2009

Top 20 Things you must do in Disneyland

2009-06-30T21:00:00.001-07:00

1. Get your picture in front of Snow White's Castle

2. Go at their pace.

3. Make It's a Small World your favorite ride just to hear your kids sing the the rest of the day.

4. Rent or bring a stroller. It's a must!

5. Buy mouse ear to match their personality.

6. Goof off with Goofy and let him help your daughter overcome her fear of Cruelilla Deville (sp?)

7. Watch the parades, the smiles on your kids face will make the crowds disappear.

8. Wave to the characters they will wave back.

9. Show your children how to be brave.

10. Let you son pose with the characters he wants to.

11. Enjoy your spouse.

12. Buy the park hopper and do California Adventure. Ride the bumper bugs. But stay away from the 3D shows. They scared the heck out of our kids.

13 . Go with your best friends. You'll get to ride the big rides while they watch your kids.

14. Find the real treasures throughout the park.

15. Let Dad be a real Prince.

16. Stand in line for 45 minutes so you can get autographs and pictures of the princesses. Or have your mom stand in line, while your dad takes you and your brother on It's a Small World for the second time.

17. Ride the kiddy rides. Beware the line for Dumbo was the longest line of them all.

18. Be proud of them for being so well behaved, considering all the walking, standing and waiting you do.

19. Remember those smiles and the way they were so good throughout the entire vacation, because the minute you get back into your own car it's back to reality.

20. Have fun that's what family vacations are all about!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T22:18:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here glowing after a wonderful Mother's Day. I spent the morning with Alyssa having a mom and daughter manicure while Owen and Chad spent time at the driving range. We then headed for Toledo to visit my best friend since Preschool ( Angela Schaplow) and her family on their farm. I love days like this. The sun was shining, the kids were experiencing things that they will only get a chance to experience in the Country and I was able to spend it with people who I care a great deal for.

I love my life, I love my husband, I love my friends and I love my kids.

Providing these experiences for our family is something I've grown very fond of. Growing up in a small town has left imprints on my heart that I will cherish forever. There is something to be said about being able to run down a grass hill, carry a stick through tall grass , climb a tree to find baby birds that just hatched are in a nest, riding a quad, having a puppy chase you, playing with farm animals and having a great meal with dear friends. I look for things like this to expose my children to, as I know that these memories will stay with them a life time. I think watching my children as they experience these simple things is one of my favorite part of being a mom.

We work so hard to give them what they want, what we think they need and what we wish we had when we were growing up. I think all they really needs is lots of love, time outside and true friendships. The rest is icing on the cake.

I'm so blessed to be in this sweet spot in life. I'm blessed to be a mom to Alyssa and Owen and being married to Chad is icing on my cake.

Thanks for a great Mother's Day!

Where did January go?

2009-02-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

We are full speed ahead in 2009. January flew by and now I'm watching as February does the same. A few things that we enjoyed this January have been.

1. Emily and Laura's early morning work-outs. Up at 4:40 to the gym by 5:00, back home by 6:00 leave for work at 7:05 (well that's what I shoot for) to work at 7:30. Phew are you tired yet?

2. Chad's job has been a true blessing. 2008 proved to be a great year for ITS. He and Chad E. worked so hard. I can hardly wait to see with 2009 brings. He's working some nights to keep up on all the projects that come in.

3. Alyssa started Cheerleading, piano, swimming and tennis. Cheering leading is only on Mondays. Piano is Wednesdays during school. Swimming is Monday and Wednesday evenings and Tennis is Saturday. She's one busy girl, but has asked to participate in all of these things. It just so happens they all happen at the same time.

4. Owen joined Tennis and is the youngest one. The coach wasn't sure if he'd be able to hang with the big kids for an entire hour, but Owen proved them wrong. He's been doing awesome for 4 weeks now. You put any type of sports equipment in his hand and he's ready to play. We can't wait for baseball.

5. Emily had to give a presentation at work in front of the Senior leadership team. What a time for stretching and growing. For two weeks I couldn't keep my mind off the presentation. It went well, but I need to take some more public speaking courses.

6.Chad's playing soft ball already. It starts with weekend tournaments and lasts through late summer. We will enjoy watching when the weather gets better. They took 2nd out of 26th teams this Saturday. He hit a home run and played great.

7. Both my sisters are pregnant. Lots of praying in this house.

8. My sister Kim is moving closer to Tacoma because her husband got a Border Patrol job. I'm sooooooooo excited to have her closer.

9. Looking for a preschool for Owen. He came to the child care at my work this month. I loved having him next door. However 10 hour days are just too long for him.

10.We've had two weekends in a row without anything major planned. I've cleaned a little, rested some and enjoyed my kids.

11. Alyssa got her ears pierced.

12. We enjoyed fondue, chocolate covered strawberries, marshmellows, pound cake and brownies. It's no wonder I have to go to early morning workouts.

13. I'm still Zumbaing! I've recruited two girls from work and they come when they can. Laura goes with me on Saturday mornings.

14. Chad is coaching basketball at Alyssa's school. She's not old enough to play yet, but he's already involved and really enjoying it. Alyssa has been going to practice and watching. We hope this will get her ready to play when she is old enough.

Looking forward to what February will bring.

Here's what's been brewing :

Make Valentine cards with Alyssa.

Spend the weekend in Spokane for Nash's 2nd Birthday

Girls night with Des, Kristin and Mandy, enjoyed wine and hottubing.

Our church is moving.

Bake sale at Alyssa's school.

Planning a Disneyland trip.

Knowing I have to go to DC for two weeks in March.

Getting notes from Alyssa

Alyssa reading to her brother

Facebook is taking over the world

2009-01-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

I've noticed a decline in the amount my friends are blogging, myself included. This Facebook is creating quite the epidemic. My friends are coming out of the woodwork. Some who I've not talked to for years and years and years. Some I see regularly. It a new way to communicate. I can find out what each friend is doing in that moment. Granted most of the time I don't care that they stopped for coffee or have been sitting at the computer for hours spying on each other. Although I've found myself looking at profiles "just out of curiosity", "I wonder what they do for a living, if they are married, do they have children".

On the other hand you can't really hide from anyone. If there is someone out there that finds you that you don't necessarily want to reconnect with, you run the risk of offending them when you decline their offer to be "friends". I guess that's one way to send the message you don't want to continue the friendship. Not yet have I declined anyone.

My biggest pet peeve about this facebook revolution, is that the bloggers aren't blogging as much. Those that I rely on their blog as a life line to keep us connected have been sucked into Facebook. I miss you dear friends and I can certainly look at your facebook (which I do)...but please tell me more than what you had for dinner or the errands you ran.

Oh and those little virtual gifts, causes etc....they make me crazy!

Happy Blogging!

Owen is 3 today!

2008-12-29T06:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Owie J. Owen celebrated his third birthday yesterday in good ol' pirate fashion.

As Owen continues to grow he continues to knock our socks off. His vocabulary is excellent, everyone comments on how much he talks. He's very active, loves sports, pirates and potty talk in true boy fashion. He's a bright boy that brings so much joy to this Friddle family. We love you so much Owen J. Hope you had a great day with your friends!

Good Bye Christmas

2008-12-28T19:23:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas tree is down, the decorations have been put back (except the one I noticed in the kitchen...arrg now I have to get back in the attic). Our house is still a mess, but most of the toys and clothes from Christmas have been put away. Now I have to figure out how to change the blog template. I'm not doing that tonight, as it took me too long to it get it to where it's at. The blog might stay Christmas until late January or until I have more free time.

Our Christmas was delightful. We spent Christmas Eve with my mom and Chuck and his family. Christmas morning with Chad's family, the kids loved playing with their cousins. Christmas day was spent with Chad's grandma. Chad has celebrated Christmas at his grandmas house every year with the exception of maybe 2. That's amazing. His grandma "Deed" as we call her is 83 years old (I think that's what Holli said). She hosts a Christmas dinner for her sons and their families as well as all the cousins. It's quite the assentic mix, one that I've learned to appreciate. I realized this year how much it means to Chad to be part of this tradition, even if it's a long drive and you never really know what's going to happen at Grandmas.

