Home Secured By Taekwondo

So I've never given martial arts a second thought. Mostly I associate it with the instructor from Napoleon Dynamite.
But I was on a mission to find an activity that would be good for Tobin this summer. He was offered a free class in Taekwondo (or Twantaedo, as Tobin calls it) so we went and I watched to see if Tobin liked it. He was hooked right away. After only six lessons I can see a major improvement in Tobin's attitude, coordination (Tobin trips over air molecules......a few times a day.) focus, and esteem. He is required to do four chores at home daily with out being asked. Weekly he turns in his progress reports from home and school to make sure that he is behaving like a black belt in training. As a parent I welcome this new tool to use to motivate this little ninja to do what he is told the first time. And as a mom it melts my heart to see him focus on something for 45minuets and respond with, "Yes Sir!" after each command during class. So look out Rex Kwon Do, Tobin is moving in.

Master Graduate

It was hot and the ceremony was about to start. I saw some empty spaces way up in the cheap seats and knew that my mom would never be comfortable without a chair. I saw a row that was free but with a sign that said, "Reserved for President Guests" as I was reading it the usher asked if I was a guest of the president. I confidently said yes and my mother and I proudly took our comfy seats. I am ashamed.....not really. I have another confession to make. I was a little board listening to all the speeches and the name after name and blow horn after blow horn and the silly string.....my gosh. Anyway that's when I started people watching. I didn't have to watch far before I got my first good laugh. In front of me was a grandma and her preteenish grandson. He was looking on the stage at the hearing impaired interpreter. There conversation went exactly like this:
Grandson: "Grandma, is that lady doing sign language?"
Grandmother: "How the hell should I know."
Grandson: silent

Wow. I'm going out on a limb to say that this is the first graduate in that family.

Next I was drawn to a young 20 something man next to me who looked like he was just kicked out of the computer lab out into the sunshine for the first time. He solved his boredom from the ceremony by reading. Not just any book but, Demon Flower. A closer look showed me that it was a comic book. It must have been a good one cause he chuckled like we were watching a comedy act. I liked him so much that I took a picture of him for you.

Did you notice his rad hat? It has wings. Awesome.

Ok now for the real reason for this post. My little sister got her masters of education! Isn't she pretty?

With her daughter Mariko

With her husband Rhyan (who also graduated with this BA)

With my mom who got her though

Sunday House Update

So this house building is really getting exciting. We have most of our exterior bottom floor vertical walls up. This really helps my visual brain get excited about making this new place my home.

Tonight I just got back from taking my mom and sister on a tour of my lumber smelling, no walls house. They indulged me as I was trying to explain where we were standing and how I have been agonizing over what kind of bathtub I should get.

Here is a look at some of the progress.

I thought this would be a great picture of my shadow until I saw how flippin huge my torso and thighs look in this picture. On behalf of my hips and thighs can I just say that this angle misrepresents them. They thank you for not judging them.

In other exciting news we saw four deer in the front of our property a week ago. It's really fun to think of the wild life that we will soon be enjoying.

How Becca Got Her Blog Back

I miss blogging. I feel like I am off my blogging game and I miss it. After our move, my daily routine changed and my baby blog has been neglected. The deal is, I have so much to say. So many pictures and stories that you all must, MUST see and hear. So in efforts to get into a rhythm I here do pledge to post every day for one whole week. WOW. I know that was an impressive announcement. One of those that I should have teased you with throughout this post but alas I am no Ryan Seacrest.

What can you expect this next week? House building updates, graduation stories, a new baby in our family, a happy birthday post for these twins I know that are turning two!, and I won't give it away now, but someone is our house is taking Taekwondo lessons (and it ain't me). Stay tuned for all this and more!

Oh before I go I leave you with some random pictures that I love and shall now live in the blog universe for eternity.

