Seattle Part One

We went and had ourselves a lovely vacation. Seattle was the destination. We took the girls to the aquarium, zoo, and the science center.

The day we went to the aquarium was really the only summer like day we had in Seattle. It was really nice though. We went down to the piers and it took us a good 40 min to find a parking spot. We finally got one in front of the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. That worked out great because that was going to be our last destination for the day.

I can say that our solid favorites were the seals, otters, octopus, and the touching pool...or whatever it's called.
We then explored the piers. We found some cool shops and a carousel. I just can't ride them. Put me on any roller coaster or thrill ride and I'm fine. Put me on a carousel? I'm going to barf, can't do it!
The Curiosity Shop is always a winner. We made sure to have enough quarters to do all of the cool vintage coin op stuff. I think we all liked the fortune teller the best.
Later we went back to the hotel and swam for close to two hours. It was the best way to unwind after walking all day, my feet hurt, bad. The hot tub was nice and miracle of miracles I got Jeff into it too. Jeff hates hot tubs and he insists anyone that has taken microbiology would share the same opinion. The hotel had nightly fresh baked cookies that were ready after our swim. Ahh, gotta love a vacation!

Box of Awesome is Ready

That's right! The Box of Awesome is getting shipped out this Friday. The final touches have been added. I only regret that I wasn't able to make anything edible for it's journey to the East Coast. I worried about freshness, sorry. Don't be dismayed though, I think the box is still very awesome.

And, while you're waiting for your Awesome to arrive,
please enjoy this awesome photo.

And the winner IS.......

The Yellow Tupperware Bowl has spoken! We don't need no stinking random .org! Just some paper and a bowl. Without further ado.......(imagine a great drum roll)
Congratulations!!! Please let me know what you'd like to find in your Box of Awesome. Tell me a little bit about yourself so I can get a feel of what I think you need as well.

Also, thanks to all who entered and good luck next time. :)

Announcement!

Winner will be announced tomorrow!

BOX OF AWESOME

Like I promised, it's Box of Awesome time once again! Leave your comments, up to five entries a person. If you commented last week those shall count as entries too. The entries will be assigned a number and will be randomly picked out of a circa 1982 Maize Gold Tupperware bowl.


What comes in the Box of Awesome, you might be wondering. It is full of whatever I think will be awesome and would delight you to no end! I do encourage you to tell me things you'd like to find in your Box of Awesome, that will aid in the delighting. Don't get your hopes up for anything expensive or lavish though. Of course, the homemade peanut butter hot fudge that was in the box last year could've been considered lavish I suppose...awesome. Don't doubt the awesome!!!


Thanks for reading the DeCoursey Project and please enjoy the contest. It ends Friday, Friday, gotta be entered by Friday...5pm.

Box of Awesome

Starts MONDAY! All of you that commented this week get extra entries...because it's my contest and I'll do what I want. :)

Should I even bother with the awesome?

It's Box of Awesome time again. Blog traffic has slowed down to a near trickle and I don't know if I should hold the contest? Would anyone even care to enter? I don't know. What do you think....anyone?

Daddy Daughter Dance

Jeff was gone this Valentine's Day. He was taken over to Seattle to do training for BOA. This was particularly sad for the girls.

Valentine's Day has been a family holiday for years. The dinning room is decked in hearts and roses. We have a fancy dinner by candle light and Jeff gives the girls flowers and cards. Some years we even get an impromptu performance of interpretive dance from Lindsay. Having been uprooted from anything familiar the girls hold tight to these traditions. Not doing it our way and not having their Daddy there was a problem and stressful.

Luckily, I got a call from my aunt Janice. Apparently, my uncle Craig and my cousin Miranda go to a Daddy Daughter Dance every year and she was thoughtful enough to see if Jeff and the girls would want in on it. Of course I said yes! What's even better? It was the weekend before Valentine's Day so it was a way for the girls to spend some special time with their Daddy.

{Just for a point of reference, Miranda and Abbey are 2 days apart, Abbey being older. They are also the best of friends. Janice isn't much older than me is why we have children closer in age than most aunts and nieces. What do you expect from a family that had eight children?}

So the girls got dressed in their favorite dresses, I did their hair super fancy like, we did some light makeup, and I even got corsages to match each dress.

They were so excited to say the least. Jeff met Craig and Miranda at a diner for dinner before heading to the dance. It is of honorable mention that Jeff loved his dinner. He got a full prime rib dinner and dessert for 12 bucks. The reason it's of honorable mention is because he mentioned it on more than one occasion when recounting the nights events. I don't have much detail past this other than there was much dancing and merry making.

