Free Range on Fairview

Well the kids are at Grandma Cheryl's house for a few days and I am debating whether or not I want to drive over to Yakima or not with the threat of snow so I figured I should hop on here and update my intriguing blog. We had a wonderful Christmas and the kids got way too many great gifts and we got to see a bunch of family and I haven't thrown up in a few days so we are all doing great. Shane got to take yesterday (Monday) off so we had a nice long weekend and ended up getting a stove and chest freezer at Sears. I guess those long hours at UPS literally do pay off. We have almost stopped using credit cards (thank you Dave Ramsey, one day we will be debt free) so although it was painful to hand over that much cash, we don't have to pay a single cent of interest on our purchase. The stove we have before was probably around 20 year old and a nice off-while/yellowish color so this new sleek flat top while one sure brings the kitchen up to date. Who knew getting new appliances ...

Today is the start of week 13 of this pregnancy, maybe this week I'll get my so called energy back. I went to my MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) meeting today and got to show off my "baby bump" for the first time. So exciting!! I love going there because it's a fun time with other moms playing games, doing crafts and eating goodies. As a leader we were supposed to bake goodies to put in a basket for all the child care workers and I have been so lazy lately that making brownies was the best I could offer. This weekend I will be getting some more baking supplies and actually making it feel a little bit more Christmassy around here. Tomorrow I will also be finishing up the rest of our Christmas shopping. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. Grandpa Poppy sent up a gift card for the kids and we decided to just pick out presents for Dylan rather than letting him so he'll have more to open on Christmas day. (thanks everyone who has sent the kids gifts so far too...

Yippee for the snow!! Here is Dylan and Liko playing out in the snow we've gotten so far. About 4 inches so far and it keeps coming down, Danielle heard we were supposed to get 9 more inches tonight, we'll see I guess. He is having the time of his life making roads in the snow and being cold. After they came back in to warm up Danielle decided that she was ready to go out and play so now they are both out there doing who knows while the sun goes down. Thank goodness for a fenced in back yard and a little peace and quiet for me :) Also the one picture from inside was from today when he was in "quiet time" and came out of his room with a green face. When asked what happened all he had to say was "it was an accident. I don't know how it happened."

Well I am at week 12 (well into it actually but finally getting to posting a picture) and the baby is the size of a plum now. Over 2 inches long and half an ounce. I'm not sure how heavy that is, but at least I know the baby is growing. All of the baby's systems are fully functioning already, that's crazy. After not being able to keep breakfast down I have resorted to just eating ice cream. It can't be that bad for me right? We had our first real snow last night, about 3 inches, so that kids are very excited. We also got around to decorating the tree last night too. Now it is really starting to feel like Christmas! I'm sure we'll get out and try to make a snow man later today - pictures to follow.

Well the picture is a little bit blurry but I got the kids with Santa, the big jolly old man as Dylan so lovingly calls him. This was part of Ellensburg's Moments to Remember that they put on the weekend following Thanksgiving. There is a craft fair with local vendors, Santa obviously, and then a chili feed. After everyone had their fill of chili, ice cream and apple cider we took a tractor ride down town from to fair grounds and watched the turn on the lights in town. There was also a live nativity and a ballet recital. Sort of a fun way to kick off the holiday season and be out in the community. I heard someone say that it's now about 2 weeks to Christmas, is that right? I don't feel like getting the calendar out to verify so it's probably right. It sounds like we won't have any outside lights this year since the weather isn't cooperating. Single digit temperatures aren't my favorite. When we got out all the Christmas decorations the other day Dylan decide...

I'm working on training Dylan to be self sufficient so I can nap all day long, but so far we are only making baby steps. He made his peanut butter and jelly sandwich *almost* all by himself today and once last week too. I've already got him dressing himself (Although I wouldn't have chosen shorts for the sort of weather we are having lately) and we finally mastered him wiping himself. He has also told me that he needs to learn how to read so he can read to the baby when it gets here. I can't believe I am going to have a Kindergardener in the fall! On a slightly unrelated note Shane's friend went into the doctors for a check up and the doctor recommend the Mediterranean Diet to help him loose weight, so Shane has decided that he is going to try it too. After realizing that it costs more to eat a certain way compared to my frugal American way of cooking, he made a trip to the store today. Keep your fingers crossed that he, probably all of us, can stick to it.

