A Day in the Life...

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

Keeping busy

2009-07-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

Just for my loyal reader (smile). Things are busy as usual here at the house of K. We are preparing for our family vacation. This year, we're switching things up a bit and traveling down to Southern California to see Megan rather than the opposite. We're going to rent a beach house in San Clemente, CA for a week, take Kaylee to Disneyland for her 11th birthday, and visit friends and family that a good portion of our family (Kara and Randy) hasn't seen in a while.

It's been a pretty good summer so far even though we miss having the older girls here. It's strange not having them around but we're handling it pretty well because we'll all be together in a few weeks. Kaylee has been busy with church and dance and I've been driving her all over the place so that keeps me busy. And although business is slower this year for Randy, he's busy too. And things are picking up so that's nice.

Other than that, we've just been hanging around the pool, having friends from out of town visit, and pretty much just enjoying summer!

Hope summer is just as much fun for you!

See you in Cali!

Letting Go

2009-06-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

I just had a conversation with my daughter Megan about letting go of childhood and embracing adulthood. I never realized that there is this possibility of teenagers actually not wanting to get older. It was a new revelation! It wasn't until I was already an adult and trying to survive in the big, bad world that I realized I missed childhood and all of the things that that represented, like spending time with my parents. It was sweet and heartbreaking to hear her talk about letting go.

She's 16 now and just received her driver's license and naturally wants a car to experience this new found freedom. The only problem is, she has to work for it. Her dad suggested selling her dirt bike to help pay for "freedom" but she didn't like that idea. Even though the bike is too small for her and her dad was selling his anyway and, even though they only do it about once a year, it represented a piece of her childhood that she's not ready to let go of.

This was the last activity that she and her dad had together and she didn't want to lose it. She was afraid that they wouldn't have anything else to share together and that would be it. Most teens wouldn't have blinked an eye if there was a way to get even one step closer to having their own car. At the same time, most parents would LOVE to know that their teenagers actually like spending time with them. And although Megan really wants her own car, the thought of not having this with her dad, I believe, scared her.

She and her dad will always be close. I believe that if she told him how she really felt, he'd understand and find another way to spend that precious time with her. Plus, I explained that she'll have the opportunity to create this same type of relationship and memories with her own children by doing with them the things she loved to do as a child.

I'm really proud of and admire her for recognizing what she was feeling and hopefully I helped her in some small way to let go a little of her childhood and start embracing the inevitable...adulthood. It's a slow, painful process but one we all have to face and hopefully, with the help of family and friends, she'll face it with strength, love and dignity.

Our Time in Texas

2009-05-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

San Antonio, Texas is a great city. With an abundance of old west architecture, mission row, The Riverwalk and it's outlying countryside, it definitely has a lot to offer the first time tourist. Randy and I had a wonderful week relaxing, taking in the sights and celebrating our 10th year together!

Texas also has some of the best food and the nicest people in the U.S. Everywhere we went, we made friends and I think between the two of us, we gained enough weight to equal the amount of time we've been married! But it was worth every bite!

We really enjoyed ourselves and in the quaint town of Fredericksburg, we came across this sign in a storefront window that pretty much describes our trip to Texas and our new motto in life!

We really loved the German town of Fredericksburg. Only about 30 years ago, if you didn't speak German, the townspeople would not help you or sell you anything. That's how deep the German culture ran. But the need to survive surpassed the need to retain a cultural "island" and they let go of their rigid expectations. But the town has maintained it's uniqueness and beauty and it was one of the best days spent on our trip! By the way, you're allowed to drink outside of the pubs and restaurants. Needless to say, Randy was a happy camper and so was I! Who wants to sit in a dark pub when the sun was shining and there's shopping to be done!

This was our last day and we visited the Marketplace where one Mexican-American family built an empire starting with a little restaurant counter. This soon became Mi Tierra, the best Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio, or so they say. We had to try it for ourselves and we weren't disappointed. Across from the restaurant/bakery was this neat Mariachi Bar, complete with the painted brick wall that used to be a billboard for cigars.

Our neighbor, George Southern, is a San Antonio native and he gave us many suggestions on what to do while we were there. The best one was driving an hour out of town to visit his daughter's restaurant "Rails". We thought it would be cool to meet her and tell her we're friends with her father but unfortunately, she had left early. However, even after only eating an hour before, we decided to have a light lunch there because the food sounded so good and the service was outstanding! Again, we were not disappointed! The food was out of this world and the restaurant really has a nice, relaxing feel to it. We sat out on the patio and afterwards, toured the inside since it used to be an old train depot and has a really rich history to it. Ironically, Southern Railroad used to run by this station and so it's befitting that a "Southern" owns it!

