imminent domain

I've written before about how much I love our house...how much work we've put into it...how it feels perfect for our family right now. But we had the rug pulled out from under us last Friday and now we're staring and these walls and wondering what our future will look like...

The purchasing director from Spokane School District came for a drop in visit on Friday evening to inform us that there are plans to demolish our home and the two next to us to make room for staff parking lots. Parking lots. Legally, they have every right to purchase our home for market value and we don't really have a say in the matter. They actually have the right to condemn the property, however she says that this is something they try to avoid.

We have so many questions and hardly any answers. We have no idea this was even a possibility. Never crossed our mind. We're oblivious to the time-line...to how the negotiations work. All we know is that we've been reminded that this place really never belonged to us anyway. I think I may have been holding on too tight. Maybe to attached to something that is just a building?

We're sad. I feel a bit violated to be honest, even though I know these things are legal. Even though we weren't likely going to stay in this house forever, I had hoped that someone else could enjoy this home like we have and that our renovations would pay off for resale. It will be so sad to drive by here and see a parking lot instead of our first house...the place we started our family.

But I know that we will be taken care of...that God will clear my head and continue to give peace. I trust that God knows my concerns and that we will continue to be blessed beyond what we can imagine. I know how God works...He does that sort of thing.

adults only

I've not really been present here on the blog...and not at my house either. I stepped out for a little while.

You know how it is...the never ending cycle of feeding, cleaning, changing, calming, disciplining, teaching....sleep and do it all over again thing? And of course you know the.... who am I anymore and what the he** am I doing here, this is more than I bargained for feelings? Yup. Been there. So it was time to step off the cycle for a bit and take a vacation!!

Joel's parents took all of their kids and their spouses on a five day vacation to Bend, OR...sans children! They rented us a house in Sun River for all . We had so much fun being just us again. Not being responsible for anything was a good feeling...and so was sleeping in until 11:) Biking, kayaking, horseback riding, pedicures, oh my! So fun. And so fun to remember what it was like to play without kids...and how we have so much fun as a family. Joel and his sister, Lyndzie, even had a dance-off. And Randalls do not mess around...it was pants-off dance-off...use your imagination. Holy Moly. A little taste of what we experienced...and the pictures don't even come close to capturing what really happened!

just two

I only have my two boys today and we're having a splendid day. I'm not going to say it is *easy*....but there seems to be enough room in my head for two. And that is a nice feeling!

Here they are this morning working on some projects out on our new picnic table...my super gift from Joely!

Oh, and by the way...this is my 400th post. I can't believe I have only posted 400. Better get cracking:)

capturing connection

How do you capture the connection of friendship with a camera? Especially if you do it like I tried to...the minute before I hopped out of the car to board the airplane home...:) In a word (or few), I will try to capture what my visit with Jenn looked like...

*hello*connect*laugh*refresh*love*goodbye*

and we must do this again soon
A little side note: that sweet baby of hers completely gave me baby fever! Uh oh.

i miss them already...

It may seem strange to fly to another state to visit a friend I met online. Not strange to me...at this point, Jenn is no longer an online friend...she's a lifelong one. I am so excited to get off that plane today and give her a big hug. SO EXCITED!

But this is my first trip away from my family, by myself, since before Parker was born. Now this is what feels strange. I know it is a good, healthy thing....but it is so strange to be packing just for one. I have no need to remember the diapers, wipes, meds, billions of clothes, boredom toys, bibs, snacks, pacifiers, blankies, teddy bears, baby wash, baby lotion, crayons, dvds, music, sippy cups, pack n play, oh....and the list goes on and on. I can't even remeber all of it. Good thing I don't have to! All I have to pack is a few outfits, shoes, makeup....and this little book:)

But I miss them already. As much as I need this trip away, I can't stand the thought of being so far away from my boys.

Joely, Park, & Griff...I love you so much! You three are my life...my loves. I'll miss you every minute.

Have a great boys weekend... and remember to clean up your messes;)

pd's b*day!

Parker's special party turned out to be a beautiful day. Great friends and family joined us in our backyard and I think Parker loved it all!

Mobile blogger?

4 Parker

Four years ago today...

I laughed and cried in the very same moment.

I had worked harder than I ever had before....and I learned of a love much greater than I had ever imagined.

You are so many things, Parker. Sweet, sensitive, smart, strong....splendid.

But most of all, you are a blessing. When I think "Parker", I think "blessing". There is absolutely no better word to describe your spirit. I prayed that you would be a blessing to those around you...but I never expected God to exceed all of my expectations.

And just think...you are only four. FOUR! Four years of laughing and crying at the same time...and hoping for many, many more...

Love you so much. Lots and lots. Forever and ever. Amen. Love, Mama

Wheel Of Fortune!

Watch my sis tonight on Wheel of Fortune!! Kelsey Asbjornsen is her name and I promise she'll be dazzling and smart....and totally not annoying:)

too old for this...

Okay, so forget what I said about coming out of hibernation...apparently not happening yet. I'm freezing. I've been walking around with a rice bag on my neck all day, just to warm up!

I'm not even 28 yet and I already feel too old for some of this....stuff. Here is my current list of things I am just too old for....