I love Christmas because we can be with family, but what I miss when we go home is that our families don't really celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. They don't celebrate the birth of our Savior Christ Jesus. I pray that one day we can all celebrate the same way. I'm committing to praying for our families this year, that they would come to know the Lord as their Savior. I'm praying that in some way we could be a witness to them and live our love for the Lord out loud in a way that won't scare them away.

With that said, we do recognize the blessings our families bring and enjoy them completely. This holiday a fun highlight was Bowling with the cousins and grandmas and grandpas the day after Christmas. Owen and Alyssa had such a blast and we had a great time watching them. It was fun to get John and Tami out for some family fun and spend time with the girls (Taylor, Jayme and Carli).

I of course miss my sisters on Christmas and long for the day that we can be together at Christmas. So the other cousins can play together. I'm praying that Nate gets the border patrol job and stationed in Tacoma/Seattle.

We've got Snow, Yes we do!

2008-12-22T10:48:00.001-08:00

When was the last time it snowed in December? I can't remember it being this close to Christmas with this much snow. It was fun at first, but we are worried it will prohibit us from traveling to the beach for Christmas.

We are trying to make the best of it. Even though I hate to be cold, so going out and "playing in the snow" is always a little hard for me. On Sunday December 21 our advent calendar activity said play in the snow (which we intended to have to drive to the mountains to play). I couldn't have planned it any better. There was plenty of snow outside our house to play in.

Owen played for a bit while I was at the gym, but said "I'm freezing" and went in to watch Rudolph and the Misfit toys. Alyssa stayed outside while Chad shoveled off the side walk. We tried to make a snowman but the snow had a cover of ice over it and wasn't really good for making snowmen. Alyssa was successful at a small one.

Chad has been driving to work and we managed to do a little shopping on Saturday. His 4 wheel drive has been really nice to get us around safely. We just hope we will be able to make it home on Christmas.

The true gift at Christmas

2008-12-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Santa's Elf has made it to Tacoma

2008-12-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

After reading about Mark and Magical two elves that showed up at the homes of our friends, we were anxious to see if Santa would send an elf to our house. Low and behold he did. Alyssa named him Fred and he's been "watching" the kids to see if they've been naughty or nice. He leaves each night to go back to the north pole to report to Santa on their behavior. He returns in the morning in a new spot.

I was silly to think that this might be an incentive for better behavior....no, not for Owen. When he learned that the only rule that applied to the elf was not to touch it, he became determined to take a whack at Fred. Fred must know this to be the case with (almost) three year old boys and has been perched high above the room looking down on the children. The first day Fred visited Owen threw a rolled up sock at Fred and knocked him over. Alyssa was distraught because she has taken quite literally to the rule and believes that his magic power might disappear. Oh, my this has been quite the adventure at our house.

We are very much enjoying Fred and even sent his brother to my friend Melissa's house to watch over Elise and Scarett.

The top 12 highlights of this Christmas season so far include.

Alyssa enthusiasm and excitement while she unwrapped the ornaments and display them on the couch before putting them on the tree. I love the old glass ornaments, I've collected them since I worked at the Gray Whale Gallery. I have tons. I love that Alyssa treasures them.

Deocorating ginger bread houses with Auntie Des and Uncle Chad, Hunter and Bridger and Wendy and Chris, Camden and Aiden.
Snow in December and a snow day (today) for Alyssa, mom and Owen. With the snow is the need for Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks. Thanks Chad!

Owen has only broken 5 ornaments to date. Not so bad. Three on the first day. He isn't trying to break them...really, it just happens when he's around.
Owen singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas, now bring me some figgie piggie wiggie pudding".
Ironically Owen singing "You better watch out, you better not pout...he sees you when your sleeping, he knows when your awake, he knows if you been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake". I think he's like his dad when he sings, he doesn't really listen to the words.
Shopping for a dress (which is a skirt) for Alyssa's school performance. I hope it doesn't get canceled due to the snow.

Our advent calender. We hang 25 small bags from the mantel, each morning Alyssa and Owen open the bag that corresponds with the date. They either get a gift, a note with something we will do as a family or a note with something to do for others. It's been fun, we still need to make good on taking food to the food bank and buying a present for a child in need.
Seeing the Scrooge Musical with our dear friend Harriett and her family. I'd love to make this a yearly tradition and invite a new family to go with us each year.
Singing as loud as we possibly can "Born to be Wild" every time we see a blow up Santa on a motorcycles.

Planning Owen's third birthday party in the midst of the holiday season, and trying to remember to do something nice for Chad as his birthday is on Christmas.
The news that my sister Kim is having a baby.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

On a personal note

2008-11-18T20:22:00.000-08:00

I realized that most of my blogs are about my children. I post mostly pictures because I think they are so adorable, but don't most parents. Lately, I've realized that they have consumed me, my thoughts and my actions the past few years. I know that much of my time and energy is spent on them, not to mention my money. I treasure them, see a little of me and a lot of Chad in both of them and know that they are true blessings from God. I'm so very grateful for them and thankful God has given me the opportunity to grow as a woman and mother. I know that it's Gods will that my family be my priority.

However, in doing so I've let so many things fall by the waste side. I feel in my efforts to be a good mom(which I constantly feel that I'm failing), I've stopped being a good friend. I've become so consumed with my own family and the craziness that brings I've cut myself off from people who are very dear to me. I think much of this is natural when you are new to parenthood and I don't necessarily think it's wrong. But for me I've let parenthood be an excuse to stop hanging out with people I really care about. A way to get out of doing something that might require me to socialize with grown-up or get dressed up and act like a big girl. I've let it stop me from inviting people over because our house is so crowded and never clean enough. I've let the chaos of the morning and tiredness at night distract me from spending time in the word.

I've shared with a small group of women from my church my frustrations I'm having in my personal relationship with God and in my personal friendships with other women. I'm beginning to recognize the consequences of only living for me. I feel alone and seperated from those I care about so deeply. More importantly I know I'm neglecting my relationship with God.

I hear God calling me back to a deeper relationship with him, but also calling me out of hiding to share in those relationships I once treasured. My family brings me much joy, but there is no greater joy than that of the Lord. I can say that so easily, but to believe and live it is so hard for me.

During this season of Thanksgiving I will give thanks to the Lord who has blessed me with this life and an eternal life after this one. I will give thanks for those that have loved me during this incredibily selfish time in my life. I will give thanks for my husband who even when he doesn't understand comforts me in his own way. I will give thanks for those friends who've I've lost touch with in hopes of restoring a relationship that has not been forgotten. I will give thanks for my children and thanks for the time we do spend together, but also give thanks for the time I'm able to spend apart from them.

Thanks for reading...mostly likely if your reading this, you've been on my heart!

Oh, how many people haven't read Dr. Suess

2008-11-18T20:16:00.001-08:00

I loved the idea of this costume, but was a bit surprised during our trick or treating venture how many people didn't get the costume. Those that got it loved it...but those that didn't were quite confused. The girls had fun.

Owen spent the night terrified and hiding in the Kitchen while Chad handed out candy. The firsted masked trick or treaters were all it took. Oh well he was a cute batman...again this year.

Happy Birthday Mom

2008-11-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

After several cuts Owen and Alyssa have made you a special birthday video.

Owen uncut version one...rated "O" for "Oh no he didn't say that did he?"

We love you mom!

Car accident

2008-10-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

To make a long story short...I was in a car accident on Saturday. No injuries, only damage to the car.

I was suppose to be enjoying myself at a scrapbooking retreat. The retreat soon turned in it a "no good, terrible" kind of weekend, with one exception...I did get 20 plus pages completed. I was able to go to the retreat with my good friend Laura. I was able to spend time with two friends Cathy and Tammi and get to know each of them a bit better. I got some alone time and two great workouts.

But on Sunday I locked my keys in the car. So it became the "no good, rotten, terrible" kind of weekend.