In downtown San Antonio, the place to be is the Riverwalk. With every restaurant imaginable, a beautiful park-like setting and happy people everywhere, this IS the place to be on a warm summer night. Another place where you can take your drinks with you! We enjoyed the gondola ride and learning about the grassroots history of this fine city!

Of course there's the Alamo. It isn't as big as you think but it's BIG on history and learning of the history and the battles that this little mission endured, is a wonderful experience. Our hotel was right next door and across from that was a federal building that was haunted because it sat on the ground where the most lives were taken in battle. And another thing that was interesting to find out was that because it's a national monument, nothing can be built around it that would cast a shadow on it. So all of the city that has been built around this mission is either low to the ground or faces away from the monument so as not to cast a shadow on it.

Let's not forget that prior to our wonderful anniversary trip, I had to attend a conference, which was great by the way! At our hotel, which had a country-western theme of course, there was the long bar for those evenings after the conference when all you wanted to do was listen to the juke box and drink a cold one! This was the place to be!

Well, that was our trip to Texas. We had a great time and would like to go back someday. I think Randy wants to be a cowboy and move there! We didn't find a real country bar with cowboys dancing around but I did get to wear my boots so I was happy! We did however find some good BBQ, great Mexican food, wonderful cuisine, and some very lovely people!

Thanks Texas! Y'all got big hearts!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today is Mother's Day and we've celebrated it somewhat quietly. We're also trying to get ready for our trip but even with all the work that needs to be done, my wonderful husband took time out of his busy schedule to take portraits of Kaylee and I.

The picture you see here is not a part of that session, but I thought I'd throw it in to give you something to look at until the real thing is ready. It was a very nice surprise and something I'll cherish always. He also gave the two of us (Kaylee and I) pedicures. So my Mother's Day has been VERY nice!

Now we're busy packing, charging our iPods and getting everything ready for a week away.

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers in my life! Aunt Mary, Aunt Towana, Sandy, Karen, Lee, Gloria, Brenda, and Thao. All of you have made a difference in my life and I love you very much.

And a special thank you to my three daughters who make being a mom easy and VERY rewarding. I love you girls soooo much!

Thank you my love for making this and every day special and wonderful because you and our daughters are in it! I love you all ways!

T

San Antonio, TX here we come!

2009-05-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

Got my shit kickers ready to go. Yes, I have black cowboy boots that are very well worn, thank you very much! Worn out from dancing in them, not kicking anyone's ass! Although, I'm not above kicking ass in my boots!

Texas, here we come! As much as I claim to be a cowgirl, I've never spent any time in REAL cowboy country. I've been through Texas many times on my way to various destinations and once; a long, long time ago, I almost moved to Dallas. But for the first time in my life, I'm going to Texas for real!

This year Randy and I are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. Coincidentally I had to go to a business conference in San Antonio, TX, the week before our anniversary. And since TX is a place neither of us has ever visited, Randy decided to go and we extended the stay a few days to make an anniversary trip out of it. Now we're both so excited because we are making some awesome deals and it's turning out to be a very luxurious vacation!

Our first three days will be at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort which is where the conference takes place. Then, we will move to the Emily Morgan Hotel on the Riverwalk. Some BBQ, a REAL cowboy bar, The Alamo and other missions, and our country-western trip will be complete!

During the conference, Randy will be able to explore the city and take photographs for himself! And in the evenings and the days following the conference, it will be all about us! We are both so very excited about the possibilities! From the information we've received from fellow photographers in Texas and the web, San Antonio looks like a great destination so we are REALLY looking forward to this trip. Just the two of us!
Oh yeah, and it's HOT there!!! Man, what a great week it will be!!!

Have boots, will travel!

Summer!

2009-04-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I love summer. Just follow me on Facebook or read the past 4 years of blogposts, and you will know just how much. There's always lots going on with the Kepples in the summertime. The girls usually arrive by the end of June, there's the annual Prutch 4th of July barbeque, and of course our family vacation!! Plus, all of our birthdays are in summer (except for Randy's) and this year, we're celebrating some big ones! Kara will be 18, Megan 16 AND, Kara graduates from high school this year!

For the past few years, our family vacations usually consisted of a week at the Oregon Coast. Last summer we were able to do something different because the opportunity presented itself! Our trip to Florida and the Bahamas was a very memorable trip for the girls and I but Dad was not able to join us. I thought it was the last vacation where all three girls would be together but it looks like we'll get one more chance and this year and Randy will be able to join the fun!

