Funeral for a Friend

Today marked the funeral of a great man, Jake Wanner.

He was a kind and gentle man who cared about people.  He liked to have a good time and share his stories. 

I will never forget how he took the time to record a news clip about a very nice school (because he knew I was a teacher) and said, "Hey Paige, how would you like to teach there?" and then we had a great discussion about teaching and education.  Jake was a thoughtful man.

I love how he took the time with my boys.  Each summer we would visit the river he would make sure they were having a great time on his property. 

Thank Jake for modeling kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness towards others. 

You will be missed, but not forgotten.

Cole

First of all it was his 11th birthday yesterday (Happy Birthday) and I can't believe that it was eleven years ago that I got to see and hear this wonderful boy come into the world.  Cole is a great kid!  We love him so much and I think his cousin Zac loves him just a bit more!  They are so cute together, so loving and most times, so patient. 

For the past two weeks Cole has been living with us.  His mom is still wrapping things up in Bend and his dad is still living in Washington.  His mom is moving back in a month and well, Cole wanted to get here quicker so he kind of arranged all that needed to be arranged and now he is living with us!  We are thrilled.  Did I tell you I love this kid like he is my own?  If I didn't actually see him being born (while I was 5 months pregnant!) then I would claim him as mine! 

So for these past two weeks we have more milk in the frig, more snacks, more wii playing, more of everything...excepts fighting!  Cole and CJ get along wonderfully.  In fact, as I type this (really late for a school night) I hear them in there talking and I love it!  They are such great friends and really what is more important...sleep or talking with your cousin late at night? 

I know the next two weeks are going to fly by and I will cry my eyes out when he is no longer "mine", but for now I am going to enjoy having three kids! 

Happy Birthday Cole Bobba-roni, Cole Pickle, Co-Co, Toh-Toh...love ya!

Melissa's Baby Shower

It was a perfect day for a baby shower!  Davey hosted the lovely event, Hayley and I helped with food and deocrations and Amy took some fabulous pictures. 

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve was a festive affair.  My mom had all the yummy appetizers, good friends and family were jolly and Auntie Anna brought all the craft supplies for the kids to make Shrinkie-Dinks.  We all made some tasty food (prime rib, cauliflower with cheese sauce, rolls, mashed potatoes...and everything was homemade!)  After dinner Anna, Troy, Taylor and I headed to church for the candlelight service.  As usual it was inspiring and heartwarming.  Back at my mom's house we had some light desserts and the kids played.  My mom's friends, Carolyn and Bill were making us all laugh with their surveys and Carolyn showing the kids how to chicken fight and other tests of strength and stablity.  Needless to say...we were all cracking up!  Shortly after, we headed home for last minute gift wrapping, Santa snacks, kids to bed and then Carlos and I watched Avatar.  (He fell asleep early and I stayed up until 2:00 AM) 

Christmas Day was really fun this year because Zac really got into the activities and  spirit of the season.  I woke up to hearing some paper rustling out by the tree...I whispered to Carlos, "what is CJ doing, opening his presents?"  I called out to CJ and he came into our room and just grinned.  I asked him what was up...He said that he "just couldn't wait and had to open up just a little gift!"  We all woke up with smiles on our faces, laughing and ready for the presents!  Fun!

The kids got Nerf guns, CJ got some Harry Potter Legos, Zac got an easel and they all were happy.

We headed to my mom's for presents, breakfast and see Taylor and Cole before they headed out with their mom.  Way too much fun, again with some great food and wonderful conversation.  The boys watched basketball games, the kids played with their toys and my mom, sister and I played cards. 

We are now finally home putting it all away, putting toys together, playing and resting. 

Merry Christmas to All!

Cousins doing the Shrinkie-Dinks!

Auntie reminding Zac how to use the markers.

Anna, Tramaine, Paige and Carlos

Carolyn + Bill = Entertainment

Gorgeous Fairly Godmother Lynda!

Love this son of mine!

All the cousins Chicken fighting!

Christmas morning...in last year's best present ever (personlized Snugglie)

Mimi with her grandkids!

Auntie Anna know how to pick out some great shoes!  Zac loves his penguin Converse!

Mimi knows how to pick out some great boots...they match!

Trampoline

It was cold but finally NOT raining!  CJ cleaned off the trampoline and bundled up for some jump-jump.  Zac was thrilled.  I was too...I needed them to be able to get out of the house for a bit!  They had a blast!  Zac showed off how to do a somersault...thanks Mimi!

Christmas Cookies

For the past three years we have gathered with a few friends and lots of kids to frost sugar cookies. They usually get frosting everywhere, have fun talking and sharing what they want for Christmas and eating way too much sugar.  This year Bethany hosted and I made spaghetti dinner for everyone.  My mom showed up with some sparkling and Steve may have run to the store 1 or 2 times for more bubbly! 

Zac and Mimi

Jakie, Stevie and Bethany

Paige and CJ

Zac...with some frosting and spaghetti on the face.

Kari and Xander...aka X-Man!

Mimi frosted a lot of cookies with Zac.

All the boys helping and watching Zac open his noisy gift from Steve and Bethany...a Christmas does not go by without some sort of very loud and very annoying "gift" from them!  Thanks!

Bethany had a lovely Advent wreath with candles and each of the boys got to read a special passage. Zac got to blow out the candles.

His Friends

CJ had a cookie baking date set with my mom so it was just Zac and I today...cooking and making Christmas presents when Lynn called to see if she could drop her boys by while she shopped.

No problem. Easily done. Great kids.

Zac thought all three of her boys (9,7,7) were "his" friends.
They all played and laughed really hard!
In fact, Carlos came home and asked if Zac wanted to go out with him and run errands (he loves doing this) and Zac said, "No, I play with my friends."

So sweet.
I love that kid.