All in a days work: A collection of short stories from The Nye Family

19

2011-11-21T15:10:00.000-08:00

Oh my the weekend flew by fast!

I had sick kids all last week with fevers, croupy coughs, chills....

You get the idea.

So alas I am behind on my thanksgiving journal.

Day 19

I am grateful for my three.....
BEAUTIFUL, SMART, DRIVEN, PASSIONATE CHILDREN.

Almost 11 years ago in February I became a mother.
Diana rose changed my life for the better.

Being a mother made me.....
become closer to my heavenly father
a better wife....
more driven...
want to become a better person...
more empathetic...

As my eldest, her and I have a very close relationship.
Her sweet testimony and friendship have blessed our home.
She brings peace and love to her siblings.
I am grateful that she is my oldest because she is incredibly giving and nurturing; a wise older sister who provides a shinning example to her siblings.

3 1/2 years later Taylor entered our world.
His birth was an accomplishment beyond all comprehension.
Without pain meds, a head off the charts, a cracked tail bone and hip later....
The world welcomed my handsome son.
He was such a HAPPY baby.
He made me laugh everyday with his big brown eyes and endless energy.
My favorite time spent with him was singing to him as a toddler.
He would say "one more mommy??"
I would end up singing to him for hours sometimes.

Last of my three is lil'miss Chloe, who is....
full of fire, passion and has such a desire to be better!
As a baby Miss Chloe was sick with chronic ear infections.
It became such an issue that hearing loss and speech was discussed with her doctors
After ear tubes and minimal hearing loss....
You see a happy little girl who honesty has the drive and ambition to go anywhere her heart takes her.
She always tells me
"Mommy I am going to be a doctor someday so I can take care of you when your old."
I do not doubt someday there will be a Chloe M.D.

This is why I am a mother

♥

Diana, Taylor and Chloe

Each one changed me

Each one is a blessing from the lord, so slow down each day and enjoy your kiddos....

♥

Life is too short to miss out on the blessings of motherhood.

18

2011-11-18T22:18:00.000-08:00

Day 18

I am thankful for my healthy body....

and my....

♥

CURVES!!

♥

17

2011-11-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

Day 17

I have lived in Oregon since I was 3....

So you could say I am used to the rain.

I am thankful for rainy days where you can snuggle up with your little ones to read books and play board games for hours!

♥

16

2011-11-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

Day 16

I am grateful for modern medicine.

Last night when my kids had dark croupy coughs.....

Their inhalers were a blessing!!

Without them it would have been a scary night with my son.

Finally found it!

2011-11-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Source: styleathome.com via Dwi on Pinterest

Oh my goodness!

This creates shivers just thinking about it.

Someday this kitchen will be a reality :)

♥ it!

Lunch dates

2011-11-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

Day 15

Today I am grateful for LUNCH DATES.....

♥

with Mr. Nye!

* Picture from camping this summer 2011*

We ate at Panera bread in C town and loved every minute of it.

It's nice to steal a romantic moment away in the middle of the day with my man.

14

2011-11-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

Day 14

Today I am thankful for my children's teachers.

At school

At church

Their coaches

It takes a village to raise a child

We've been blessed with teachers and leaders who have given my kids the direction

and attention to be better people!!

13

2011-11-13T13:01:00.000-08:00

Day 13

Today I am grateful for my faith...

my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ.

Mt relationship with him is sacred.

He is not only my Savior but my brother who has carried me when I could not walk, giving me the strength and love I need to get through.

♥

Please watch this amazing video.

♥
Rach

12

2011-11-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Day 12

Today I am grateful for time spent with friends!

and believe it or not...

I have a husband that is going to let me out NEXT weekend too to see the new movie.....

BREAKING DAWN: Part 1.

Yes I know roll your eyes....

♥

10 and 11

2011-11-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

Day 10

I am thankful for health insurance!

Even though our premiums went up UP UP UP.....

We are lucky to be protected if one some has a broken arm, surgery, pneumonia.....

It is more $ than last year but hey...we have it....

and Keith's employer is helping soften the blow financially!

Day 11

I posted this on FB this morning and on my blog a couple of years ago; it truly embodies how I feel about Veterans Day.

So today for day 11 I am thankful for all the men and women who keep this country safe!

I will be thinking about my Grandfather, Marvin Simpson today who served in the Korean war

and

Nathan Christensen who is currently deployed.

I have German lineage. I have ancestors who came through Ellis island to find the American dream. I have ancestors who walked across the plains for religious freedom from the mobs. I like many Americans have many lines, Indian, German and what ever else melted into the pot because that is what we are. A melting pot. This great nation brings people from all over the world to its borders with hopes and dreams that they can have a better life. It brings religious, political and ethical freedoms to each new immigrant as they stand to take the oath of citizenship. Everyday I live in this country and I question, how did I make today a better place? What did I do for my country?

Today is veterans day and my heart is with those families who have their husbands, mothers, and grandfathers overseas. Honor them today by making this country a better place. Lets serve one another to make this world just that must brighter; to make this great nation, the united states of America as a whole that much brighter, to be a beacon unto the world, so that our light might shine unto those that need it. God Bless America and Happy Veterans Day unto all who have served and will serve to keep this great nation and its values safe.

♥

Rach

8 and 9

2011-11-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

I guess life is so busy for me I forgot yesterday....again...but hey....I am here blogging now....better late than never, right?!?

Day 8

I am grateful for my job and the fact my husband has full time employment!

We may not be $$$ but we have a warm home and cars that work.

This blesses us beyond measure.

I work with the MOST incredible person.

Deb. your a blast to work with and honestly it is not "work" with you.

Thanks for being the best co-worker.......EVER!

♥

Day 9

I am grateful that my kids have loving and caring grandparents.

♥

I grew up with basically one set and to have TWO sets that live only 10 minutes apart from each other is honestly a blessing now only for our family.

Life is good!

- Rach

Day seven

2011-11-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for the power of prayer.

It brings....

peace

knowledge

comfort

love

a friendship with my father in heaven

and direction in my life.

With out it I would be lost!

Sisters and trails

2011-11-06T21:09:00.000-08:00

I guess I missed yesterday....

I came home and enjoyed my kiddos after a beautiful trail run!

So for day five I would like to say I am grateful for trail running.

I'd never run on a trail over three miles. Yesterday I had the wild chance to run 13.1 on the Silver Creek trails. It turned out to be one of those "Ahh" moments where you discover a secret passion that excites you all over again about your favorite hobby.

Running in the NW not only provides endless beauty but being able to run about waterfalls and the breathtaking views of Silver Falls State park was a blessing. I am grateful for not only a great friend from church to run with me (THANKS T.) but the health and strength to do so. Four weeks before I had run the Portland marathon with my friend A. To add to this craziness I decided oh why not sign up for a Halloween half marathon the weekend before....yeah....it's true.

But in all its craziness I discovered something new about myself. I am thankful for that! Life is too short to not discover new passions and open doors just waiting for us to open them.

For day six I want to say I am thankful for my sister.

Never a day goes by that I do not pinch myself for finding that "bosom friend." - Anne of Green Gables

Love ya girl!

Eternal

2011-11-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Day four

I am thankful for my husband.

If you did not already know.....

We were high school sweet hearts.

From day one he has swept me off my feet.

He is my best friend.

My support.

My confidant

and best of all...

I get to spend the rest of my life with him.

Giving thanks

2011-11-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Nothing is impossible for the word itself says's "I'm possible!"

- Audrey Hepburn

From today until Thanksgiving I wanted to write down what I am thankful for because I have been blessed beyond measure in my life. Oh yes there are crappy things that happen but in the big picture of life I am blessed and those trials start to look small when you look at what is really important. Today I start out on this journey of gratitude to reflect, ponder and learn more about what I can give back. Feeling gratitude for our blessings is only half the equation. It is giving back, digging deep within ourselves to see what we can offer is what really brings ones complete gratitude and peace in this life.

Since it is November 3 I will write three "gratitude's."

1. My parents. Ah yes. With out their love and support many of my goals and ambitions would have never come to reality in my life. It is with that, I was able to succeed in college, have a mentor when I needed it and the most obvious; their love. Their love gave me a good foundation from which I could learn and grow.

2. My Trails - Our trials in life are an opportunity to gain perspective, gaining a better understanding on a subject we might not have learned had we not been given that trial to bear. With out my trials I would not be who I am. Each event changed me, giving me the opportunity to choose the better path. No I am not perfect and some of my trials are self inflicted BUT each one taught me more about me; giving me an opportunity to turn to the Lord. Trials are not fun but if we have the right attitude they can be blessings in disguise.

3.The beauty of the Pacific NW - I have pretty much been an Oregonian my whole life minus the three years I lived in Utah from birth to three years old. The lushness of the NW and its rain brings a way of life I have become accustom to. I relish in it and the beauty that surrounds the tranquility it brings to its landscapes. I honesty would miss it if we ever had to move (not planning on that anytime soon!).

So there you have it!

What are your gratitude's?

