The Shack-- A must read!

I have just finished reading The Shack and to say that it is my "favorite-book-of-all-time" would be a huge understatement! The message is so simple and childlike yet brings so much clarity to the questions that we all struggle with. It's a beautifully written story that is painful, heartbreaking and suspenseful but also full of redemption and grace. I suppose it's really a love story in a sense. Whether you are a hardcore believer or a spiritual wanderer, this book is an amazing read! Pick one up the next time you are out and about. It's available in paperback at Costco.

Honor Roll, Here I Come!

We recently got Isaac's progress report in mail. Sometimes, in the past, this has not always been a cause for celebration at our house. In fact, it could be downright painful.......but not today.

Are you ready for this? Could I get a drum roll? The envelope please..........

FIVE A's and a B!!!!

I knew you could do it!

Charlie's littlest angel

Dylan woke up with the most amazing "Farrah Fawcett" hair do ever! Do I need to use more conditioner or less....that is the question?!?!

Seattle, baby!

Brian and I went to Seattle this past weekend and did all the "touristy" things that you are supposed to do. First, the Pike Place Fish Market.



In front of the world famous fish market......we bought whole crabs and delicious oysters on the half shell....Yummy!!!

Amy giving some love to the Pike Place pig mascot.....

So many unbelievable foods, baked goods, manmade textiles, locally produced artwork, crazy stores with crazy items and lots of musicians playing original compositions on piano, guitar and even an antique Chinese lute! The diversity was so refreshing, especially for an Idaho girl.

Amy in front of the Experience Music Project Museum. Gotta have my coffee......Seattle is the world capitol of coffee......I swear there is a shop on EVERY corner!

View of the city from the top of the Space Needle..........

Brian at the front entrance of the Science Fiction Museum.....it was actually really cool! I'm not much of a sci-fi person but the exhibits were amazing.

Brian's new best friend..........

View of the city from the ferry to Bainbridge.

We had a great time.....ate lots of great food, which is what we both LOVE to do....Had the best Sushi ever at the "Village Sushi Restaurant" in the U district. Had dinner with Timmy and Stephanie and enjoyed it so much. Can't wait for my little bro to be a "real" doctor so we can get free advice whenever we need it! They will be moving to Boise for the next two years so Tim can do his rotations. I am excited to spend more time with Stephanie and to get more acquainted with my sweet little nephew, Brock. It was a lot of fun to get away but at the end of the day, I just wanted to get back to our routine and our kids. I think I am a homebody at heart!!

In the Moment

Last weekend, the girls wanted to go on an "Adventure Hike". Claire and my dad (Grandpa Jaybird) had explored the hillside near our house the day before and the only thing the girls could talk about was going on another hike. We bundled on our coats (with Claire deciding her pink rainboots would be the best option for footwear while Dylan opted for her brand new tennis shoes...bad idea because they don't look new anymore) and forged ahead. We headed to the end of our cul-d-sac, headed due west and proceeded to explore the hillside where the dreaded fire-storm from last fall had rolled through.

We climbed down the lava flows, tried to catch bugs with the net (still too cold), and picked up EVERY interesting artifact we could find.

Lastly, we headed back up the decimated hillside through the slippery mud with our fearless leader guiding the way.

The girls couldn't stop talking about their adventure and how much fun it was. It occured to me that "it" hadn't been much of a deal to Brian and I, yet the girls were so excited. Sadly I realized that as parents we aren't always in the moment. We attempt to make memories with our children by taking them to fun places, buying them trinkets, attending activities, etc. but all they really want is your time and for you to be present. I vow to go back to being the parent I used to be when I was young and carefree, too inexperienced to know the difference, too broke to ply my children with material things, the mom who was really just a kid herself. I'm going to stop being too busy, too tired, too stressed out, too concerned with unloading the dishwasher, too (insert your excuse here) and start making real memories with my kids.......we all deserve it.