Zero

My countdown has reached zero...today Jordan comes home as well as Sydney. Too many days since we last saw him in August and even if I have seen Sydney I miss her. Maybe because for the most part we are connected by text or a phone call and when we miss a day, I miss her. The excitement is too much to bear  so Harley and Libby are taking naps in preparation for our long day of waiting. I can only imagine today will drag out as the past week has.
Harley had a bath yesterday and smells so much better! She is trotting around here with such pride. You know, because I can translate her many lethargic looks. Happy, remorseful, sad, sickly...they are all the same but the twinkle of her eyes different. Hah! No, I am not a dog whisperer.
Lots to do this next week...Sydney wanted to be sure to keep the tree cutting tradition alive so we have waited. Cutting a tree, in the rain no doubt, is first on the list. Lighting it, decorating it, loving it! Chinese food is a "must do" as well...my son is wanting to satisfy his craving. And we must finish our shopping. Crunch time with the others that have procrastinated. Not looking forward to this...at all.
Did I mention the kids will be home today?!  So excited :)

12-12-12

The wedding chapel in Vegas is probably filled today for the memorable date...maybe I should buy a lottery ticket too. The Chinese are all about lucky numbers, I wonder how this one translates. After the crazy shooting at Clackamas Town Center yesterday, I'm just hoping for a peaceful quiet day. 12-12-12, how did your day go?

the baby girl

B.G. aka my baby girl, I love her. The curls, the scent of Noxema that reminds us of Nana, the thousands of thoughts that come from her mouth per minute...yep, love her! But, when did she get to be 21? Apparently yesterday.
With age comes responsibility...we will see although I have plenty of faith. She wouldn't dare let me down, would she? I think she knows trouble is much easier to get into than out of.
We had her home for the holiday weekend but I think she was glad to be back at school with her friends for the actual day. My little homebody is quite the social butterfly. Again, when did that happen?
These kids, mine ...yours...ours...it does take a village. They grow before our very eyes and I don't know if I'm ready for their adult years. Sydney has big plans and at 21 she is just getting started. Happy birthday baby girl...until next year!

Countdowns

Just a few countdowns going on 13 days until Sydney turns 21, 30 days until Jordan turns 19 and 31 days until my baby comes home for the holidays. I love the time around the holidays for the fact that we do family. Together to eat, together to play games, together to watch movies...just together. What I do not really look forward to is the shopping that goes along with the birthdays and Christmas. The crowds, horrible people who run you down in the parking lots and usually a rude salesperson or two. Okay, back to the countdowns....very excited. This where days get longer somehow and once the countdown is over and the event is here, it disappears in no time at all. Funny how this happens.

Baseball, it's baaaaaaack.

Okay, let's ask ourselves...did it ever go away? World Series just came to an end, go Giants! And my household saw a fair share of those games. Football is still in our midst. Basketball is just getting started and my hubby is kicking off his baseball season. Overwhelming. Guess we have to get the program up and running if they are going to make some money for the season. Its not only baseball 24/7 but all sports 24/7. Guess I know why conversations are repeated at my house. Ugh, hold on...here we go!

Sandy

I find it kinda strange that storms are named. Who names them and how do they choose the name. Why is there the need? Can't we just say a storm is coming? I know this thought is pretty random but it's all over the news. "Sandy," the current storm along the eastern seaboard. I think the people who are leaving and seeking refuge need our prayers...the people staying need our prayers. Patience will be needed. People are being rescued. Transportation systems are being shut down. Let's keep things in perspective, perhaps put this political election aside for a day. Care for those in need. Are you in the path of the storm?

Fifty, I'm still here

Well, I didn't wake up with any more gray hairs or more wrinkles...that were obviously noticeable anyways. It's fifty. No matter how you look at it...50 the new 30, 10th anniversary of my 40th, 49 again, 39 again!
Steve took me south to Canyonville to spend the night at Seven Feathers. The plan was meet up with my high school bestie to celebrate together. Amy is a Halloween baby who had her whole family there to help her celebrate. It was great fun catching up and hanging out. No big win in the casino but fun. Kendahl was visiting Sydney in Ashland so the two them plus Sydney's boyfriend , Jake, drove up for lunch. Love those kids and the love the moments we get to spend with them these days.
Beautiful weekend for a birthday, I love the colors of fall and the chance to take a drive before all the leaves disappear. It was a bit wet but I do live in Oregon...love it or leave it.
Fifty, day three...I got this.