♥

Rach

Summer sweetness

2011-07-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

We're having too good of a time to worry about tomorrow by enjoying....

Water pistols....

Slip n'slides......

Popsicles....

Soaking up the (what we can get) sun......

Being carefree.....

And of course lots of laughs.....

Summer we ♥ YOU!

Independance

2011-07-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

On July 4th, 1776
"When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness........"

Because of 56 courageous signers of the Declaration of Independence who dedicated their lives for our freedom,

we are able to celebrate our Independence today!

I am so grateful to be an American.

To celebrate the Fourth of July .....

I ran with my cousin Jennifer in her third half marathon.
It was awesome to spend the morning with her and support her.

It was another HOT race that morning.

With all of the cold weather we have had in the NW,

as a runner it has been difficult to acclimate to the hotter temperatures.

Thanks Jenny for the AWESOME morning.

It was a lot of fun :-).

♥

Later that day we had the chance to spend the day with the Christensen family at their families farm.

What a blast! The food, activities and fireworks made it a pretty amazing fourth of July that will be hard to beat. Thanks Nate and Amy. You and your families rock!

♥

The morning after the fourth Keith helped his father work on the restoration of his 1944 Ford pick up.

I have been so impressed with all that he has done. He is restoring everything to its original state. It should be a LOT of fun to see when its all done by the fall.

♥

And what better way to end the Fourth of July weekend than to see the Broadway show "Mary Poppins." We got all dolled up in our dresses, curls and bangles and headed out onto the town. We went out to dinner at the old spaghetti factory and ate out in the trolley car (always a fav. in our house). Then we headed on downtown for the show. It was a great show full of fun props, effects and songs. It was not my favorite Disney broadway play I've seen but a lot of fun!

FANTASIC WEEKEND!

I am very blessed with life long friends and family.

Life is good!

♥

Rach

Bulletin Board

2011-06-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

There is a bulletin board at Periwinkle Elementary with the AR reading goals. There are different reading club goals you work on to attain IE: 50,100, 150, 200...etc. You get the idea.

Most kids in the school reach around 300 or less.

Diana rose has always been a little bookworm from the time she was a baby.

I would read and read to her, even in the bath tub with her bath time baby books.

Then she entered kindergarten and alas she was onto reading.

She read chapter books before I knew it and off she was into the world of imagination

This year she told me in secret she was going to get to the 1000 point club.

The previous year she had attained 550 and that alone took MANY long hours of reading THICK books.

So at the beginning of August she started on her goal.

Her hard work every week paid off quickly and the librarian had to start ordering more books from other to schools to EVEN keep up with her appetite for good literature.

Her favorite book of the year was when her and I read "Little women" by Loise May Alcott.

Her and I cried when Beth died.

By February she was a school superstar, even the first graders knew who Diana Nye was.

Her bulletin board grew and each award had to be added, soon the teachers were squeezing them where there was even a space.

By Mid-May she bounced out of the doors when I picked her up from school

with the LARGEST grin on her face.

SHE DID IT!

She was Periwinkle's Elementary TOP READER!

Diana says' next years goal is to shatter the school record

She wants to make it hard to ever break again.....oh boy!

I am proud of my baby girl.

She learned the lesson of hard work

and gained a love of books and writing.

I tell her someday I want to be the first in line for your book.

Way to go baby girl.

Your family is very proud of you and your determination.

A check off the bucket list

2011-06-26T01:55:00.000-07:00

When I was 16 years old running track I remember running 10 miles at the end of the season. It was in that run that I decided one day I was going to run a marathon. To run a marathon is not an easy feat. It takes courage, digging deep with in yourself because it becomes a spiritual mind game to overcome that voice and declaring "Yes I can do this!" Twice I tried to train for the same marathon. First time I became pregnant, male runners do NOT have to deal with this situation. Second time it was just not the right timing or mindset. Third time I said to myself "This is it." I was not pregnant, I had been running for close to four years and I felt in my heart it was time.

My training started the first weekend in Jan! It was a time of renewal and growth for me. I was able to PR in a half marathon, gain strength from speed training and learn about the important of yoga for my body. Although I have MUCH more to learn about my body and strength training, more details on that later.

RACE DAY

Well what can I say. I DID IT! I ran the NEWPORT MARATHON! It was a beautiful day, 81 degrees, very humid and the heat off the estuary made for quite the opponent.

Mile 1-19 went GREAT!! I ran at a 10:20 pace the whole way and was feeling great. I drank a cup of Gatorade and water at each mile (aid stations and out of my hydration bottles.....SO grateful I brought it, IT WAS HOT!). At mile 5, 10, 15 and 20 I took a gel packet. At mile 4 ate 2 banana's.
What happened at 21....I have not a clue.....

When I left around the aid station between 20 and 21 I was feeling tired but good....I kept thinking " I am going to do it!!"

I hit 21.5 and it hit me!!! I threw UP. I was dizzy and did not feel too hot. I felt like going to the bathroom and started crying BIG TIME. I was so close I thought " Why now?"

Out of no where an older gentleman tapped me on the shoulder wearing his marathon maniac shirt helped me up and said "YOU CAN DO THIS!" He proceeded to walk with me and honestly became my angel.

Mile 22.8 (close to the 23 mile marker) - My knee gave out to the point I could not lift it. I started to jog a 14 min mile and realized I could walk a 12.5 min mile so I started to fast walk. I WAS NOT GOING TO GIVE UP SO CLOSE TO THE FINISH!

Mile 24 - Threw up. Again.....end of story.

Mile 25.5 I said a prayer to the lord to help me as I was about to seriously puke again.

Mile 26 - As I came to the top of that hill I was lifted up and was able to finish the Newport Marathon!!

My Garmin time said 5:16. Official time since Newport does not do chip timing 5:20.Am I disappointed that I did not make my 4:40 goal???? I am NOT DISAPPOINTED!!! I am happy and so proud that I finished. I know everything happens for a reason and now I know hopefully next time will be better. Not every race will be our best. Not every race will we PR. Each race happens and ends with results that are there to teach us something as an individual and as an athlete. I now can say " I finished a marathon :)."

After results:

I have whats called Illiotibial Band Syndrom. Its not fun and I have MORE strength training to do obviously if I am going to keep up my current training. I guess as I look back I had a sore knee after my 15 and 17 mile run but did not know this was a signal of it since I could run through it with out much thought and pain. I do get discouraged sometimes with running because with my hypoglycemia and uneven hip bones it has made it a rough journey. Crossing the finish line is so much sweeter knowing I have concurred trials and bumps during my training. My physical therapist, doctor and yoga instructor have all make it possible, each one of them helping me discover how to become a better runner. Running takes you to a different place if you let it. It is not just a way to exercise, it is a way of life, a way to better yourself as a mother, wife and individual. The medal is a lot of fun but what really is the reward is the journey you took to get there. From that is the real gift of running. I hope all of you one day get the chance to run a marathon. Although it did not end up how I wanted it to, I look at it as a chance to learn from what happened and go on. I will run more marathons and who knows one day maybe run Boston :). The road has no limits.......

♥
Rach

A summer moment

2011-06-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

All is peaceful at first....

Then she realizes Mom is taking pictures...

Tickling proceeds....

Sister tries to hide....

But it does not work so well....

Instead mom catches a beautiful picture mid-giggling :)

The Nye's are having LAZY summer days full of lemonade

LOTS of allergies (were keeping Kleenex in business) and....

DOING ABSOLUTLY NOTHING!

IT IS AWESOME =-)

Blogging

2011-06-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

I seemed to have lost all love for blogging this year.

I am thinking it was maybe the CRAZY busy schedule ....

full of little league

board meetings

church callings

volunteering at school

renovating

training for half marathons

and for the Newport Marathon

Going back to work as an assistant preschool teacher

Organizing a relay team

Being team mom

Fundraising

The kids sports and games and activities

and most importantly being a Mommy!

I honestly took a good hard look and there is probally more I am forgetting.....

BUT

honestly....

I am burnt.

I over did it and how do I know that??

I was living life in the fast lane before I knew it, "CRASH and BURN" happened.

I am slowing down.

I admit it

Its true

I honestly have an addiction to being busy.

If I am not doing something I start to fidget and get going on one project or another.....

I mean it's good to be busy

Life would not be worth living with out meaning

What I am saying is....

I need to PICK and CHOOSE

what is best for MY FAMILY and for MYSELF

So keep me in check people

I am getting a button that say's "NO THANK YOU!"

And if you see me say " Yes."

Please kick me from behind....

You have my full permission to do so :).

New beginings

2011-03-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

Its 2011 and its been four months since I touched this blog. Time flew before I knew it and here I sit, shaking my head at all that's happened inbetween now and then. Christmas, New years, marathon training, Diana's birthday, our anniversary, and so much more. Our life seems to be a never ending craze of events filled with sports, dance, jobs, church commitments, community service to various organizations.....I am looking forward to summer when all I will do is be barefoot and free in my backyard with my three brown eyed love bugs.

