I have never, ever been out of Sedro-Woolley for the 4^th of July.  For thirty straight years, I have been at Loggerodeo ~ the Grand Parade, the carnival and all the festivities going on uptown.  So when this year it was suggested that we travel to MONTANA for the 4^th of July, I was surprised at my reaction.  Even though the 4^th is not my favorite holiday – to tell you the truth, I don’t usually even look forward to it – an almost homesick feeling came over me when it was decided that we would actually be making the trip.  How strange.  I didn’t think I was that tied to tradition…

Most of the traveling I have done in my life has been with Mimi and Popper.  With Popper, there is a starting point and a destination.  Everything in between must be taken in through the windshield!  We have made countless trips to Montana to visit Auntie Jo and her family, and for snowmobile trips.  Up until this trip with John’s family, I guess I thought everyone traveled like Popper!  I thought everyone got in the fast lane, set the cruise control for about 10 over the speed limit, only stopped if absolutely necessary (like if your bladder was actually going to leak or you were running on fumes…then, and only then was a stop necessary, and it was good to squeeze at least one or two more exits in between making the decision to stop and actually stopping), and got to your destination as quickly as possible!  Boy, was I wrong… some people actually like to stop at tourist attractions, or just to stretch their legs ~ something I have learned on this trip.  Some people actually like to sit and visit during meals, and take their time browsing through shops and museums.  The biggest thing, though, was probably the overnighter in Washington… something that NEVER happens when you’re traveling with Popper.  It is unheard of to leave any later than 6:00 in the AM, and that’s pushing it.  You NEVER leave at night.  It’s just not done.  And coming home from wherever you’ve been, basically, if you hit the edge of Washington when you’re traveling with him, you’re going all the way to Sedro-Woolley.  All the way home.  One time he even bribed me & Mimi, when we wanted to stop in Spokane for the night, after driving about 700 miles in one day… he told us if we’d let him go all the way home, he’d take us out to a fancy brunch at Henry’s Lady the next day.  We obliged.  Brunch was great the next day, too!  

I didn’t know I was so set in my ways… about the 4^th of July or traveling.  I continued to remind myself that other people have other ways of doing things, and this trip is really not just for me…there are 6 other people along for the ride.  I continued to remind myself that it’s kind of nice to be able to stop and shop for a little bit… I mean, I’ve been by lots of these places several times on my way somewhere, but there has never been any stopping.  It is taking some getting used to, and I will probably always return to my previous programming of stopping as little as possible (hey, you make great time that way!)… but this trip has been an eye-opener for me.

John grilled the steelhead he just caught on his fishing trip to Forks, we played Uno Attack, which I highly recommend playing ~ puts a fun twist into the regular Uno game… the kids played in Reagan’s “princess castle” and played Candy Land, and jumped and yelled and hollered for hours…and of course everyone ate way too much!  It was good times.  I felt like Auntie Jo when I told the kids they would get to bang pots and pans at midnight… they were SO excited because they had never done it before!!  I got to be the “fun adult” for once! 

Kids lining up outside for the big moment!

You’ll notice it was pretty windy last night, and Tessa (the oldest girl, 10) almost lost her hat in this pic… so I took another one (but had to include this one because I thought Reagan looked so cute and you can’t see her little bumblebee boots in the “good” pic):

Tessa (10), Tallon (5), Reagan (2) and Taggart (8)

"Is it time yet?!?!"

I got a “human” lesson from Deb on my new sewing machine that I got from my wonderful mother-in-law Donna, for Christmas!  I have been chomping at the bit to dig into some projects, but haven’t felt confident enough to navigate the new shiny marvel myself.  The owner’s manual is basically no help whatsoever, as it is written assuming that you know something about sewing…my knowledge up til now has only been that there’s a needle and thread involved!  John tried to help me the first night I got it out of the box, but we both sat there trying to figure out which thread guide the manual was referring to and how to get the thread around the thing and into the hole.  (Cool note:  Mine came with a “self-threader” device, which means I don’t have to do it manually!)  He had offered to help, thinking it was mechanical and he could figure out anything mechanical.  I have to give him kudos though; even if his technique was a tad on the barbaric side, he did get it to work when I couldn’t!  That night, I did get to sew a new “sleeping bag” for Goober the stuffed dog, hem the jammie pants I had made for him during my FIRST sewing lesson from Deb, and practice some of the fancy stitches it has.  That scratched my sewing itch for a few days, but I really couldn’t wait to corner Deb while she was here and pick her brain.  She was a HUGE help, and we even accomplished a little project during her stay!  (I would say what it is, but it’s a gift…)  We had a great time!

Me and Deb

Reagan had a ball playing with the kids and was SO excited to show off all her new Christmas toys and of course, her new “fancy” bed!

Tallon and Reagan, playing in her "princess" room

Tessa, Reagan, Taggart and Tallon ~ getting ready for dinner

I know one of the kids got a little bored, though… right before they all loaded up and headed home, Deb came in with Taggart and told us that he had something to apologize for… seems the lad had found a lighter in the trailer and decided to burn a few marks into the trailer ceiling.  He was uber-apologetic though, and his parents were both mortified and humiliated.  We were just glad he didn’t burn himself or the trailer down!  I think there was definitely a lesson learned there… and the burn marks are hardly noticeable….