To heat or not to heat...

It's really not in question yet but as I sit here I am personally a bit chilled. The sun is shining and the rain will be here after another day. Perhaps then it may be time to kick on the heat. I do not really like the rain so much that I can't wait for it but it doesn't really seem like fall without a bit of moisture in the air. Harley for one won't know what to do when the rain comes...no more lounging outside and she will have to get her paws dried off as she enters the house. Dislike by everyone. As for now, I guess it's time to grab the cushions and store them away. Maybe sit one last day in  the sun and get my vitamin D. For today with that last bit of sun, life is good.

It's October

Much time has gone by...days seem to go faster if I don't keep track too. Guess that's how we have gone from August to October. Jordan is just about due for his fall break and before long we will celebrate Sydney's twenty first birthday. And finally everyone home for the holidays, yay!

It was long ride home from Iowa, didn't think driving away from Jordan would be so hard. Got him moved and settled in. Seeing his campus, dorm room and meeting some of the people there put our minds at ease. He has been playing baseball, working in the athletic department and I even think studying a bit. Everything seems to be falling in place.

Coming home and losing Grandpa was...is not easy.  Many memories thank goodness. Enough said for now, I miss him.

Sydney has 19 credit hours this term and at least two jobs...that girl is not going to have a chance to sit still. Hard to believe the baby girl will be "21" soon.  Read 20,000 words...maybe it should be Life in the Fast Lane.

My sister is about to be surprised with a trip from her daughter. A 10 day getaway...um, every girls dream. A time to sit, read and soak up the surroundings. No sister, I'm not going to spill.

happy anniversary

24 years and you're still the one...love to the hubby on this and everyday!

One thousand nine hundred ninety six miles

This is a revision of what Jordan told me as he found out things about Coe...he was only two miles off of his 1,998 :) It's far, college was the goal not distance! He seems pretty comfortable at his temporary home and showed me all buildings not academic. I saw the racquet center, the field house, the dorm, the dining hall but I didn't see a classroom until we had an event scheduled there. I guess his Monday classes would come soon enough.
His roommate, Tyler, is a nice young man from Cedar Point not too far from Cedar Rapids. He is playing football and will play baseball as well. He is a pitcher so I think they will get along fine. The dorm was hopping as we unpacked Jordan...lots of other freshmen and the fall athletes were on campus. I love the hustle and bustle of back to school.
Jordan will work with the athletic dept. for his work study program. I think he will be spending many hours in the field house for work and as baseball practice begins. Lots of things to keep him busy!

Iowa or bust

The boys left on 3 day road trip to Cedar Rapids yesterday. A new adventure for Jordan...he will soon unpack his stuff in a new place, be forced to make new friends and learn to manage his life on his own.  As for today, they woke up in Utah and and who knows what they will see along the way.

It's time!

August 1st...can't believe I have let this go for so long. And it's not because I lack words to say. If you know me well, you know that's true.  Maybe it's because we have had too much going on. Don't worry, I will back track and fill you in on the good stuff.
I see Sydney's blogging has been going strong. Now there is a girl with a lot to say...catch her at 20,000 words a day. We get that and then some :) especially dad these days since he gets to commute with her. Love her!
Jordan has been busy...usually not around here. Trying to take it all in before he leaves for school. Work. Friends. Working out. Friends. More friends. You get the idea. He doesn't like to sit anything out. This will serve him well at college...coming all too soon.

Graduation

Today is the day my baby graduates high school. Bittersweet...happy times, sad times and frustration in between. This week he has a had a last day of high school, a night of recognition and tonight will cap it off with receiving a diploma. His class has 15 valedictorians...smart kids! So excited to see what they will do next. Anxious to see Cody shine as a track star at UCLA. What a difference a year makes, certainly didn't see this coming. We always knew Peter would be off to wrestle, but at Stanford! And our twins, Taylor and Theresa, are going to venture off to different colleges. They have been together every step of the way, sharing classes, interests and friendships. Now, individually all these kids have plenty waiting for them. August will come all too quickly and it will be time to send the boy off to school. Iowa nonetheless! Plenty awaits him as well. I think he will be challenged, he will make new friends and will be happy with successes he is bound to achieve. Yes, bittersweet. Happiness and sadness. Highs and lows. It's headed our way, changes surround us all...jump on board and hold on for the ride yet to come.

definitely Monday

Jordan woke Sunday morning and joined me in the kitchen with a smile...a toothless smile! He broke off one of his front teeth eating pizza, just a midnight snack. It was one that he broke in the 7th grade, ugh. Yes Jordan the dentist will be open on Monday...and they are always so, so accommodating. Just one more thing to add to our list of to do's this week. Well, let's check it off. His world is good again. His tooth looks good, the Novocain has worn off and his mother won't tell too many people she had to hold his hand while he got shots.

