tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335085782024-03-12T20:28:22.209-07:00raygun rane speaks outMusings & Rants for a rainy dayHappy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-14512111032034077672012-01-01T11:25:00.000-08:002012-01-01T12:03:02.114-08:00A new year, a new blog.Please join me over at my new blog <a href="http://relentlessunfolding.blogspot.com/">The Relentless Unfolding</a>. I will be sharing a frame a day of my family, life, whatever strikes my fancy, and occasionally a word or two or sometimes more. I have been known to be quite verbose, but am looking forward to speaking with images. Please come along with me!<br /><br />Much love, RaneHappy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-78341734483727074342011-01-06T06:25:00.000-08:002011-01-06T06:28:22.215-08:00mmm, fiber!I've never seen anyone be more interested in the peel than the banana. I guess I better bananas to my organic list!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/TSXROtSvGkI/AAAAAAAAAhg/cVtef0LDIGE/s1600/0105.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/TSXROtSvGkI/AAAAAAAAAhg/cVtef0LDIGE/s400/0105.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559079365665299010" /></a>Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-21003931896782378652011-01-04T14:24:00.000-08:002011-01-04T15:02:46.011-08:00Breakfast at the Lederer'sMy friend makes the most delicious and beautiful breads from her Swedish recipes. This one was thyme bread. For breakfast, I enjoyed it with butter and coffee in my new coffee cup. For lunch, it perfectly sopped up my mushroom soup and for my afternoon snack, it was great with blueberry vanilla chevre. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/TSOmoM5sddI/AAAAAAAAAhY/fEDyDFIbkSA/s1600/0104.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/TSOmoM5sddI/AAAAAAAAAhY/fEDyDFIbkSA/s320/0104.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558469574693516754" /></a><br /><br /><br />The coffee cup is my special way, along with a french press, to make decaf more appealing to me. It's taken a few days, but I think it might work. I'm so sneaky to myself!Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-35200955134446838782010-05-04T10:33:00.001-07:002010-05-04T10:43:58.594-07:00Banana Nutella Muffins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/S-Bafyoz1hI/AAAAAAAAAgw/XIdMb0-liY8/s1600/BananaNutella1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/S-Bafyoz1hI/AAAAAAAAAgw/XIdMb0-liY8/s320/BananaNutella1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467469449843168786" /></a><br /><br />This recipe is a variation of my "go-to" muffin recipe. I combine the dry ingredients along with between 2 - 2.5 cups of wet ingredients (fruit, mayo, applesauce, juice), then bake at 375 for 20 - 25 minutes, the more wet the batter, the longer you'll bake it.<br /><br />1.5 cups all purpose flour<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 t. baking soda<br />1 t. salt<br /><br />3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (or ~ 2 cups pureed fruit of choice)<br />1/2 c mayo (not light or fat free)<br />Nutella<br /><br />Preheat oven to 375. Line muffin pan with paper cups or grease pan.<br /><br />In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.<br /><br />In another bowl, combine bananas and mayo. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.<br /><br />With a spoon, drop about a half inch of batter into the cups. Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutella. Top with more batter until cups are 3/4 full. If you like, top with another 1/2 teaspoon of Nutella. <br /><br />Bake at 375 for 20 - 25 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. <br /><br />Cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack. Attempt to wait to eat them for at least 3 - 4 minutes. Nutella is really hot and a burnt mouth makes it hard to taste the other 11 muffins you wolf down before the kids find out what that smell means.<br /><br />Makes 12 muffins.Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-65337638409904852572009-11-12T07:18:00.000-08:002009-11-12T07:29:53.410-08:00In review: September. Michelle is back from Iraq!September saw the return of our sister, Michelle, from Iraq. She is currently stationed at Fort Hood and yes, she's ok. Here's most of us girls. Tracy, Karen, me, and Michelle. We look alike, don't we? Linda avoids the flashes because she's too big a star. ;-> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SvwoNzpQDfI/AAAAAAAAAcY/OR8xe8StoKo/s1600-h/IMG_2293.