White Christmas...UMMMM

The snow hasn't stopped yet...it snowed all night and is still snowing at 12:30pm when I'm writing this. We are up to 2 feet here! It is so deep that Hudson can't walk in it and Chloe looks like she no legs. I am worried that the glass top of my greenhouse will break from the weight of the snow. Mike tried to get some of it off this morning with a big push broom but couldn't really get much off. My arbor looks like a camels back with the huge mounds of snow. I am not a big snow bunny to start with but this is over the top!

The kids have been giving the birds old bread crumbs each day. The pile is usually gone the next morning. And the raccoons seem like it too.

It took us from 10:15 am to 4:15 pm to go from our house to Bellevue to Sammamish back to Bellevue and then back home yesterday. The roads where better in the afternoon but we still didn't go over 35 except on I-90. All the back roads, which is all of them where we live, don't get plowed so they are so treacherous to drive. Mike drove yesterday thankfully. When I am in really bad road conditions and have the kids with me I get very stressed.

Do you have any sonw photos of where you're at?

Christmas Cheer!

Here is our HOLIDAY CHEER for all of our friends and family!

Hickory, our giunea pig, is getting into the Christmas spirit with her reindeer ears.

Here Hudson and Hickory are decorating the tree together. (Hickory is under the tree peaking out.)

The holiday season...

We at the Stedman house have been busy preparing for the holidays for weeks now. The kids and I have baked 10+ dozen cookies to give to friends and family but now with the snow they are sitting in the freezer waiting for their debut. Of course we have also snacked on a few of them...that is one of the reasons that this snow is bugging me. I want to get them all out of the house! They are way to tempting and of course I bake my favorites. This year we tried a new recipe from Mike's Grammie which turned out pretty good, a bit sweet for me but Mike likes them. I have all of her recipes from 80 years of running a house. We went through and found some more that we want to try out. I like having recipes from an elder in the family. It is fun to make recipes of old and Mike's favorites from his childhood.

What is your family doing to enjoy the holidays?

Do you have a favorite recipe that you would share with everyone?

Long time since I blogged

It has been a long time since I have blogged for many reasons. There have been some great things happen since my last blogging post. Most importantly is that Chloe was awarded Student of the Month for September! I am so proud of her continuing efforts at school to listen, use her time appropriately and being kind to everyone. We work on these fundamentals at home religiously with both kids. It is nice to see it actually sticking, like spaghetti on the fridge. WAY TO GO CHLOE FRANCES!

SPECIAL PERSON IN MY LIFE

Is there someone that you have known FOREVER and they still remember the important things, at least the important things to you. My friend DOT LARKIN is that person for me. She is just the sweetest most understand most non judgemental friend that a girl could have.

Today is Chloe's 9th birthday. Chloe adores DOT. DOT gave Chloe a pink baby blanket when I had her and Chloe takes that ratty, coming apart, now gray, blanket everywhere with her! She can't go to bed without having it right by her face and hates it when I put it in the washing. She is afraid that it will just disintegrate to dust. ANYWAY...DOT called to wish Chloe a Happy Birthday today and that just makes my heart beam! This is the special things that really mean the most!

*DOT we will have to set up anew get together date with the kids. Chloe isn't liking us postponing it. HeHeHe.

I love DOT to death!!!!!

10.6.08 Money Matter - Some useful info here on the mortgage market

Want to know what is going on right now in the mortgage market? Double click to view this larger.

Hudson's First day of School

As my baby gets ready for his first day of school I was trying ot keep the tears back. I think that I did pretty good, I managed to make it all the way back to my car before busting into tears. My friend Kaye called to see if I made it through and just laughs. I am a constant source of amusement for her as no matter how bad things may be going in her life she can always see me and feel better about hers.