*Waking up to 4 inches of snow. I can't take it! I hate the teasing. It is gone now, but still...
*Reading this darned Twilight series. I am totally, completely sucked in and I cannot stop. But that is the problem!!! I have four kids here during the day....I seriously don't have time for this. I should be doing more mature things like wiping noses and bums;)
*Lady Gaga on American Idol last night. My goodness...was that supposed to be cool? If so, then I am hopeless. Totally too old for that stuff. Ridiculous!
*And while we're on the subject of Idol...we kicked off the right girl last night, America! Was I the only one who heard the squawking? That was weird. But I love Idol anyway.....Kris, Adam and Danny are my top three!

out of hibernation

We are slowly emerging. It is just 50 degrees, but we are soaking it up. As the snow has melted, I've become aware of all of the filth left over from the hard winter. We have a lot of clean up to do but the boys think it is just awesome! More dirt to spread all over themselves and pour over their heads. It was a delightful time outdoors. Looking forward to so much more of this...

have you?

So I'm just going to say it...I read it. Yep. I read Twilight. Okay, so I was slightly embarrassed that I was reading "young adult" fiction...about vampires...but I'm over it and I'm coming clean. I've only read the first one and I haven't yet seen the movie, but I have to admit, I'm hooked. It was surprisingly good and sort of interesting to read a story based in Washington state. So I'm just wondering...have YOU read it? Go ahead...come clean. Give it a little try. Don't knock it till you've tried it:)

happenings...

I feel as though everyone around me has exciting things in their lives and I'm a spectator right now. That sounds bad. Okay, what I mean is....it is kind of nice to not have lots of stuff going on right now. I like being a spectator at the moment. That still sounds bad....but you know what I mean. Please?

Okay, first off...BIG news...my little sister is ENGAGED to Bryant. We secretly call him Saint Bryant of Kelsey:) He is such a good guy....we love him! I would love to tell you their engagement story but it really isn't my story to tell....and it quite possibly would take too long to write. Like a week. But anyway, we're so happy and check out this ring....

I must add...I helped pick it out, thank you very much. But even more importantly, check out this couple!

This one I can't take any credit for! Look at them...are they not beautiful or what? Geesh...

As for my life...here is what is making news:

*Spring is official and it is slowly looking like it here...have I mentioned how much I'm looking forward to warmth and sun?
*We're getting a backyard fence as we speak and I'm giddy about it.
*My brother and his family are moving right down the street and I'm even more giddy about that.
*Griffin has a shiner....a really ugly one. He fell out of a chair. Really, he did.
*March Madness at our house and the Zags are in the Sweet Sixteen!
*Parker is going to turn four next month and that sorta makes me want to throw up. Aaaaahhh.

See, I told you. Not a lot going on...but we're having fun!

my happy place

Some days....I run around the house like a chicken with her head cut off....just trying to keep the peace. It isn't pretty. Definitely is something to be expected with four hooligans running around. Who is the boss here??!

But my favorite part of the day is when I get to sit down and read to them. While I'm reading, I remember why I absolutely love these kids...love this whole gig. I feel creative, alive! Sometimes I wonder who is having more fun...

It is my happy place.

rain today with a touch of coziness

Today it is rainy and I sort of like it. It means spring is around the corner...

So....today......we indulged in a bit of comfort, fun, coziness, and maybe a little optimism...

*wearing some spring shoes without socks! {optimism}
*brewing some chai tea {so cozy}
*enjoying our bounty from Trader Joe's {comfort food}
*playing "I Spy" while watching the snow melt {good old fashioned fun}

Hope of spring is in the air! In the meantime, I'm staying cozy...

lucky girl!!

I am so darn excited...I get to go visit Jenn again!! This time I get to see that beautiful state in April!

the days...

Griffin is into making messes...what's new? Loud messes. He's two and I think he is going through baby puberty. He's happy...he's mad...he's happy he's sad....blah, blah, blah!!

I'm sick and tired of looking at my blog and seeing nothing new...sooooo boring!! It isn't like nothing is going on....it is just that I don't have full thoughts these days! My brain works in 3 second cycles, which are often interrupted by the sound of needy children. But life is chugging along. It is good and crazy and frustrating and joyful and tiring and funny....and did I mention tiring?? So I'm going to be posting mostly pictures for a while because these insane days MUST BE DOCUMENTED. Because these are the days...

little big town

Joel and I got to go to a Little Big Town Concert on Wednesday. Amazing!! They make you fall in love with music all over again...and their energy, harmony, song writing...WOW! Plus it was fun to go out on a date with my husband. We stopped at Aqua beforehand...

So my sister and I had planned on going to this concert together, but she canceled at the last minute to go film Wheel of Fortune. Geesh...priorities!! Watch Wheel on April 15th to see my little sis!

p.s. The photo of Joel and I above deserved some serious photo editing...have to be honest! I wanted to remember our night without looking at a picture that made us look run down, tired, and like we'd been taking care of little ones all day:) Plus, the concert started late. Well, like 8pm, but whatever...

my little valentines:)

Aren't they lovely?

Happy 2nd Birthday Griffin!! (yesterday:)

Happy Birthday, Griff! You make me laugh and cry at the same time! I have no idea which planet you come from...and I think you're perfect! I love you with all of my heart! Your incessant jibber-jabber, boundless energy, and sense of humor or going to treat you well in life...just give your mama a break once in a while, okay? Love you little boy:)