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SvwoNzpQDfI/AAAAAAAAAcY/OR8xe8StoKo/s320/IMG_2293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403237870604389874" /></a><br /><br />Our resident reticent teenager even allowed me to photograph him. A rare smile. I am honored.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SvwoOT7XCEI/AAAAAAAAAco/gB5C63RBBsQ/s1600-h/IMG_2291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SvwoOT7XCEI/AAAAAAAAAco/gB5C63RBBsQ/s320/IMG_2291.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403237879270279234" /></a><br /><br />Kendrick drank and passed out texting in the backseat. If I were really mean, I would have finished his text for him!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SvwoOBvRcTI/AAAAAAAAAcg/OtlAMVDp2w0/s1600-h/IMG_2295.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SvwoOBvRcTI/AAAAAAAAAcg/OtlAMVDp2w0/s320/IMG_2295.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403237874387743026" /></a>Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-24854112011733091482009-11-12T07:04:00.000-08:002009-11-12T07:18:39.429-08:00In review: AugustI just realized I have photos on my camera since July, which means I haven't sent any photos to Grandma. I'm a bad daughter. I must make amends.<br /><br />So here goes. In August, we went to Jacksonville for my niece's graduation from her Naval training. Her class is the last to officially receive wings. She asked my dad, an old Navy pilot from back in the day, to pin on her wings. He was choked up with the honor. It was very sweet. He didn't even make her bleed at all!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Svwl-rCb6vI/AAAAAAAAAcA/7GtNC2HiTl0/s1600-h/IMG_2218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Svwl-rCb6vI/AAAAAAAAAcA/7GtNC2HiTl0/s320/IMG_2218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403235411572812530" /></a><br /><br />A bunch of us showed up to support her! Everyone else gets to smile, while I wrangle the toddler.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Svwl--9_1XI/AAAAAAAAAcI/CQF86UOHo_M/s1600-h/IMG_2220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Svwl--9_1XI/AAAAAAAAAcI/CQF86UOHo_M/s320/IMG_2220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403235416922903922" /></a><br /><br />Here's Tonya in the cockpit of the P3 she works in. This is supposedly all Top Secret and stuff, but everyone was taking photos, so I did, too. Tonya is a lovely goof, isn't she?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Svwl_NDFCZI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/iLiSRYxsm94/s1600-h/IMG_2259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Svwl_NDFCZI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/iLiSRYxsm94/s320/IMG_2259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403235420702312850" /></a>Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-89484061743122195682009-07-19T20:20:00.000-07:002009-07-19T20:48:25.041-07:00At the Museum of FlightD_ and her son, R_, went to the Museum of Flight in Tacoma. Jack loves planes so I thought he'd love the museum. There were tons of wonderful planes including the F8F9 and the Aerocar.<br /><br />Grandpa flew this plane - the F8F9. Neat!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPkIqzeyDI/AAAAAAAAAa4/QkvHXT4X4KI/s1600-h/IMG_2039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPkIqzeyDI/AAAAAAAAAa4/QkvHXT4X4KI/s320/IMG_2039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360378819081324594" /></a><br /><br />This is the super fun 1956 Aerocar Model One. I think this was Jack's favorite by far. It's a car and a plane! My two favorite things! WOW!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPlhgjNwzI/AAAAAAAAAbA/9O42Zxl0VSY/s1600-h/IMG_2007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPlhgjNwzI/AAAAAAAAAbA/9O42Zxl0VSY/s320/IMG_2007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360380345337103154" /></a><br /><br />There's a whole kids section with real airplanes and even a helicopter that are really small. Check it out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPnTxkkYoI/AAAAAAAAAbY/BYgzhNuPf4Y/s1600-h/IMG_2021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPnTxkkYoI/AAAAAAAAAbY/BYgzhNuPf4Y/s320/IMG_2021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360382308411269762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPnTSVMJ2I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/F5xJxXjiGa4/s1600-h/IMG_2017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPnTSVMJ2I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/F5xJxXjiGa4/s320/IMG_2017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360382300025268066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPnS5AIOTI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Bcxls5BAaQI/s1600-h/IMG_2008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPnS5AIOTI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Bcxls5BAaQI/s320/IMG_2008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360382293226043698" /></a><br /><br /><br />Jack! In! Space!