What did I do? I stayed home, got in some comfy pj's and watched two great movies. The first was An Affair To Remember, swoon! I love this one, LOVE! I love most anything with Cary Grant though. Then I made it through about half of GONE WITH THE WIND. It has to be all caps, it's just too epic. LOVE that movie too, parts of it are just soooo wrong. Halfway through, Jeff and the girls made it home and were filling me in on how much fun they had. Jeff did the Hokey Pokey and jumped up and down and sang many a Taylor Swift song with them. I'm sure they'll go back next year. A few pictures are from my phone, so not the best, but better than nothing.

Christmas 2010

A Christmas post in March? Better late than never I suppose. I'm looking at the pictures that were taken on Christmas and they are very few in number. I only took some after Santa came. I think I was having a battery crisis. My camera eats batteries like M&M's.

So, you can see our tree and the load of presents that was underneath. They didn't all belong to us remember, we live with my parents and my two brothers. We were represented well enough though.

The big gift this year for all four of us? We all got iPhones! The best part about that? They were FREEEEEEE!!!! Oh ya! We needed to update our phone plan, but we were waiting for a good deal to come around. Jeff caught wind that one day only, Best Buy would be giving away free iPhones 3's with new accounts or resigning contracts. This wasn't advertised by Best Buy though, it was just circulating as a rumor. They only had a limited amount so we had to get there early, you never know who else reads obscure tech blogs in the 3C. I made Jeff call in the morning to confirm the rumor and that we could indeed get 4. The answer was yes to both questions, so we threw some clothes on and were in the car on our way.

Jeff and I used ours as soon as we got them and the girls were quite jealous. The main things they wanted for Christmas were cell phones. We were asked, "If they were free, then why didn't you get us one too?" We had reasons and they reluctantly accepted them, some more bitterly than others...(cough, Lindsay, cough)

When I wrapped them they were each put into different shaped and sized boxes. I was going to do my best to keep them surprised. Christmas morning came and they picked other presents to open first. I wondered who would get to their phone first. Lindsay was the lucky winner.

I was relieved because I wasn't sure how well she'd take it to see Abbey get an iPhone and her box was a different shape, so surely hers couldn't be one too, and that's not fair Abbey gets everything, nobody loves me, everyone loves Abbey, I hate Christmas, and crying up to her room. I don't really think that would happen, but I was preparing for the worst. Lindsay does have a hard time being the youngest and second born you see, bless her heart. She's really a sweet girl I promise.

However when she opened it there was some excitement, but not enough to satisfy my need for the dramatics. Just to clarify, Lindsay was excited and very grateful, she just doesn't get all crazy excited. It's more subdued, a little too subdues for my tastes. They get that from Jeff, they really do come by it honestly.

Abbey saw Lindsay get a phone and her demeanor changed to soooo laid back. She knew she was getting one too and directly picked up the one that was hers. Despite my attempts at trickery she saw right through them, dang. She opened it to even less fan fair and I was annoyed. Again, it's Jeff's fault. I told them that was simply not acceptable and I better see some jumping up and down, yelling, praising, running around, hyperventilating, and just plain revelry going on or I'm taking them back! They performed a most righteous hootenanny. Christmas could carry on.

There ya go, the rest was typical. We ate holiday food. We saw Jeff's family. We had Christmas Eve at my aunt Janice's house, at which we had the traditional tacos and ice cream sundaes. We hung out longer than other guests and watched the Grinch.

It was also the last time I saw my Grandma. She died a couple weeks later. I got to see her smile. I got to hug her and rub her back. I could hear her voice when she spoke with me and other people at the party. She laughed and got excited during the white elephant, she won a sweater fuzz getter thingy. She hugged and kissed my girls and gave them each a Christmas present. They each got a 5$ McDonald's card, a total Grandma Brinkerhoff classic gift. A big sacrifice too, she didn't have much money to spend. We knew she was getting near the end, but it just came so fast. I'm glad I have those last detailed memories of her.

Alright, here's the few pictures that I do have. I just can't do a post without pictures. Even if there are only two.

Palace Fairy

Lindsay was able to participate in the Nutcracker last year. After her audition for a part, we found out she was assigned to be a Palace Fairy. I say assigned because I believe everybody gets a part in the ballet. With the younger girls, they're mostly placed by what costumes they would fit into. Lindsay loved the Spanish Dancers and said she would like to have that part when she gets older.

If you're familiar with the Nutcracker, then you'd have a pretty good guess as to when she appears. If you're not familiar, shame on you, just kidding, mostly. Towards the end of the ballet before the Sugar Plum Fairy dances, Clara and the Nutcracker go to his palace to be entertained and have a big party. Lindsay and the other Palace Fairies were in that opening scene and did a welcome dance to the Sugar Plum Fairy. Of course, every Nutcracker story will vary from company to company.