To catch up this blog I am going to go at lightening speed and quickly post a few key pictures from the past few months with captions....as someone commented on FB, I should really just write "some stuff happened!" and leave it at that but it being me and who I am....and as funny as that would be, I can't for memories sake. So hold on to your seats and here's the Nye family catch up!

CHRISTMAS 2010

Christmas eve tradition: Making sugar cookies as a family! A must-do yummy activity.....

Christmas morning baking

Clo-bear decorating her sugar cookies. I just love her smile =-)

Wearing the necklace big sister made for her!

Matching pajama's mommy made! =-)

♥ I LOVE THIS MAN!!! ♥

My three hooligans and their Christmas eve pajama's I made.

Christmas dinner with my whole family! It was a easy going, good food day with my family. What more could you ask for!

Zoolights with Godmother Karina

To read what the Oregon zoo zoo lights are, read about it HERE.

Auntie Karina with her nieces and nephew

So sad that this family picture did not turn out more clear....

Me and my sis on the zoo train.

♥ Chloe bear ♥

HA HA HA....I just love Chloe's expression in this picture, "Mom, I am so done. I just want some hot chocolate and my cookie!"

Great experience if you have a chance to take your family during the holiday season. We've now gone twice with the kids and love it. Each time we've gone there seems to be something new and fun to check out.

Hood to Coast

I gathered 12 ladies together and said lets run 197 mile together from Mount Hood to Seaside, Oregon :). It happens they made a documentary about this world famous relay I am running this summer as Captain of my team "The Miss FITS".

Check out the movie http://www.hoodtocoastmovie.com/

FABULOUS movie. It really caught the spirit in what this relay is all about. It will make you cheer, cry and giddy with excitement to go run 6 miles.

My team at their luncheon in January.

Our T-shirt logo. It is going to be on a gray dri-fit shirt to let the logo really stand out.

Julia D. from my ward at church did a FANTASTIC job!

Keith has his birthday!

Chloe started Ballet

She is doing ballet once a week at a professional dance studio, working up to her dance recital in June! I can not wait to see my little bumble bee dance away on stage ♥.

Diana turned 10....yes you did hear me right!

She had friend over for a favorite things birthday party. It was a smashing success!

I made the most incredible peanut butter chocolate cheesecake for the birthday girl.

We had the most incredible anniversary week!

I stunk at taking at pictures but what I can tell you is everyday for 10 days he did something romantic everyday starting with a poem, roses, framed pictures, diamond earrings, weekend away....LONG STORY short, I have the most incredible husband. I do not know what I did to deserve him but I am holding tight.

♥ you babe!

Marathon training

11 weeks until the my first marathon!

I am EXCITED and SCARED out of my boots all at the same time, does that make sense???

Wish me luck!!

♥

Albany Little League

At a board meeting in December, Keith was voted in to be Albany Little League president. It has been a BUSY last few months for my husband and our family. He is gone many nights because of his position in LL. I am proud of him and all of his work for the League!!

Now to get opening ceremonies over with and done, after that things should slow down =-).

Well there are a lot of things i could blog on but I am missing my kiddos so I am signing off and hoping to better blogging because it really is fun to look back. Thanks for still reading now that I am Private.....

♥

Rach

PRIVATE

2010-12-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

This world can be very scary and at times frightening at how the Internet can in one second turn a happy family blog into a place where horrible creatures take family pictures and lure them to obscene pornographic websites. After having many friends and various people I know having their private family photos taken, then posted onto PORNOGRAPHIC and other horrible websites, i decided today to go private. It was the last straw. My kids are my world, my reason, and my purpose. I hope you all understand. I love you all and my family and this is my way of keeping them safe.

♥
Rach

Storybookland 2010

2010-12-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

We visited our local land of Christmas enchantment last night, Storybook Land.

It was wonderful as usual, the air full of excitement as children and adults walked through the maze of lights and displays. It is a little treasure that our little town has held tradition now for over thirty years and I can not imagine Christmas with out it.

Waiting in line to get inside the arena. There was a long line since it was the last night.

Peek - a - boo, I see you!

One of my favorite displays.

♥

The look on Chloe and Taylor's face was precious.

♥

Chloe in front of "Cinderella". This was her favorite part since she loves that movie.

At the end we get to meet Santa Claus.....Taylor on his lap.

Taylor told Santa he wanted Lego's and a Nerf gun.

(check and check....wink wink)

♥

Chloe on Santa. She told him "I want Girl Lego's." I guess she will be one happy little girl then this Christmas (wink wink).

Diana told Santa "I would like an Ipod shuffle and some books."

(expensive but I think we can arrange it......wink wink)

♥

Mr. Nye and I

♥

My girlsies.

Oh how I love these two!!

Sisters!

♥

Taylor Chatted away with Mrs. Claus all about Star Wars legos.......

I think he charmed the pants off of her!

Chloe and the Mrs.

Keith and Taylor at one of train displays in Storybook Land.

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home.

~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

Christmas Cutie Pies

2010-12-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

We attended Taylor's Christmas program tonight at his elementary school. Mrs. P and Mrs B. out did themselves. I know with years and years of budget cuts in public schools that there is not room for these things much anymore BUT these two women took their personal time for the last few weeks to create a cute simple Christmas program that brought the Christmas spirit into that room. Thank you so much ladies. You guys are amazing.

♥

In his Christmas sweater and snazzy shoes on the way to the gym

He looks mighty handsome if you ask me!

♥

Seeing dad and sisters in the audience.....

♥

The kids looks serious before starting....

♥

Mrs. P's and Mrs. B's Kindergarten classes

♥

The teachers had all the kids make a surprise gift for the families.

It was absolutely adorable how excited he was to give it to us!

I love this brown eyed boy to pieces....

♥

Taylor with his hand print tile he made for us.

I am a sap and will treasure this from now until he is 50!

♥

Taylor and his AMAZING teacher.

She will be Chloe's teacher next year.....

*I have warned her that our fireball little girl is MUCH different than my soft spoken brown eyed boy :) *

Merry Christmas Everyone.....

I ♥ this time of year!

8 inches

2010-12-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

I let Diana have her first beauty salon experience.

Before hand it has always been mom doing the styling at home.

She sat down with the book of pictures and picked out what she wanted and 30 minutes later and more than 8 inches shorter.....

She looks SO much older.

I mean she looks beautiful as always but can someone please slow her down in growing up?!? :)

She will be 10 years old here in a couple months.

It has been a wonderful 10 years for Keith and I.

We are truly blessed to have her in our family.

I could not have asked.....

2010-12-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

I could not have asked for a better person to work with =-).

She is amazing!

♥

Rach

Cream Puff By Sandy Sanderson

2010-12-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Crust
1 cup water
1 stuck of butter
1 cup flour
4 medium eggs

Bring water and butter to rapid boil and add flour. Stirring will be play dough consistency, put in bowl, add eggs one at a time.

Grease or spray 11x 14 pan. Spread crust mixture. Bake at 400 25-30 Min's. Cool.

Filling

1 8oz cream cheese
2 small packages of Vanilla pudding
4 cups of cold milk

Beat softened cream cheese, add pudding and milk. Pour over COOLED crust. Top with 12 oz of cool whip. Drizzle with chocolate syrup.

EAT AND ENJOY!!

Thanks Sandy for the yummy recipe!

♥

Rach

4 weeks

2010-12-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

The last time this blog had a new post on it was a month ago when my sweet husband surprised me with a heartfelt note. I did not have the heart to take it off until recently but figure its been almost a whole month so its time for a change especially since Halloween and Thanksgiving have now past. My camera was missing for a good part of the month so essentially not many pictures were taken. Now that's its December 10th, its time to get my rear in gear and start taking pictures again!

Halloween around here was relaxed and amazing because my mother who loves to sew for the kids once again wowed us in making Diana and Chloe's Angel and Tinkerbell costumes. We all appreciated her hard work especially two very happy little girls.

♥ Diana rose as an Angel ♥

♥

Taylor as the evil Pirate

* Note: His dad made him the COOLEST homemade wooden sword with his new table saw. *

Thanks honey ;-)

♥

Clo-Bear as Tinkerbell.

She LOVED putting on make up. This girl is defiantly my glitzy glam girl as she has already asked to wear makeup and get her ears pierced.....

oh my!

♥

Clo-bear with her friends at her classroom Halloween Party

♥

Mrs. D reading a Halloween story to Clo-bears Class

♥

Chloe in her Halloween Parade at school

♥

These kids are my life, my purpose and my eternal happiness.

I love them beyond words

♥

Diana at our church Halloween party and trunk or treat

♥

Chloe at the Trunk or Treat

♥

Taylor making a potion at the Halloween Party....one word: GROSS. I hope they do not ever do this again.

My kids did not even taste it.

It just gives me shivers thinking of it...

♥

After Halloween we got the CRAZY idea to GUT the bathroom.....

Whose idea was that anyway ?!?!?