Tessa and Reagan pose in their matching PJs

Hope everyone had a happy new year!

Of course it comes as no surprise that “Dominance” was my highest category, closely followed by “Influence” (this is based on the classic “DiSC Dimensions of Behavior” personality profiles)… “Conscientiousness” and “Steadiness” scored lowest…

Dominant personalities place emphasis on shaping the environment by overcoming opposition to accomplish results.  (boy isn’t this true?!)  A dominant person’s tendencies include:

Getting immediate results, Causing action, Accepting challenges, Making quick decisions, Questioning the Status Quo, Taking authority, Managing trouble and Solving problems.

A Dominant person desires an environment that includes:

Power and authority, Prestige and challenge, Opportunities for individual accomplishments, A wide scope of operations, Direct answers, Opportunities for advancement, Freedom from controls and supervision and Many new and varied activities.

An Influential personality places emphasis on shaping the environment by influencing or persuading others…hmmm…

An Influential person’s tendencies include:

Contacting people, Making a favorable impression, Being articulate, Creating a motivational environment, Generating enthusiasm, Entertaining people, Viewing people and situations with optimism (def. not me!), Participating in a group (again, not me!)

An Influential person desires an environment that includes:

Popularity and Social recognition, Public recognition of ability, Freedom of expression, Group activities outside of job, Democratic relationships, Freedom from control and detail, Opportunity to verbalize proposals, Coaching and counseling, and Favorable working conditions.

Descriptive words for an Insprirational Pattern  (which I fall into) include:

Egocentric, Direct, Daring, Domineering, Demanding, Enthusiastic, Gregarious, Persuasive, Impulsive, Emotional, Self-promoting, Trusting, Change-oriented, Fault-finding, Spontaneous, Frustrated by status quo, Active, Arbitrary, Rebellious, Defiant, Obstinate, Tactless and Sarcastic

“Inspirational patterns have strong verbal skills ad forceful personalities, which can be a mighty combination.  Quick in thought and action, inspirational people welcome confrontations and like to match wits and skills against others.  Stephen was known for his eloquent and bold testimony.  When he was challenged about his faith, he powerfully refuted the unbelievers and the Sanhedrin in public debates.  Because inspirational people feel they can often identify the motives of another person, they will assess what others want in order to offer a “carrot on a long stick”, if it serves their purpose.  Laban, also an Inspirational profile, changes Jacob’s wages 10 times in 20 years and then gave Leah as a bride even though he had promised Rachel to Jacob.  It is important to realize that even though Laban and Stephen had the same profile, their value systems toward God differed.  Stephen worshiped the living God; Laban respected God but worshiped idols.  Stephen exemplifies the Inspirational Pattern by being totally committed to the will of the Lord.”

Scripture references:  Acts 18:24-28; Genesis 29:15-30; Acts 6 & 7

Definitely food for thought…

2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine!

3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine!

4.  If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine!

5.  If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

6.  If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces and parts are mine!

7.  If it looks just like mine, it’s mine!

Almost-Fall Moon

Not that I don’t like summer… some of the greatest times of my life have been had in the summertime!  However, Fall is hands-down my favorite: 

Caramel corn.  Fresh apple cider.  Baking.  Layering in of blankets on the couch.  Fuzzy socks.  Sweaters.  Downy vests.  Perfect motorcycle riding weather.  Gorgeous sunsets.  Pumpkin patches.  The anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Warm lamplight.  Halloween.  Indian corn.  Tarheel beans.  Canning summer’s harvest.  Crisp mornings.  Crisp evenings.  Scarves…

just to name a few of my favorite things…

.:Caramel Corn:.

24 cups popped popcorn

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

3/4 cup butter

1/4 + 1/8 cups corn syrup

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Heat stove to 200.  Pop corn & place in paper grocery sack.  Heat butter, corn syrup, brown sugar and salt on medium in a saucepan on the stove stirring occasionally.  Once bubbles form on the top, continue stirring & heating 5 more minutes.  Remove from heat and add baking soda.  Stir until foamy.  Pour over popcorn in bag and shake vigorously to completely coat.  Place popcorn onto 2 ungreased baking sheets and bake in oven 30 minutes, turning once after 15 minutes.   ENJOY!

I most recently felt it at Kyle’s graduation.  I was flipping through the booklet with the kid’s names and personal information, when it hit me.  None of these kids’ ambitions included becoming a stay-at-home mom or a part-time toilet scrubber!  Honestly, mine didn’t either.  I wanted to become a nurse, an RN.  I had plenty of ambition and could pull down honor-roll grades without even trying.  Something went amiss though, in the process of it all… I think they call it drive?  I wanted it so badly, but didn’t want to work for it.  I ran out of steam, so to speak and settled for a bank teller position instead.  As they say, it all went downhill from there.  Okay, not ALL ~ I have had some fairly decent jobs for a girl who holds only a diploma from Sedro-Woolley High School.  But did I reach my full potential in the professional realm?  Not even close. 