Phoebe modeling in Old Navy

These piano playing fools at my uncles 60th surprise party

and Jabe. I call this one: Chill

Bear With Me

I'm out of it. I have blog topics, family events, tragedies, Tobinisms racing though my head all the time and just haven't taken the time to post them. Well today Glory Laine readers need to just grab a snack, lock yourself in the computer room and prepare to be caught up. (Well sort of).
Stef wrote a wonderful post about a dream weekend with my girls that really took quite a different turn. I came back after just spending one night at Stef family beach house to a very sick little Jabe. He just couldn't shake a bad flu that had him not eating for five days. (Of course the five days before his weigh-in with the doctor.)
I had plans that weekend. Fun plans. Plans that included going to the beach with Stef and Jill and sleeping in, watching chick flicks, eating....whatever..... just not being a mother. I wasn't able to go last year because the thought of taking my little nursing twinado's to a tiny cabin with other mommies who needs rest sounded like a heart attack waiting to happen. So this year was my year. I left only because Jabe looked like he was on the mend. Matt called me Saturday morning to say that Jabe didn't look good. Very lethargic and still could keep anything down. He was off to take him to the doctors with all the kids. He couldn't get a hold of any grandparents so Pastor Ben came to help with the healthy ones. The doctor said Jabe was on the verge of hospitalisation if we couldn't keep electrolytes down him. I immediately came home. Turns out you can't turn off the mom button once you ativate it. We got Jabe to start drinking and he was on the mend after just a few hours. That same day our Dog was hit by a car. I had know idea how much I loved that stupid dog until I thought we lost him. But God still has plans for little Roscoe because after a 15 hundred dollars and a fractured hip he is still with us.

You have to see Mr. Jabe in Tobin's old swim suit....

And Ms. Phoebe loves to kiss

Tobin being Tobin

I told him the other day while shopping that we needed to start thinking of a gift for daddy for Fathers day. He thought for a while and said, "Mom, when is it kids day?" Sometimes it takes a lot of restraint for me not to shake some gratitude into him.

I love these pictures of Phoebe on the teeter toter. I swear I took them with-in seconds of each other. It's so hard being almost two.

I leave you with some more random park pictures.

My motto for the last few weeks: Life Comes At You Fast and if you blink you might just end up with a fat lip.

Growing Girly

Had to share some pictures of Phoebe's new look.....

I can't believe she is almost two! But seeing her in pig tails helps me see the big girl inside my baby.

Pushing Dirt

It has begun. Our property is being groomed for our home. Even though right now it just looks like piles of dirt that disturbed this virgin ground, this process of building our foundation of our home is the most important step. Everything and everybody needs a firm foundation to be solid.

Here is a look at our pond. (I even saw some ducks last month!)

And a creek.

No pictures, please.

Smile Phoebe.

Please Phoebe, just give mom a little smile.

Happy Mothers Day!

Mother-in-laws

I've heard all the jokes, all the rolling eyes, all the snide comments under your breath about mother-in-laws. And as much as I try to connect with my fellow married women, on this topic I do not understand. My mother-in-law Pam is just simply FABULOUS! I have have high standards for that compliment because my own mother is fantastically fabulous. Pam is just in a class of her own. A rare breed. Almost extinct among us microwaving, tivo watching women that I have embraced. She is a genius in the kitchen, a marvel at the sewing machine, and an artist with the paint brush. But aside from her domestic qualities this high school graduate has intellectual abilities that can make any MIT graduate quiver with stupidness. Now so you don't get the wrong picture of Martha Steward on acid, I want to also let you know about her kindness. She has NEVER interfered in my role of wife to her (adorable) son, or mother to her grandchildren. When I need her she drops everything, when I am frustrated she encourages me, when I tell her about an outfit I've had my eye on at Gymboree she buys it. Perfection.
Pam loves her husband. She has been such an example of how to meet the needs of your spouse and then to watch as he worships the grounds she walks on. Their relationship is something that can take my breath away.
She plans and prepares to make memories for her family. Like two Christmases ago when she put on a Cabin Christmas for us with handcrafted ornaments, and homemade gifts for everyone.
She is spunky. She drives a little red Mini Cooper like she is Charlize Theron in Italian Job. Her taste in movies are in two specific categories, Anne of Green Gable's -ish movies or James Bond-ish movies all else is a waste of time.
I am just in awe of this little woman with amazingly big talent that she shares freely with her family.
Proverbs 31:10 (the Message)

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls

up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!

Happy Birthday Pam!
PS Just can't get enough of Pam-cakes? Stef also wrote a lovely tribute here.