Until I got home and was able to go to our church harvest carnival with my family and share a very tender time with Alyssa. When I returned and she was listening intently to me tell the story of my weekend to Chad. I said "I'm just done...just done, I'm on the verge of crying". Alyssa quietly went off into our room. When I passed by I could tell she was upset. I asked her what was wrong and she ran off crying. I went in to talk with her and by this time she was sobbing. I was worried maybe she wasn't happy with her costume or was having a melt down right before we needed to leave for the carnival. I got her to tell me what was wrong and said with much empathy (still sobbing) "I just feel so bad for you, I love you mom, I'm sad it's been such a bad time for you". She clung to me, as if she was afraid something else bad might happen to me. She said she was glad I wasn't hurt, and that she loved me so much." Since I've been home she has been near me, looking for my attention, room on my lap to cuddle and for extra kisses and hugs. It just reminded me how important my family is to me and how important I am to my family. As I'm struggling to balance my desires to be a good wife, career woman, involved mom, friend, etc I realize that my time spent with my family is what really matters.

New Orleans and some things I learned

2008-10-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Chad and I were fortunate enough to escape for a long weekend in New Orleans. I had to travel to NOLA for a work conference so we decided to leave early and enjoy some time to ourselves...which seems so hard to come by these days. TT and John and my mom and Chuck took kept Alyssa and Owen from Saturday until Tuesday when Chad got back.

We had a great time. While away I learned:

1. That time alone with my husband can revitalize a marriage that seemed drab and predictable prior to leaving for NOLA.

2. Hours spent on a plane is equivalent to rest.

3. I can enjoy myself without being with my kids.

4. I can enjoy my husband.

5. I still very much love my husband.

6. There is much beauty, history and devastation present in NOLA.

7. It's fun to drink hurricanes and try new foods.

8. NOLA is somewhere we'd love to go back to.

9. Bourbon street is fun the first and second time you go there, the third time is a mistake.

10. There is nothing better to coming home to your family who is so excited to see you.

Pirates and Witches OH MY!

2008-10-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

For the past five years Chad and I have managed to get out of dressing up for Halloween.

This year our kids have asked and asked and asked "what are you going to be mom, what are you going to be dad?" So we decided to give it a go and dress up.

We went with the mini me theme.

Fall Rituals

2008-10-13T13:37:00.001-07:00

Yeah, fall is here which means back to school and Emily chairing the Harvest Carnival

Talking about what costume the kids will be wearing. So far Owen has changed his mind 19 times.

Caramel Apples, need I say more.

Pumpkin Patching and selecting the right pumpkin.

Hot cocoa and mini candy bars.

Displaying the cute little wooden pumpkins my best friend Angela made.

Long sleeve shirts and cute tights under Alyssa's dresses and skirts.

Turning the heat up to 70 degrees.

Leaves changing.

Homework at night.

Traveling for work...Chad gets to go with me to New Orleans this weekend. We are so excited.

Oh how we love the fall.

It's happening already...

2008-09-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

Alyssa came home from school last week with 3 phone numbers. Each phone number was written in large numbers on a half piece of paper torn from a full sheet. You could tell a 1st grader had proudly written the numbers. Each page folded in several folds, one from Kira, another from Imani and other from....a boy, Nicholas.

Alyssa wanted so badly to call these friends and talk with them on the phone. Considering she is only in 1st grade I didn't feel very compelled to let her call them. Also I just didn't know if their parents would appreciate it either. We didn't let her call, but did ask..."did you give your number to anyone?" Alyssa smiled shyly and said yes, I gave it to Kira, Imani and Nicholas. We asked, sort-of testing to make sure she knew her phone number, what number did you give them? She said I gave Kira and Imani 476-.... ( which was correct, she knows her phone number) and I gave Nicholas 312-...." Chad and I laughed, as that is Chad's cell phone number. Chad said "good, I want to talk to that Nicholas if he calls".

This week Alyssa talked her dad into letting her call Nicholas. Alyssa dialed the number and spoke to Nicholas's father. She asked if Nicholas was there and his dad said, who is this. Alyssa explained that she was a friend from Nicholas class. Nicholas's dad said, well I'm not home right now I'm at work, you called my cell phone, but what is your number, I'll have Nicholas call you when I get home. Alyssa proudly gave Nicholas's dad her number.

Sure enough she got a call back from Nicholas. She took the phone to her room and chatted with him, while I stood outside her door and listened. She giggled and asked if his sister was there and if she could talk to her. She asked what he was doing. When I told her it was time to hang up she said in such a big girl way, "Nicholas I need to go, my mom said I need to go, I'll see you at school tomorrow, bye Nicholas".

I believe this is a small glimpse into the next 12 years! She is growing up so fast. YIKES

Witches

2008-09-25T21:21:00.001-07:00

Owen and I have been playing make believe. We had a mommy/son day at the park. We went on a short hike in the woods. We were "looking for the dragon and giant". When we found the dragon (tree stump and looked like it could be the tail end of a dragon" I told him that I thought the dragon was petrified, I explained that it was now wood like because the witch ( who lived in the trees at this park) put a magic spell on the dragon and made it that way. Owen wouldn't walk past the tree, he insisted I touch it and hold him as we walked by.

Oh boy, for days Owen has been talking about witches. Amy his child care provider says he's talking about it all the time at her house, to the point that he's scaring himself. She won't even say the word out loud and spelled it out to me when discussing her concern.

Last night at dinner he had a short conversation about a "witch". It went something like this...
Emily- "Owen I hear you've been talking to Amy about witches"
Owen-"Mrs. Anderson is a witch".
Chad- "who's Mrs. Anderson".
Owen-" the crossing guard at Bella's school".
Chad- "how do you know she is a witch Owen".
Owen -"she has white hair".

Chad and I are just amazed, he's 2 years old and knows what the crossing guard is. However, Amy is worried Owen might call Mrs. Anderson a witch when they pick up Bella from school.

He means no harm really. He just thinks she's the one that cast the spell on the dragon in the park.

Oh to be 2 again!

Locked in locked out

2008-09-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

Ok just for those of you that think you're having a bad day.

Could it be any worse than... driving to Seattle to take your parents to the port and leaving your truck (husbands truck no less, with his fishing license he needs for his fishing trip the next day) in the parking lot at the port while you take a cab to the theater down town Seattle, to come back and find you are locked out of the parking area, not an attendant in sight, not a single way back in to get you truck out.

Thank goodness I let Desiree drive me back to the parking lot, if I would have been in a cab Alyssa and I would have been stuck on the side of the road looking lost and pathetic or with a huge cab fair from Seattle to Tacoma.

If that doesn't sound too terribly bad and you think your day is worse, could it be worse than (mind you this is less than 24 hours later) leaving the house in your mom's car (because she drives a mustang and you thought you'd be really cool driving it) to go to the gym to come home and realize you took your mom's keys not your own and have locked yourself, your 2 year old and 6 year old out of the house. The spare key isn't in the "hiding spot" and you neighbor, bless her heart talks you into using her really long ladder to get on the roof (which has a very steep slope mind you). Getting on the roof proves to be a bit more challenging than first anticipated and neither myself nor Laura would take that step from the top rung of the ladder to the steep incline of the roof. We go and find another window that is open (only windows that are open are on the 2nd floor), as we position the ladder(and now the whole neighborhood is watching and knows exactly how easy it is to break into our home) we find we can't get the screen off. I say "just get me a knife and I'll cut it, but unsure if I can fit in the window we look for another window. Owen's bedroom window is open and I manage...finagle more like myself inside the window as Laura "shout's where is a camera when you need one" as my rear is sticking out of the window as I'm driving in face first.

Really your day can't be that bad.

Take you daughter to a musical

2008-09-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Alyssa and I went on a date to the Shrek musical. What a fun time we had. It was down town Seattle at the Fifth Avenue theater. I don't know who was more mesmorized, Alyssa or me. We went with Desiree and the Eberhart boys. We rode in a taxi, which was a first for Alyssa. She said as we were getting into, do I have to take my car seat? I didn't make her.

It was a very special date I'd highly recommend for a mother/daughter day. I can hardly wait for Annie!

