Father's Day 2008

For Father's Day we went to the Museum of Flight at Boeing field. The kids and I have never been there before and didn't know what to expect. But we were all very excited when we arrived. It was very educational for all of us and there were things geared just for kids that they loved.

They had some special stuff for the day. The kids got to make, or pick out really, a candy bi plane. We also got one and I can't wait to disassemble it for eating!

The huge variety of artifacts that we there to read about and see was astounding. It was great to get to walk in a unit of the space station and see what the astronauts have to work and live in. I definately couldn't stand the cramp spaces. We got to pretend to be flying aces and the founding father's of flight.

It was amazing to see so much history about of nation and the industry in one spot. I find history much more interesting from this type of learning than in a classroom. This would be a great field trip for older kids to learn from.

I hope that all the Fathers had a great day and were able to enjoy some of the much anticipated warm weather.

Money Matters 6-16-08

Double click to see a larger picture of this.

Need a good laugh? Funny movie.

I got thismovie from Netflix and cracked up at it. Not very many movies actually make me laugh until I cry. But I had to pause the movie because I was missing what was going on and laughing so hard. Mike thinks that I'm nuts sometimes. Let me know what you think after you watch it...

Tranquility and nature

Today has been pretty quiet in our neighborhood. We have three deer that live in it and visit us about once a month. Here is one of them that hung out all day eating my weeds, thankfully. After her dinner she just laid down by the trampoline and is resting. I love that the animals feel safe to spend some time in our yard. The kids watch them very quietly and sit still so that they don't scare the animals. Great to see how they can impact the world on a small scale.

Wild driver, watch out!!

Hudson got to drive Christina's riding mower today for the first time! This was BIG, BIG fun! He has really loved being able to go over there 3 days a week. It is his home away from home. There is always something going on, something to watch, lots of kids to play with and of course he has a huge crush on the oldest, Marissa.

When I was little I went to a babysitter who's home was my second home. We actually still see them sometimes. Linda and Jim visit mom and dad still even after all of these years. I was their fourth kid and I loved it!

Having someplace that you feel totally safe allowing your children to go is a very reassuring thing to have in this day and age. And having a new buddy, Triscuit, the dog is always a good thing for a little boy. This morning Hudson shared his carrots with Triscuit. Much to Christina's surprise Triscuit liked them.

FAMILY... they mean a lot to me!

We had a small, for my family, family reunion at my Aunt Dianna's, in Kingston, on the 8th. The kids love going over to her house because there are so many fun things to do, feed the chickens, gather the eggs, play on the numerous swings, hold the bunnies, play with the dogs, run crazy until they drop and of course there is my uncle's massive garden.

Family means many different things to everyone. I love to see my family and spend time with them. They are a great support when you need it, they are fun to laugh and make jokes with, or about. My family is always up for getting together for whatever reason and having a great time teasing and joking around. Lots of loud obnoxious people in my family. There are some mildly opinionated people as well, and they will tell you what they think, without even being asked.., but you can disagree and move on. We have a great time cooking, drinking and eating together at every opportunity. The photo to the left is my Aunt Dede, Aunt Donna, me and my Aunt Dianna.

The front door is always open, the phone is always charged and at the ready and the hugs abound. Not much more that one could really want.

Hudson lasted about 30 seconds before he passed out on our way home. He took the short cut home. He played so hard and had to keep up with sister and Daniel, my cousin.

Family means a lot of different things to different people. To me it means laughter, hugs, good food and fun.

Thanks Uncle Dan and Aunt Di for opening up your home to us.

Interest rates, bummer, 6-8-08

Rates are worse pretty much up and down the board. Initial jobless claims fell 18,000 to 357,000. Delinquent mortgage payments rose 6.35% in the first quarter and are at the highest level since 1979. LOAN PROGRAM RATE FEE 30 Yr Fixed (Conforming) 6.375% 0.000 Conforming/Jumbo Fixed 6.500% 0.000 15 Yr Fixed (Conforming) 6.000% 0.000 Second 8.750% 0.000

RECITAL DAY 5-31-08