Hudson has been having a fantastic time in school! He absolutely loves going wach day. He is up and dressed each day bright and early, 6ish each day. He is such a big boy now, that is what really gets me the most I think. That he is growing up and now I don't have a baby anymore. Where does the time go? You take photos so that you don't forget that moment in time and you make scrapbooks to further that cause but still we are left with the passage of that time. It just seems to be zipping by leaving us older and with less time to sit and absorb the wonderful things that we have in our lives. Don't forget to find something every day to be thankful for and someone.

Dangers of Microwave Popcorn

I was a bit taken back when I read this article, as I am getting ready for Chloe's slumber party next weekend, we are going to make homemade caramel corn. I was planning on using microwave popcorn for the base now I think I will be changing that and using an airpopper. Just "food" for thought.

When it’s movie night and you’re getting ready to break out the popcorn, using an air popper or jostling a pot of kernels in a heart-friendly oil on your stove top might be your best choices. A report from the FDA indicates that a chemical coating used in microwave popcorn bags breaks down when heated into a substance called perfluorooctanoic (PFOA). The Environmental Protection Agency has identified PFOA as a “likely carcinogen.” Another study has found an acid that can be extracted from the chemical causes cancer in animals and is “likely to cause cancer in humans.” A second potential danger in microwave popcorn is diacetyl, an FDA-approved chemical found in the fake butter flavoring. There’s even a debilitating respiratory disease called “popcorn workers lung,” (the medical name of the condition is bronchiolitis obliterans) suffered by microwave popcorn factory workers caused by extended inhalation of the chemical’s fumes. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (NIOSH) concluded that diacetyl needs further study so that workers in the flavorings and snack industry are no longer at risk The Food and Drug Administration continues to study whether consumers can develop lung disease from inhaling diacetyl. In response to the concerns regarding the risks of diacetyl exposure, a number of microwave popcorn manufacturers have discontinued using it in their products. Pop Your Own Here’s the way to make popcorn on your stove top: Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or grapeseed oil if you prefer a more neutral taste) into a heavy, 3 quart or larger pan and place on medium high heat. Put two kernels in, and when one has popped, pour in 1/3 cup of pop corn (white or yellow) and cover pan. When corn begins to pop, shake constantly allowing steam to escape from popping kernels–otherwise popcorn will lose its crunch. Remove pan from heat immediately when popping stops or it will burn. Pour into a large bowl and season to taste.

The end of summer?

I sure hope not! I am not ready to drag out the thick wool and cashmere sweaters and the long pants and the scarves and the boots and the list just seems to go on and on. I started knitting a hat a few months ago and I thought "Wow, I am a bit early doing this" but now I am feeling like putting it on in the early mornings with the thick fog. The sunflowers are just getting going and starting to bloom. How can the sunshine and warm mornings be gone already? Where was summer? I think I blinked and missed it.

Don't get me wrong I do love the warm weather clothes and getting a new pair of boots but only when I feel, yes I fickle, like I have worn my shorts enough and gotten a good tan.

Thoughtfulness

Thoughfulness...

This one word means different things to different people. My son is a very thoughtful boy. He thinks, all on his own mind you, of picking up something that goes in the garbage, that isn't his, or closing my car door for me when my hands are full, or offering to help Chloe bring her clean laundry to her room, or my personal favorite, just coming up to me and saying, "Mommy I want to give you big loves now." That thoughtfulness makes me cry and it makes me feel like I am doing something right in how I am rearing my kids.

Funny story that will make you chuckle...

Double click to see this larger.

It is a funny story that you

know someone who this

could probably happen to.

First day of school for Chloe 2008

So I am feeling a bit stressed with the start of school and Hudson starting in Pre-Kindergarten 3 days a week. My baby is all grown up now and I'm not happy about that! I did manage to not cry on Chloe's first day of school for the first year. She loves school and learning and reading and playing and the schedule of what day she does which activity. That would be awesome if she continued to keep that enthusiasm over her school years to come. And I think that her attitude will help Hudson as he is starting school.

My big Swimmers

Hudson has so much fun doing swim lessons, at Cottage lake pool, again this year. He passed his P1 class. He progressed great and had fun!