Puyallup Fair

2008-09-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

Amber and Alyssa Puyallup Fair 2008

Alyssa and Amber Puyallup Fair 2007

Alyssa's school closes for 1 day during the fair, I'm sure it's for a teacher in service day, but they call it fair day. The children get a free ticket to the fair and families are encouraged to go. You better believe we go. Our family loves the fair. Owen has been asking about the fair since early spring. Chad was gone on a fishing trip so I took Alyssa, Owen and Amber to the fair. We got there at 12:00 and didn't get home until 9:00.

Who doesn't love unlimited rides, corn dogs, cotton candy, face painting, fishing, petting zoo, pirates and the scones.

Fishing for junk toys...gotta love those fair stuffed toys.

Puyallup Fair delight...Krusty Pups, curly fries and pepsi.

Alyssa and Amber loved the extreme jump, Owen gave it his best try. The girls were doing back flips like nobodys business. I just forgot to take a picture of it...boy were they mad.

The girls are about an inch shy of riding the big rides, they did however get to go on the some of the "bigger" rides. Amber's really wished she would have worn her heelies, she would have been able to ride the roller coasters.

Owen could have rode this ride all day long. In fact he ask all day long to ride the "motorcycle".

The best pirate ever, my kids weren't even scared, that's amazing

Speed racer!

First Day of First Grade- "So easy"

2008-09-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

So for those of you that know me well, know how hard I was struggling with whether to send Alyssa to 1st grade this year. Being a young kindergartener I thought that perhaps she should do kindergarten again and give her a little edge when she entered the 1st grade.

Well as you know from our previous post when she graduated Kindergarten we made the decision to let her move on with her classmates to the first grade. Even though we made the decision I had a difficult time this summer letting it go and giving it to God. I still had serveral conversations with myself, Laura, Desiree and Cathy (all my good friends) and Chad as to whether we made the right decision.

Knowing that God had given me peace when I prayed about this at the end of last year, Alyssa started 1st grade on Sept. 2. What I'm most excited about is she's returning to the school she attended last year, in a 1st and 2nd grade combination class. She has 19 ( 10 from Kindergarten) classmates and Amber, Alyssa's best friend (who is in 2nd grade) is in her class. Alyssa is excited about being in the same class and Amber said she is most excited about being able to help Alyssa.

We also have the priviledge of taking Amber to school. This is the second year that she has accompanied Alyssa to school, making the transition so easy for all of us.

Both girls reported after the first day of school that "First grade is so easy" - Alyssa,

"Second grade is so easy" - Amber.

Kim turns 30

2008-08-11T10:11:00.001-07:00

In celebration of Kim's 30th birthday with the help of our dear friend Peggy I planned a girls weekend get away in Seattle. The theme for the party was the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pant's". Peggy, my mom Stephanie and I picked Kim up from the airport on Friday. Our good friend Mary Thorsen joined us on Saturday. We stayed at the Hotel Andra, dined at the Wild Ginger, and Lola, went to Pike Place Market, shopped downtown, wine tasted the "Middle Sister" and "5 friends" wine, watched A Chorus Line musical, drank Starbucks and ate mini coconut pies.

Party favors included a denim pocket filled with the itinerary, starbucks gift card, the theater ticket, lip gloss, a bag of popcorn and a denim patch with embroidery that said "Sisterhood of the traveling pants" and the book. Peggy gave us each the original movie, a traveling Yahtzee game, and Seattle chocolates.

Fun memories, that should last us a life time.

My sister means the world to me and it was so fun to spend this time with her. She is beautiful, wonderful and one amazing girl!

Owen and Papa

2008-07-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

Owen and Alyssa were so excited to see Papa John and Grandma TT pull up to the house for Alyssa's birthday. It was very nice for us as well! Owen was telling a stranger at the park tonight that "my papa John can make the flying thing so all the way on the roof". He just loves his Papa.

6 years I wouldn't trade for the world

2008-07-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

So as a mom I do my share of complaining, comparing and coveting what others have. What I can't complain, covet or compare is the past 6 years. Alyssa was born July 13, 2002, that day forever changed our lives. I remember the shear joy I felt when she was born. I will never forget the delight I saw in Chad's eyes when he first held her, combed her hair and bathed her. I smile as I think of how suddenly our entertainment which once was renting movies, playing cards and going out to dinner became watching Alyssa lay asleep in her crib or play on the floor.

6 years later I still find myself beaming with joy when she masters something new, helps her brother, and shares with her teachers how much she loves her family. God has really blessed us. Alyssa is a sweet girl, made just as God has intended. As she grows I find myself growing as a mother.

I'm so very proud to be Alyssa's mom! She's changing each day, challenging me to be a better mom and making it all worth the while.

Happy Birthday sweet six year old!

Highlights from the 4th

2008-07-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

Facebook

2008-07-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm, a little like my space (or what I know about my space).
A bit time consuming.
A way to peek into everyone's life a bit.
A way to measure the number of friends you have....or don't have.
A little hard to navigate. It took me 2 months before I figured out how to change my password so I could get back in.
Why is it that most of my friends use facebook instead of MySpace? Is it safer, more conservative?
Why don't more people blog?

I still love blogging more!

Bloom where you are planted.

2008-06-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

Lately I just hate our house. It's too small, it's too cluttered, it's too hot, it's too old! I want a new house BAD. We will be in our house for a while, we know it. We want to keep it as a rental and eventually (once we pay off our business loan) buy a newer home. Oh I can't wait.

But I do like our yard...it's not perfect, but it brings me happiness.

Oh Beautiful Day

2008-06-15T21:56:00.001-07:00

Wii Love Our Daddy

2008-06-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Chad! Wii hope you enjoyed your day and your new Wii. Little did we know it would bring out the sassy in Alyssa. Hope that wii can all play nice as a family.

Chad you are a fantastic Dad, you are more than I ever expected you'd be as a Dad. I know your Dad and Mom would be so proud to see you taking such good care of our children. Our kids love you and so do I.

And you're a hottie too!

Great Time at the Great Wolf Lodge

2008-06-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

http://http://www.greatwolf.com/LandingPage/grandmound.4col.3.altmsg.html?s_kwcid=great%20wolfe1785699323

Recommend it to anyone looking for a family get away. Only 1 hour away, provided a day and half of non stop fun. So much fun I didn't take one picture.

*Owen loved the toddler area with two toddler friendly waterslides. He screamed like a girl every time he came down, exclaiming "do it again mommy do it again".

*Alyssa decided that swimming with a lifevest was coolest thing. She'd take the pool and a lifevest over the crazy water slides. However she went down all but the Howling Torando (only because she was too short). She took lots of risks and realized it's fun trying new things.

*Chad enjoyed watching the ghetto water basketball game that took place in the pool Alyssa was swimming in.

* I enjoyed every minute with the family. They didn't even get on my nerves not once. The perfect family time lasted from Sunday at 1:00 until Monday at 4:00.

Now they are driving me nuts.

Ever so proud of his bodily functions

2008-06-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

No I'm not taking about Owen! But I now know where Owen gets it. Would your husband bring you 5 Q-tips to show off how much ear wax he made in one day? Mine would!

Gotta love that man!

Kindergarten Graduate

2008-05-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

Alyssa's officially a FIRST GRADER. Guess that means we've made the decision to move her up. Her end of the year play was God's way of showing me she has the confidence that I was so worried she wouldn't find. As the one of the chicks in the "Little Red Hen", Alyssa beamed with confidence.

This summer I will look for more opportunities to grow and challenge Alyssa to take more risks, work on as a team player and play to her strenghts. I'm trusting God will be with our family throughout the summer and into the next school year. I think I've done some growing myself through this Kindergarten experience.

Our ray of sunshine

2008-05-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

Alyssa brings so much joy to our family. She just growing so quickly and is quite a delightful girl. She is so patient with her brother, happy to be in school and compliments Chad and I on our parenting skills (most of the time). I think she's really happy with where she is now. She can hula-hoop like a pro, jump rope with out missing the beat and has mastered several sight words and is beginning to read.

Lately, I've been consumed with the decision whether or not she should move up to 1st grade next year. Something in me has been saying she's still so young, she lacks confidence and is still a bit shy. I've probably been talking to too many moms and not talking enough to God. All my mom friends have been so supportive and will give me their thoughts and advice. I've talked to school teacher moms, christian moms and moms with children the same age as Alyssa. Some say "What?, why would you do that", other say "you're her mom you are her advocate, you know best". Others have asked if I've talked to her teacher.