Breakfast

The last late start breakfast to be exact. I'm going to miss these kids...coffee for me and amongst themselves chatter about math notes, a test to be exact, college, prom and so much more. My twins, Taylor and Theresa, they brought me coffee. Yum. They are why there is late start breakfast...when mom had to be to work early they had a bit of time on their hands before classes actually started. I say my twins but they are all John and Dawn's. They have three great girls who are such great young ladies. Jen showed up with sleepy eyes and warmed a spot on the couch this morning. Thank goodness for double late start for her. And we were graced by Savannah, Tyler, Cody, Trevor and yes, MY Jordan. It was hard enough to let Sydney and her friends go off to college but Jordan and his friends were all still here. When this group goes what will we do? What am I saying, what will Jordan do? Each of these kids has played an important part to him. Jen has inspired his athleticism...Tyler his smarts and competitiveness, can you say Scrabble partner? Savannah dates back to band days...and these days all these kids are support to each other in study groups for their tough classes. Bless each one of them for standing by each others side. Like I said I'm going to miss these kids.

What's that saying?

I think it goes like this, "April showers bring May flowers." Last day of showers please...so very tired of the gloomy clouds, bundling up to watch baseball, standing in the rain waiting for the dog to pee. The list goes on and a bit of sunshine can change our perspective on the day. Yes, I am ready. I also think with prom coming up, and Jordan wanting to wear white that rain on that particular evening would not be good. Silly but a valid reason. It's spring, so bring it on already!

Lucky Charms

No not the cereal, Sydney, Uncle Tim and Auntie Marilyn. I think I forgot to mention these guys were key elements to the game Friday night. Sydney surprised us by coming home for the weekend, so nice. Baseball, loving from the fam and a little bit of home cooking. Did I say it was so-oo-o nice having her home?!

BIG win

A BIG win over Tualatin, their first loss and a huge victory to beat that team. So glad they didn't sweep us and a huge morale booster for the team. They have Glencoe and Tigard yet to face...the upcoming week looks a bit drizzly but we may see sunshine before our season ends. Baseball, baseball, baseball!

spoke too soon

Hillsboro Stadium was not good to us, a loss of all things! We really didn't show up to hit the ball...was that it? Was is the turf field? Was it the grand stadium? I don't really know but we need to beat this team again on Friday. Century doesn't have anything on us! Really they don't, come watch tomorrow...

Mr. Romance?

It's officially prom season now that Jordan asked a girl to prom. PROM? spelled out with tea lights in front of her house. I think her room overlooks the street so if she looked out that is what she saw. Sweet. Now to see what he has in store for her the night of prom. All I know is he may look like a 6' marshmallow, he wants to wear white. Okay, bring it on! All I know is that I don't have to launder that white tux.

10-0

Undefeated, that's what we like. The boys have been wearing their same blue jersey because of their winning streak too. Too bad because their yellow(or if you if you like, gold)jersey has finally arrived. Maybe, they won't get worn! Wouldn't that be nice...what would be nice is for the boys to keep playing, playing well and for the weather to turn a bit warmer, a bit drier too. It could happen, time will tell...let's just play some baseball!

Boys

Boys! Not what you think, like my exasperation with my boys(dad & Jordan). BUT boys as in my daughter called me to tell me she is living with boys next year. "They are my roommates mom!" Okay!? Told the dad, got a look...like I arranged it. I hate being the middle man, bearer of news that isn't always what you're expecting to hear. Save the look for your kid! Grandma game me the look too. Save the look for your granddaughter, you'll see her in two days! Boys! The source of all evil...can't live with 'em(or in this case maybe you plan to)and you can't live without 'em.

April 1

An end to spring break, the week we wish never was? No, not exactly. I had a great week with Sydney in Ashland but we never crossed the CA border to enter "vacation" mode. I spent the week with Sydney in her dorm doing what girls do best...nails, hair and makeup! Some cooking, some cleaning and some lounging around. The weather didn't exactly cooperate and baseball was rained out. Jordan and the baseball team made it to Redding but never dressed for a single inning. Too bad, it would have been nice for them to get a game or two in before league games start.