Yeppie, I got to hear the baby's heart beat today! It was only for about 6 seconds but I heard it at my doctors appointment. We both looked at each other and smiled and I said "was that it?" and then my mysterious baby floated away and she couldn't find the heart beat again. Oh well at least I have some confirmation that there really is someone inside there. Both the kids were dissappointed to miss it but are still excited and debating if the baby will be a boy or a girl. Also, incase you were wondering, the baby is about the size of a lime now, around 1.6 inches :) Yesterday the kids set up pillows and blankets and had a "Kids Only" movie marathon in Dylan's room. They watched Spy Kids, Little Mermaid and Hitch and only came out for the bathroom or when it was dinner time. Then later in the evening, well after Dylan's bed time he came out and said, "Mom, it's my bed time." I guess he fell asleep during the last movie. Yes they watched ...

sleep, sleep, sleep! I know that Danielle is staying after school today and we don't need to pick her up until 3:45pm so here I am at 2:30 and yet to have showered. Sure we have done some stuff today, but it has definitely been a lazy day. At least there are plenty of leftovers in the house to keep us fed and a few extra cable channels to keep us busy. Tomorrow will be a real day where I'll have to be out of the house early so I can keep pushing it for a little bit. Tomorrow is Bible study at 9am followed by library story time for the boy, then lab work for the pregnancy, home for lunch and rest, then pick up Danielle and going back into town for a dr.'s appointment to try to hear the baby's heart beat. At 10 weeks we should be able to any day! Just thinking about all of that makes me tired. On top of all of it I was feeling sort of lousy this morning and laying down but got up to see Shane off for work and kissed him goodbye then had to run to the bathroom. Now he thin...

We're pregnant! Little baby is due on June 25th, 2010. Shane and I are so excited and the kids are too! Congratulations to everyone who will be a grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, big brother, big sister, and anyone else who knows our little family. Here is a picture of me at weeks 9 & 10. The baby is growing fast, already 1.25 inches :)

A week late but gotta keep the masses updated. Last Friday night the kids and I had a movie night since Shane was gone for the weekend hunting over in Colleville. We rented the movie Twilight (since the sequel came out last night) and pulled out the hide-a-bed, made a cozy den and ate popcorn all night long. It was great to hang out with the kids and cuddle up during the slumber party. We had a fun time and had to document it of course. The first picture I took with a timer the dog tried to figure out why this little silver thing is beeping a flashing and walked right in front of the camera, perfect timing. The second one the kids were being silly, but that's how most of the night went.

One of Dylan's newest passions is coloring in a fuzzy picture. You know kind of like a velvet Elvis but it's kid pictures that you can color in yourself. He got one the other day and this is the first (and only so far) project that he has worked on for a while and then come back another day to work on for a while more. He is actually taking his time and trying to do well. That makes me a happy momma. While trying to take this picture I asked him to look at me and he replied "I can't. You're ruining my concentration." Wow they grow fast. The kids have been playing great together lately. My only gripe is that I have to separate them for the usual reasons. They just can't keep their hands to themselves, always touching or poking, tickling or giving wedgies. But luckily I've got some great kids.

We drew a picture of Dylan playing with Uncle Josh and sent it to him the other day without thinking anything about how it is going international and if that might cost more/be sent differently so here is the picture anyway. Dylan likes to water color but usually only if there is a picture to color it. I drew all the stuff in sharpie but Dylan drew Grandma Cheryl in the pink pen on the right hand side of the page. Slowly he is getting more patient and creative, I love it!

Thanksgiving is only 3 weeks away! Holy moly that is going to sneak up on me faster than I think. This year I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner here with my family and my mom and my dad and his girlfriend. Josh is out of the country for the holidays :( Jackie is working that day so we won't have her around either. Usually Shane goes over to his parents house for dinner so hopefully they don't miss him too much. Christmas Time is just around the corner and I am so excited! I just love love trying to find the perfect present for someone (although our gift giving circle is slowly growing, we are cutting down) namely the kiddos. Shane is easy because all he wants is hunting stuff and he just picks that out of a catalogue. Dylan is still pretty easy because he loves toys and boy things. Star Wars, Transformers, weapons/hunting and computer games. And then comes Danielle. She is 16 and just had a birthday in October. Yikes. Luckily gift cards go a long way for a girl her age. I've g...