Well I talked to her teacher tonight. I shared all my concerns and she was open and honest with me. I cried, she listened and then she said..."She's really ready for 1st grade, and I've thought about this since you brought it up and she really is ready...and she's not the youngest in our class." Of course she said I'm the parent and she'd respect our wishes if we did chose to have her do Kindergarten again. But she emphasized that Alyssa is bright, she really holds her own at school and "she's a lot different when you and Chad leave." She said she's not as timid as we think she is and that she is participating in class, really opened up this year and "really Emily, I think she's ready".

I appreciate Ms. Kurbis's time spent with me and interest she has taken in Alyssa and in our family. I'm going to pray about it now and see how it all works out. Maybe it's time I let go a little. Oh but it's so hard.

Ouch Owen

2008-05-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we are moving past the "Oh Owen" to the "Ouch Owen". We are thankful that the pooping in the corner has subsided and the tantrums in public are getting more and more sporadic. However, this boy is prone to accidents.....or are all boys prone to accidents.

Fortunately, we've had only a few smashed fingers, scrapped knees and bloody lips. Today I read about my friend's son Connor who broke his arm while riding a bike. Last year my cousin's son swallowed a open safety pin. I think this is normal and I should just be blessed that my son is healthy enough to be active, regardless of whether that makes him accident prone.

Yesterday Owen was running to greet Chad (who had been out of town since Wednesday) when he bit it in the carport. Scrapped knee, little blood no big deal. Except when he had to take a bath and it was stinging, you would have thought we were putting salt on his wounds. The worse part is all the spiderman band aids are gone and all we have on hand are barbie band aids. It's just not cutting it. You know you're a mom when you are calling to ask the neighbor not to borrow a cup of sugar but to get a more masculine band aid for your boy.

Well today as I was pulling in I see Chad holding Owen on the stairs. Chad motions with his hands that Owen tumbled off the stairs. Owen is crying pretty hard. I get a sick feeling (another sign that you're a mom of a boy) and start towards Chad and Owen. I get closer and Chad says "wait until you see the other side of his face".

The blood on Chad shirt indicates more than a scrapped chin. This boy is going to have one large shiner in the morning. "Ouch Owen".

Missing my sister Kim

2008-05-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

My sister Kim means the world to me and it really stinks that she lives in Spokane and not closer. I think what I miss the most is the fact that her son (Nash was 1 in Feb) is growing up so fast and we arent' close enough that we can hang out, talk kid talk or swap kids for the night. I hope one day her husband Nate wises up and decides Tacoma really isn't that bad.

Kimmy Joe I miss you tons...I can't wait for you and Nash to come and visit.

Love ya sis.

My Family Makes Me Happy

2008-05-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

Look at them, wouldn't you be happy too!

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

As I celebrated the day with my family I couldn't help but think about other moms. Especially my mom. For the last five years I've relished in the fact that I'm a mom and let the day be about me. Yes, I admit a bit self centered. But I let myself get caught up in the self loathing attitude that I'm the only mom that has it this hard or works more hours in a day that are naturally possible. Usually I'm critical of my mom, finding fault or ways that I'll "do it better or differently". Saying things like "oh no I sound like my mom".

This year I have a new perspective, one that has me reflecting on what my mom my means to me.

I realize that I have taken for granted the fact that my mom is worth celebrating and should be acknowledged for her efforts in raising three girls. Because I am a mom now, I can appreciate all that my mom sacrificed for us.

My mom is one strong woman and now that I know all the work that it takes to be a mom, I appreciate her all the more. I think about how young she was when she had my sister and I. Despite being young she loved us as babies, she nurtured and cared for us...she treasured us. Even though the circumstances weren't perfect she did her very best to provide for us. She taught me the importance of working hard for the things that matter the most to you and never giving up.

I can appreciate all the times she cuddled us when we were sick, took the time to bathe us before school the next day, cooked us dinner at night, took us to child care so that she could work to support our family, put our hair into pony tails even when we protested, took us to the beach and went to all our parent teacher conferences.

I appreciate her all the more that she put up with my sassy attitude, my disrespectful ways and my teenage challenges. She never stopped loving me, supporting me and showing me grace and mercy.

As I reflect on all that my mom did I realize that as a mom I have it really easy. I have a husband that shares the responsibilities with our children. My mom didn't have that. She did it all on her own much of the time. This Mother's Day, even though I wasn't with my mom she was constantly on my mind and in my heart. I love you mom!

Ashley is back

2008-04-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

From the beach to Tacoma to California to the beach and back to Tacoma. Ashley is back. We've had a great week with Ashley. The kids have spent some quality time with their auntie and I'm enjoying having her back too. Ashley lived with us for a year. It was a bit challenging because of the size of our house and the fact that I suffer from the "big sister syndrome". I guess that was a more difficult on Ashley than on me. However I what I realize since she is back (not living with us this time) is how much we missed her. She has a special bond with Alyssa and Owen. They adore her. I think Ashley is very proud of her niece and nephews and is a great aunt. I also realized it's nice to have family around. Not just for the sake of babysitting (which is nice), but also to have that connection to family. Ashley is 12 year younger than me and we really don't have much in common. But what I do know is that I love her dearly and only want the best for her. I love that she's back and hope that our relationship can grow. I love that my kids will grow up around their aunt.

Tagged

2008-04-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Tagged
I am going to play a game that my cousin started. Enjoy & pass it on :)
The Rules-
Post these rules @ the beginning of your blog.
Answer the questions about yourself.
At the end of the post, tag 5 people and post their name, then go to their blog and leave them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

What was I doing 10 years ago?1998
Chad and I had been living in Tacoma for a few months. We'd moved from Kentucky (where we lived together for a short 3 months after we were married). Chad was in the Army, I was still trying to adjust to being an army wife. We were meeting people like Anna and Chuck Ahrens and spending a ton of time with my cousin and her husband Aaron. It was this year that we really became quite close to Andrea and Aaron. I realized that Andrea and I were much like sisters, we liked the same things. She was teaching and I was working in Child Care. Aaron and Chad hit it off and became instant friends.
We played lots of cards, went to lots of movies, ate out whenever we wanted. Bought things for us, like clothes, toys and home furnishings.
I started a new job, Chad was promoted in the Army. We camped and traveled to the beach a lot.
We started going to a church in Parkland, which we were both baptized at. We made connections with people who we still go to church with. We were still keeping in touch with high school friends and were able to visit those who had moved away (Toby and Jason).
We had lots of time to play!

Five Snacks I enjoy:
Diet Coke (I'm addicted)
Chai Tea (only from Starbucks)
Coconut cookies
Salad with 3 bean salad, cheddar cheese and sunflower seeds (I've been totally craving it)
Popcorn

5 Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Pay off my debt, my sister's debt
Give, Give and Give some more, to whoever I felt like giving to at that moment
Go on a long vacation with my husband
Come home and take a long vacation with our kids
Get lasik eye surgery

Five jobs that I have had (I listed all of them because I thought it would be fun):
Dishwasher- Tidewinds(age 11)
Maid-Edgewater (age 12)
Worked for an Optometrist
Waitress - Joan's Cafe (summers in Jr. High and High School)
Worked at a gift shop...the Gray Whale (my most favorite job ever)
Old Navy (only lasted 2 weeks, got sick of folding shirts)
Head Start Teacher-Longview WA
Child Care Center Licensor
Child Care Specialist GSA
Mom...that's hard work

Five of my habits (good or bad):
reading blogs
biting my finger nails
starting something and not finishing it
wearing my shoes in the house

5place I have lived:
Ocean Park, Long Beach, Seaview WA
Longview WA
Vancouver WA
Fort Knox, KY
Tacoma WA

What are your FAVORITE Jammies?I need new Jammies desperately, I'm not even gonna tell you what mine are.