Smooth Move

It's overwhelming to me to be in a place in my life that requires help. And not just, "I'll pray for you" help, or "I'll give you a donation to get you going" types of help. When you move you need bodies. Strong bodies. Bodies that you trust to not dent your furniture and not to be totally disgusted when they pull your bed from the wall and see a years worth of night time feeding nursing pads that were hiding under there (so embarrassing). I was humbled by the volunteer spirit our friends and family extended. We had some curve balls during the two day move. Things that were not on my many lists that I made while wondering how in the heck were we going to get out of here. Phoebe was sick (puking sick), Matt's grandmother (who has had lots of health problems and lives an hour away) had to be revived twice because her heart stopped, and Matt was called out on a SWAT mission in the middle of the night the day of the move so only got a few hours sleep. Yikes. The list of helpers who came to our aide is incredible. Our pastor, friends to just to offer a hug, some SWAT members, even a neighbor came over with her rubber gloves on ready to clean. When pastor Ben stopped by he asked how he could help. I gave him three options:

1. Go though my toiletries and decide what I need for six months, what I can pack and what I can throw away.

2. Clean bathtub

3. Entertain babies

Any guesses on what he chose?

And the winner is.....
He lifted some heavy boxes too. Thanks Ben!


Matt even found this bottle of coke that he has been saving from our trip to Ecuador, 15 years ago. (and he made fun of me for saving my shoe box of jr. high notes.) Anyway, I think that he was delirious from lack of sleep that night and lifting heavy ojects popped a few brain cells because when I forbade him from packing this glass coke bottle to yet another home he decided not to waste it.







The family is adjusting to our new temporary living environment. New sounds to explain to Tobin. New little dogs to get used too. A new refrigerator to try to squeeze our four gallons of milk into. Spending more money on gas driving to Church and preschool (and a coffee because hey I am out and about and why the heck not).

We are staying with my friend Michelle. She is just simply amazing to open her lovely home to my family. She has transformed her dinning room into a playroom and reorganized her storage and extra rooms for us and all the stuff that makes a family work for six months. Most of you know that I am a easy going person. But I don't do change well. I like routine. I crave predictability. So this has been challenging for me. The first morning I woke up I stumbled into the kitchen hungry and out of sorts. I wanted my kitchen and my oatmeal and I wanted to punch the woman who was waking up in my old house twirling around MY kitchen like she owns the place (and then I looked at my bank statement and remembered she did in fact own the place and I was going to burn for thinking such thoughts). I opened the cabinet next to the stove and then I saw that Michelle set aside a shelf just for me with my oatmeal, brown sugar and cereal bowls. And I smiled that my friend was so welcoming and thoughtful to bring me this little comfort of home. I knew then that everything was going to be fine.

I have to say that everyone is adjusting better than expected. But the member who is feels like he is in heaven is Rosco. Michelle has two little dogs and her home has a dog friendly environment. Rosco was limited to non-carpeted area in our old house. Now he has free range. And a new spring in his step.

We will be breaking ground next month and have a move in date September 12th. I will be using this blog to record our progress. I want to remember it because I AM NEVER MOVING AGAIN.

Treasure in the Trash

As many of you know, we're moving. We've been cleaning out closets, drawers and cupboards all week trying to pack stuff up for the big move. We've found all kinds of cool treasures that have been lost over the ages. Said treasures included the lid to the crock pot (missing since 2003), My first cassette tape ever purchased "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul, a box of macaroni and cheese (expiration date of 2002), but the best one of all, was a poem that Matt had written for Tobin not too long ago when Matt was working a lot and was leaving early in the mornings before Tobin was awake. Tobin would wake up and be devastated he didn't get a chance to say goodbye, until he found Daddy's note that he left him. I opened a drawer and found several notes, pictures and this poem Tobin has apparently been squirreling away as keepsakes. (side note, Tobin frequently checks the trash to make sure we haven't thrown away any of his pictures, candy or toys, he's very thorough). Anyway, I thought this poem was sweet, below is what was written:

"When you wake, Dad will be gone
So I’ve left for you this silly song
You can sing it almost anywhere
You can sing it wearing your underwear
Sing it with mommy while laying in bed
Sing it to Roscoe as you pet his head
Remember the words, don’t forget even one
For this silly song was written for my first born son

"Silly Stew"

Squirrels, Frogs and Kangaroos
Love to eat silly stew
In a skillet or a pot, icy cold or even hot
In their tummy’s it hits the spot
To get real big, stout and strong
They all know to sing along
For silly stew isn’t just food
It’s a hearty adventure for any mood
Squirrels eat with their little paws
Frogs chew with their slimy jaws
Kangaroos stuff some in their pouch
Then watch TV on the couch
For every little bite they eat
They know it helps grow great big feet
So next time someone offers you some silly stew
Remember an important thing or two
To grow big and strong, fast and tall
Just make sure you slurp it all"

I have lots of thoughts running though my head as we leave this house. Just two nights sleep left here. I am tired and grieving a bit too. Phoebe woke up in the middle of the night throwing up. I explained to her that her being sick was not on my schedule. She listened, obeyed and has since healed herself (genius). Matt has just been a champ getting this move to move smoothly. As I pack up all our stuff and weed though the junk and find a few treasures I am reminded that Matt is my home.