Wow today went by quickly. Started the day off with an eye doctors appointment for Dylan (the nurse at his 4 year check up said that he didn't do great on his little eye exam part) so we went in and he did great! Perfect vision (as of now) and even got his eyes dialated and they gave him cool sunglasses to wear home. He was so excited to go this morning and the first thing he said to me when he woke up this morning was "I can't believe I get to go to the eye doctor in the fall!" I guess he is learning something in our little school sessions. We talked about the trees and how some keep their leaves all winter and some drop them and then investigated all the ones we found around the town over last weekend. On a somewhat unrelated note I am so excited to get the house decorated for the upcoming holiday seasons. I love all the cute decorations the dollar store has these days :)

Oh man October has just flown by! We've had a busy, busy month but as I like to say "Hello chaos, my name is Shannon." Let's see. We had Danielle's 16th Birthday on October 11th! We were able to get a few of the family together for a party including Aunt Megan, Uncle Coby, Grandpa Larry and Grandma Shirley. Danielle didn't get the car she was hoping for, but we all had fun together.Shane's birthday was October 24th and we are so happy to have him around. He got to pick out his presents back during the summer at his favorite store Cabela's. Apparently you never can have enough camouflage. :) On the 30th of October Dylan and I and about 10 other kids with MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) went to two different assisted living facilities in town in costume to pass out cards that the kids had made and to just spend time with the folks in those homes. Kids are never too young to start learning about community service. Then of course, October 31st was Halloween...

Here is one of my favorite pictures of me and my little brother and sister in California. Living out in the "prairie lands" of Ellensburg now, we don't have too many leaves to collect and save but we've got a few pine cones and plenty of snow on the way. I remember growing up and how much joy us kids got out of a day playing in the leaves. Times sure have changed. I try to encourage Dylan to play out side for a while during the day (hour in the summer, 1/2 now that it is starting to get colder) but the biggest draw to have his friends over to our house is the fact that Dylan has a light saber game for the Wii. Oh well at least I know what he is up to these days.

We had a visit from one of my best friends here in Ellensburg, Stephanie, and her new baby Asher this morning and we had a great time. Dylan got to hold the baby and help feed him. He just loves little babies... and he loves to talk. While we were all getting acquainted (since Dylan had yet to see him since being born) he said "Oh how cute he has little ears. Like little dog ears." Then later while I was holding Asher, Dylan came up and stroked his head. "Mom, I'm petting him like a dog!" I'm just glad I know this friend well, otherwise this dog comparison could have gotten a little awkward.

Well Dylan has been at it again. I sort of came up with this, sort of stole the idea from someone else, but I can't remember who, so anyway.... This week we made some scary (although not too scary) ghosts to hang around and outside the house. Cute and easy recycling craft project. Take a white plastic shopping bag, such as one from Safeway, and fill it with two or three scrunched up shopping bags (whatever color you have more of) and push the bags up towards the bottom of the bag to make a ball shape. Secure with a rubber band or something else. Cut the tops of the handles off so the ghost looks flowy instead of loopy and draw on any sort of scary or silly face you can think of. And voila, decoration in no time flat. I hung some from string outside by the front door and taped some up around the mirror inside the front entry. Happy Fall Everyone!!

Well Danielle got registered yesterday and started school today! I know she is a little apprehensive of starting school all over again and having to make new friendships and relationships with teachers. It is such a blessing to have her here with us now and we are excited to see how this school year goes. Danielle is in 10th grade this year and just turned 16 on October 11th! She now has her permit and is chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel any time she can. I have yet to see her drive, but boy, I can't believe she is old enough already. Dylan is ecstatic to have big sis' around all the time and I can feel the more relaxed atmosphere in the house since we brought her back. As required, here is a picture of her first day of school.