5 Favorite Hobbies or Wanna-Be Hobbies
scrapbooking & taking pictures of my kids
reading blogs
Zumba
Hanging out with girl friends (this is a wanna-be hobbie)
Visiting the McCartys
Needlepoint
Knitting

Who Am I Tagging?Friendswith blogs that I consistently read.
1. Rob and Amy 2. Melissa Moss 3. Sara Sandefer 4. Toby (when she gets a blog) 5. Carrie Whitehouse 6. Laura Smidt

Oh Owen

2008-03-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

Owen is keeping us VERY BUSY! Oh where did that sweet, mellow, obedient boy go? Ok, he's still sweet...but he's definitely a BOY!

What Owen's been up to in the past 24 hours....

1. He hit his sister with her ballet baton.

2. He cut open his lips while jumping on the bed with his sister, singing ring-around the poo-poo.

3. He broke my glasses in two pieces.

4. He had a fit while we were at Azteca and almost made mom and dad make a scene.

5. He crashed 4 times on our bike ride down the street. Happy to report, no blood this time and only a couple of tears.

6. His new thing and it's happen twice (not within the 24 hours thank goodness) is first he takes his pants off declaring "I want to be naked". Then off with his diaper. We look around to see he's no where in sight (you might know where this is going). We find him pooping in a corner and once he's picked up the poop. FUN TIMES AT THE FRIDDLE HOUSE.

7. He refuses to where a coat, but doesn't win that battle.

8. He was in time out 4 times today, had two spankings and a nap.

9. He managed to spill his Easter bubbles on the living room floor before blowing one bubble.

10. He runs full speed from the kitchen to the living room and head butts the couch.

Is this normal?

Kindergarten Days

2008-03-30T21:44:00.001-07:00

Here's a peek at some of Alyssa friends at school. We were a little reluctant to start Alyssa in school this year as she is a young 5 year old. I kept saying "there is no way that I'm putting her into school so young...especially public school in Tacoma". NO WAY. However, as the school year grew closer we were talking a lot with our neighbor Laura who's daughter Amber (Alyssa's best friend) was in a private Lutheran School. Laura suggested that we look at the school, even at the pre-school. She said it was a great fit for Amber and thought that we'd be interested. I've never really thought much about private school and wasn't convinced that I wanted Alyssa to attend a private school. As Chad and I talked about it we thought that maybe we could start her in private Kindergarten and have her do public kindergarten next year. This school was much less expensive than child care and it had an academic component she wasn't getting at child care, so we said why not.

What has happened since September is that we have fallen in love with this little school. It's K-8 and there are approximately 80 children. We adore Mrs. Kurbis, Alyssa teacher. She is the kind of Christian mom you strive to be. She has a gentle and kind spirit, but also a firmness that the children and families respect. Mrs. Kurbis, as well as the entire staff love the lord. In fact that is the foundation of the school. The teach an academic curriculum but also a Christian based curriculum. We are delighted to have Alyssa at Faith Lutheran. I think it's a great fit for Alyssa. She is surprising us daily. She's learning to read (which she struggles with and gets quite frustrated at times), she's participating in group times and working cooperatively with others. We know we made the right choice for Alyssa and for our family.

The hunt

2008-03-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

We generally do our Annual Easter Egg hunt at our house, however this year our friend Harriett called and invited us to come to her house for a hunt. We had a great time, the kids Ricki, Romelio, Isabel, Alyssa, Owen, Dylan, Henry and Stella were all there. We hid over 300 eggs. Owen found two, realized that they had candy in them and found a spot on the grass to enjoy his treats. Alyssa was in to the hunt, as were the older kids. It was a fun day to play and be with with our friends.

2 bits, 4 bits, 6 bits a dollar, all for Alyssa stand up and holler

2008-03-30T21:26:00.001-07:00

Holler! Ok can you believe it? Our shy little Alyssa participated in Cheerleading

during Spirit Week at her school. It was all her idea. When she got a flier in her backpack inviting her to come to cheer practice she jumped at the chance. They practiced on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a week. Then cheered with the team in a pep rally and again at two basketball games. We had the joy of watching her on Friday...she's a lot like me (very uncoordinated and needs to follow someone in front). But she did terrific. Then on Saturday Chad took her back to the basketball tournament while I took Owen to a birthday party. It's really exciting to see Alyssa coming into her own. We are really proud of her!

What the bunnies taught me

2008-03-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Our rabbit had bunnies the day I left for DC. It 's not a first for our rabbit (Junior, named before we knew she was a girl). Junior is a terrible mother. She has had a couple of litters of bunnies and killed them right after birth. We didn't know she was pregnant this time because we moved the male rabbit out of her cage right after the last litter was born. You know what they say about rabbits? Well it's true....silly us.

This time I didn't want the bunnies to die and told Chad, in my most bossy voice to take them out of the cage with their mother and "nurse" them.

Chad chuckled, like "yeah, right, I'm already caring for both our children, getting them off to child care, feeding them, bathing them and doing it all again the next day, all while you are in DC."

However, the next day when I called Chad reported that he had done some research on the Internet and found the type of milk necessary to feed bunnies. He'd called all over and found a pet store that sold it and went that night and purchased it. He told me that he was a little late getting Owen and Alyssa to the child care providers because he spent too much time in the morning "nursing 6 baby bunnies." He went on to tell me how interested Alyssa was in helping and how difficult it was to help Owen understand he needed to be gentle with the bunnies. Furthermore Chad called and asked Chad Eberhart to ask his dad (who is a vet) what else he could do to help these bunnies survive. So that night when I called Chad was at the grocery store picking up plain yogurt to supplement the bunnies feedings.

Chad is amazing, even after I did my own research on-line and found that there was a very slim chance the bunnies would make it, Chad kept a very positive attitude that "they will make it".

Today Chad emailed me the sweetest email, but had to inform me that the bunnies all died in the night. He wrote "everyone is mourning in the Friddle house."

The fact that we had bunnies for two days was really fun, even though I wasn't there. But what I found the most significant is that I have a wonderful, sensitive, attentive husband that cares enough about fragile bunnies and appeasing his wife and daughter enough to inconvenience his self enough to care for the bunnies and give them a chance they wouldn't have had otherwise.

Chad I love you!

By the way, we are done with bunnies and my grandparents have agreed to take the bunnies to their house in the country to care for them. Perhaps they will get a better female rabbit to mate with the male and be successful in the bunny business. For the Friddles, I think our next pet might be a hamster...Alyssa would love it.

TT's 50

2008-03-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday TT! I couldn't think of a better way to publicly tell everyone you are fifty. Now I just have to hope you check out our blog to see it yourself. Well for those of you who don't know TT, let me tell you a little bit about this spectacular lady! As Chad and I wish Tami Belisle a Happy 5oth Birthday, let me share my top 10 reasons she's so special to us.

1. She's the grandma to our children. She's the type of Grandma my children long to see and play with. She is great at getting the children involved with what ever she might be doing. For instance, she has a niche for hunting slugs in the pitch dark. Alyssa enjoys nothing more than going out late at night with Grandma to hunt for those awful slugs that eat Grandma's plants. I don't know if it's the hunt Alyssa loves more, or just being with her Grandma.

2. She's the mother to Chad. Tami and Jon have raised Chad since he was in elementary school. She has loved and cared for Chad and Holli as her own. She selflessly opened a big place in her heart and home at a very young age to raise Chad and Holli after their mom passed away.

3. She's a great wife to her husband. Tami has stood by Jon's side through sickness and health. During the good times and bad. She has been a pillar of strength and shown much mercy and grace. She is a great example to me, how to love a husband even when times get rough.

4. She's been a cheerleader to me. Whether it's my job, school, motherhood, family matters...whatever Tami has supported and encouraged me along the way. Her words of praise ring in my ears. She's proud of me and tells me often.

5. She's one strong cookie. She hangs gutters with Jon, hangs Christmas lights in the rain by herself and cuts and burns tree trimming at their property across the way. She can do anything she puts her mind too and has the muscle to make it happen.

6. She loved her mom dearly and shares stories about her past which helps us preserve memories. Grandma Dorothy passed away on the first day of our senior year in High School. Not only was this devastating to Tami, but also to Chad and Holli. Dorothy was a wonderful person who brought much light to this world. Tami tells us often as well as our children how proud Dorothy would be of all of us.