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPo9beF7UI/AAAAAAAAAbg/RUavZoo-OwY/s1600-h/IMG_2043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPo9beF7UI/AAAAAAAAAbg/RUavZoo-OwY/s320/IMG_2043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360384123544661314" /></a>Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-63688298285457181492009-07-19T19:10:00.000-07:002009-07-19T20:15:31.085-07:00Moms and Tots at the Seattle AquariumI'm a bit biased but I love that Jack loves marine life. He will happily watch almost 30 minutes of Blue Planet and point and cheer. He still doesn't really call me "mommy" but he knows the difference between an Orca and a Humpback whale. I can't help but feeling proud.<br /><br />While in Seattle, we went to the beautiful aquarium. Sadly, my camera skills aren't the best so please forgive me. Since I think my son is too cute, I can't resist.<br /><br />Jack really liked the Octopus. She was particularly active, moving about, flashing her colors getting all BIG and scary.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPfjuY1VTI/AAAAAAAAAaw/tGE9fstipUE/s1600-h/IMG_1930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPfjuY1VTI/AAAAAAAAAaw/tGE9fstipUE/s320/IMG_1930.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360373786341627186" /></a><br /><br />Ivy pauses a moment to have her picture taken.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPfjPVuISI/AAAAAAAAAao/LhozIOniLSI/s1600-h/IMG_1952.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPfjPVuISI/AAAAAAAAAao/LhozIOniLSI/s320/IMG_1952.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360373778007073058" /></a><br /><br />An Orca skull. Those teeth are as thick as my forefinger.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPfipJ4FCI/AAAAAAAAAaY/vMUhI2kO_kU/s1600-h/IMG_1974.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPfipJ4FCI/AAAAAAAAAaY/vMUhI2kO_kU/s320/IMG_1974.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360373767756846114" /></a><br /><br />A sea otter surfaces for a moment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPfiWKmHXI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/sjRU3XCQ9HY/s1600-h/IMG_1979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPfiWKmHXI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/sjRU3XCQ9HY/s320/IMG_1979.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360373762659589490" /></a><br /><br />The funny thing I'm noticing as I look back through all my shots of the whole trip is that rarely did I take any photos of my friends. It's all kids, animals, and kids. Sorry friends!Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-45638082172621585942009-07-19T19:01:00.001-07:002009-07-19T19:09:47.931-07:00Belly at 17 weeksBy popular demand, I am providing a belly shot. But not your normal belly shot. This is my POV. My belly is lopsided. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPQR7RitMI/AAAAAAAAAZw/yKZX1sW6PgI/s1600-h/belly17weeks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPQR7RitMI/AAAAAAAAAZw/yKZX1sW6PgI/s320/belly17weeks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360356987888645314" /></a><br /><br />This is Jack sitting on my belly reading a book. See how crazy lopsided it is? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPQSJSGVpI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/gmYH0r0RuJA/s1600-h/belly17wks_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPQSJSGVpI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/gmYH0r0RuJA/s320/belly17wks_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360356991649076882" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is the view above the book. I put these shooting range earmuffs on him when I vacuum. He seems to like them a lot and goes into his room singing to himself and reading while I vacuum. It's a good thing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPQSXekTqI/AAAAAAAAAaA/uzp43p3q7XM/s1600-h/IMG_2132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPQSXekTqI/AAAAAAAAAaA/uzp43p3q7XM/s320/IMG_2132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360356995459468962" /></a><br /><br /><br />Back to the book. Nothing keeps him for long when "The Happy Man and his Dump Truck" is open!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPQS78z-fI/AAAAAAAAAaI/V19QFCXR1K0/s1600-h/IMG_2134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/SmPQS78z-fI/AAAAAAAAAaI/V19QFCXR1K0/s320/IMG_2134.