Well all I have to say is - it's good to be home. After taking a week to go and visit family and do a little early bird Christmas shopping while Shane was hunting has really taken it out of me. Not to mention the hours of driving I have done over the last week to get Danielle back living with us. Sh got enrolled in the local high school here and will be starting at 8 am tomorrow morning. Everyone is pooped out and sleeping now except Shane who is working and me who is busily typing away and getting emails out to all the MOPS moms in my group. I took this picture of Dylan who fell asleep on a pile of Daddy's cozy camo from hunting. He's going to grow up just like him.

This is Dylan's interpretation of how a cool band should sound... hopefully it doesn't take too long to load :) He hopes that it rocks your mind off. We have been working on music this week and tempo so I think he was trying to show a slower and a faster tempo. He loves all sorts of music and can't wait to learn how to really play instruments.

Well Dylan is over at the neighbor's house for the first time alone today. I mean he is playing with the little neighbor boy but I'm not over there... It is a weird feeling. First he was playing in the backyard with me while I was picking some tomatoes and green beans then the little boy, Ricky, came out to play in his backyard. Within a minute Dylan was asking to go over there to play "guns and cops" with him. I could hear them playing and secretly watch them which was pretty amusing but as it starts to get colder out they asked to go inside. I know he is growing up and making friends is really important I just feel like I don't know how to let him do it alone. Everything will work out fine I know, he will be home at 6 I told him which is in 25 minutes. It makes blanching and freezing tomatoes and green beans a whole lot easier without him around but boy it gives me heartburn. ~As a side note, he made it home safe and healthy and said that "I can come back a...

For the final day of the Farm theme lesson Dylan got to *almost* first hand milk a cow. I filled a latex glove with milk and poked two holes in the tips of the fingers and just like a cow's utter, Dylan got to see how to squeeze the milk out. It was pretty silly but he got a great kick out of it. He definitely loves trying to be a cowboy/farmer.

Today Dylan was playing with an alphabet talking game thing and I was vacuuming the rug in the dining room real quick when he sprang up and bolted to his room. As soon as the vacuum went off he came out and said "I need quiet to focus." and went back to work. He got another letter matched to the sound and congratulated himself, "Good job Dylan." Then as I write this he is playing the music version and after a song finished he proclaimed, "That song was so good it makes me want to cry." Who is this boy and what has he done with my child? We also played with some silly glasses today as well. One pair was actually Daddy's when he was in junior high.

This one I made up when I wanted to feed a crowd with something yummy and good for you too. Because I control the amounts, I usually add less chicken and more veggies depending on how much I have. Chicken Chili 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1" chunks (I usually use less!) 1 large onion, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 cup chicken stock 1 can diced tomatoes with juice 1 can white beans, drained 1 can other beans (black, kidney etc.), drained & rinsed 1 small can of sliced olives, drained 1 can corn, drained 1 tsp. chili powder 1 tbs. cumin (you can substitute taco seasoning if you don't have the seasonings. Optional Garnish : Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro or limes. Instructions: Combine chicken, onion, carrot, celery and bell pepper in a large pot. Saute with olive oil until the chicken is cooked and the veggies are tender. Stir in chicken stock and work up the brown bits on the bottom of...

Well it's Thursday, which means it's almost Friday, which means the weekend is almost here! Today Shane made breakfast for us (Yummy thanks honey!) and then we had a late start on the day. After playing spies with Dylan we started the day off with a little kid yoga video rented from the library. I don't so much care if he can do it or not but the fact that he kept saying "I give up!" after each one. Luckily he got through the whole half hour and said, "wow, that was cool." Then onto bath time. He washed, I read to him, killed two birds with one stone. His newest favorite thing is to play computer games. After setting the oven timer for 20 minutes, he gets to go to http://pbskids.org/ and play some fun games. His new favorite show is Dinosaur Train so naturally that is also his favorite game to play on the computer. I am amazed at how quickly he can pick up even the technology. Later today we will be tackling the garden as it is starting to look quite ov...

Well we took our first field trip today to Olmstead Place State Park in Ellensburg, WA. It is a restored farm from the 1800s and was pretty cool. They give guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays and I think you probably get to see a little more but we had fun just wandering around at our own pace. Dylan got to touch old tractors and plows. He couldn't believe that John Deere has been around that long. We got to see an old cabin that was originally used as a fort and an old well pump. There was also a pig that they found on the grounds a few months ago and no one has claimed so they've adopted her. Dylan and I also found some old wheat that we saved to use for a farmer art project. Dylan had a blast and couldn't believe that there are farms "in our life" meaning in reality. We also saw a giant herd of sheep and some cows on the way out too. At story time at the library the teacher even read books about the farm and we picked up some more to read at home. Boy oh boy ...