7. She never forgets our birthdays and calls to sings Happy Birthday to us. This tradition is something I look forward to every year. This year we turned the table and sang to her...well Alyssa did (she didn't want anyone else to participate).

8. She has a relationship with Chad that I know he adores. They talk weekly, maybe only about the weather and work, but she makes it a priority to check in with him and he with her. There is a special bond between mother and son and it's obvious with Tami and Chad.

9. She's comfortable in her own shoes. This is something she's teaching me.

10. She'd do anything in the world for us! If only she'd do for herself more often But she won't she's a giver by nature. I hope this year will be a time that she finds more time for herself and the things that she loves and the things that bring her the greatest happiness. Our lives are better because Tami has a place in them. Thanks for being you and being in our lives. We love you.

Copying my cousin- Ten on Tuesday

2008-03-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

So I was reading my cousin's blog and she's started something new called Ten on Tuesday. So I'm trying it too, it will give you a look into our week and a way for me to capture some of those things I wouldn't normally write about. So here it goes.

1. Watching Owen pour himself "tea" from his sisters tiny teapot as he sings "Polly put the kettle on, Polly put the kettle on, Polly put the kettle so we can have tea". Totally made my day...I didn't teach him that song, he picked it up from his mother goose video.

2. Chad finally went to the hardware store and got the screw for the 1 kitchen knob that has been off since September. Totally made my day!

3. It's spirit week at Alyssa's school. She was happy to go to school in her pajama's yesterday. I think she was even more excited to wear "crazy hair" today. Totally made her day.

4. Chad calling me at work to tell me "you won't believe what your son did"... I respond with what now and ask does it have to do with lotion? Chad says yeah, how did you know, I say because he did the same thing yesterday. Chad said, but did he put it all over the banister and squirt the entire bottle in his hair. I said no, just on the carpet. Totally made Owen's day.

5. So busy at work that a 10 hour day flys by. Totally makes GSA's Day.

6. So busy at Chad's work that he's back there tonight. Totally makes ITS's Day.

7. Owen tells me me that "you look so cute momma". Totally makes my day.

8. Chad makes fun of the socks I was wearing with my skirt. (which by the way you couldn't see until I took my boots off). Totally makes Chad's day.

9. Chad takes Alyssa, Amber and Owen to school and day care, pays Amy, goes to the bank works, picks all the kids up and cooks dinner. Totally makes my day.

10. Our kids are both in bed and there's a bit of piece and quiet and time for me to clean up the house and do a little blogging. Totally makes my day!

Happy Tuesday!

Zumba Bumba

2008-02-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've been talking about it and even been doing it. My zumba class made the King 5 News tonight. The instructors Kristyn and Mandy are good friends of Desiree (my best friend here in Tacoma and the one who finally talked me into it). I love going and have recruited my neighbor Laura, my friend Mary and co-worker KayLynn. They even go the nights I don't.

So if you like dancing (and even if you don't... you all know how well I dance). You've gotta check it out! It's all the craze these days.

QUESTION : Am I sort-of famous if I know the girls featured on the news?

CHALLENGE: I was in the class that night. If you spot me you win!

ULTIMATE CHALLENGE: Find a Zumba class and sign-up!

check it out here: http://www.king5.com/video/sports-index.html?nvid=215160&she=1

My Mini Red Album Assignment

2008-02-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

I'm in my final course for my Certificate in Administration for Early Childhood Programs. Our instructor was trying to get us to do some self reflection and asked us to do an assignment about looking in our purse. I really ejoyed this assignment.

Here's what I found:

As I look through my purse and try to find something that is of particular meaning to me, I ponder what’s in my purse. Would it be my Blackberry, which I use for work and to make calls? Would it be my debit card that allows me to purchase what I need, since I never have cash and less and less vendors take checks. My lipstick….no, I hardly wear it. My gum…well I really like to chew it, but it doesn’t say much about me, expect I have bad breath.

I look deeper and find it…oh yes this is it. It’s a red leather mini album with pen markings on it. It’s a photo album that was given to me by my friend. But before I could put any pictures in it my two children got a hold of it and drew all over the front of it. At first I was mad, by the drawings, thinking “ I will never have anything nice”. Then I realized I treasured the “art” they put on the front of it because it reminded me what blessings they are in my life. So in this photo album are a few pictures, pictures of those mischievous children who I love and treasure so much. What’s missing from the album is a picture of my husband and myself to show the family that I’m so proud to be a part of.

What does this say about me? We’ll, yes I love children and I love being married. But what I really value is family. I value the relationship between a husband and a wife. I value the bond between children and parents, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons. Until I was a parent I could not at all comprehend what it means to be a mother. I didn’t realize the amazing impact a father has on his children. I didn’t realize how complicated life becomes, how many fears you have that something will happen to your children.

I realize now that that little red album represents the person I’ve become, not just the mother or wife I’ve become but also the hopes and dreams I have for all children and families that I come in contact with. As a result of my love for my own family and children I have a desire that every child have the opportunity to feel loved, be in a home or environment where they can shine. I also have a strong desire to learn more about being an effective parent, teacher and leader. I want to have an impact on the lives of those around me and be a positive influence on those whose lives I enter.

Little did I know that little red album would show me that I want to change the world….but it did. Boy, am I glad I didn’t choose the gum in my purse.

Snow Day !

2008-02-05T20:23:00.001-08:00

We got snow, enough for Alyssa's school to have a snow day! It was fun, we were out in it at 8:00am, worried it might not last long. We played hard. Owen and Alyssa enjoy throwing snowballs, so once they realized we were making giant snowballs for the snowman it was all over and the snowman was fair game for snow ball throwing. Our backyard looked so beautiful with all the snow. It's been a long time since I could say that about the backyard.

Fun times had by all!

Note to grandparents: Your grandchildren need snow boots and snow suits size 2 and 6:)

Go Seahawks!

2008-01-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

Any time there is Football on at the house (which is just about any given time) Owen says "GO Seahawks." All of us are cheering on the HAWKS. Chad was able to watch the game yesterday with his buddies.

The kids and I were downtown Tacoma on Friday and Alyssa noticed the 12th man flag on the Tacoma Dome and asked about it, she can now identify the American Flag and 12th Man Flag. I think we are doing a great job as parents.

GO HAWKS, we want to see them make the Superbowl this year!

Missing something

2008-01-06T21:21:00.000-08:00

Alyssa lost her second tooth over the weekend. She lost her first tooth a month or so ago while we where at the Eberhart's watching a football game. She'd been nursing that tooth for several days and complaining that it hurt. Chad put some oragel on it and that evening she handed it to her dad as we were standing around. She was so proud, and the first person she called was Grandma Stephie, she left her a message on her machine saying "I lost something, but don't worry it was just my tooth". Oddly enough, her cousin Taylor lost a tooth that same night.

The tooth fairy visited and left one dollar. Although we had a big scare when she woke up in the morning and couldn't find the dollar. Chad and I "KNEW" the tooth fairy had been there. Alyssa told us later after we tore her bed apart looking for it, that she had felt it in the middle of the night and put it in her pillow case. That stinker!

When Alyssa realized the she had another loose tooth she asked for an apple "not cut up". She was convinced that's all it would take. She and Amber snuck into her bedroom and were eating an apple in hopes that it would come out, only all she got was a bloody gum. She finally lost her second tooth on Friday night while she was at Church. She was so excited to show me, we had been discussing it on the way to church wondering if it would come out while she was there. It sure did. For some reason the tooth fairy thinks she needs a dollar per tooth, that's unheard of. I think Dad has something to do with that.

Boy does she look like a Kindergartner now!

A year in review

2008-01-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

We love you all, thanks for a great year!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

A new look for the new year....

2008-01-01T20:24:00.001-08:00

NOT!

