I am officially bowing out of the blogging world for a time. There are just too many other things pulling my direction- (namely one Chinese princess begging for my time ;)), Colombian boys to enjoy, car pools to drive, Bible Studies to prepare, flowers to plant, walks to take, books to read, projects to finish (story of my life)...

I will keep the page and try every so often to post some picts of our family. But at least now that I've said "NO" to the blog voices inside my head, I will rid it of the unnecessary guilt for not posting. Now at least I will walk past the computer and have no "to do" list there!

If you need me or want picts or want to know what's going on in our lives, CALL ME! (or email!) Love you all- Gretchen

This One's for Elly (and her mom!)

Mia and I went shopping last week. That is, in our garage. You see, when I get "the urge" to spend $ on cute little girl clothes for this Chinese princess, all I have to do is take a walk out to my garage. I pick one of about 12 huge bins, labeled with her size, and go to town. Thanks to Elly (who sends me all of her girls' hand-me-downs), I need to spend on average $0. for her clothing budget. Oh man, does Kenton love it. I think he's even willing to trade all that garage space for such a small clothing bill! :) We found this DARLING handmade robe, made by Elly's mom. I'm sure her kids (white hair, blue eyes) looked a little different in it. We love you, Elly! Thanks for all the goods!

Bye Bye Brown Tooth!

PTL! Samuel's "brown tooth" has gone to the tooth fairy's castle!!! We have been waiting since he was about 3 years old, when he bumped that tooth on something. Eventually, it turned brown and looked nasty. The dentist told us to wait it out. I could barely stand it. Well, it FINALLY started to wiggle just a little. Samuel unfortunately let his brother "feel" how loose it was. Last week, in the back of the car, we heard the blood curdling scream. Isaac succeeded in the extraction just like every big brother dreams of. Samuel (who is unbelievably the BEST at screaming loud at the sight of blood) was a little bumbed, though. After all, that was the last hold out for him to be a "real" pirate. Now he just has to "fake it".

Just when I was going to give up...

Just when I was about to sign off from blogging forever...
Maybe if I promise myself to post every month. Ha. I just don't see how you all do it! I find NO TIME to sit down at the computer. Anyway, now I have a few great things to post, so here goes:

Here is a picture of our fun last weekend. We hosted two teenage boys (Timothy & Jamil) from the country of Uganda. They are from the Matsiko Children's Choir which is touring the United States this year. SUCH FUN! Although they ate chicken like it was going out of style (I think where they're from it isn't out of style, just out of reach...), and graham crackers by the box, these kids were such a wonderful inspiration for our family. Most of the choir are "true orphans" with no living parents at all. Unbelievable stories. I asked Jamir, the 17 yr. old, where the choir lives since many have no parents. He said they all moved into the pastor's house. (Imagine 30 children!) I then asked how many children could fit into our 2000 SF home. (Kenton and I discuss this VERY regularily...) He looked around and repied, "Oh. Probably about a hundred and fifty..." He was totally serious. I said, "Do you mean a hundred and fifteen (like that makes any difference)?" He said, "no. a hundred and fifty." OKAY, LORD...I'm getting the picture! I'm just imagining all that chicken!

chicks weekend.

I can't believe how fast these 2 weeks have flown by! Last weekend I spent 4 days at a "girlfriends retreat" in Spokane. I have 3 of the dearest friends from college, Kristina, Margie, and Elly. Go NPU Vikings! We all used to be on the North Park dance team together. (Okay, just kidding) We get together about once every couple of years and pick up right where we left off. We spent 4 days of sitting and talking, sitting and talking, sitting and talking. These girls are such a blessing in my life! We discuss things WAY TOO IN DEPTH, get stomach workouts from all the laughing & Kristina even treated us to massages (I mean she paid :)). Oh I feel refreshed! :) Two accomplishments for the weekend: talked a lot and got out of the house to go to TJ Maxx. We accomplished both! Here's to being forty-something.... (well, not quite, but awfully close!)

Thanks, Megan!

Thanks, Megan for the new bloglook! This girl is so thoughtful. Megan is my good friend, not to mention our fabulous youth pastor! She must know me pretty well, seeing that every single item in my personal wardrobe is brown or green. We are very excited because she and her family are in the process of adopting from Guatemala. We need another brownbean in the mix! I'm adding Megan's blog to our sidebar, because you all need to be praying for their family. They are getting so close to picking up their son, Max, from Guatemala. Unfortunately, as so many times with adoption, there have been a few hiccups. We are a praying for a speedy process from here on out.

Queen Latifah

As Mia and I were tooling around in the car today, we were listening to this song (hope you can hear it...) She says, "mom, is this Queen Latifah?" I almost wiped out in the car laughing so hard. Granted, we had just seen "hairspray", but where in the world????

are you ready for some bbbbbbbbasketball?