Fun fact! Did you know that sugared plums are really just prunes? Oh yes. Not as pretty sounding huh? The dance of the Prune Fairy, nope, doesn't quite work.

Oh, and Lindsay was wonderful. Jeff, Abbey, and I were able to catch one of her performances. She was beautiful and her costume was personally one of my favorites.

Crazy Hair Day

This past week has been spirit week at the ol' Canyon View Elementary, and our very own Lindsay Lou has participated whole heatedly.

Yesterday was, I'm sure you've already guessed, Crazy Hair Day Day Day day day..... Thanks echo announcer guy.

My inspiration you ask? It's no surprise that I am having Spring fever pretty darn bad. I'm about to drive up the street to Home Depot and walk through their flower isle whilst I play bird songs or Vivaldi on my iPod. I would sport a pair of my longed for capri pants and sip on a fast food cup of lemonade. Ahhh.... Anyways, Lindsay's hair was turned into a little flower patch. The buns, of course are the flowers. The parts of the buns that fell out and refused to stay under their bobby pins? Leaves. (just go with it) The stems or vines of the flowers were the twists of hair connecting to the little knobby buns. Throw in some butterfly clips and a purple flower headband, voila!

She was very happy with the results and had quite a few complements, which I had her repeat to me a few times. I'm a sucker for praise, I'm not gonna lie! I was amazed that it stayed all day honestly.

A quick update on Jeff's job, he LOVES it. I haven't seen him be this happy to go to work in years. He loves it and it will do great things for this family. :)

A new year and a new job

JEFF GOT A NEW JOB!!!!!

He starts on the 18th. He will be a Personal Banker at Bank of America!

This message brought to you by the Happier Life in 2011 For the DeCoursey's Foundation.

A sweet surprise from a sweet friend

Lindsay has been participating in the Nutcracker this year. We've been busy getting her to rehearsal and now the performances have started. Last night was opening night. Lindsay was so excited. I was working security backstage all night, but I did get to see Lindsay come through and go to wardrobe. I gave her some loves and wished her good luck, which now I don't know if I was supposed to do that or tell her break a leg...hmmm.

When it was over I saw all the girls going back through, many of them leaving and many of them had bunches of flowers. Oh oh. I didn't buy and flowers. I also forgot to get Lindsay 24 opening night gifts to hand out to her fellow Palace Fairies. Crap. Double strike. I knew Lindsay would be understanding and pretend that she didn't need flowers. I still felt like a heal.

I got back to the green room, ready to apologize, that's when Lindsay ran to me and she was holding a beautiful bouquet of orange roses and deep maroon mums. They were lovely and arranged so perfectly. Who gave her flowers? She was just smiling and so proud of her roses. I remarked how pretty they were and looked at the card. It read:

Lindsay Loo!
So proud of you.
Way to go!
{heart} Seth, Keely,& Daisy

It was my sweet and thoughtful friend Keely and co. She mentioned on her blog that she loved the Nutcracker and was going to attend. I let her know that Lindsay was going to be a Palace Fairy and in the front, so watch out.

I am so touched. I teared up at the loving gift. You saved my hide and made Lindsay's night perfect. Thank you so much dear friend. I love you bunches.

Halloween 2010

The weather was great this year. No coats or layering needed. I didn't take many pictures, my camera has been acting up and not so reliable.

The first time ever there was a division of the group. Abbey went off with her cousin Miranda while Lindsay stayed with Daddy and her friends Michael and Nicky. Girls are getting older. The candy haul was really light this year. I hope next year yields more fruit.

Abbey was a Jedi

Lindsay was a Leprechaun.

I made both costumes. It reminds me why I only sew once a year. I managed to get a shot of both of them when we went to Jeff's parents house after tricks or treats.
One funny little thing I need to mention. Lindsay's teacher at school wanted all of the kids to come by his house on Halloween. He said his was the scariest house there ever was and kids had been known to run screaming in fear. Lindsay speculated that he must have F's everywhere. We had to go. We got there and the guy had one of the coolest yards I've seen in a while. Very neat, but Lindsay was a scoffer, she wasn't scared. Lindsay dinged the doorbell and there was her teacher. He gave Abbey some candy. He gave Lindsay some candy. She was about to leave when he told her to wait a minute. He then handed her a math worksheet with about 30 big multiplication problems. He told her he wanted it finished and turned in the next morning. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!

Post about Abbey, or Abburt, if you're in the inner circle.