Sometimes God Doesn't Give Us a Choice

I believe God gave all of us free will. He has laid out a perfect plan for us to lead a fulfilling bountiful life and we go along and choice by choice either steer towards that perfection or away from it.

I have been watching my diet since January. I make choices considering what I eat or don't multiple times a day. Yesterday I found myself at Safeway for a milk and banana run. Something (I can only describe it as supernatural) pulled me towards the freezer section. And there I saw it.

Ice Cream

Ben and Jerry's

Toffee

AND

Coffee

I have come to learn in my almost 31 years of life that sometime God doesn't offer a choice. Sometimes our hands are tied and we have to humbly submit to Him over the gift of frozen caffeine with buttery caramel crunchy candy.

Today again I heard the voice of God when I was reminded by Abby that Java Crew was giving away FREE coffee. And again I was given no choice but to load the twins into the car and have them miss their morning nap while I waited in line to receive my demanded blessing. It's hard being a servant.

Seriously my hands were tied. What would you have done? Ignored God? Followed the diet over our savior? Well, I am just not that kind of Christian.

Now just for fun, lets see what A Coffee Toffee ice cream and A Carmel Silk latte look like making out......

What a baby they would make.

Little Man

I know what your thinking, "Poor Becca is so busy with mothering those three young kids, and spending every free second packing and doesn't have time to blog."
Well, your partly right. I do my share of mothering but packing....not so much. We do have some things packed in boxes, neatly placed in the basement with their moving location written with a black Sharpie on the lid. But if I am being honest I am not on target for that stress free move that I have visualized in my head, (So much for "The Secret"). I tend to get overwhelmed easily and then retreat to my place on the couch with my lap top and read blogs and suck my thumb. It would be easy if I just threw all our junk in boxes and called it good but I really want to sort and purge and be mindful of what is useful and what is destined for the shelves of Good Will. So that takes time and quite and a clear head and lots and lots of coffee. Besides we've had some really sunny days lately that have given us glimpses of the promise of spring. So we've gotten the kids out to play and even took a trip to Silver Falls.

I have to take a pause from this post to tell you about a brief yet scary conversation I had with the gentleman walking behind me down the trail to the falls. I was pushing the twins in the stroller, (Really I DO NOT recommend this form of transportation down a steep, windy trail that can plummet to ones death.) when the man behind me starting asking me a brilliant line of questions that ultimately had me wondering if he had ever read a book in his life.
It went exactly like this-
Older Ignorant Man: Those twins you got up there?
Me: Yes
OIM: Were they born at the same time?
Me: Yes
OIM: I had twin sisters.
Me: That's nice. These are boy/girl twins.
OIM: Oh! That's weird. I've never heard of that happening before.
Me: (Silence)

I also took the twins in for their 18 month well baby check up. Here are the stats:
Jabe
Length: 31.5 inches
Weight: 20 lbs 5 oz

Phoebe:
Length: 33.25 inches
Weight: 23 lbs

Jabe is underweight according to the weight chart. The ironic part is that Jabe eats a lot! More than Phoebe. And a very balanced diet. So the doctor thinks that Jabe isn't digesting food properly. Jabe poops about four or five times daily. So Doc feels like the food is just going right though him and not absorbing all the calories and vitamins. He thinks that Jabes diet of whole wheat, verity of fruits, vegetables, meats are just too complex for him to digest. So he wants me to go to a very simple, easy diet of white rice, white bread, noodles, yogurt, cheese, whole milk, apples, bananas and other plain foods to help him to relearn how to digest. Then a weight check in three months. It's really hard for me to wrap my brain around this. I love that the twins eat anything and everything I give them. I have worked really hard to eliminate all white breads and processed food so to add some of that back is strange. I worry that I might get him addicted to carbs or that I might create issues have Jabe and Phoebe eat different meals. I still have lots of questions about it and need to email the nurse to get a little guidance. If I had to guess looking at the weight chart I would have to say Jabe is like -5%. He just fits into 18 months clothes and will be turning 20 months next week. So he's little but so darn cute!

Mawh!