, NM to watch the balloon festival. Turns out we weren't all that excited about seeing the balloons, but WOW. We were absolutely blown away. We woke up at 6 and watch out the window of the house as the "dawn patrol" was making their flight to test to the wind. We saw the after burn in the dark morning. It was magnificent. We drove over to a hill and watched from a distance as the mass assention started, something like 700 balloons. Then, we went and watched from the rooftop of the house as hundreds of balloons flew right over our heads. Next stop was down to the Rio Grande and watch some very skilled pilots do a dip and dash. Then back home for a warm bowl of oatmeal. Truly incredible experience.

Monster Mash

Well, we survived Cole's Halloween Costume Party, thanks to the good likes of Mr. Wonderful, Umple Joe, Deborah, Umple Derrick, Aunt Veronica, Grandma, and Cesar....(did I miss anyone?) They all stuck around and watched the 10 crazy kids in costumes, in a sea of chaotic adventure.

There are things I just know about myself. Like, I don't think I could ever be a stay at home mom. I've been home 2.5 days with my sick little monkey and I know for sure, I would gain about 100 pounds. Snack, snack, snack, oh, didn't get quite enough sugar with that snack, so another more sugary snack. My jeans feel tight today and I keep telling myself that it's because they just came out of the dryer. Wendy, just stop eating. Stop watching the Heene balloon nonsense on the internet. My dogs are even annoying me - they want out, then they want in, out, in, out, in---URGH. I'm meant to sit behind a desk from 8-5, in an office outside of my house.

I have though, been very crafty getting everything ready for Cole's 1st Annual Halloween Costume Party this coming Sunday. It's sure to be a good time. I just love watching 10, five year old run around having fun.

On the agenda:

Monster Mash - with the strobe light (that is a Cole requirement)

Skeleton Hunt - find the pieces and then put him together

Guess How Many Candy Corns

Zombie Tag

Candy Necklace kits

Cotton Ball run

Mummy Wraps

Add some sugary treats (of course sugary, because I can't seem to get enough of it) and some dry ice to the punch and you have yourself a party.

Blessings

Thank you for my life

for my beautiful Cole

for my wonderful husband

for my amazing family

for all my true friends

for all the hard things that make me grow as a person

for all the simple things for me to enjoy

Thank you for my life

Little Cole said tonight, "Mama, let's go in your room and lay on your bed and cuddle."

Who could ever pass that up?

He is learning how to read and when he recognizes a word, you can see how proud he is.

He learned how to skip a couple weekends ago

He loves to jump rope

I love to watch him do just about everything

to smell his hair after his bath

to feel his soft skin as I put lotion on him

to hear him say "Mom, you're pretty."

and I love surprise visits to my office

Sepsey Family - There is power in love; be patient. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I can just see John as he comes out of his coma try to talk with his jaw wired. It will be nice to see his smile again.

Broomfield Days 2009

I did mention how sweet my nephew is, right? I mean seriously!

Well, what about my niece? Adorable, right? I mean seriously!



And we all know how cute Cole is. I mean seriously!

Thanks for bringing the babies to the Broomfield Days parade. It was a blast!

HU-GANTIC

It's like huge and gigantic put together - a "Cole" word that I absolutely love. And that's what kind of weekend we had. We went on a hugantic hike Saturday to Button Rock Preserve with Mr. Wonderful and the dogs. We had a hugantic photo shoot with photographer, Christy Lee. Mr. Wonderful and I had some solo time Sunday to do a great mountain bike ride. The weather this weekend was absolutely incredible.

I'd also like to apologize to my readership, if I have any besides Rachel and Veronica, and say that I will try to be better at posting more often. I so enjoy reading my Nie and CJane because they post something almost every day. And I want to offer that to you...yes, you! If only I had more time.

I've missed some important events from August - yes, I said August. Shame on me. I will post some of the events I've missed, hopefully before we reach Christmas time.

And for the record, I saw my niece and nephew Sunday and can I just say that they are cutest little people and that I absolutely love them? I can say that right? And it's true that I do want to eat their little faces...but I practice self control....Oh, the sweet baby cheeks....I don't know how I resist - oh, I know, because I usually just gum their faces pretending I have no teeth at all and that somehow satifies my need to eat the cheeks.

Turtle Goes Into Retirement

Well, it's official - Cole's first backpack, Turtle, has gone into retirement. He did a fabulous job riding around on Cole's back, being stuffed with little cars, action figures, swim trucks, snacks, and really, just about everything. He lost both his eyes by the time his time came but he didn't much need those anyway since he was always on Cole's back.