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360357005250001394" /></a>Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-66286762781702666312009-07-16T13:12:00.000-07:002009-07-16T14:40:47.471-07:00Catching up...Hi there. It's been a while, how ya been? <br /><br />Due to some level of guilt and the sweet, gently nagging voice of friends (ahem! you know who you are!) I am finally posting some pictures from our recent trip to Whistler, B.C. and the Seattle area. I called my "Great Tour of All Things I Didn't Do When I Lived Here" and it was incredibly successful!<br /><br />In Whistler, my friend Greg and I did a ZipTrek Ecotour. 5 zip lines that get steeper and longer with 1 over 20 stories high and something like 2000' long. That was totally kickass and even more fun than it sounds. Greg and I were mostly speechless and grinning the rest of the day, but we did admit our next fantasy job was being a ZipTrek guide. <br /><br />Please note the rakish angle of my helmet. I meant to do that. Sure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sl-MUVNjItI/AAAAAAAAAZg/KswB1xmDSwI/s1600-h/IMG_1864.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sl-MUVNjItI/AAAAAAAAAZg/KswB1xmDSwI/s320/IMG_1864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359156362513425106" border="0"></a><br /><br /><br />There was something so ominous and strange about the steps to nowhere.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sl-MUmkUU8I/AAAAAAAAAZo/RsXlA8A1X9Q/s1600-h/IMG_1874.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sl-MUmkUU8I/AAAAAAAAAZo/RsXlA8A1X9Q/s320/IMG_1874.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359156367172326338" border="0"></a><br /> <br /><br />I even made a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXMkEgaKla4">video</a> of one of my zips. Super fun! I'm having troubles with uploading to blogger but the Youtube link seems to work. Pardon my colors - I don't know how to color correct video. <br /><br />More to come later from B.C., the Museum of Flight, the Seattle Aquarium, the Woodland Park Zoo and much much more!Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-16302313240701483632009-03-05T09:18:00.001-08:002009-03-05T09:24:08.714-08:00Monumental Playground DayToday Jack did all sorts of things he's never done before. At the playground, he walked forwards up and down a bunch of stairs and learned to use the handrail. He slid down the slide all by himself, as in without my prompting or being at the bottom to cheer him on. He walked all around the playground, even though it was covered in snow and, since we usually end up doing a second set at the swing, he headed over there holding my hand for a little balance because of the snow. When he was done, he stopped smiling and held his arms up for me to stop the swing and pick him up. When I got him out, he walked over to the stroller and started to climb in. <br /><br />Time to go! <br /><br />I'd never seen such absolutely clear communication from him that didn't involve crying or throwing himself to the ground or throwing anything. It was amazing. <br /><br />too bad I didn't have my camera...Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-68504004465162699952009-03-04T12:18:00.000-08:002009-03-04T12:21:58.265-08:00Jack fell down...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa7iP9Q3YoI/AAAAAAAAAXY/3tAcWUIp7ow/s1600-h/IMG_0112.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa7iP9Q3YoI/AAAAAAAAAXY/3tAcWUIp7ow/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309429774487609986" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sorry, Grandmama Donna! I'll stitch it together with embroidery floss when I find it. Then he will have... Frankencrown!<br /> <br />and it will still be cute.Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-23879367806784019622009-03-03T18:45:00.000-08:002009-03-04T12:10:30.203-08:00New Friends<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa3qHvGJfNI/AAAAAAAAAXI/YA4R5NosaIE/s1600-h/IMG_0099.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa3qHvGJfNI/AAAAAAAAAXI/YA4R5NosaIE/s320/IMG_0099.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309156954361920722" /></a><br /><br /><br />So, I have a new friend-to-be-I-hope who is totally fabulous, smart and fun. (hi D!) Today we hung out at a big mall in Virginia. They had a fabulous play area for the tots and Mr. Knick Knack was singing his heart out and reading stories. The guy playing conga and tambourine kinda looked sweet and let the kids play with him. The 3 year old was about as good as the big nice guy in the funny sweater. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa3qG5VW2II/AAAAAAAAAXA/3-0fTElX5IY/s1600-h/IMG_0092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa3qG5VW2II/AAAAAAAAAXA/3-0fTElX5IY/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309156939930196098" /></a><br /><br /><br />Jack and his new friend were playing nicely until Jack pushed little Z off a bee. Then he didn't want to be with Jack so much anymore. Poor little guy. Ok, not so little. Isn't he absolutely edible? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa3qH9Xdj9I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/6IkzEicCZaw/s1600-h/IMG_0100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa3qH9Xdj9I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/6IkzEicCZaw/s320/IMG_0100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309156958192635858" /></a><br /> <br /><br />Jack is walking a lot - all of a sudden, he just started walking on his own. Of course, I think he's the most brilliant little boy in the whole world. Except when he tosses kids off bees. Then I think, not the best display of an attempt to interact with the world around him, but it's a sure sign he's trying! D was very forgiving. Nice D. I hope Not-so-wee Z gets Jack back!Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-76811757638617756062009-03-03T17:26:00.000-08:002009-03-03T18:46:52.651-08:00I want this chair.A strange thing happened at Z Gallerie. The store at this mall is closing and I want this chair:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa3hdpCd66I/AAAAAAAAAW4/eKzUu1uSI78/s1600-h/fabulous+chair.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HiIIf6pYqw/Sa3hdpCd66I/AAAAAAAAAW4/eKzUu1uSI78/s320/fabulous+chair.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309147435088341922" /></a><br /><br />But I can't buy it so I bought a jenga type game that stacks bones instead of rectangles with a skull on top. Cool.<br /><br />Anyway, while I'm checking out I ask the cashier about the chair, delivery, et cetera - you know, living the fantasy of buying the chair. As she tells me the store is closing, I'm overcome with this wave of fear, frustration and pain. My arms flushed and I felt sick to my stomach. The closing date is less than 2 weeks away. I ask her, "Do you know what you are going to do?" And she says there's one thing. Then tells me some very personal information about why she needs medical coverage. No details about her condition, but that her medication is very expensive. Now I know where those feelings came from. <br /><br />I want to tell her, I'm scared, too. There's no way I can buy that chair. This is a scary time right now for a lot of people. <br /><br />Instead, I say, good luck! with enthusiasm and, I hope, some understanding and turn to walk away. But I get this other feeling. It's so warm and sweet and I surrender to it fully. I turned around, reached for her hand, looked into her eyes and said, I really feel that you are going to be okay. Better than you expect even. <br /><br />In general, I'm not one to feel especially cheerful and currently I fight the same frustration, fear and anxiety I felt pouring from this woman. But I'm curious now how she will hold that experience. I like to believe that when I have these feelings that they are accurate. And I really felt that she would be okay and, quite possibly, better than she could imagine. <br /><br />Then I walked away. And barely made it to the restroom. I hope I did take some of her pain from her. I really hope her load is a little lighter tonight. But even if it's nothing to her, I learned something about the depth of my own emotions and how unchecked they can affect others. <br /><br />And you know, I still want this chair.Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-45943141073507955712009-01-26T13:23:00.000-08:002009-01-26T13:36:00.678-08:00Hello, Old Friend...Hello there. It's been a while... How are you, friend? <br /><br />Well I guess someone listened to my request. Dear Husband was offered a great job on the other side of the country and we moved over the holidays. And yes, moving sucks. I hate it! Just organizing for the move is a nightmare. Sing along, you know the words! This is the move that never ends, it just goes on and on my friends.<br /> <br />Living in the land of boxes for months, perhaps years, just gets me down, man. Really down. And the slightest set back can make it much worse. I swore that this would be the move where we could fully unpack. The day after we put the books on the bookshelves, the pipes burst in the unit two doors up, destroying that house and leaking through the unit next door and into our basement. I met my neighbors by begging for their help to bring everything up from the basement. Now I have a living room full of boxes where there was nearly only a couch, table and chair. It was nice... for a minute.