I did not take a before a picture but was able to get a picture of Keith doing demolition to our floor :)

The bathroom has a new tile floor, paint, light fixtures, refinished bathroom cabinet, faucets, bathroom fixtures...and the list still has many more to-dos but ever so slowly we will get those done. A final picture will come soon I assure you. Remodeling with children is done one step at a time.....

Thanksgiving this year was amazing and crazy. We hosted it at our home this year, literally cleaning up renovation stuff an hour before people got here. NEVER again will I do that to myself. It was just plain ol'crazy of me to think we could get the bathroom done in one week with how busy our schedules are. Oh well...you live and learn, right?

Karina (My sis and the kids godmother), her mom Sandy, my parents and my brothers made for a full house. The food was delicious and no one was left hungry thats for sure. Sandy made this delicious cream puff that was low fat and amazing to the palet. I am definatley making those again sometime soon as they were incredible. I want to post the recipe sometime here soon!

In the morning I woke up bright and early to get the turkey ready for the overn and afterwards geared up to go run a Thanksgiving 3.75v mile race with my cousin Jenny. I had a blast and want to make it a annual tradition. I mean seriouslu....you can't feeling guilty eating all that mouth water food when you worked out right ...wink wink.

Check out our picture http://poephoto.photoshelter.com/gallery/On-Course-Photos-OMVRR-10/G00007La7excJ.Fo/4/P0000s6wHleilukg

Jenny and I are at the top left and I am wearing a hat.

I actually had a good race picture that morning considering in all my races I usually look pretty dorky in my opinion but hey who looks their best while exercising. Were not there to look our best :).

Life is good people.

I had a great talk in church a couple of weeks ago.....

I have found my love of running and am running a half marathon this weekend with a dear friend....

Teaching has been incredible especially with my coworker...(love her!)...

Great time with friends.....

I could be here for another hour blogging but I do not want to bore you and I also need to get upstairs to organize and finish sewing some homemade PJ pants for my kiddos.

Merry Christmas and may I be better about blogging.

♥

Rach

My Wonderful Wife

2010-11-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

My wife is an amazing woman. I know every husband may think so, but I just wanted to make sure my wife knew I thought so. Super mom's may come far and wide, but ours is very loved. She's always busy, from the time she wakes up and makes the kids lunches, actually drops them off at each of their schools for drop off and pick up, then goes onto to teach pre-school, and still has patience at the end of the day with the kids and hubby :-). She keeps our house filled with wonderful cooking smells(Love those Chocolate chip cookies- Ugg that's why I can't lose weight ;) ), Keeps her hubby on track with Family home evening and reading our daily scriptures ;). She even reads us all books at bed time. Wuhoo! Taylor's favorite time in the evening.... next to dinner time that is ;). She even finds time to stay on track for her marathon training.

I really appreciate her letting me out to shoot hoops and without ever complaining. Although I think she pushes me out some nights cause she needs some alone time ;). She's put up with a lot as we've grown older together. I get to coach-Soccer, Baseball and I can't ever find a cuter coaches wife ;). She's even putting up with me being Albany Little League President. She's very good at making me want to come home ;) They say behind every great man there is a great woman. I can see why because a good wife makes life easier and gives the husband the ability to accomplish more with his life. I'm very grateful for mine.

I thought I had given up running, but with her running almost every day she challenges me to run and pushes me to go harder and father. Rachel is not only my wife, but a wonderful partner I hope to learn more and more with her as we get older. I love you Rachel Lynn Nye! Your unique laugh is one of a kind and I'd know your nightin gale voice anywhere. Your green eyes drive me crazy and your smile is what I look forward to the most during each day. Thank you Super Mom and your family loves and appreciates you! Even when we're driving you crazy!

Primary Program Sunday

2010-11-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

My three musketeers before the primary program.

Each year at our church the children ages 3-11 practice and learn a list of gospel themed songs to partake of a 50 minute program where most of the children speak a small or medium part. It's a year long opportunity for leaders and the children to learn and teach one another about Christ.

It maybe a lot of work....

but it is worth it.

I was able to work in primary and write the program one year and its one of my happiest memories.

The program was very well done and organized this year. I appreciate all the time and hard work the kids , leaders and teachers put into it because you could tell the kids were ready and the spirit was there to touch our hearts. Diana spoke about how to come unto Christ, Taylor on his favorite Scripture hero- Nephi, and Chloe on how she loved her family. It was a good day and the tears were aplenty!

I am so grateful to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.

♥

Rach

NO WAY!!!

2010-10-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today something great happened.....

out of thousands of applicants.....

applying for HOOD to COAST 2011, the worlds largest relay......

Our team GOT IN!

Watch out HTC 2011 the MISS Fits 2011 are going to bring talent and fun to the course!

If you do not know what hood to coast is.....

watch this

P.S Turn off the music so you can hear the video.

Hood To Coast Movie Trailer #2 of for Race Website from HoodToCoastMovie on Vimeo.

You look gooooood Momma roo!

2010-10-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

My mother before her weight loss surgery....

Mom this blog post is for you.

Almost one year ago you took hold to make a decision to change your life.

You become healthier and made the oath to become a new you

I want to say THANK YOU.

You are one of my best friends and we want you here as long as we can.

I am proud of you Mom

A.K.A "Skinny Grandma"

Pumpkins

2010-10-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

On Friday we embraced the cold crisp morning and headed out to a local pumpkin patch.

We had no time constraints which allowed us to enjoy our last sunny day before the forecast turns to 10 more days of blissful rain showers.....

Right before this picture the kiddos found a poor field mouse without a tail.

Taylor wanted to bring him home....I said "I think NOT."

If you have not already been notified......

I am BUFF

Well I would like to think so ;-)

We had the WHOLE tractor ride to ourselves!

A very enjoyable ride.

Peek-A-Boo.....

I see you!

Three stumps.....

For three musketeers.

After the pumpkin patch, we went to pick apples at a neighboring orchard.

They have chickens there you can feed.

It was hilarious to see the kids feed the chickens.

Kids need this.

They need to have no where to be and just play on the farm.

To pick apples, feed the chickens and run around through the trees......

It was a beautiful fall day playing on the farm picking pumpkins and apples and i honestly can say.....

I wish everyday was like it.

♥

Rach

26.2

2010-10-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

I decided it was time....

Time for what you ask....

Well for the big 26.2 miles.....

The marathon.

Next June I will be running 26.2 in Newport, Oregon!

Wish me and MY BODY luck!

Its going to be awesome!!

♥

Rach

Check it out HERE

Look MOM!

2010-10-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

Chloe wanted to share her picture with everyone

It's a picture of our pretty home

and the yucky spider outside her window.....

That is all.

Awards and wigs

2010-10-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

Today was picture day at school for the oldest two.

I am NOT a fan of Life Touch photography that is in the public schools.

Their results are LESS than par!

So I did not get any but the class picture.....

but we dressed up anyway, curling Diana's hair..... and Taylor informed me "GIRLS TAKE FOREVER."

I think they look pretty SNAZZY if you ask me.....

minus the toast Taylor still has on his shirt.

After a busy day of running errans and voluntering at the kids school I picked up Diana with her new found awards: Student of the week and the 50 point club (highest in the school)! It was a proud parent moment for my eldest.

She has a drive for sucess that will carry her far in this life.

Her Father and I are so proud of Diana.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that night while Diana was at a party I ran over to joanns and found the missing piece for Keith and I's Halloween costumes.......

I LOVE THEM!

But then again....not everyone likes clowns.

Happy Halloween!

♥

Rach

What I do for the ones I love

2010-09-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

I love baking.

I ESPECIALLY love making homemade desserts.....particularly cheesecakes.

They are a small glimpse into heaven....

I think to myself if there is no cheesecake in heaven I do not know what I will do...

Have a long chat with God on that one.

I played around in the kitchen last night and came up with this beauty.

White chocolate / Chocolate Marscapone Cheesecake with a chocolate crust.

Yes you heard me.....

Doesn't it sound divine??

Heres the facts for you!
White/ Chocolate Mascarpone Cheesecake

Serves 12

Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup sugar

¼ cup baking cocoa 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Mix all the ingredients in your food processor. Oil your spring form pan and press crust evenly into pan.

2 packages of 8oz cream cheese
1 ¾ cups sugar

16 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 tsp mexican vanilla
6 eggs

7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
4 ounces of white chocolate melted

============================================

For the filling, preheat the oven to 350

degrees. Beat the cream cheese, sugar and

vanilla in a mixing bowl until light and

fluffy, scraping the bowl occasionally, Add

the mascarpone cheese and beat until

blended. Add the eggs 1 at a time, mixing

well after each addition.

Combine ½ of the cream cheese mixture

with the chocolate in a bowl and mix well.

Add the the white chocolate to the plain mixture and mix well.
Spread the chocolate mixture in the prepared

pan and top with the remaining white chocolate cream

cheese mixture. Gently fold the 2 filling

layers together with a spoon to create a

marbleized effect. Bake in a water bath for 1

¾ hours. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Chill for 8 to 10 hours before serving.