As I scanned the crowd at the graduation ceremony, I could pick out the kids who were honored and felt lucky to be there ~ they “got it”, what a big deal even high school graduation is, and what a milestone they had achieved.  Then there were the rest of the kids ~ the ones who didn’t “get it” (like I was when I graduated), and who probably won’t until they hit their 30’s and realize that they’ve wasted 10 or 12 years just treading water.  I understand now, the desperation in some adults’ voices as they tried to make me realize what I was doing when I was getting ready to graduate from high school and making plans for the future.  My mom especially, tried to make me plan out a map for my future and talk about goals…all the while, I was thinking about the next big weekend or the boy I was dating.  I figured I had plenty of time “later” to do the college thing… but it never did fit me.  I never liked it; I found the professors profoundly unique (read:  weird and hyper-argumentative) and my peers were either very smarmy or super liberal.  I didn’t ever feel like I fit in…but then again, I guess you can make a situation what you need it to be… maybe I just didn’t need it to be anything for me.

Now, I miss my degree.  I wish I had stuck it out for the few short years it would have taken me and done it then.  Chalk it up to another life lesson learned the hard way (gosh, that seems to be a routine with me).  Sure, sure ~ there’s still time in this lifetime, but I have a little girl now that deserves all my focus.  I cannot chop out a few years of her childhood to focus on myself at this point ~ I had that chance, and I didn’t take it.  I was surprised to learn that a few of my friends feel the same way… guess I’m not the only one with unfulfilled goals!

Instead of squandering time lamenting lost opportunities though, I think I’ll make the most of this present opportunity ~ time at home with Reagan… to prep her for life and her college education down the road!

This is a typical day in my life.  There are always a million things to do and not enough time to do them in, nor a reasonable order.  The remote is always on the other couch, the Carmex is always unfindable, the phone is always ringing, there’s always something spilling (or spilled), there’s always a scary noise outside that scares Reagan into my arms (most often when I’m carrying other things), there’s always a meal to fix or laundry to be done, groceries to buy, errands to run, a bath to give or a mess to clean up.  The dirty dishes breed in the sink. 

When people ask “what do you do all day?”, I just laugh.

I keep getting comments from some of you:  ”aren’t you ever going to blog again” and “I guess you’re done with that now”… etc., etc.  Well, maybe… you do know of course, that as soon as I get something figured out it gets boring.  Some say it’s hereditary. 

Some phases of life are exciting and action-packed and some phases just … aren’t.  I guess I’m going through an unexciting phase right now; there seems to be no inspiration to write lately.  I can’t think of anything clever or entertaining right now.  If I was a real writer, I guess that would be called ‘writer’s block’.  So why don’t I just tell you what’s been going on at our house lately?

I am involved in a book club that I enjoy immensely…it gets me out of the author rut that I usually fall into if left to my own devices.  The last book we read was “The School of Essential Ingredients” by Erica Bauermeister.  It is set in the Puget Sound, so of course it gets my vote for location.  It is a story about a cooking class, but really it’s about the people taking the cooking class.  There are some tantalizing-sounding dishes that she writes about, and I was disappointed that no recipes followed!  (Ruth Reichl has me spoiled on that one!  Her books always include the recipes.)  I did, however, get a new potato salad recipe from a cooking class that I took last month… potatoes are my “thing”, so I was excited to add another potato salad to my repertoire.  It is good and very easy ~ way easier than the traditional potato salad that I learned how to make from Mimi ~ but it’s almost like the EFFORT of making the traditional potato salad adds to the taste of it!  I usually take cooking classes at Gretchen’s in Mount Vernon with a friend or a group of friends…but this time, the class filled up so fast that my friend didn’t get in and I was left all alone!  I was sandwiched ~ literally ~ between 2 white haired little ladies and our shoulders were actually touching, the class was THAT packed!  I did also get a good recipe for a rub for smoking ribs & things, and he taught us how to make our own BBQ sauce.

Easter came and went and I even managed to escape an easter egg hunt!  (yay for me!)  It was raining…darn.  Reagan received 8 ~ yes, EIGHT ~ Easter baskets.  She is still eating the last of the candy and has found where I hid it on top of the fridge…she will come to me and say “Mommy, want some chocolate?” and point to it!

I went fishing on opening day with John and Reagan!  I have only fished a handful of times, and have never gone on opening day.  I was surprised at all the people that were out and how many fish we saw being caught!  We did catch 5 fish, which John plans to smoke as soon as he gets more.  Mmmmm, my favorite ~ smoked fish!

Auntie Caryl and I are still cleaning and clean together now every Monday.  I also just took on another cleaning job, this one for my old employer (Golf Savings Bank).  Office jobs are nice because I can do it in the evening after Reagan goes to bed ~ plus, there are no showers to scrub!!  (my least favorite part)

I am now moving on to getting ready for our big Memorial Weekend campout over in Winthrop, and planning Reagan’s 2nd birthday party, which will be in mid-June.  I am trying to figure out Publisher so I can get her invites finished up and mailed out by next week, and have been working on the favors for 3 days now.  It’s always so much fun planning this stuff!