Abbey turned 12 in July and to be honest, I don't remember what we did. It was on a Sunday, we had cake, she requested a certain kind of dinner, and we had presents. I'm a bad mom, I know. I should have pictures and a clear memory of what happened. I do know that that was shortly before we packed up a bunch of clothes and abruptly moved to Kennewick to be closer to Jeff. I'll have to ask Abbey when she gets home from school if she remembers if we did anything else.

She did start a new school this year. It was a very rocky beginning. She had a very difficult time making friends. For the first month of school she was so depressed about her life. I didn't know what to do for her, I was depressed myself. I comforted her and tried to brainstorm with her on what to do. I asked her who she ate lunch with, it made me sad to think of her sitting by herself at a table all alone. She then informed me that everyday she would eat her lunch with the Life Skills kids. They are the kids with mental disabilities by the way. Abbey has always had a soft spot for anyone with a handicap. She told me that sometimes it was the best part of her day. Aww, I love her.

Soon after that I would start to hear certain girl's names mentioned. I would inquire as to the friendship status and it was looking good. Abbey was slowly, but surely, gaining friends. She started to eat lunch with these girls at their table. She made sure to let them know though, that two days a week were still devoted to the LS kids. She also let it be known that they were free to join her.

Since Abbey is in the 7th grade this year, she was able to participate in school sports. First up, volleyball! She was very excited about this. Her previous volleyball venture was cut short due to a broken thumb. Volleyball was a good experience for her. The most important thing she needed to learn was teamwork, supporting your teammates, and really being open to constructive criticism and learning from it. She made progress in all areas so I think it was well worth her time.

She became closer with some of the girls on her team, which in turn made her happy. Yay. She also looked cute in her uniform. I went to most of the home games as did Jeff's mom and his sister. Lindsay would come to support her, but bring the DS for backup.

Just to do a quick round up on Abbey now. She's getting really good grades, almost made the Principal's List. Next time. She's got a good group of friends at school. They genuinely like her and are excited to see her in the morning. She's part of the Buddy Club at school. Buddy Club is the official club for the LS kids. She didn't want to do dance. That was the sport option after volleyball. She is going to go out for basketball in January though.

Abbey is still sad with leaving our home and having to move to a new place. She is happy too. She's learning that it's possible and OK to be happy and sad about the same thing at the same time. Feelings and emotions are complex. She's my daughter, she needs to learn the term "I'm complicated". I'm proud and relieved that she's making the best of her situation. I am so lucky to have an Abbey. She is certainly cream of the crop. Oh, the purple and teal are the colors of Horse Heaven Hills. Just thought it would bring a nice theme to the post.

Time for something new

I actually didn't want to post until Jeff got a new job, but who knows when the heck that's going to happen. My life has sucked pretty hard since the summer and I didn't feel like talking about it and getting pulled over by the "you need to be grateful" police. Don't need or care to hear it, thanks.

The reason I'm posting now is that I was looking over old posts of mine. It's been a great scrapbook and that's what I was intending it to be in the first place. My life has taken a dramatic turn and not for the better, somethings are better. I think I should still write down and take pictures of my families life. I've almost completely lost the will to care and I don't want it to be that way. I want to look back and see some good that was mixed in with all the crap. There is good, there is.

I also miss my friends that I've made in the blog world. By shutting my blog out I've accidentally shut you out too. I include family in this as well. I'm sorry.

I also wanted something else up because for months when I come to check my blog sidebar I see the old post header and it's just winy and annoying. It was how I was feeling at the time, but I'm tired of seeing it. I would delete it, but it was a true representation of how I felt and I want to be honest.

I want to start with Lindsay's birthday. She turned 10 this year. My youngest is in double digits! I love that little girl so much. She didn't get a party this year. We had to leave our house and live at Grandma's so all of her friends were 2 hours away. We did make it up to her by taking her to lunch and treating her and Abbey to pedicures. Later in the evening we had a family dinner and invited the Rosenstocks down the street. Lindsay has been best friends with their two boys since she was 4 0r 5. Jeff and the girls made the decorations and I made the food. We had shredded beef tacos, beans, rice, salsa, chips, and vanilla cupcakes with real strawberry frosting. The weather was nice. It did threaten to rain, but never went through with it. Lindsay got so many presents. It was like Christmas! She's never got a haul like that from a regular birthday party. I believe she literally got everything she wanted. How many people can say that and mean it!? Probably a few, but I still thought it was cool.


Things worthy of notice. Lindsay picked out those candles and was very proud of them. My mom made the dress Lindsay is wearing. I think it was made for her birthday if I'm remembering it correctly. I showed Jeff how to make the pompoms, but he and the girls made them. He lovingly strung them up under my picky guidance. With the threat of rain we did get a rainbow. If you can't tell one of Lindsay's favorite colors is pink.