Unfortunatly my nine year old could not wait any longer and nibbled around the crust......

Sigh.....It was so pretty before this....I was going to drizzle homemade caramel over it with chocolate shavings.

Kids.....They always get caught red handed!

I made the cheesecake to celebrate dad coming home from his business trip......

I guess he will just have to deal.

♥

Rach

Apple Muffins!

2010-09-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

I came up with this recipe after a few tries. I love the outcome and taste!

Apple Muffins

1 1/2 cups wheat flour (all purpose would work too)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 beaten egg
1 cup brown or white sugar (brown will give it a deeper taste)
1 1/4 cup shredded apple
1/4 cooking oil

Combine all the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Beat egg with mixer. Add the sugar, shredded apple and oil. The stir in all the dry ingredients just until combined.

Makes 1 dozen

Bake at 350 for 16-20 Min's.

Enjoy!

♥

Rach

Food

2010-09-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

I am person who loves to bake, cook, dry and can food for her family and lately I have been really thinking about how processed our foods have become. The corn syrup, modified corn starch, and meat fillers are in most of our commonly eaten foods on the shelves in our local grocery stores. I am utterly disgusted after watching Food Inc. and Super size me this weekend. It was an eye opener for me. I knew some of what was going on in the food industry due to the nutrition classes and self education I have had about food labels and their sources BUT it did not prepare me for what was presented in Food Inc. Our bodies are chemically engineered and the modified food we eat as a country causes many of the health problems our society fights daily on the home front. I love picking our own produce from local farmers and eating in season, canning whats left over for winter and eating. I am now going to carry that further and start to expand my food vision for my family a few steps at a time. We are not junk food eaters, fast food goers, or sugary sweet addicts but there is always room for improvement in our food choices.

The food choices in our house currently are:

Picking local produce from orchards and buying at the farmers markets
Making our own bread from freshly ground wheat
Making mixes from scratch VS buying store bought mixes that include fillers and dyes.
Planting a garden with other fruit baring trees and plants
Canning and freezing freshly picked veggies and fruits
ALWAYS having veggies, fruits and other healthy snacks for the kids and Keith and I to eat
Buying meat in whole with bones (less fillers!)

Things I am contemplating:
Getting a 2-3 chickens
Buying our meat now from an organic farmer
Buying less store bought granola bars and other various snacks that are JUST sugar coated carbs
Buying organic when in the budget for other various food outlets

I know for us a family of 5 .....it's a LOT of work to make things from scratch. It is. I will not lie to you. For example I remember growing up with the box of Bisquick and just adding water. Wa-la you had ready made pancakes in two seconds. There is nothing wrong with that. Its convenience and sometimes we need a brake BUT what people do not know is that they could save so much money in their budgets if they made the mixes and seasonings. Yes it is work but if you set a time aside to make a bulk batch, you have it for those nights when you tired and you can feed your family and KNOW whats really in it.

I recommend the book my mom gave to me for Christmas Make a Mix by Karine Eliason. Its been AMAZING!

* THANKS MOM *

Check out the movie http://www.foodincmovie.com/

My day

2010-09-26T01:14:00.000-07:00

I woke up and kissed this guy.......

Got DOG PILED by my three musketeers.

Then proceeded to start our Saturday tradition of family brunch.

I put a little of this and adjusted a little of that in my faithful Kitchen-Aid mixer and came up with the MOST delicious recipe for Apple muffins....

They are to die for.

No really that are.

We stuffed ourselves silly and dog piled in my bed again to lounge and snuggle.

F.Y.I. : 5 people in a queen size bed is not fitting how it used to when they were younger.

Taylor's stinky feet somehow made it near my face and Chloe's cold toes on my back. Hmmm.....

We dashed in the shower after being MIGHTY lazy on our Saturday morning and got ready and out the door for this guys soccer game.....

He tore up the field and really put himself our there with the big boys.

He is the shortest on the team but our little fireball.

He makes me a proud mama.

His team won 3-0.....I'm just saying =-)

Retreating to the shade after the game

♥

After the game we went home and ate lunch while I got myself all PURDY and clean to go watch the LDS

Relief Society worldwide broadcast.

I loved the inspirational messages from all the leaders of our wonderful church. I really needed to hear some of those messages.

My favorite quote from the night: "If you judge you do not have time to love." Mother Teresa

Afterward the broadcast Karina and I headed out to dinner with her fabulous Mom and ate out at a pretty good Thai place. I full filled the egg role craving I have been having for awhile.

As you can see we got a little distracted afterwards shopping.....

A great saturday with the friends and family I love.

I can not think of a better way to spend my saturday.....

Can you?

♥

Rach

Teaching

2010-09-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

I finish my second week at the preschool tomorrow. It has been a renewal time for me in the work place; a time for me in the classroom to reconnect with teaching after years of being away from the classroom. I am a assistant to the most caring, amazing teacher who is LDS as well. She has been a joy to work with at the preschool and knows the ins and outs of the job well. She was the assistant the previous three years before me :). I look forward to many more years of teaching with her.

I will be honest though. Its been weird having a job again. Our daily routine is more structured than before and I defiantly wear less work out clothes and baseballs hats, something my husband appreciates. Before I went back to work I would work out early in the morning (still do this!) but come home and get the kids up for school. Now I come home, shower, get the kids ready and head off for our morning rush in dropping off Diana and Taylor ( I hate the bus system so yes I drive and pick them up everyday) and getting to work. It's literally a sprint until I get to work but for me that works. I enjoy the strict schedule, something I think I was really missing. The one thing I will miss from before I went back to work is my work out classes. I made some dear friends there and hope we can stay close through running and other outlets. Life is always offering us new adventures, twists and turns and this for sure is a new turn. It will bring many good memories and blessings to my family for years to come. So bring it on, because I love being Miss Rachel and teaching 11 beautiful faces.

Knocking

2010-09-21T23:52:00.000-07:00

My Savior Jesus Christ knocks at my soul.....

Some days his goodness and love are beyond my comprehension; his love for me, my family and the people of this world is always there eternally waiting for us to open the door. As of late I feel him tapping me in the quiet moments of my life...to slow down more.

It has been a good reminder of how important it is to STOP and listen.

Just listen.

I was missing so much.

He is there with his arms outstretched.

I promise you.

My family taps at my soul.....

The sweet warmth that my children and husband bring to our home enriches my life with endless possibilities.

They are my life.

The laughter, happiness, good days and bad days are there for us as a family to hold hands in this journey.

Not only do we see the bad but we see the good.

My family is that achor that holds me down.

My life and who I am....

A mother

A wife

A daughter of God

I am so grateful to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life for without it, I would not be the Mother, Wife and Individual I am today.

I am his student here to learn so that I may teach my children of his love and gain a greater understanding of his Gospel

Most of all.....

I am on bended knee eternally grateful for his sacrifice so that My family and I could return to live with him someday.

This is good. Very very good.

♥

Rach

Apples to Apples

2010-09-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

Our apples trees finally got to producing. Here is our first batch picked with more to come!

A little hard work pays off with great rewards such as apple pie and yummy apples to snack on.

♥

Rach

Kindergarten

2010-09-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

We packed the backpack, laid out the new school clothes, washed and showered to get him ready for the big day BUT none of that prepared his mama for him entering kindergarten. As I walked my son into his classroom it hit me emotionally that this was it. He was here in elementary school now and forever in public school for the next 12 years. Was I ready to let him go? Whether I was ready or not, it was here and the smell of crayola crayons and freshly sharpened pencils only solidified the fact that my son was now a kindergartner.

He was so excited (a little nervous too) to start the school year. We talked about the bus, his friends, and how the next day would be, trying to iron out any nervousness he had the night before. When morning came he was ready and enthusiastic to head to school. We took a few snapshots before leaving although Taylor thought this part utterly boring and stated "why do we have to take pictures mom?"

Taylor sitting at his table and coloring his name tag/book.

* FYI: Mom getting super emotional at this point *

Welcome to kindergarten buddy!

I am so proud of you and look forward to hearing all your fun stories about your adventures in Kindergarten.

Favorite parts of his first day: The smelly stickers, riding on the bus, recess, the math toys and reading the David books and having a great first day.

Sounds like it was a successful way to start his school year!

The cutest kindergartener and

Future....

Graduate of the Class of 2023

Go number 2!!

2010-09-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

AYSO this year decided to go for "The 50 States" as their theme for the boys teams. An interesting choice in my opinion. Taylor landed up on team "Georgia" and for some reason it was hard for me personally to cheer "GO Georgia." It felt like I was cheering on a little old lady on , you know the old one who sits down at the senior center with a deck of cards about to play pinnacle. Don't ask me why? It just did. It is Taylor's second year playing soccer and he is loving it. Keith is his assistant coach, helping out with drills and such at practice. The weather was beautiful for the first game, a nice welcome into the fall season. The boys played well and had a great time on the field....ending the game with a fun victory tunnel for all (although being boys that they are....i think snack is still a favorite).

A mid-air kick toward the goal!