I love the hard work that goes into learning and it is great to see how much the kids don't notice that it is work but that it is FUN. I try to keep that mind set with all of our chores and HAVE TO DO activities.

Chloe passed the Y5 class and was really glad that she did but bummed that we didn't do 3 sessions this summer so that she could complete Y6 also. Next year...She is just a fish! She has had the same instructor for 4 years running and loves him. Troy rocks! If you are looking for a good pool check out the Cottage Lake one next summer for lessons.

MAXINE FOR PRESIDENT

It's Monday so I thought I would post something from the controversial cartoon character Maxine. Maxine On Relevant 'Logic' (TIC)EDIT @ 11:46 PM TIC means "tongue-in-cheek"

Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately; illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida. Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.

1 Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.

2 Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.

3 Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.

Any other problems you would like for me to solve today?

Singing OUR National Anthem in Spanish? I'm sorry, but after hearing they want to sing OUR National Anthem in Spanish - enough is too much! NEVER did they sing it in Italian, Japanese, Polish, Irish-Celtic, German, Portuguese, Greek, French, or any other language because of immigration. It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written. The news broadcasts gave a translation that's NOT even close. Sorry if this offends anyone, THIS IS MY COUNTRY! Do YOU sing MY National Anthem in YOUR COUNTRY IN ENGLISH ? ? ? And, because I make this statement DOES NOT mean I'm against immigration!!! YOU ARE WELCOME HERE IN MY COUNTRY. Welcome to come through like everyone else has. Get a sponsor! Get a place to lay your head! Get a job! Live by OUR rules! Pay YOUR taxes! And...LEARN THE LANGUAGE LIKE ALL OTHER IMMIGRANTS HAVE IN THE PAST!!! AND PLEASE DON'T DEMAND THAT WE HAND OVER OUR LIFETIME SAVINGS OF SOCIAL SECURITY FUNDS TO YOU TO MAKE UP FOR ''YOUR'' LOSSES. When will AMERICANS STOP giving away THEIR RIGHTS??? We've gone so far the other way, bent over backwards not to offend anyone but it seems no one cares about the AMERICAN that's being offended!

We Have An Awesome God

We Have An Awesome God

Happiness keeps you sweet,

Trials keep you strong,

Sorrows keep you human,

Failures keep you humble,

Success keeps you glowing,

But..........

Only God keeps you going.

Power outage and your worst fear?

So when you are out and about and there is a power outage, what is the worst place that you could be? Going through an intersection, in a shopping store, next in line to order your latte or in an elevator?

Well, none of these would be good in my opinion but the last one is what happened to me on Wednesday night, 8.20.08. I was leaving a business meeting and as soon as the elevator started to descend my worst fear came to life. The power went out and there I was alone in an elevator in the dark! Of course the first 10 seconds I started to panic but then I took a deep breath and thought about it for another 20 seconds and decided that I wouldn't panic and tried to decide what would be the best first step?

Should I try all the buttons? Of course the power is out but what can it hurt...The alarm button worked and sounded. I kept pushing that for the next 2-3 minutes but nothing magical happened, so I stopped that.

Then I opened my phone for light and found a phone in a panel but it didn't say where to went to so I decided against trying that idea.

Then I remembered I was supposed to meet Mike at swim with the kids and that was obviously NOT going to happen. So I tried to call him but the call didn't go through. That was not encouraging! So a bit of panic again...I tried calling again and I did get through this time. I told him what happened and he asked have you called 9-1-1? No, I answered, I didn't think that was an emergency. Does this qualify as an emergency? He thought that it did and that I should call. OK. So I called and told the lady just that and she said that it did qualify and she would put a call into the fire dept. for me. Fortunately I had the address of the building in my purse.