I never thought the day would come when I hear Dylan say "It's on the tip of my tongue," "That's hilarious," and "My eyes are tired, I should take a nap." All in the same day. My little boy is sure growing into his preschool mind. Sad to see him grow up, but at least I know he is going to be a good little man. He was astounded today to find out that the Bible is actually God's book. He says he wants to write a book of his own someday. I can't wait!

Much to our horror and amazement, everything they say about the mating behavior of a praying mantis is true. We watched Lime-Spikey eat half of her mate while they were in the act. She is bright green and the males are sort of a sandy brown. We found another male on our front deck (I know crazy right?) and I put him into the flower planter as well just to see what happened. Well the newest crazy mantis tries to get in on the action while she's umm... "still involved" with the half eaten one. Poor Dylan tried to understand what was going on but luckily it was all over his head.

Well today was "officially" Dylan's first day of preschool home with me and so far it's gone pretty well. Right now he is resting as he says, why would a preschooler want to take a nap? We started the school year off with a farm theme. Ellensburg is a big agricultural town so it just fits. We did math games with feathers, drew lines from the farmer to the tractor, read farm animal books, had popcorn for a snack, colored a picture of his favorite activity over the summer and went on a bike ride all over the neighborhood. After nap we'll probably do some musical things and maybe watch a movie later. We also realized that the praying mantis that we found last week is still in the planter by our front door, so now we have a new little pet. Dylan named him Lime-Spikey, but his real name is Spike he says. Hopefully he's finding some bugs to eat in there! Tomorrow we will take a field trip to the U-pick corn patch down the road. More excitement to come.

When I go on vacation I think of taking a break from my job of household maintenance and cooking. Maybe read a book, lounge at the pool, or try something new. When Shane is on vacation he gets excited about changing spark plugs and watching hunting shows. Just goes to prove that two people can be so opposite yet make this little thing called marriage work. We are getting revved up for the Ellensburg Fair and Rodeo this weekend with some friends and family coming over. Pictures to soon follow.

Well since the grocery budget is a sore subject in this family I am trying to figure out how to make cheap cheap meals while not depriving us of vegetables. Last night I made what I call a Chili Casserole and surprisingly everyone gobbled it up. I guess you could also call it dinner in a can, but I don't feel too bad about it. I came up with this on my own so feel free to change it to suit your family's tastes. Here is the breakdown of ingredients and cost: Chili Casserole by Shannon 2 cans of Pork and Beans (.58 each) 1 can Diced Tomatoes (.57) 1 ear of corn (.25) 1 package of Crescent Rolls (1.50) 1/2 tsp. Chili Powder 1/2 tsp. of ground Cumin 1/4 tsp. Garlic Salt 1/4 tsp. Pepper Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large casserole dish empty 2 cans of Pork and Beans, draining the juices from one can. Drain half the liquid from the tomatoes and add to the dish. Add in chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Add corn (I used one ear of corn I had precooked, chopped and previously f...

My husband Shane has taken it upon himself to learn how to select, charcoal bbq and devour the perfect steak. This is serious business so far. We've had some friends over to help us determine the ratings as well. Thank you Dave and Stephanie (and baby Asher in womb). When I met Shane he was definitely a great breakfast cook -think pancakes, breakfast burritos and scrambled eggs- but didn't enjoy venturing too far from what he knew. In the last year that we have been married he has really kicked it up a notch, trying new cooking methods and flavors. I am very impressed! It is so great to see him enjoying something I enjoy too. He even passed on the phrase "you eat first with your eyes" and I couldn't help but laugh. He has become one great companion in kitchen as well as in life. Ok back to the steak. So far his ratings are as this: Thin Cut Rib Eye: 8.25 New York Thick Cut: 7.75 Top Sirloin: 7.50 We don't do steak that often but it sure is a fun way to spend a...