♥

Go GEORGIA!

* OK still weird for me *

♥

That was a good game coach!!

Seriously??

I am so in love with this boy.

He rocks the field and his mama's world!

Love ya number 2!

400th post and 1st day of Pre-K

2010-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

How appropriate for my 400th post to land on the same day as Clo-bears 1st day into pre-K. She woke up this morning beaming with excitement! "Mom, today is school! Today is school!" she screamed. I laughed and gave her a big mama hug and threw her in the shower so we could send her to school smelling all clean and fresh....not with the dirt and jelly she still had in her hair. She let me fix her hair all "pretty", picked out a fancy necklace for the first day and afterwards packed up her backpack full of fun goodies for the first day....(apparently Chloe does not like to leave the kitchen sink behind...geesh!).

Standing in front of the school doors holding her fruit to share for the friendship fruit salad.

At her table job

After school full of energy from a good day at school!

Thanks Mrs.Dole. and Miss Wendi!

I think it was quite a success for her first day.

She said she sang songs, ate fruit, played on the playground, colored, read a book with a friend and missed mommy.

Busy day?

I am so proud of my clo-bear.

I wish I could stop her from growing up so big. I will miss it when she sneaks downstairs to snuggle with her mama to warm up her toes and kiss her chubby cheeks.

One thing I am for sure on...is that no matter what age...she will always make me laugh.

You are the one that makes mama laugh clo-bear. =-)

I hope in pre-K this year you have a fanatsic year of ABC's and 123's

Love you pretty girl!

♥

Your mom

Fourth grade

2010-09-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

It was her first day of fourth grade and as I walked her down to the classroom with brother and sister I was told to stop ....

"No more pictures beyond this point mom!" she stated.

Oh my how she has grown up I thought.

I am having a mini- mid- childhood mama breakdown right now

When did she get this big?? and Where did time fly?

I guess it was when we were out and about having all that fun.

I am SO proud to have her as my beautiful daughter.

She is such a blessing and gift to our family no matter what age.

I love you Love bug number 1.

I hope you have a fabulous school year and keep thinking boys have cooties...that's all i ask =-)

♥

Mama

Best Doughnuts Recipe

2010-09-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

Best Doughnuts Recipe

With fall approaching these looked scumptious!

♥

Rach

County Fair

2010-09-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

County Fair.

What comes to your mind when I say that?

When I hear the words County Fair, I think of elephant ears, snow cones, wacky rides, music, shows, pies, quilts and farm animals.

The county fair where we live was free during the week so we jumped on the bandwagon and headed off to the county fair. We met a few friends while we were there and enjoyed seeing the free shows and exhibits they had set up. The kids favorite part of the whole fair was a dog show where dogs did all sorts of tricks wearing interesting costumes. I felt sympathetic toward the dogs because it must have been 100 degrees that day. After the dog show we headed inside a cooler tent to watch a comedy juggling act. Taylor raised his hand so enthusiastically he was picked and dashed up onto the stage where he participated in a mock game show.

The girls watching the show while eating lunch in the cool shade

♥

That's my boy!!

♥

Look what I got Mom!!

♥

Checking out the exotic animal exhibit.

♥

Chloe next to an Angora bunny

♥

Diana and Clo-bear looking at an enormous python! Yuck.

♥

Yeah...that sign says DO NOT STICK YOUR HANDS IN THE CAGE.

So what do you do?

The picture tells it all.

♥

Petting another bunny.

♥

Diana checking out the chickens

♥

We were able to see how they milk a cow

♥

Diana petting a baby calf.

♥

Feeding the 4-H horses!

We never went near the rides because we didn't need to. The animals and other free exhibits kept us so busy I was grateful the kids never saw the expensive, overpriced rides. I had a blast even though it reached over 100 that day and even though it had been a few years since we had been to the fair, I'm glad we got the chance to visit!

Summer swimming lessons

2010-09-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

When ever I took lessons as a kid they were at indoor pools so when the opportunity arose to have the three musketeers take swimming lessons at the local outdoor pool, I signed them right up.

For two weeks straight we packed up towels, swimsuits and snacks and headed to lessons.

The kids did a great job with Diana passing level 2, Taylor ALMOST passing level one (missed one item on the checklist), and Chloe taking her lessons for her first time. Some days we would stay after and swim for open swim so it was a full two weeks out in sun, enjoying the best of summer. I actually came away with a tan....NOT normal for me at all.

♥

Chloe with her teacher. She was learning to stick her face under water...something she DOES not like to do.

♥

Taylor kicking backwards

Diana on her second to last lesson

♥

Clo-bear playing with Teacher E.

♥

Diana and her friend from school

Swimming lesson for summer 2010 were a success!

I am going to really miss summer this year.....

If you live in the NW you know what I mean!!

H2C 2010

2010-08-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

What can I say about Hood to Coast??

You cram 6 people into a van, hopefully with everything you need to run 197 miles from Timberline lodge on down Mount Hood to Seaside, Oregon with your 12 teammates. You're hot, sweaty, and tired but having the time of your life. There is no other race like it in the world of racing. I had the privilege of carrying the team through the finish in Seaside and as I ran down that mountain into seaside I teared up with emotion as I came to the end of our journey.

It was an accomplishment that words do very little to describe.

I am no longer a Hood to Coast virgin but a veteran and I honestly can say.......

ADDICTED!

Here's to next year!!!

WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

My H2C girlie's!

R, B, K, Myself and Miss. A

R, K and Miss A jumped in LITERALLY at the last possible second days before the race. We are SO grateful you did. It was a pleasure to get to know each one of these BEAUTIFUL ladies over the course of 36 hours. Just amazing!

P.S This is a PRE-race picture.

The girls and our...well as Andi put it... "token male" also known as my hubs, Keith.

♥

Keith about to grab the slap baton from Zach.

♥

My hubs running his first leg in the HEAT. The nice people who live along the route had sprinklers on and water about the course for the runners to drink.

♥

Keith was GLAD to be done with that leg!!

♥

When not running...you cheer on your teammates!

Next year I am bringing bells and all tricks in a bag!

♥

K. running leg two. Again, it was incredibly hot! The heat of the asphalt made it not very fun for her.

♥

B and K exchanging!

These girls are training for the PDX marathon and they kicked some serious bootie out on the course!

♥

On the course she was known as S. Martha

♥

Red Hot R.

♥

Hellen on Wheels

♥

R is such a cutie!

I really enjoyed getting to know her through out the relay.

♥

LOVE this girl. She amazed us all with her determination and will power!

♥

A. Finishing up the second to last leg to hand off to me!

I was SO estatic I was able run with her.

She is an amazing woman!

♥

OK! This made me cry! It was a good way to start my final run down the mountain into seaside.

♥

As we came across as a team 31 1/2 hours later.

A dream lived out.

♥

I present the team "Long running jokes."

Thanks again E. family for letting us run with you.

It was an amazing experience and pleasure to run with you all.

♥

Keith's parents were gracious to find us a room that night in seaside and as luck would have it, it was located RIGHT on the finish line. We were able to have a night away and revel in the fun of finishing Hood to Coast. I love this man and am so grateful he was able to be on the team.

Hood to Coast come again soon!

I can not wait for 2011 fast enough!

EAT DRINK RUN SLEEP? REPEAT

♥

Rach

Bishop shot and killed at Mormon church in Visalia

2010-08-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Bishop shot and killed at Mormon church in Visalia

Click on the link above.

Please pray for this man's family.

Violence is senseless and evil.

My thoughts are with Bishop Sanners family.

Freaking OUT

2010-08-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

HOOD TO COAST IS IN TWO DAYS......

I AM FREAKING OUT.....

EXCITED....

SCARED...

AND MOST OF ALL

THINKING TO MYSELF "WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO??"

IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE HOOD TO COAST RELAY IS.....

READ ABOUT IT HERE.

http://www.hoodtocoast.com/

P.S THIS IS GOING TO.....ROCK!

PPS. ASK ME 6 HOURS AFTER FINISHING HOW SORE I AM?

BUT wait you wont be able to ask me....I will be in the hot tub!

♥

Rach

Its been awhile

2010-08-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since I last had a job. 3 kids became my full time job years ago, especially when I had three under the age of 5. Back then it was busy and challenging to have every ones needs met and the house sparkling clean. Diapers, boogies, boo boos, teething, little toddlers were all apart of my world and now that the Nye musketeers are a few years older and more self reliant, life is BUSIER in a hectic schedule type of way versus physically demanding. Two weeks ago an opening at the kids pre-school opened up for an assistant pre-school teacher for the four day fours (pre-K age). I jumped on the opportunity and was blessed after interviewing to be hired on with A. 1st Christian. I am beyond EXCITED for this new road in my life and look forward to all I have to learn in my new job. Wish me Luck!

♥
Rach

Uh OH is right!!

2010-08-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

When you find this under the table after dinner and hair stuffed in a napkin in the garbage can.....

you do not think good thoughts.....

you wonder.....

why your four year old would take her school scissors to cut her bangs, pony tail and random chops out of the back of her hair while your doing dishes.....