Thanks to my wonderful son for sharing his cold/flu germs with me before he left...I was sick all week long and returned to a sick hubby as well. The only one truly appreciative of our sickly state was Harley. She is more than happy to catch a nap, or two with ya.

Back to the grind...Jordan is back to school and hopefully weather will allow baseball games to resume. Steve starts a new job at Xerox in an area called Page Pack, we will see if he welcomed with open arms in that department. Something new! And Sydney has a heavy load taking 18 credit hours...her grades from winter were great and she needs to keep them up. She too will be taking on a new job at a Bed and Breakfast, housekeeping! Did I forget to mention the boy and his new job at Safari Sam's? Today he met actor Daniel Baldwin there...what in the world is he doing with his kids in Sherwood, OR? Well, he likes it there and that's half the battle. If he likes it, he won't mind going. Hope that's the case anyways.

Happy April, it has to be better and drier than March...right?!

It's here, the first day of spring. In Oregon it always seems to be wet and cold :/ The daffodils are popping up but no tulips yet. And my grape hyacinth are debating if they will finish their bloom...I think the snow confused them last week. As for baseball, we are 1-2 for games played and I don't think today is real promising. Well, we need to look past today and think of sunnier days to come. Yes please!

Baseball. The fact that it snowed on what should have been our home opener only confirms the fact that I believe the season starts too early. We had snow, rain and so much wind. Two days later I am thinking we will not get in game two...it is still raining. We are not getting just a little rain but a lot of rain. I know, it's Oregon. Known for more rain than sunshine...so then, why do we not play fall ball here in the northwest? Surely we would get to play more games in September and October than we do in March and April. Wishful thinking and I think I need to spend some time finding my gloves, hand warmers and rain gear to prep for the upcoming season. Let's play ball.

Another musical post

Do you watch The Voice? Steve and I have been tuning in this season, trying to figure it out. We didn't see it last season so we are newbies at blind auditions, battles vs. live battles and so on. It's something new and I think we are a bit bored with Idol these days. In any case, we are entertained. It's as much reality as we can face, The Bachelor...too much for me. We didn't raise our kids to kiss and tell let alone video tape and show the world. Back to my original thought, yes there was one, Pumped Up Kicks...like the song. Those artists kinda ruined it for me last night. How is that for a grand thought. All the hype and build up and that's what I have to say. You gotta love me :)

neon trees...

...stuck in my head! That song! That catchy little tune. You know the one. It's not like I just heard it and it's stuck in my head. It's just there. And it's 6am. Where did it come from? Outta the blue like most thoughts that pop into my uncrowded head. Here we go again...

Four. Four.

Happy birthday Seven. It's your special day. Your all about you day, what will you do with this day...who will do this day with you. Will you greet this day with excitement or detest every moment. Will you reflect on the past or look to the future in anticipation of your next birthday. Which ever way, it's all good. It's all for you. Many happy returns.

and not a creature was stirring...

It's a peaceful moment in the house, close your eyes and imagine. The quiet surrounds the moment he closes the door and leaves for school. Two furry bodies curled up on a bed that really isn't theirs and the sound of each of the breathing, well, maybe snoring. This is the position they will hold for at least the next five hours. Then reality...they will wake, stretch and want to be loved. Want to go outside, want to eat and perhaps repeat this all again.

Cinetopia

Date night...a movie at a newer theatre in Beaverton. I think they had us at the words "butter bar" but we had to check this place out. It has several different options to suit the tastes of everyone...vinotopia, a wine bar. A 21 and over lounge serving beer, wine and food. And a general auditorium for all ages. There are more than just three options but in fact fourteen screen options. They encourage you to arrive at least thirty minutes before your show but early is wise. It fills up fast and servers come to take your orders and want to serve you before your movie starts. We also had live music as we waited, an acoustic seven string violinist. He was quite good but had very long hair and dressed like a Muslim. Just saying he stood out :] This was a good new twist to going to the movies...big screen, great sound(vibration!), comfy chairs with ottomans to kick up your feet and did I say "butter bar?" Yep, lots of choices sweet and savory. We didn't eat dinner there but the food looked good, beers looked good but they will charge you 15% automatically...easily an expensive evening. All in to do it again...thanks for the date babe!