So I waited for a while and then I heard a voice hollering down calling my name. Oh good!!!! It was the man from my meeting. He realised that I might have not gotten out and came to see if I was OK and if there was anything he could to help? I told him that the fire dept. was on there way and could he open the front door, the security system wasn't working, obviously. That being done he came back and told me that and asked if I wanted him to stay and talk with me. I thought that was very nice of him but I told him, no I'm okay.

Right before the fire dept. showed, Mike and the kids showed. Hudson was crying because he was scared I was hurt. Is that so sweet or what! I felt bad hearing him cry. My baby...

All totalled I was in there for an hour. It wasn't bad after I decided not to panic I just sat on the floor played Tetris and Wheel of Fortune on my cell phone. Al be it I didn't do well at either. The firemen could get the door unlocked and I was having a hard time concentrating on the games. When I did get outside the kids and Mike were waiting and hugs went around and Hudson felt better to see me. So, wow, we were all hungry and off to McD's to a late dinner.

On of life's experiences that you hear about and never really want to try for yourself. But it isn't as bad as your imagination makes it out to be....

Money Matters for the week of 8.25.08

DOUBLE CLICK ON THIS TO VIEW IT LARGER!

Some great info here!

17 Years...Oh my...

Mike and I celebrated our 17th anniversary on Sunday the 17th. A golden anniversary of sorts as Chloe pointed out to us. We went to dinner at our favorite place, DC's Steakhouse, then we proceeded to see the movie Henry Poole.

Which I for some reason thought was a romantic comedy and it was of a fashion but it was quite touching and real. I would recommend seeing it but bring a tissue.

We have been though more than most in our 17 yers but that has definately made me stronger as a woman and as a mommy. But there have been good times and lots of laughs in there also. Mike pointed out that we started dating when I was 17...THAT IS REALLY A SCARY THOUGHT FOR ME! AGH..how does the time go by so fast and how is that I don't remember what I did last Friday?

New housing law: The basics, 8-08

Help for our housing economy? It's no secret that President Bush signed a $300 billion housing bill into law last week. In addition to helping cash-strapped homeowners avoid foreclosure, the law aims to help first-time home buyers to jump start their search in a tough economy.

So if you're house hunting the law can mean a BIG benefit.

To boil it down to the basics: first-time home buyers get up to $7,500 tax credit. This basically means you get a 0% loan for 15 years if you buy a home between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009.

Double click to see this fact sheet, on the law, larger.

Leavenworth trip August 4-6th, 2008

We went to Leavenworth for a family reunion from August 4th through the 6th. It was a short trip but fun. The main reason for the trip was the my Great Uncle John was celebrating his 95th birthday! He and his wife Irene live down in California and they came up to their daughters for this shindig. Sherry is my mom's first cousin and their daughter. The attendees were, Aunt Goof, Aunt Tubby, Aunt Betty, Uncle Bill, well really he is my second cousin but I call him uncle, Cory, Kim, Carol, Uncle John, Aunt Irene, Sherry, John, KrisJan, Linda, Mom, Poco, Chloe, Hudson and myself, and a few others who I don't know. It was a full house.

As is usual for our family there was lots of food, laughing and reminiscing over stories from Aunt Goof, Tubby and Johns' childhoods.

The kids had a great time seeing Aunt Tubby and Aunt Goof. Those two hold a special spot in the kids' hearts. Sherry's house is on a river and the kids and I went down there with Poco and explored, found gold flecks in the sand, saw a snake, waded in, BRRRR and threw rocks. On of which accidentally hit Chloe in the back of the head...that wasn't good but she is fine now.

Phenomenal Juggler, Chris Bliss

If you have never seen this vidoe of Chris Bliss juggling then you need to take 5 minutes out and watch this. It will put a smile on your face. He is amazing!! I have watched this so many times and every time I am just in awe of his talent.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4776181634656145640

ECO-FRIENDLY AVANT GARDENING

One of my favorite topics of conversation...Gardening and fun, new ways to make your garden your own. Similar to fashion, cuisine and interior decorating, the art of gardening is multi-dimensional. It is not composed simply of foliage and flowers, but rather definitive color schemes, textures, well thought out design and the use of quality products. From urban rooftop gardens to chic water atriums, a garden is yet another way to emphasize the beauty and ambiance of any luxury residence. With eco-friendly options becoming more luxurious and accessible, trends in the gardening world are changing for novice hobbyists and garden design experts alike.