Then you see the four year old after she says "UH OH" and immediately call your mom to say.....
"CHLOE just cut her hair!"

You then rush off to the local barber with three kids in tow and say "Can you fix it?????"

The stylist winks and says " Darlin' I've seen worse." She grabs Chloe by the hand, sits her in a fun chair complete with a movie, stickers, books and a balloon and 20 minutes later..........

You wouldn't even know she had played barber shop now would you ;-)

All in a days work, right?!?

♥

Rach

P.S This girl NEVER makes life dull....

A tradition

2010-08-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Every summer and some winters Keith and his sister Jennifer (Jen) would visit their family cabin in Idaho along the shores of Donelly lake. My mother in law's family built the cabin together years ago with tender loving care, adding and changing the cabin over the years. It's a neat old, rustic cabin (well you do have a shower and running water) set back from the lakes shore with a view of the mountains and peaceful landscape of wildlife and the forest. Ever since we were married years ago we have wanted to come to the annual fourth of July get together at the cabin to watch the fire works and enjoy a few days at the lake with family. Unfortunately time, money and life have gotten in the way of traveling the day long drive over to the cabin. When his grandmother passed earlier this year plans were made for a family memorial at the cabin and we were blessed to be able to attend and enjoy the time to meet his mothers side of the family I still had never been able to meet.

Grandpa and Grandma Nye

They have been married 42 years!

♥

Canoeing on the lake.

♥

Daddy and Clobear making sandcastles

♥

What would a weekend at the family cabin be without smores??

♥

She tried SO hard to catch a fish all week......

Buckets, Strings, cups, fishing lines were all used but without success.

♥

Marshmallow on the nosey!

It means the smore was just that gooooooood......

♥

Diana figuring out she had marshmallow on her nose

and trying to dodge the camera......

Little did she know I had already gotten it on film

♥

Taylor baby by the fire pit.

♥

Keith and his sister, Jen

♥

Jaime, Kory, Jen, Keith, Nerida, and Nikki

(Keith is the only male cousin)

All of the cousins sitting on Grandma Mitchell's memorial bench

Keith is holding her remembrance plaque

♥

The family together!

It has been over 10 years since this happened.

Way too long!

♥

The Nye Family

♥

We were there to celebrate this wonderful woman's life and legacy.

An excerpt from her obituary

Marjorie died Oct. 22nd, 2009 at the Cottages, a Payette care facility. She was born in Grant , Iowa to the parents of Fred C. and Leila Smith. While moving from Iowa at a young age, she was accompanied by her parents and three of her six brothers. Elementary through high school were spent in Glenns Ferry where she graduated valedictorian. To get to school she frequently rowed herself and brothers across the Snake River . Her dad sold a calf so she could attend Albion Normal, a teacher's college. While teaching in Ten Davis, she met her future husband William (Bill) O. Mitchell. During WWII, she worked in San Diego as a riveter for the military. After returning to Parma she owned a women's dress shop for a short time. She returned to teaching in Parma and then finished her thirty-seven year teaching career in Nyssa , Oregon . Her later retirement years were shared with her family and friend /companion Bert Miller of Boise . Bill and Marj had three children: Linda (Larry) Nye of Portland, Vicki (Joe) Bowman of Payette, and Keith (Sally) Mitchell of Boise. She has six grandchildren and five great-grand children. Linda, Vicki and Keith followed in their mother's footsteps and became teachers. Marj was preceded in death by her husband Bill, four of her brothers, and her parents. She had a fun-filled life where she lived in Parma and Boise .

♥♥♥

It was a wonderful week at the lake with family. We enjoyed playing games, late nights reading and talking to get to know one another after years of never meeting and the great outdoors. My kids loved meeting the family and really loved cousin's Kory and Jaime. Poor Jamie got dog piled more than once. I loved seeing the cabin Keith had talked so much about in his childhood memories spent boating, biking down to his ice cream shop and fishing and swimming in the lake. I hope the time we all can be together again is less and far in between next time. Family is a precious blessing and the time we spend with them is a gift. I am sure that day Grandma Marj was smiling down, happy as a clam that we all could be together as a family at the cabin.

A weekend at the coast

2010-08-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

After California we were able to catch up with some old friends from our college days at OSU at Cannon Beach for an afternoon of playing on the beach and dining at Mo"s afterwards. In all the fun in catching up I only shot one picture the whole afternoon! Boo. Our friends have four beautiful children now and Claire who is pictured below is the same age as Diana. They look like sisters! It was a lot of fun to catch up and see their baby who was just a newborn when they left and their newest addition. Thanks J Family!

♥

Diana stole a shot of us!

Taylor working industriously on making a dam with some water and sand.

Father and son using their engineering brains to make a river system. It was quite the afternoon project.

The Final result. Pictures do not do the final prioject justice. Kids from all around loved it.

Psst! I love this man!

After leaving Cannon Beach we took a drive into Seaside to steal a ride on the old time carousel and grab some .75 Tillamook Ice cream cones. My favorite flavor was was the Sticky Bun. It was like eating a cinnabon in icecream form. Amazing stuff!

The kids were rocking the rainbow sherbert.

Taylor on his knight horse.

Diana on her black stallion.

♥

Clo-bear my pretty princess

♥
The next morning we headed out to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. I had not been there since I was 12 and wanted to take the kiddos to see the cheese making process and of course to eat Squeaky Cheese!

Don't you think they would make cute little farmers?

Maybe all that energy that have would go well towards farm chores!

♥

A cheese cutter.

♥

Number one and Two checking out how they package the cheese blocks.

♥

After a fabulous lunch of cheese, ice cream, and jerky we headed north through Garibaldi

and made a pit stop at the Maritime Museum.

The kids loved all the pirate and sailor history in the museum . They even had a CUTE kids area where you could make a bucket like they had on the ships to mop and cook and other fun activities.

Taylor the engineer directed us all in how to put it together

♥

Who are these two characters...how did they get in here?!?

♥

Taylor in his HUGE sailor pants. He wanted to take the hat home.....the replica in the shop downstairs cost $60.00......Mom said "No."

♥

Chloe playing a sailor boy.

♥

Keithie boy.

HA HA HA.....He hates it when I call him that.....

♥

The medical kit doctors used to use on ships.

Most ships did not have dcotors....the captain used it. SO glad I was born when I was born. I love my antibactial cleaners, plumbing, CLEAN water, and so on. That saw looks like it should go into a tool box not a doctors kit!

♥

It was a RELAXING, AMAZING (I say that word a lot) weekend with my husband and kids on the coast.

We needed it

I am so blessed beyond measure to have the life I am living. Life is so so good.

♥

Rach

The rest of Cali-for-nia.....

2010-08-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

OK seriously....since California...I feel like we have been non-stop traveling or doing something .... so to wrap this up I am going lightening fast over the rest of our California trip.....

If she is not already cool enough

Shannon had this AMAZING inflatable water slide in her front yard!

It was blown up and ready for the kids to jump into the minute we pulled the van up.

It only took them a couple of minutes to strip and jump in.

Yes it included water pistols! One which got me soaked by a certain brown eyed boy.....

♥

One evening we roasted marshmallows over the fire.....

♥

It was 101 while we were doing it.

Yes 101.

Welcome to California =-).

101 or not it was still a lot of fun and yummy too.

♥

We were able to visit the Shasta Dam and see the three Shasta's: Shasta lake, dam and mountain.

The Shasta dam is apart of the California aqua duct system that brings us yummy produce to Oregon when its raining non stop in the winter.

Thank you California sunshine!

Look how blue the water is. It was very beautiful at Shasta lake. You can actually swim in the California lakes because they are warm. You will not get hypothermia and shiver to death while swimming. Maybe I should move to California for the summer?

♥

Oh wait....they were here too. 7 kids and a baby (not pictured) and 3 moms.

Yes I know we rock.

♥

On another peaceful, GORGEOUS night Shannon took us to the Sundial Bridge in Redding.

http://www.turtlebay.org/sundialbridge

The bridge is made of glass and metal. The panels of glass are frosted because people walking over used to get vertigo from walking over the bridge. At night they light it up creating a glow under the glass, a wonderful serene feature that only enhances the beauty of the bridge.

Little D and I under the bridge

S and her Daughter B.

While we were there the kiddos got their faces painted.....

The boys went for the captain American look.

♥

Chloe went more feminine

Super heros are not really her forte.

* for some reason I missed getting pictures of Diana and B *

♥

Along with other various things we visited, we also got the chance to visit Turtle bay exploration park in Redding.

Check it out at http://www.turtlebay.org/.

I loved it because our science pass we have through the Gilbert House got us free into Turtle bay!

SCORE!

I think this picture is hilarious.

Road kill anyone?

♥

That is a racoon on my head.

No one was hurt while filming this moment.

Well the nine year old putting the raccon on my head did get tickled a little.....