Kara is off to Western Washington University this Fall and we're hoping she'll take some time off to spend with friends and family. Megan has to go to summer school which means she won't be able to spend her usual six weeks with us so we're going to bring vacation to her and spend a couple of weeks in So Cal. I spend so much time down there during the school year that it never really feels like "time off". But this time, it actually WILL be a vacation!

Kaylee is turning 11 so we thought it would be fun to take her to Disneyland for her birthday! Everyone gets in FREE on their birthday in '09! Then we're planning on renting a beach house and spending time on the warm beaches of Cali. Maybe a quick drive to Vegas to visit my aunt, a day in Napa Valley and then home! I'm so excited!! It makes me giddy to be planning this upcoming trip!

For even more excitement, we're hoping Randy's dad, Roger and his wife will join us at the beach and have a mini-family reunion with my dad, brother, and possibly some other extended family members! The countdown is on! I don't even think the thought of more rain between now and then can get me down! I know for certain my summer will be filled with sunshine, fun and family and I can't wait!

And, in the meantime, Randy and I will be traveling to San Antonio, TX for our 10-year wedding anniversary. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to spend a few days away and, even though I have to attend a conference while there, most of the expenses are paid for by my work! Not a bad deal, if you ask me!

So, on this unusually hot day in Washington, as I sit in the warmth of the sun at Starbucks drinking my Venti iced-tea, I am happy. I am excited. And I am anticipating the months ahead!

Ecco un meraviglioso estate!

BoomBox at ADX Competition Saturday, March 21, 2009

2009-03-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Dreams

2009-03-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

We all have dreams. Some we realize, some we let go of or change and others we keep in the back of our minds for the future...hopefully.

And we're always hearing that if you have a dream, you should never give up on it! Anything is possible if you keep believing! That philosophy sounds good until you try to fulfill a dream and fail. This is a hard lesson to learn at any age but especially when you're a kid.

My 10-year-old daughter has dreams of being an artist. She loves art. All kinds of art: dance, drawing, music, theater. And, by chance or by fate, we ended up living in a school district where there was a public school that focused on the arts. We couldn't wait for her to get through her elementary school years so she could start to fulfill her artistic dreams. She'd worked toward this dream for the past three years. And all her teachers, friends, art and dance instructors told her she was perfect for this school so she never thought for a second that she wouldn't make it. All she had to do was complete an interview and have an interest in the arts. Done! No problem.

But by chance or by fate, she did not get in. And the question we keep asking ourselves is WHY?? We may never know but that's the least of our problems. The bigger question is how do you keep the dream alive and continue to build up confidence in a 10-year-old when it's just been shot to hell by people that have no clue who she is, how talented she is, how much she loves art, and as someone who really wanted this?! She thought she had given them the information they needed in the 10 minutes they gave her, but apparently not!

Now we have to go to plan B, which we kind of had in the back of our minds, but now that reality has hit, it just doesn't sound good anymore. We are all depressed. Especially Kaylee.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. I know this to be true because in my own life, things haven't always turned out as I planned but worked out for the best anyway. And I will use this experience to teach my daughter this lesson. But it's still hard to watch your kid's heart break. It's hard to see your friends get something that you wanted really bad. And it's hard to accept that maybe, just maybe it's right, just not right now. So be patient!

There's always light at the end of the tunnel and she sees a glimmer but it's going to take a while before she puts this behind her and lets go of the dream...for now. There's always next year!

The one great thing that has come out of this is that Kaylee now sees who is there for her and who isn't. She knows she has love and support from her family, from friends, and from those people in her life who have inspired her to be artistic in the first place!

She'll be okay. But the moral of this story is that life sucks and then you die!!

Just kidding! It is to never give up! You will never be sorry for persevering!

BoomBox 2009!

2009-03-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

Kaylee started her new competitive dance team in September and they've been working hard ever since! This was their first performance this season. It was at KidFest '09 in Portland, OR. Stay tuned for competition results coming up in March, April and May. Do you think they're ready?? Kaylee is the blonde in the orange scarf. She start out on the left and there are moments when you can't see her but there will be better videos later!

Randy and Tammy

2009-02-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

After being home two weeks from one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, it's hard to get back into the routine. I just want to hang out on the beach with my husband sipping margaritas and eating chips and salsa.

I knew, before we left, that this trip was much needed and well-deserved. Especially since, as a couple, we rarely get the opportunity to take this much time for ourselves. It truly was a gift!

I loved connecting with Randy without the distraction of phones, email, chores, and kids. We could devote all of our attention on each other, AND we have photos! Photos of the two of us! That, in and of itself, is a miracle!!

I'd like to go back to that week but instead will make more of an effort to make those moments happen more often here at home. This was such a huge treat for both of us and the memories will last a lifetime!