Happy New Year everyone. We celebrated in style (more pictures to come) with the Eberhart's. We were invited to a New Year's Eve party where you were suppose to wear a wig. After looking all over for wigs with no success, Chad settled for the cowgirl wig from Alyssa's 2006 Halloween costume and I borrowed Amber's (our 6 year old neighbors) Hannah Montana wig. Chad made a stylish skater dude and I...well someone said I looked like the lady on 40 year old virgin, who was drunk in the VW bug...I don't recall what the chick looked like, but I don't think it was a compliment. Oh well. We were pretty proud of ourselves for being so creative and not spending a dime. Chad Eberhart went with the used car sales man wig and Desiree with the bar wench wig. We were feeling really good until the four of us walked in and were the ONLY people with wigs on.

At least the little girls at the party thought I was a hit, being Hannah Montana. It was a fun night.

Our family has discussed our New Year's Resolutions...or areas we'd like to improve on:

Emily has resolved to:

Be a better wife

Take more risks and do things that she is too afraid to do (like Zumba...which I tried for the first time today and actually liked it.)

Not use the credit card

Chad resolved to:

Be better at finishing projects that he starts (YAY!)

Be a better husband and dad to the kids (he said he'd try not to get too short with them in the mornings when he is trying to get them ready for school and child care...after I've left) Not sure what he wants to improve on in the husband department, but I'll keep you posted.

Alyssa resolved to:

Eat more vegetables and take less time in the bathroom

Owen resolved to:

Pick up after himself and walk not run in the house

We will see how we do.

Looking forward to 2008!

Special Gift

2007-12-31T10:41:00.000-08:00

Our family has been blessed with a special gift. At first I really thought my mom Stephanie had been blessed, but what I'm realizing is that we all have. My mom married Chuck Bolden in 2005 (right?). I must say I was a bit sceptical (sorry Chuck, no hurt feelings). I say this only because my mom has been through a lot and I really didn't want to see her get hurt again. I wanted only the very best the next time around and wanted her to be HAPPY. I also knew that Chuck had been through some tough times (he lost his wife Jody to cancer). He has a daughter Lacy who is 21. I wasn't sure how this was going to work out for my mom, let alone our family.

But what I have come to realize is that my mom is HAPPY, she has found someone that absolutely loves her and is taking great care of her. After a year or so of fighting the reality I realize that yes, Mr. Bolden can give her what she needs and care for her like she deserves.

What I didn't realize is that we too have been blessed by this marriage.

First off, Chuck is very respectful of me and my family. He doesn't push or impose, he doesn't expect anything of us. Which is something I sort-of feared. I selfishly would say "we already have a family, we don't need more". Chuck has welcomed us to his family, but has not pushed us.

Secondly, Chuck is very giving, giving to my mom and giving to us. We have been blessed by his generosity greatly. He has given us material things, made us hand made items (which we treasure...our mantel and the toy box you'll see in the post)

Third, and I feel most strongly about this, is that he and our children have already established this bond, that I could have only wished for. He and Owen share a relationship that you long for your son to have with a grandpa figure. Owen just loves Chuck, he has coined Chucks saying "That's right", he also loves to go to "Charlie's Place" which is Chuck's new pool room up stairs to see the life size cut out of John Wayne, who Owen believes is Charlie. Chuck loves Alyssa and has been so kind and gentle with her. She loves going to Grandma and Papa's to look ride the Quad and look for frogs in the pond. Papa Chuck gets her the net and helps her to find the biggest frog in the pond which she holds without fear and chases her mom with.

We certainly have been blessed. Chuck, Thank you for loving my mom, being so generous and loving my children and us! We are also fortunate to be part of the family, we look forward to getting to know your family more.

Owen turns 2

2007-12-30T15:23:00.000-08:00

We celebrated little "O's" birthday yesterday. It was a fun filled day, started by going to the recycling center to get rid of all the recyclable material on our back porch from Christmas. We had a small party for him at our home. Our house is tiny so the 7 adults and 10 children felt really snug. But it was fun. Ball themed, with baseballs, basketballs, and footballs we sported a fun table and finger foods. Owen was not the least bit interested, and was really oblivious to the fact we were celebrating him. He enjoyed opening presents and chasing after the big kids. His favorite presents were is "shaky car", which was a Lighting McQueen car from Amber and his first tricycle. Boy is he two!

Hunter won the hoop shoot contest and the kids participated in a cake walk to earn their cupcake and ice cream. We enjoyed the company of our closest Tacoma friends, Uncle Chad and Auntie Desi, Uncle Patrick and Auntie Laurie, Laura (Owen's second mom), and all the kids: Hunter, Bridger, Amber, Alyssa, Bella, Ricki, Romelio (our friend Harriett's children), and Josh and Ian.

Owen got several calls throughout the day, where he was able to say "Happy Birthday" to Auntie Holli when she called. What a fun day.

Tis the season to be jolly

2007-12-28T21:54:00.000-08:00

Fa,la,la,la,la,la,la....I did it! I made my first entry and it worked. I feel like a pro.

Now I can share a little about our Christmas season. Can you believe Christmas has come and gone. I slightly remember it being November and now December has come and gone. Time flies. This December was festive and fun for the Friddlefour.

Alyssa really loves decorating. We got our tree the first weekend in December, I hauled out all of my ornaments and Alyssa carefully unwrapped each and every one of them. I must have 50 or so hand blown ornaments, that I treasure. Alyssa has become very fond of them as well. She helped to find the perfect place on the tree for each of them. I had to take a mental picture of her and the ornaments (because our camera was broken). The whole time she was in the middle of the decorations I thought "this would make the best scrapbook page". I guess there is always next year.

Speaking of next year, Alyssa insists that next year we have Christmas lights on the outside of our house. She said more than once this season "our house is so boring without lights". We don't have any outside electrical outlets, making it a bit tricky to hang lights without feeling a bit sabotaged by extension cords. But maybe next year we can talk Chad into trying his hat at hanging lights. We will keep you posted on that one.

To Believe or not to believe, Alyssa really struggled with the notion of Santa this year. She's only 5 for crying out loud. But her best friend Amber who lives across the street doesn't believe in Santa and made it very difficult for Alyssa to hold onto the idea that there really is a Santa. We just told Alyssa you must "Believe to Receive". I think she did her best to Believe and Santa came through, he brought her that basketball hoop she really wanted...and a Barbie. Good thing she mailed the letter to him!

Mr. Owen was quite taken by Santa Claus. We visited him once at the Long Beach Pharmacy right after Thanksgiving. I will just say...neither kids would sit on Santa's lap, or go near him. We all had to be in the picture and Owen was crying. Owen did come around though, he talked himself into "liking Santa". He would say things like "Santa's a nice guy" or "Santa's fake". By the 24th, he found himself dancing with the "fake" Santa at Grandma TT's and Papa John's.

Owen was featured in the Friddlefour Christmas card. For those of you that got one, feel lucky. He is our star performer. All I can say is : Boys will be Boys. If you didn't receive Owen's card, you might have received Alyssa's card, she is quite the artist and I believe she captured all the treasures of the season, an angel, a wreath, a manger, a candy cane and a tree.

Chad and I delighted in all the joys of the season especially the following:

*Time off

* Emily finished her 5th of 6th courses she's taking for her credential program.

*Chad's 32nd Birthday (even though he had to get up at 5:00 am to go to his sister's to get medicine for Owen)

*Seeing our family and connecting with Lacy and Justin.

*Looking at lights around the neighborhood.

*Getting a new camera, thanks Chad!

*Making bread for the neighborhoods...and delivering it, even though no one answered their door.

*Papa John who looks like Santa.

*Making dinner for Grandma Grape (Great Grandma Millie and Poppo Ceglowski)

*Hearing from friends we hadn't talk to in a while.

*Progressive Dinner with our small group.

*Celebrating the birth of that baby Jesus.

We couldn't have asked for a better holiday season.

Believing I can blog

2007-12-28T21:47:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my dear cousin Andrea makes this blogging thing look so easy. I really really want to know how to do this. I tried back in September and was unsuccessful. Here I am again, hoping this time I can figure it out. Don't tell anyone I've already misplaced one blog entry...I have no idea where it went. I already started a blog page and now I probably have two.

I want so much to use this as a tool for family and friends to know what's happening with the Friddlefour. We are so busy and our lives are running full steam ahead. I'm terrible at keeping everyone up-to-date the traditional way. I wonder how well I will do with this, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

So here it goes (AGAIN). Happy reading