THE LATEST TRENDS IN LUXURY GARDENING

used as a garden accent, foliage can now be used as the sole "ingredient" in your garden. Gardens can be created in virtually any environment. From the deserts of Dubai to mountainous regions of Colorado, these are a few of the latest trends moving up on the list of luxury garden design.

Container Gardens - Popping up everywhere in Manhattan brownstones and Los Angeles lofts, these gardens continue to gain popularity. Space can present a challenge, but creating a classic garden in a metropolitan area is possible. Tips: Grow plants up versus out. Honeysuckle, jasmine, ivy and herbs work perfectly. Terracotta pots are a great option for container gardens, as the clay absorbs water and keeps the soil damp longer, which means less watering. Even if you have plenty of space, you can use container gardens to highlight entertaining areas or line stairways or walkways.

The Foliage Craze - Colorful, variegated, bold and lacy are just a few words to describe this garden forward trend: foliage. With no concerns of a blooming season, foliage is growing in popularity. Gorgeous shades of bronze, plum, claret and brightly tinged yellows and greens allow you to create the perfect look. Formerly used as a garden accent, foliage can now be used as the sole "ingredient" in your garden.

Water Gardens - Does the idea of converting your swimming pool into a natural swimmable pond - complete with aqua foliage - sound odd? It is currently one of the country's hottest garden trends. Incorporating plant life and décor to mimic those of natural water areas in our ecosystem, these ponds are self-cleaning and offer a lake-like swimming experience, involving no harsh chemicals. Designers like Larry Santoyo - for Earth Flow Design Works - combine artistry and ecology, and can help you create functional garden design.

Edible Landscapes: New Rage in Haute Cuisine Edible gardens and landscapes are creating quite a stir as luxury home owners around the country are creating interactive, edible gardens. Besides enjoying the visual beauty, these gardens entice all five senses and allow you to prepare elegant meals with freshly harvested ingredients. The mixed greens salad with truffle oil dressing allows you to combine elements from your own garden and an undeniably lavish ingredient that continues to gain popularity: truffle oil. Mixed Organic Greens Salad with Truffle Oil DressingSalad Ingredients: 4-6 cups spinach, arugula or mixed greens 1 bunch fresh basil, lilac, oregano, calendula, gladiolus - components can be added or omitted, based on your garden's inventory. Dressing: 2 tbsp. white truffle oil 1 ½ tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil1 tbsp. champagne wine vinegar 1 ¼ tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice Pinch of black pepper and sea salt Toss salad ingredients with dressing. Makes 4-6 servings. LUXURIOUS AND "GREEN" PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS

MosquitoNix is an environmentally sound solution for protecting your garden. A misting system is installed around the perimeter of your garden - a variety of custom and unique techniques are available. Mist is released 3-4 times a day, 45 seconds each time. Rosemary, cinnamon and lemon grass oils repel pesticides that can cause harm to your garden. Eco-friendly and 100% safe around children, pets, furniture and food - this solution is a great alternative to hazardous pesticides. Baume Du Jardinier (Gardener's Hand Healer) - If your hands have endured elements of water, wind, sun and dirt while gardening, this shea butter cream is the answer. Its light lemon scent and combination of chamomile, rosemary, mimosa and lemon balm aid in its healing power and protects hands. McCloud-Column Corner Fountain Garden Art - Incorporate your decorating style into your garden with these en vogue pieces: A stunning, copper column fountain designed by Hugo McCloud - who was featured at the Sundance Film Festival and San Francisco Garden Show Design Competition. His garden pieces are comprised of elegant details and eco-friendly materials. As evidenced by a growing celebrity interest garden gongs and bells are another en vogue option. Designed by Tom Torrens, these bronze and steel pieces add distinct flair to avant-gardens and are made with all natural components. Available at Water + Stone Gallery.