We'll miss you., Turtle. We've made you a nice bed in the "save me" bin so when Cole is bigger - much, much bigger - we can show him his first backpack.

2005 - 2009

What every person should have

A BEST FRIEND

Procrastination

There are nights, when bed time is flawless. Go pee, wash your hands, brush your teeth, get your pj's on, climb in bed, read a bed time story, turn the music on, and fade the light, and without a word, he drifts silently into dreamland.

Then, there are nights where most of that happens, BUT only after about five times of asking, each time with increased frustration as he calls from his room "Mommy" for the 100th time and yells something like this:

I need a drink

I need to tell you something

I need to give you a kiss

I need to give you a hug

And so forth and so on.

At some point, there is the threatening to give spankings, but I can't quite bring myself to do it because honestly, how cute is it that he wants to kiss me under my chin because he knows it makes me laugh.

And, on this particular night of which I write, after the 45 minutes of pure procastination and complete uninterest in going to bed, he says,

"Mommy, can I sleep in your bed?"

Exhausted, not up for the battle, defeated, I say, "Yes."

I hear him guide down his slide with no hestitation and appear as fast as lighting in my room afraid I will change my mind with each passing second.

He snuggles in the bed, entangling himself all around me - like a pretzel, with his baby soft skin and his soft warm breath on me. And I entertain his kisses and hugs and pats.

Until, I finally say, "no more talking"! But of course after a moment of silence when I think I'm saved and hear only the candence of our breath as we finally relax, he says something funny that I can't resist and after a few more bouts of giggling, I again say "no more talking"!

And in one last attempt, I try to explain the invisible line that runs down the middle of the bed. The line that should keep him on dad's side, the line that always gets broken when he intrudes on my sleeping headquarters.

And so it goes, atleast a half dozen times during our sweet slumber, I push him back over that invisible line because he has pretzeled himself around me and I am suffocating from heat.

And he is so sweet and soft that I love touching his skin and watching him sleep. I think he slept like bear in hiberation and I woke up wondering if I ever went to sleep at all....good thing it was only Sunday.

Can it really already be time for Kindergarten?

Our little monkey had his first official day of Kindergarten at Emerald Elementary today, August 20. Mr. Wonderful and I dropped him off and were the very proud parents of the cutest boy in the universe.

He is a sweet little man.
Here's to PE, Music, Art, Recess, Sack lunches, new friends, and your new teacher, Mrs. Truxel!

When I picked him up from school, he was TIRED. It was so cute.
I asked, "What was your favorite part about your day at school?"
He replied, "I just loved everything about it."

Mr. Wonderful Turns 41 - August 14

Happy Birthday!

Mr. Wonderful came home Monday night....and it's wonderful.

We celebrated his birthday with yummy cake, balloons, and a fun fondue dinner at the Melting Pot.

We love you.

Stephanie Phillips - August 11, 2009

In loving memory of Stephanie Phillips

1996-2009

Sissy's Song
http://www.cmt.com/videos/alan-jackson/355885/sissys-song.jhtml

Why did she have to go

So young I just don't know why

Things happen half the time

Without reason without rhyme

Lovely, sweet young woman

Daughter, sister, best friend

Makes no sense to me

I just have to believe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels

By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees

And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting

And I know she's smiling saying

Don't worry 'bout me

Loved ones she left behind

Just trying to survive

And understand the why

Feeling so lost inside

Anger shot straight at God

Then asking for His love

Empty with disbelief

Just hoping that maybe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels

By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees

And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting

And I know she's smiling saying

Don't worry 'bout me

It's hard to say goodbye

Her picture in my mind

Will always be of time I'll cherish

And I won't cry 'cause

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me

Don't worry 'bout me

Don't worry 'bout me

Lyrics and Song by Alan Jackson

Missing You Know Who

(March 1, 2003 - St. Johns, VI)

All I know for sure is that I miss Mr. Wonderful.

I want to hold his hand.

I want to hear him snore.

I want to talk to him flesh to flesh.

I want to kiss him and snuggle with him.

I need his man talents, like fixing stuff, weed whacking, poop pickin and other secret stuff.

I want to hear him to tell me I look pretty.

I need a good home cooked meal.

I just need Mr. Wonderful to come home.

I miss you.

Cole misses you.

Estes and Smokey miss you.

But, I miss you the most....

Pen Pal...Introspection...and a P.S.