Day 2

Mr. Baseball is moving kind of slow this evening...maybe we are not as young as we think we are? I believe this coach also told me he lost the bat from fingers. How far did it fly babe? I believe you just say it was so cold you just couldn't feel your grip on the bat. Lol, looking forward to the many stories of the season.

His mistress has arrived!

Today is the first day of baseball practice...the sun is out, a sea of boys in baseball pants and the crack of the bat. Does it get any better? Apparently not soon enough as the forecast is for it to be cold and wet. That's the spring we know.

Yes, baseball is Steve's mistress. She is here and he is all too happy to get up at four in the morning to accommodate her. Early to work, to the HS by mid afternoon and late to dinner. Packs his bag, early to bed and we repeat.

The first preseason game is only two weeks away...hoping it warms up around here soon! Batter up.

Surprising news!

To our surprise Steve has the honor of being invited to Marco Island again this year. Yay! The best of the best honoring the work he did last year. We wouldn't ever decline such an invite, we love Marco Island! This trip takes place early May and is the perfect time of year for Florida. It is warm and isn't miserably hot which it will get about a month or month and a half later. His bosses plan a quick "business" meeting for the first evening and then we all indulge in pure relaxation. Steve is dreaming of kicking his heels up by the pool and perhaps a trip to the spa. I feel a vitamin D enriched tan coming on, oh yeah.

love

Love. I think yes. On February 14th? Couldn't hurt but the other 364 days of the year...yes to those days too. If the ones you love need to be loved today, love them. If they need this day to show you love, let them. That is what love is about. Unconditional on any given day. I hate people whining about this being a made up holiday, maybe so but it's not going to make this day go away. Like it & love the ones your with. And step up how you show your love the other days of the year...growing love, one heart at a time.

Blazes like a shooting star...

She's here one minute and gone the next. When you want a weekend to drag out forever, it's gone in an instant. Sydney was able to surprise the boys with a Friday night arrival but everyone had their own agenda this weekend. Steve had a game to ref and Jordan always has a social life to contend with. He cheered on the boys basketball team to a win. As for me and Sydney, we went to see The Vow. Saturday we split up...the kids to Monmouth and Steve and I to the state cheer competition. This left with with a short time before bed...I'll take it.

A side note, girls varsity cheer took 2nd in state! Yay! They competed with a knee injury but their performance was amazing otherwise, I don't think they could ask for more.

Today, breakfast, shower and Sydney was out the door. Laundry, check. Love on the dog, check. Hugs from the rest, check. See you Spring Break baby girl.

Thank you!

My hubby likes recognition :) and gets excited to show me his good works...his good works this weekend was to paint our bathroom. Yay! Looks good honey...freshened up & clean. Also, the lights for the Crab Feed looked great. You have a fascination for lighting our world and the results are always beautiful. I do not thank you enough for all you do, thank you painting fairy. Thank you lighting fairy. Thank you coffee fairy. Thank you! And so on, and so on and so on. I do think the list is endless, xoxo.

And so it goes, another semester begins today. It has been a long road from the first day of school until now and I imagine the road to the finish line will be a bit bumpy as well. The end of the road will bring a cap, gown and diploma though! That will be a hip-hip-hooray moment.

It is also that time where the boys are gearing up for some baseball. February 27 is the first day of practice and before too long we will be on the benches watching games. Hopefully this season will bring warmer and drier days. All I can recollect is wearing too many layers too count to keep warm last year. We are looking forward to a new season, a new coaching staff and an exceptional team to go with them. Go Tigers!

Hard to believe we are in the 2nd month of 2012 already. How time slips through our fingers...

milestones

As a mama I have to record my babies firsts...Harley put a toy away into her basket, yay! Very unintentional as she was just putting it down to grab another. I'll take it though! I like the fact that within a half hours time I witnessed Jordan doing the dishes and Harley picking up after herself. A mother's dream, yes? Milestones :]

today is your birthday...

Happy 2nd birthday Alexis! Another cherished day for The Other Tull's, she is a blessing.

2012

Happy New Year! It's here, ready or not...for me it's not but here we go. The excitement at this house is to watch Steve file FAFSA for the kids, not even waffles. Well, we will at a normal breakfast time. The new year and the kids both in for the night...who told us that this would be impossible. Hahah, they're here and we are enjoying them. What a way to bring in 2012!