♥

This park has an assortment of things for the visitor...gardens, shows, wildlife, exhibits...and so on. VISIT IT!

We had a blast and did not even get to see half of it.

and to end this blog post after writing on it for two weeks I will end with our trip to Waterworks water park.

It's a local water park near Redding, CA. In Oregon we have nothing remotely like this because it's not warm enough to have one open year round. Waterworks has all sorts of water slides, kid areas and frightening tube rides you could go on. Taylor could not get ENOUGH of the River rapids. When you saw him come down that treacherous, wet, bumpy ride over the rapids, his face was golden!

He was hooked.

He rode it 28 times.

No joke.

Even the life guard asked if he wanted to try anything else.

Nope.

He only rode two other rides a couple of times and then went...

BACK!

*sigh*

Look at that face.

Pure joy!

♥

Clo-bear going down the water slide in the kid's area.

♥

Taylor has a thing for sticking his tounge out in pictures currently.

THANK YOU so much.....

Shannon for letting us come and visit you and your wonderful family.

We miss you and had a blast catching up!!

Now if Oregon would only get a In and Out Burger!

♥

Rach

Dancing fever......

2010-07-31T03:18:00.000-07:00

Cubby and Clo-bear are both four and love to dance.

It is SUCH a cute video of them showing their moves on the dance floor!

Cali

2010-07-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

So.....we missed our friends the "S" family. Two years ago we both moved in the same month away from our townhouse complex. They headed south for California to their hometown and we headed only 20 minutes away to our first home. Tears were shed, memories remembered and promises to visit were made. 6 months later we vacationed to Disneyland together. It was an incredible experience to go to Disneyland with good friends and your kids to have their best friends in the magic kingdom.

It's been 18 months since then....

We packed up the car and headed down to sunny California to visit them for 6 days!

Shannon was a most gracious host in her beautiful home. I miss her sense of humor, ease, excitement for life and her adorable kids!

While we were there we visited wiskeytown lake.....

to go swimming.....

♥

To go Kayaking.....

While kayaking Diana and I were able to see an endangered California Osprey swoop down into the water to catch a fish within three feet of our kayak, feeling the air brush out from under him onto me. An unforgettable moment imprinted on my memory. Diana did well for her first time kayaking. We found a very good rhythm paddling the kayak and relished getting out to swim around in the center of the lake....especially when you feel a fish brush your leg...TWICE. I am enjoying my daughter growing up and experiencing new adventures with her. She is growing up to be a beautiful young lady.

*NOTE: This picture is HORRIBLE of me. Remind me to never have a picture taken of me when wearing a white t-shirt over my bathing suit. *

Check out Wiskeytown lake http://www.nps.gov/whis/index.htm

It is a beautiful lake with clean, clear, WARM water perfect for boating, swimming, and kayaking.

Lakes in Oregon are not so warm =-).

♥

We were aslo able to ride on Shannon's fathers boat too but I do not have any pictures of that. It was the first time that they had been on a boat. They simply loved it!

I will write more later!

♥

Rach

Come on already!

2010-07-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Ok I have been gone from reality for awhile now. We went to northern Cali and the oregon coast and abandoned all sense of reality for two weeks. I promise I will download my HUGE load of pictures here shortly and blog of all our adventures....hope you all are having a TERRIFIC summer

♥

Rach

Early Bird

2010-07-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

The alarm goes off at 5:30.

Running Clothes go on.

I come back from running.

Taylor then tots down the stairs like clock work.

I enjoy my quiet mornings with him.

He has such a sweet spirit I know will touch many other lives than his families.

I love you my early bird.

Spoiled rotten and baseball

2010-07-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

I awoke on my birthday to an intoxicating smell of sausage, scrambled eggs, croissants, bread and fresh picked raspberries. Keith woke up early to surprise me with breakfast in bed. It is a big deal when he does this because he is NOT an early bird by any sorts. Each of the kids ran in and brought me cards that they had made and signed, a fresh flower picked from my garden was in a plastic kid cup. It was so sweet. To top it off I got a gift certificate to my FAVORITE bead store ever. I asked dad to bring breakfast in so we all could eat together. We ate breakfast warm and snug in my bed. Who could ask for a better way to start a birthday?

Later on after swimming lessons and exercise class we gathered ourselves together and headed to Corvallis to meet Keith for my birthday lunch. I love Chinese food so of course we headed to King Tin. It is NOT the prettiest restaurant at ALL meaning there are Christmas lights left up year round and the decor is so outdated it has not been in fashion for a couple of decades. The egg rolls are to DIE for!

Afterwards the kids and I headed to the blueberry patch and picked a small bucket for snacking and went home to relax until the game. In the evening we headed to watch a local baseball team, the Corvallis Knights play against Portland. The knights won 5-3, scoring two runs in the 7th inning. It was a lot of fun for the kids and us to watch. We had not been to a knights game since Chloe was a baby. Since I do not go to Corvallis much any more since moving two years ago it was nice to be on OSU's campus again. It is such a beautiful campus to walk along. I miss it sometimes.

After the game was over the kids were able to run the field around the bases.....Taylor LOVED it.

He wore flip flops that night and finally just took them off and booked it several times around.

I think it just made baseball all that more special to him.

I had a relaxing birthday spent with the ones I love. I feel blessed and eternally grateful for what the Lord has given me into my hands, for my cup runneth over with countless blessing.

I have a simple life really.....

But when all is said and done.....

What more could a girl ask for!

husband

2010-07-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

My husband makes me feel like a woman

A creature of beauty.

He loves me for who I was....

AM.....

and strive to be.

He stands by my side

He shares my sorrows

He laughs with me at life's endless twists and turns

He listens to my heart and its desires

He forgives me.

He loves our children.

He is mine and forever

I love you Keith Matthew

This is how we roll.....

2010-07-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

Fact:

I live in the coolest neighborhood

Even the dog's agree

P.S Thanks steph. for the AWEsome picture!

You ever have.....?

2010-07-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have a morning where you back out of the driveway.....

       and your on a time crunch........

              and your husband put the garbage cans out behind the car to be picked up

                     Well I did.

                             I can now tell you a new taillight for our minivan is

                               $ 146.00!!!

                                   Not the Monday morning I was looking for......

                                           How was your Monday morning?

                                                                          ♥
                                                                        Rach

Guess what?

2010-07-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hood To Coast Trailer from HoodToCoastMovie on Vimeo.

I get to run this in August.

Can we say....

AWESOME x 100!!!

Michael

2010-07-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Uncle Michael.

We love you

We hope you're enjoying the wilderness and beauty of the earth on your special day.

Nestle Toll House

2010-07-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ok we all know the famous Toll House Chocolate Chip cookie recipe on the back of the bag..I mean I know it by heart since I make it so often for my husband...But do you know that the recipe we make today is different from the original?

I was reading a cooking blog when I came upon the history of the cookie at all recipies.com. You can read the history here. http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/History-of-Nestle-Toll-House/Detail.aspx

After reading it, I proceeded to read the comment section when one person wrote:

ATAPJN - "when i was a kid you added a tsp or some small silly amt of water to the batter. I dont know when they changed it but they taste differant to me. I am still searching for that old recipe and i know it was the one right on the bag because it is how i first learned to make choc chip cookies.. "

tree'sa responded:

ATAPJN - I know which recipe you add the water to - It was Ruth Wakefield's original recipe: you dissolve the baking soda in a teaspoon of water before adding to the batter. I found that recipe in a copy of YANKEE magazine a number of years ago with the same history that is printed here and have used it ever since. Tree'sa.

INTERESTING! Next time I make the cookies I am going to try it and see what happens. I do not know that you could perfect the Toll House CC cookie recipe but if it was there in the begining why change it? I will let you know what I find!

♥

Rach

7-11

2010-07-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Stop into your local 7-eleven on July 11th between 8am and 11 pm and receive a free 7.11 oz slurpee in honor of their birthday!!!

Aren’t they so sweet for giving Slurpee’s away on their birthday!!!

We all need a little something cool to beat the heat!

Independence

2010-07-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

♥

God bless America on Independence Day.

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.

~Erma Bombeck

We enjoyed a wonderful neighborhood BBQ with great food and great people.

There was fireworks, laughter and memories.

I hope you were able to enjoy the fourth and celebrate our god given Independence.

♥

Rach

Lilith

2010-07-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

My friends and I heard the Lilith Fair was coming to Portland. We grabbed some tickets for the outdoor lawn seating, found babysitters (THANK YOU AGAIN MOM!) and brought blankets and tarps to carpool to Lilith.

♥

We arrived early and BOY I am glad we did so. We ended up with front row seating....well as far as lawn seating went :).

♥

We heard Sheryl crow, Eriyka Badu....

Sugarland, colbie callait...and many other fine women in music.

In the end they all came out and performed together.....

you could say it was pretty amazing!

Yes that is a tarp and plastic. It was quite wet in the beginning, soaking us and then thankfully drying out.

As an oregonian, you dance and play rain or shine.

♥

Bri, thanks for getting us all together!

It was amazing!