I realized this morning that I am no longer Mommy. Daddy is Daddy but I am now only known as Mom. Mama if I'm lucky. When did I just become "Mom"? In my mind, mom is what a big kid, well, calls their mom. Mommy is not needed any more to give super good morning hugs, to make dinosaur peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or to help chase out bad guys from the closet. Now the only time I am Mommy is when Dylan needs something he can't do on his own. And that doesn't happen very often any more. Yes, we still have our special moments together but I know I will miss being Mommy. I am still the only one who knows where the launch pad is in his room, which side of his monster truck blanket is the cold side, what song is the perfect accompaniment to teeth brushing and how to cuddle during the scary parts of a movie. I guess Mom is good enough for me.

Well we made it, one year of wedded bliss! Shane and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary this weekend and it was great. My in-laws watched Dylan and the dog for us Saturday and Sunday which gave us an excuse to get out of town and enjoy each other's company. We drove over to Seattle (I drove the manual car all the way to Snoqualmie which was a first for me!) and got there around noon. We enjoyed looking at all the cityscapes and the water and doing tourist-y things. We toured Pikes Place market and had lunch at an oyster bar, although no oysters were consumed, and just had a blast walking around. We also went to a local Seattle brewery and tailgated a little bit before going to the Seahawks preseason football game - thanks Dad! After a fun win we drove back to the other side of the mountains and had a great night at our friends lake house with a beautiful view of Lake Cle Elum. After a nice breakfast out we headed back to pick up the boy and enjoy a relaxing Sunday night ...

Well our dog Liko (pronounced Lee-ko) might be going blind. He is an English Springer Spaniel and just turned 2 some time this month but the other day I noticed that his right pupil was dilated while his left wasn't. At first I just thought I saw it wrong and forgot about it. Then another day went by and I asked Shane if he had noticed it too. He figured it was probably a weird reaction to the light or something and then we dropped it. Now about a week later it is still dilated and it is barely reactive to light. After doing extensive research (which reminded me I needed to do a virus scanner on my laptop) it is either nothing, an irritation that will go away alone, or glaucoma. My poor puppy might be headed to live with a handicap the rest of his life. At least it's not one of my kids.

Well I've had some free time today as Dylan is banned to his room until it meets a certain standard of clean. I've done my computer stuff, made some hand-stamped cards, and who knows what else and I'm pretty sure nothing has been done in there. I keep checking in and things are moved yet still not put away. Yes, his room in overcrowded with toys, but there is a place for everything so I know he has room to put it back away. There are labels on the bins, and many different bins and toy boxes. I'm not sure if nagging is such a good idea anymore and I just want to show him that he can indeed clean his room himself even though he thinks it is impossible. As I am sitting here and typing he comes out of his room holding his finger. I ask him what happened and he says "Well I cut my self with my scissors. I was using my blanket as gloves and had my pocket knife and it just went like this." So much for letting him clean his room alone.

After an afternoon of running errands all over town we finally pull into our driveway. What a relief. Right now we are going through the phase where anytime we go into a store, Dylan thinks he is entitled to get some new toy or something else. He's gotten the "money doesn't grow on trees" lecture and the "we only need 2 things at this store" speech but we're still working on it. Distraction worked today when I kept him in the cart seat and brought along animal crackers but then again we were actually there to look for new sweatpants for this ever-growing boy. Anyway I'll call it a successful shopping excursion . Ok so there we are, unloading all the bags (2) and getting the bottles and cans we picked up along the way. We need to check the mail before going inside so Dylan runs ahead. "There's Mail!" He exclaims. Of course I know this means that yes there is mail, but it is way too far in the back for him to reach, or there is too much, ...

At some point in your life you realize that you have arrived. Today as I excitedly began to plan back to school activities I realized that my world no longer revolved around me. I am not a hip teenager or a carefree preschooler, not that I ever really was. I am a chauffeur , cook, maid and counselor. I am a wife and mommy now and while the responsibility is daunting, I love it. All of the running around I do is for a purpose, for my family. Even during a day where I feel like I can't take much more I get a little pick me up from my son Dylan. We were talking about how big he is and how next fall he will start Kindergarden. He said "I'm almost 5 and that's as old as I can get." When asked why he responded, "Because I don't have any more fingers." Ahh the joys of parenting.