Ok folks - you remember my new "old timer" friend, Toby Buchanan from Easton, WA....well, I did write to him. Just the thought of him driving his old pickup truck into town...probably a quarter of a mile to go pick up his mail at the shoebox post office, brings me happiness. He got my letter and he responded:

Dear Wendy,
Yeah, I was wrong. You did write. I'm so glad you stop at CB's that day and I got to meet you. I don't write much any more as you can see. You are a great friend. I got a call on July 2 that my only Aunt passed away on July 1st. She was 84. Hope to see you again sometime. It was so nice to talk to you and wish you had more time to visit. Yes, you are a great friend and I hope to hear from you soon.
Take care.
Your friend,
Toby

******************
I mean, does it get any better than that? I wonder in my lifetime, how many lives it will feel like I've lived? How many experiences, opportunities, failures, disappointments, successes, and relationships with others, have shaped the person I am today? I've been too introspective lately, if that's even possible. Me, the person who loves being alone with her thoughts, is thinking that maybe I've had TOO much time. Chris - come home - I need adult conversation soon before my thoughts eat me alive, before I become a complete sap.

On introspection - I tend to beat myself up over past events that I didn't handle well or opportunities that I let slip by. A failed 1st marriage for one. It is, to this day, my biggest failure, my biggest disappointment to myself. One that I've practically hidden for 10 years and convinced myself never happened because it's to ugly of a disappointment in myself. I seek redemption from a man who may never give it to me. And while I may not get it from him, I can try, but the real work is in the present. To love this life and learn from my mistakes, or atleast try. There will be new mistakes to be made and new lessons to be learned, but to find peace in knowing that ALL my experiences have made me the person I am today- for better or for worse. They are who I am. And I am thankful for everyone of them.
****************************

P.S. More introspection during a long hot shower...on marriage...It's not my decision that disappointments me in reference to marriage #1, it's how I handled and managed that decision. How immature I was. How naive. And how selfish. I don't think I understood fully the concept of marriage and the vows I took, although on that day when we wed, I thought I did. I can't appreciate it like I can today. I can't imagine being married to anyone else in this entire world except Chris. I understand the vows I took and maybe it's different because of Cole but I know that marriage is a sacrament and that I will do my best to preserve it. Thank you for loving me Chris and being my husband.

Quiet Moments

July 19, 2004 - Cole was born

Here I am .... alone, in my wonderful house - no music playing - just plain stillness (well, you can hear the refrigerator) - but otherwise, very peaceful. It's chilly, cloudy, and rainy outside. My little man is with his BFF Sofia. I'm eating dinner. Actually, I'm still eating dinner. It's been approx. 35 minutes and it feels nice to eat at a snail pace instead of in my normal 2.2 seconds. Everything is slower-and quieter-when Cole is away. Sometimes though, I will pace inside this house - up and down the hall and into the kitchen - repeatedly - because it takes me about an hour to figure out what to do with my time when Cole is finally occupied elsewhere.


I remember when Chris and I got married - my gosh - we were so happy and in love. We wanted that love duplicated and reproduced and it didn't take long. I miscarried the first time, but then, it didn't take long for our second opporunity to come along. BUT something happened....I wasn't happy being pregnant. I remember my mom and I getting in a BIG fight because I wasn't one of those women that glowed or embraced being pregnant. I down right hated it. I don't know why I didn't like it - maybe it was seeing my body change so much or maybe it was fear of the unknown, or maybe it was because I was selfish and didn't like sharing - who knows. We outlasted it though and while I didn't LOVE being pregnant, I absolutely LOVED my little baby boy. Of course, I didn't know a thing about babies and it was REALLY hard for those first three months...oh, who am I kidding, it was really hard those first couple of years. But there was always one constant - our love for Cole.


It's no wonder why we love him so much - because he is EXACTLY like Chris and EXACTLY like me. He is stubborn, independent, sweet, caring, orny, he loves to negoitate, he ALWAYS has to be right, he won't do something if he doesn't want to (this is soooo Chris). No wonder we fell in love with him.


I guess this is a rambling post. I'm not sure what my point was when I started. But, in the end, as much as I love Cole....I love the quiet moments too.

Speaking of Super Heros

Today I am self proclaiming myself as a Super Hero! That's right. I do believe it's time to add it to my list of life titles. I'm even going to go as far as putting it right up there with Mother, Wife, Daughter, Superhero!

Here is why - because I've managed our house - that's alot of chores-, vacation with Cole for 12 days, planned a Gigantic 5th year birthday party, laid people off at work, trained for a half marathon, ran a 10K, entertain Cole, and so on and so forth, for the last 5 weeks.