<br /><br />I know, I know. You hate that Eeyore tone. I know. I think it's the weather. And the boxes. Oh and Jack isn't sleeping so well and so neither am I. <br /><br />Well, tomorrow's another day, right? Take care of yourself.<br /><br />Yes, I will get some sleep soon. Thanks, love.<br /><br />ByeHappy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-5527572536543429862008-10-28T10:25:00.000-07:002008-10-29T10:48:07.674-07:00Weird dreams...I was just starting a new job at Microsoft and the whole day was spent trying to figure out what I actually do. There were so many people - it was crowded down there and felt more like an underground mall than a workplace. There was a clothing store full of men's and women's suits, blouses, nylons and pumps in black, gray, brown and a lot of people shopping, pushing past each other all wearing the clothes I saw for sale. Do they ever leave?<br /><br />There were movie theatres and concert halls and somewhat of a party vibe going on, like, "isn't it great that we practically live here?!" <br /><br />It kinda freaked me out. It was such an artificial atmosphere and I couldn't believe everyone was buying it. <br /><br />********************<br /><br />In real life, my mother has been ill recently and was hospitalized. Living far away from her has been stressful because I fear her dying suddenly. In this dream, she came to visit me.<br /><br />"What are you doing here," I asked her.<br /><br />"I just came to give you a hug." And she embraced me. <br /><br />Somehow this was really disturbing and I woke wondering if that was her spirit coming to say goodbye. I've had psychic dreams before about things happening to my family. It was 3 am and I had to hold myself back from calling her at that moment to make sure she was okay. <br /><br />I talked to her later, and she's fine. She said she was probably cold and likes my hugs so maybe she came to hug me to get warm!Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-38943021868790958502008-10-27T09:21:00.000-07:002008-10-27T10:13:39.155-07:00Job SearchThe dear Husband is working hard - phone calls to supportive friends with information about this or that company, recommendations from others, web research on companies hiring for his particular skill set and getting details on who pays more where, and creating new works to target companies he would like to work for. <br /><br />It's like killing a moose with salt peter. <br /><br />"more fantasy, more sci-fi, not enough zombies" - I guess being a diverse artist is more of a problem than one would imagine. I mean, who knew being able to draw a sexy pin-up model with the same skill as a tank or Beast of Another Dimension would be a drawback?<br /><br />Having him at home is a mixed blessing, too. He's helpful with Jack, taking him for walks in the morning, playing with him during the day, helping change diapers or taking over if I need a break. <br /><br />But all that takes away from his job search. Jack is often very loud, which makes it hard for Ray to concentrate on new paintings. So I have to devise free things to do for hours on end in between Jack's erratic nap times to get out of the house. It's easier when the weather's decent but when it's cold and rainy out, I just wish we had a working fireplace and a nanny so I could read in bed all day. <br /><br />So, someone - please hire my <a href="http://www.raylederer.com">husband</a>. He's experienced, talented, works smart and gets along with just about everybody. Yes, I'm a little biased, but just look at his work and when you get your socks back on, call or email him. You'll be glad you did. And so will I.Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-66622819886597464462008-10-25T00:41:00.000-07:002008-10-25T00:48:13.738-07:00Halloween Mourning...I haven't finished my altar. The pictures aren't hung, I can't even find marigolds anywhere or any of my favorite special things for honoring this very special time. I keep meaning to paint the jizos and tweak this or that and just don't. <br /><br />I miss my crafty self. Will she come back? Can't I just have a <span style="font-style:italic;">eensy</span> bit of Martha?Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-7236225386808046042008-10-23T16:15:00.000-07:002008-10-23T18:21:40.843-07:00I no heart hackers.thank you, hacker butt head. Thank you for hijacking a friend's msn messenger account and sending a link that ruined our hard drive, making inaccessible all of our photos for the past 4 - 5 years of our life, quite a lot of my husband's work and much more. Thanks for just being a real jerk. Too bad I am not as nasty as you, that I can't find you and string you up for a halloween decoration like I feel you deserve. <br /><br />But I will let the universe deal with you, twit. You'll wonder why all the chicks you try to date never answer your call, or the ones you do will give you STDs. Yeah, buddy. Have fun out there. If you think the world's kicking you in the balls, that's because you've taped a sign on your own back that says "kick me!"<br /><br />Hackers = Wankers<br /><br />A pox on all your parent's basement, since you'll be there for a while.Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-50337908797012829092008-10-19T22:26:00.000-07:002008-10-19T23:16:20.685-07:00A night away...I had planned a super secret special surprise for my honey's birthday. You see, all he said he wanted was a good night's sleep. So, I booked a babysitter (Awesomest Fairy Godmommy Tamara!) and found a great deal on an apartment for the night through a friend's corporate housing company. <br /><br />I planned a dinner and breakfast and pre-prepped what I could while he was at work. I packed a bag with all the essentials including candles, sparkling french wine and strawberries, bought flowers, and hid everything in the garages. I planned my beard (dinner with friends at our house and a last minute craigslist purchase/pick up that he <span style="font-style:italic;">had to come with.</span> Don't worry - the baby's okay with Tamara for a few minutes. <br /><br />The idea was that I would drive to the place, knock on the door a few times, then pull out the key and open it to rose petals, mood lighting and soft music. "Surprise! Here's your good night's sleep! Of course, you'll have to work for it..." *seductive grin*<br /><br />But when Honey bunny got laid off Friday, he started to spin wildly saying, I don't want to go out or have fun. I've got too much stuff to think about. <br /><br />Uh oh. <br /><br />So I spilled the beans. <br /><br />And you know what? He was so happy and surprised and excited... He kept telling me how he was looking forward to it all day. It seemed to make him more relaxed about facing a job search. And today, after an evening of fun and a good night's rest, Honey Bunny emerged refreshed and excited with a focused plan and renewed resolve. <br /><br />Unfortunately, it means we'll probably have to lose the cable TV. Clean House! What will I do without you!Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-90740727637586889662008-10-17T20:00:00.000-07:002008-10-17T20:09:50.609-07:00the best laid plans...Ray got laid off today. No warning - well, a little, but he was getting the sideways talks from the owner saying, good thing you're going to this other team. That's the place to be. Basically, he lied to give Ray a false feeling of security during an awkward time.<br /><br />Then today they are told to clean out their desks. <br /><br />Part of me wants to call the owner and say, why Ray? You know we have a baby - you gave us the freakin' crib! Well, at least if we lose our home, we can turn the crib over, put a tarp on it and call it home.<br /><br />But then, I realized they are worse off than we are. C_ mortgaged his house to the hilt to personally finance one of the projects when the incoming money from investors trickled away. Now, he could lose everything including their brand new kitchen with a single piece of marble slap large enough for at least 4 autopsies at a time. And flawlessly white. Beautiful, just beautiful. I wonder what his wife will say. I wonder about their 4 kids and horses and chickens and fancy cars.<br /><br />Enough about them. He screwed his own family as much as he's screwed mine and I'm angry.Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-40991355134853955762008-10-04T12:20:00.000-07:002008-10-04T12:35:02.206-07:00Desprerate times...... call for desperate measures. And 2:45 am is decidedly a desperate time when the baby has us up every 1/2 hour to 1 1/2 hours and crying, <span style="font-style:italic;">crying</span> anytime we put him in the crib. Finally I put on a jacket, grabbed my keys and the baby and said, we're going for a drive. <br /><br />It's interesting to see what 24 hour drive thru's are actually open. McDonald's had lots of "24 hour DRIVE THRU signgs, but nobody was home. Not my first choice, but it was close and the fries aren't <span style="font-style:italic;">too</span> dangerous. Starbucks wasn't likely to have the sandwiches I like and coffee was not what I needed. So Jack in the Box won out. By the way, the ice cream shakes are <span style="font-weight:bold;">thick</span>. Better hold out for a warm day on that one before you pop a blood vessel sucking so hard. Breakfast sandwich was pretty good, but not as good as Starbucks. <br /><br />After all this searching, baby JackJack was still cooing, albeit quietly, in his seat while we cranked up KEXP friday night dance party. DaftPunk usually puts him right out but these were extenuating circumstances. <br /><br />We finally hit the highway, and drove to Seattle. Might as well have a pretty drive while we are lulling our baby to sleep, right? And no, neither of us made the joke. One might have struck the other, or worse, turned up the electronic beat box louder.