Both boys are both part of the Upward basketball program at a local church. It is hilarious and awesome all in the same breath. I first got that maternal internal worried gut when they BOTH wanted to play, seeing that "physical skills development" is sometimes an issue with our firstborn ;) Inspired only by Troy on "High School Musical", Isaac thought, "yeah. I'm pretty much as good as Troy. I want to do this." I love that about him. :) (Of course, Samuel had tuned into someone a little more obscure to emulate: Michael Jordan) The Upward program is a Christian program that is totally about encouraging and teaching great skills. Sat. p.m. we walk into the gym, the bass is pumping from a huge sound system..."Y'all ready for this?", the 9 year old cheerleaders are cheering, the announcer is announcing his name, and yeah, I thought for a minute "he IS as good as Troy." I LOVE IT!

A few words sum this up....

THREE DOLLARS at Target!!!!!!!!!! (Jon, no comments about Jon Benet...)

Just as promised...

Here we are, just as promised, 13 days later... :) Here are a few picts from our overnight trip to Portland. It was such a great family time. We took the Amtrak train (such a blast & so relaxing!) early in the morning on January 1. (Our official "Christmas vacation" began Monday, the 31st, after the pastor was finished preaching through the holidays!) We got into downtown Portland just in time for Dim Sum in Chinatown. (Here's a shout out to all you Anthony Bourdain fans out there...) We had an awesome stay at the downtown Embassy Suites (where else is there?) thanks to our Hilton Honors points (a free night makes it even more fun than ever. Thanks, Paris!). This will definitely be something we will do again. It's not Maui, but our kids thought it was just as good. Warm pool, movies in the room, huge awesome breakfast, and free "snacks" at night. ;) Anyone care to join us the next time?

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

I don't know about any of you, but this past month I've had just enough extra time to breathe! I'm embarrassed about my lack of postings, but then again, life must not revolve around my computer! We've done so many fun things this month: Riding the Santa Train, Christmas Eve Service with ALL THREE involved singing (go figure!)..., Christmas morning (thanks to Kjer and Brett, a WII!!!!). We've had so much High School Musical I could.......actually, I roam around all day singing the songs. I will try to upload picts from today's family fun day: Snow tubing in the mountains! Kenton is such a nut about snow, he's even willing to wear duct tape gloves. :) And tomorrow, we hop on Amtrak for an early morning ride to Portland. Picts to come. I promise to be better!

Cosmetique

Those of you who know me really well know the past year living here in Maple Valley, WA has been a "learning experience." There are many times I feel like we live in the boonies, pretty far from civilization. The nearest Target is 20-25 min. away (okay, I'm a brat), the nearest Super Walmart is 30 min. away, and there is no Aldi or Hobby Lobby in the entire state. I find myself at home much more often than not (yeah, it's a good thing..) I am pleased to report, however, I've found a new place to get my haircut (a not-so-easy task when a girl moves to a new area): this fabulous salon called "Cosmetique" located in a manufactured home within a mile of our house. I pass this sign almost every day, and I'm SO TEMPTED to make an EVENING APPOINTMENT. At least it always gives me a little out loud chuckle. Today, I finally had my camera with me in the car. I thought you'd enjoy it. Now, granted, not all the salons here look like this. In fact, there are some pretty nice ones around. I'm just partial to this one. :)

Don't Blink

I took this pict just last week. The boys worked extra hard to finish their homework early, clean their room, and got to stay up an extra 1/2 hour to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Remember those days when you were a kid? The three snuggled up on the couch and had such a fun time. I tried not to blink. I know I will blink and next they'll be teenagers and then I'll blink and they'll be all grown up. I just love these times.

Happy Gotcha Day, Samuel!

Wow. How can it already be 7 years ago we recieved the gift of you, Samuel! I remember getting the call that you were ready to be picked up. What joy! Another boy! I immediately thought how cool it would be to have two boys, brothers and friends forever. We gathered up our stuff in less than 2 weeks and flew with Isaac to Bogota to recieve you. The next morning Carlos drove us to FANA, the same place we recieved Isaac 2 years earlier. They brought you out, an adorable chunkola, full of soft black hair (we had to take you for your first haircut at 7 weeks old!) busting out of the bottom of your outfit. You were such a happy pirate from the start! Grandpa Gord and Aunt Kjerstin came a week later to meet you and spend Christmas with us in Colombia. It was a dangerous time in the country, so we mostly stayed in the hotel and enjoyed getting to know you. We had no idea if we would have to stay 8 weeks or 2 weeks. Thankfully, our paperwork was done in record time and we got to travel home in only 3 weeks.

We love you so much and are thankful for the gift of you! You have grown into such a great young boy with a tender heart for the things of God. You are the first to defend your sister whatever she may be doing. God surely planned you for our family! We always needed a happy pirate.

All You Moms of Boys...