I thought the stress would kill me last week, but it's a new week, and I'm extremely optimistic that I've made it over the hump. Chris will be back in two weeks and our routine will slide right back into place. But, I tell you, I will still be a superhero.

Speaking of superheros - the biggest superhero I know is my mom. I'm complaining about 7 weeks - think of 15+ years. YEARS of being dedicated to raising her two children - her pride and joy, I might add - but selfless devotion to motherhood. She worked full-time and raised us full-time. She did take some time - very little - for herself to go country dancing, or go to a movie with friends. She almost always put herself second. And that's a super hero in my book. She taught me independence, to be a do'er, to have goals, to aim high.

If I could, I would give her a honorary doctrate degree from Harvard or create an award given out by the President, called the Mother of the Last Two Decades Award.

Here is to all the superhero Mom's. Keep on Keepin' On!

p.s. We love you Dads, but this post is about Mama's!

More Super Heros Please

Cole as BATMAN at Sierra's Birthday Party.

Cole as the bad SPIDERMAN at Longmont's River on the Rocks festival. He is too sweet to look bad.

Happy Birthday Cole

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Boy! We love you soooo much!

You had an amazing day: water slide, Spongebob cake, pinata, family, friends, and lots and lots of toys.

grandma did so good making this cake. Thanks again for making it with love.

Get Well Soon

Dearest Grandpa Jack,

If knowing that someone really cares
Helps healing along its way
Then I hope you now feel better
And keep improving, day by day
-Jon Bratton c 2005

We love you and are thinking about you. Be patient with the recovery. No more limping!

Hugs and kisses,
Wendy, Chris and Cole

BIG vacation

Cole and I have been in Washington State for the past 12 days. WOW! We had a great time with Grandpa Jack, Grandma Carol, and Aunt Emma. We were in Seattle with everyone to run the Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon. I got my own PR by nearly six minutes. It was a terrific race and even better to get to do it with family.

I stayed a few more days in Seattle and Cole went with Grandpa and Grandma back to Othello. Michelle and I went to Snoqualmie Falls, then to the San Juan Islands and kayaked around Henry Island and stayed in a fabulous little inn called, Juniper Lane. Highly recommend. I walked around Pike Place Market one morning, saw a huge jellyfish off the pier, ate Russian pastries filled with bavarian cream and cream of wheat, dusted with powder sugar....delicious!

Then I headed over to Othello which is about 3.5 hour drive. I stopped in this town, although, town is too strong of a word. It had a post office, a little convienent store called CB's, and maybe a mechanic shop. Everything else was boarded up. I stopped at CB's to grab a beverage and ended up sitting on the porch swing with an old timer named Toby Buchanan. He reminded me of my grandfather. He talked about his days as a truck driver, his marriages, his children, his cars....just about everything - non-stop - for two hours. It was a delight. He smelled like my grandfather too. I got his address, so I imagine I'll send him a card now and then to brighten his lonely days.

Back in Othello it was:

Ice Age 3 in Pasco with Aunt Emma and Cole

Water Fun at the Playground of Dreams off of the Columbia River

Emma's Swim Meet - I think she won all her events - you go girl

Water Park Fun in Moses Lake with Grandpa and Emma
Camera One
Camera Two
Pool Fun in Othello

Othello's Sun Faire for the Fourth of July - 5k for Grandma and Emma, 10k for me, and kids dash for Cole

Fireworks from the porch

Playing in the Snake River

Feeding chickens, collecting eggs, playing with kittens, pickin' rasberries

Backyard fun with Aunt Emma

Lots and lots of great food

Trip to Snoqualmie Falls on our way back to Seattle to catch our flight home


Thanks for having us for so long. It was a nice break for us while Chris is gone. We love you guys bunches.

First Things First: Happy Father's Day..with a PS

(in the beginning - August 2004)

Is it possible that it's been nearly three weeks since my last post? And that I practically missed Father's Day. Well, here it is, short and sweet like my Mother's Day post:

Happy Father's Day to:

Mr. Wonderful, the BEST daddy in the world

My big brother Derrick

Umple Joe

Grandpa Jack

Grandpa Frank

Cesar

Stan Matz, proud papa of the tiniest baby boy

Umple Brian - who spent the afternoon at Cole's school filling in for Chris at their Father's Day Party

Jim Jones

Toby Buchanan - my newest "old timer" friend from Easton, WA

My grandpa, Virgil Coleman - gone but never forgotten

All my uncles

And all the others I have inadvertently forgot to mention

Love to all. Thanks for being part of our family.

P.S. We had a fabulous bbq at my mom's house with good food, great company, and the cutest little kids on the planet.