<br /><br />An hour and half later, we were home. Baby transferred soundly asleep to crib and slept for at least another hour before waking us bemoaning his soul-deep loneliness and burning desire for our company. <br /><br />C'est la vivre, eh? And through it all, I can still look at him, now smiling and discovering and boundless and love him. And you know, I didn't once imagine what he might taste like. A move up!Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-26960178952168709412008-09-21T03:07:00.000-07:002008-09-21T03:24:12.592-07:00mom's night out...I'm visiting friends, the "village" I'd planned on raising my children with. It's been so much fun and sweet and really cool in that way that being around the people who know you best only can be. The friend I'm staying with has a daughter just 27 hours older than my son which is very special to both of us. In the past few days, we've nursed and soothed each other's babies in ways that makes me feel somewhat lonely in my life in the PNW. <br /><br />This is the first night I've really gone out and not had to come home to a baby at all. The husband took all the kids to "Baby Island," a resort of sorts which is the home of another friend. The two husbands watched the 9 and 7 year old, a 19 month and 2 9 month old babies. They win awards in my book. <br /><br /><br />I've been tempted to call but I really don't want to .. I don't want to know that my son is freaking out or that he's really just fine without me. These husbands are so conscientious, I know they are taking great care of my son. But the image of Jack screaming and crying, holding his hand out to me as they drove away is haunting me. And I had to pump and throw away the breast milk - over 16 oz - to relieve myself and because I'd been drinking. It was so strange yet felt like the right thing. I only regret not putting it to some other use, if possible...<br /><br />So now I go to an empty bed and I can't imagine sleeping on my own. No husband, no baby, so I post. Go to sleep already!!Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-39085964891182616842008-08-16T14:14:00.000-07:002008-08-16T14:15:54.867-07:00Faerie Picnic!We went to a Faerie picnic today, but since it was on Faerie time and we were on baby time, not much happened before it was time to go. <br /><br />We found a great little Greek restaurant where I could tie Tasha up outside with some water and there was a good sized child's play area. how cool! jack just went in and got to work chewing on legos and fake food. <br /><br />When it came time to eat real food, he still treats the spoon like a nipple sometimes trying to suck the food out of it instead of opening his mouth. We have fabulous video of our friend, Rob, father of 2, trying to teach jack to open his mouth. It was very entrancing for jack, but not as educational as we hoped.Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33508578.post-54196699207128830682008-07-19T18:51:00.001-07:002008-07-19T19:05:03.433-07:00One step closer...Today, while talking to Brother Mike, I said, "No, he's not quite crawling yet. He pushes with his legs but hasn't coordinated it with being up on his arms so he just scoots around on his face," which is even funnier than it sounds and not as damaging as you'd think.<br /><br />Then I went to the park for a while with the dogs leaving the wee one sleeping while the hubby got some much needed billable hours. At least, that was the hope. There must always be hope. <br /><br />I returned, feeling refreshed and almost a little sunned out (which is a cherished feeling here in the grey PNW), and walked into the studio to discover I had spoken too soon. Lo and behold, there is my little boy, crawling toward me with a smile on his face! <br /><br />It's so sweet and exciting and terrifying at the same time. Every step he makes is one step closer to stealing my keys. But it's also a step to his independence, his discovery of the world and himself in it. It's a step of hope. Yes, there must always be hope.Happy Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07237967514775224219noreply@blogger.com0