As I'm at home cleaning the house so babysitters can come tonight, I had a couple of thoughts. I was wondering if there are any of you out there who experience these funny things:
1. I have to scrub down and sanitize the ACTUAL SOAP DISPENSER in the bathroom, because it is black with dirt and grime. How does that happen on a soap dispenser?
2. Sometimes I even get out "company soap". Has anyone ever heard of this? No kids are allowed to use it. It's sometimes called "adult soap". (sounds naughty, eh?)
3. Why do I find candy wrappers under the beds when we ate through our Halloween candy weeks ago? (I know what you are saying. "I can't believe she lets her kids eat candy in bed." FYI: I don't. :)
4. I wait until I see company DRIVE UP THE DRIVEWAY to wipe the yellow off the toilet. (and then I forbid any boy from going potty until they are gone.) :)
5. Even though I wipe the family table down at least 3 times a day, why do I need a power washer to get down to the wood before company comes? And have you EVER checked UNDERNEATH the table to see what is wiped there. unbelievable treasures.
6. All of Kenton's family has the cleanest washer & dryers I've ever seen. They look like they are in a showroom. Do any of you dust your washers and dryers?
7. Secretly, in an evil land all of my own, I take the vacuum cleaner to the kids room and vacuum up all those little piece of Legos and Playmobil on the floor.
8. Our favorite line in "Christmas Vacation" is "fixed the newelpost!" (sorry if you don't get that one)

Forecast: Showers

Well, we've been here in Seattle now for a little over a year. Guess what it's doing outside? RAINING. For the fourth day in a row, and the forecast says it will rain the next four days (and I'm banking on the whole winter). I'm sure you've heard of that urban legend that it rains all the time in Seattle. It's not all true. I think there was a 3 week stretch in August where it was sunny and warm. We get such a kick out of the weather forecasters' clever words...Rain...showers...drizzle...partly cloudy (I would have said "mostly cloudy"...partly sunny.... So far it has not bugged me all that much (although I am getting fat and lazy), but if any of you out in cyberspace have a free condo in Hawaii or something...well...LET ME KNOW!!!!!!!!!!! :( Also, I'm taking creative ideas for indoor kids ACTIVE activities. I think their eyes are bugging out from too many "movie nights"...

cowboy, jedi, & minnie mouse

Mia woke up yesterday at 6am, carrying her pumpkin bucket into our room "ready for candy"...The boys soon followed dressed and ready at 7:15 and already chasing each other through the house. Then we sent them off to school for the day. HAAA. We prayed for their teachers yesterday! Now I remember why, when I was teaching, I SO DREADED this day of Halloween. Kids too excited for the evening and the next day the extreme low after too much sugar. It's much more fun now that I'm not a teacher. :) The boys brought home tons of loot. Mia lasted for about 20 minutes and then came home. The best is when they go to bed and we get to sift through for the good stuff!

Able-Bodied and Home

I haven't posted in awhile, because one of the most events in my life took place a couple of weeks ago. My sweet sister, Kate, went home to be with her Lord Jesus. Here was a life used by God to bring people closer to him. Kate was 6 years older than me and severely disabled her whole life. She was such a huge part of our family. She shaped so many parts of me and has made an enormous impact on our family. If any of you are raising a special needs child, I've got the person you need to talk to: My mom! (but wait a week or so, she's in the midst of radiation treatment for breast cancer) Yes. When it rains it pours... But God is still good.

We just got back from a week of memorial services in Ohio and Indiana. Our family had such fun recounting so many memories. We took her everywhere we went, despite the stares and strange looks, fed her meals and we all took part in her strenuous therapy program. We loved her sweet smile and sparkly eyes, her huge hugs, her love for her nieces and nephews. What a blessing she was! I will not say “rest in peace” because I believe she is not resting…she is dancing and singing, able-bodied at Christ’s throne.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

I've never in my life heard parents cheer louder from the sidelines. Yes, today, after 4 very painful non scoring games (at least on our side), ISAAC'S SOCCER TEAM SCORED A GOAL! (now, granted, it wasn't HIM, but this is a team sport isn't it?) These guys are trying so hard, but, in the spirit of the Bad News Bears, finally it happened. Yahoo, little Maradona! It's in your blood, you know! So glad Grandma and Grandpa Held could be here for 2 weeks of games. Fun stuff.

(also pictured: Samuel and his cronies from the neighborhood!)

SAMUEL TURNS 7!!!

It's official. Samuel is 7 years old as of today! He is pretty sure he grew a whole lot last night and I might agree. Now if he would only be done sucking that thumb! We are on a 2 year rotation for having a "friend" party, so this must be the year! He chose a pirate theme (same as 2 years ago). Does that surprise any of you who know him? We had a whole crew of looting embezzlers (including Grandpa and Grandma Held!). So much fun...an old fashioned scavenger hunt, pinata (Mia was just as fast at scavenging for candy as the big boys), gold nuggets and worms for dinner. Samuel kept saying "where's the rum, matey?". Oh Lordy. So glad the other parents weren't around. Kenton said not until his 9th birthday party. ha ha. It was very loud, but very fun. And a whole lot of "aaaarghs".

The best part? The next morning he woke up early for a soccer game and scored a hat trick (3 goals in one game)! Way to go, Samuel. We love you & happy birthday!