Simple Tips to Keep Your Garden "Green"

• Water in early morning and late afternoon. This allows water to soak in and not evaporate as quickly.
• Work with flowers that are indigenous to your region. They require less water and maintenance. Smith & Hawken offer insightful tips on selection process.
• Use drip systems, soaker hoses or sprinklers that have multiple settings, so the water isn't wasted on non-garden areas.
• Select flowers that attract bumblebees, hummingbirds or butterflies. These "friendly" creatures naturally help pollinate and propagate gardens.
• Select perennials to serve as your garden's "framework." Throughout the seasons, implement annuals for new color and fresh variety. This technique will help provide easy maintenance and the ability to incorporate new hues and styles.

Hair cut pucker face

This picture cracks me up every time that I see it. When Hudson is getting his hair cut he has to close his eyes and mouth. But he doesn't just close them he puckers up his entire face to accomplish this task.

My funny boy!

Montana trip July 2008

Hello everyone. We are recovered from our trip to Montana and now I am sending some photos of our trip. We spent 10 days at our friends the Weber's and visited with the "Gang" from our Sea Galley days. There were fun times at the water park and heated games of Pictionary, in which the women ruled the men!, and lots of fun. Matt and I have a fierce rivelry going with this game. I pity those who play with us. The two pictured at the top left are Trouble with a capital T. Cameron and Chloe are two peas in a pod and can keep up with each other until the wee hours of the morning. Evan, Dylan and Hudson had so much fun getting dirty everyday and then cleaning each other up with lots of splashing in the pool.

It isn't hard to see the family resemblance here! Believe it or not this is not a posed photo. These two brothers actually were scratching like apes all by themselves! Gotta love these two! Matt and Mark.

This is Hudson and Zachary waiting patiently for the bowling ball to pop out. This was the most fun part of bowling for these two little guys. They kept an eye out for every ones balls.

Uncle Mark, Evan and Dylan are hamming it up at the water park. We all went to the water park two separate days. It was a huge park with something for every age group and it was only $5 each bucks to get in and spend the whole day! You can't beat that. Chloe and Cameron are enjoying some Dippin' Dots after Chloe successfully completed her challenge by me, two full laps in the Olympic sized pool without stopping but one time. You know me always wanting to continue with the swimming education...

On the 4th we did fireworks at the house for the kids and then we all went to the park for the town display of fireworks which is always great! Here are Cameron, Chloe and Gavin being Charlie's Angels. Where did they even hear about that show?

The kids and I took a LONG day trip up to see my mom's side of the family in Conrand and Dutton. We visited with my Aunt Marilyn and Unlce Vernon first. Aunt Marilyn went to the farm with us, which I haven't been to since before Chloe was born. It was so nice to go there and see it again, made me cry. Brought back all the memories of my grandparents and family and our trips back there for vacations. The barn didn't have quite the same pungent smell like it used to but it was so great to go in and see the kids play in it, just like I used to when I was there age. We also went to visit grandma and grandpa. Chloe and Hudson are the only grand kids named after them. So here is the namesakes with them. After Conrad we went on to Dutton to see my Aunt Judy and Uncle Bob. We had a nice time visiting with them and had some dinner. It has been since Chloe was about 8 months old since we have been to their house. Aunt Judy gave Chloe her very first hair cut on that trip. It was great to catch up on what is happening with all of my cousins and their families and see pictures. Both of their gardens are gorgeous and meticulously maintained.

On our way home from the trip we stopped in Spokane to see my Great Aunt Goof. She is such a character and so incredible! We had lunch with her and caught up on what was happening the her, Cory and Doug and Annie. She is always off on a trip here or there. She poops me out just listening to her itinerary.

Our family photo on July 4th during the fireworks display.