Playa del Carmen

Getting ready for dinner. Self-portrait of a very good-looking couple!

lunch at La Palapa.

Leaving Denver airport (which was 7 degrees), sooo happy and excited!

WOW!

2009-02-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

There is sooo much going on in our life, it just never stops or slows down! And these days, there are so many ways to keep friends and family apprised of what's going in our life. There's Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blogging, and if you're really lucky, you might actually receive a personalized email!

And since I'm the least geeky person on the earth, I sure do spend a lot of time posting my life online that I can't even keep up with my own geekiness!

I'm seriously thinking of moving my blog to Facebook which is where I spend a lot of my time keeping friends and family updated. There are over 150 people that I'm friends with and it just seems like consolidating makes more sense then repeating the same thing over 3 different online sites.

So, for those of you who read my blog regularly, check out Facebook and see if this is something you wouldn't mind joining in order to get caught up on The Kepples. If not, let me know. Comments are CERTAINLY appreciated and needed if you don't want me to stop blogging.

If you're interested in seeing pics of our trip, let me know. I'll send you a link to the gallery. Fun stuff! But again, I don't want to keep posting the same things over and over again.

Looking forward to hearing from you my friends!

Viva la Mexico! A message to our friends and family.

2009-01-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

We are on the final countdown to Cancun and needless to say we’re acting like little kids; we can’t wait for this adventure!!! I think we've decided that we don't have to sleep at all while we're there! We're just going to have fun 24/7!

I've made all the necessary plans for this trip and Kaylee's week but there's always the unknown that we cannot plan for. Nobody knows what God’s plan for us is and I can say with 100% certainty that I especially don’t! We make plans and God just laughs, right? All we can do is pray! My request is that you pray for safe travels for Randy and I and that Kaylee has a safe, fun week with Ashley, her sitter! She's a little nervous about us both leaving as am I for leaving her.

When we return, we'll have LOTS of photos (Randy's bringing the big boy camera as well as our point and shoot), lots of stories and hopefully a KILLER tan! So look for us in two weeks! Until then:

Adios Amigos!

Welcome Home Randy!

2009-01-14T22:39:00.000-08:00

My husband has been gone for the past 4 days and will be home tomorrow. I miss him. It's very quiet in our house when he's not here. If the tables were turned, he'd relish the opportunity for peace and quiet so that he can get more work done. But for me, it's too quiet. I realize when he's gone that there's not a whole lot of talking going on. Kaylee and I talk but we're also busy getting ready for this errand or that that it just seems like business as usual.

But being without him is hardest at night. The one thing we love to do after a day's work is relax and watch a movie. I haven't watched any this week because I don't want to without him. I'm looking forward to sitting with him on the couch, snuggling up to him and watching a movie together. I'm very excited to have him home again.

The best part of his return (other than a few other things I won't mention) is that we get to go on a date Saturday night and then in one week, we're traveling to Cancun! A well-deserved trip that we desperately NEED!

So welcome home sweetheart. You were missed by both Kaylee and I and we're REALLY glad to have you back!!

With Love in All Ways!
Tammy & Kaylee

17 more days!

2009-01-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

Only 17 more days until we leave for Cancun! I'm soooo excited! Today I bought a new bathing suit for the occasion. It's weird buying a bathing suit in January.

I overheard one of the salesgirls ask her friend, who was also trying on clothes, if she was trying on swim suits. Her friend said "no" and the girl was like, "good, because I would've had to make fun of you." I was hoping she wouldn't make fun of me for buying a bathing suit but I'd just have to tell her why I was buying one in January. I have no problem bragging to the whole world that we're going to Cancun!!

Lots to do before we leave. Buy more clothes, get a pedicure, get a haircut, and oh yeah, get a tan. That's always challenging during winter in the Northwest. Thank goodness for tanning beds and spray on tans!

I can't wait to post pictures of the trip so stay tuned!

Adios Amigos!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas behind us and a brand new year ahead! We had a great break this year with the girls, thanks to the weather! Being snowed in those first few days gave us the opportunity to really spend time together as a family. There was no hustle and bustle because it wouldn't have mattered. The chance to slow down and just appreciate being together was the best Christmas present EVER! It really gave me a chance to put a lot into perspective.

I know this year will be filled with its worries and such but I also know it will be better than last. Many positive changes are already happening in our family so I'm very excited and hopeful for the coming year! Our blessings are abundant!

Happy New Year to all of you, my loyal readers. I hope you have a blessed year filled with prosperity, love and happiness! But don't forget your part in that too!

And thank you to my friends and family for loving, supporting and praying for me and my family! You obviously have some power!

Love to you all! Hope you enjoy the family photos of our Christmas break!

Randy and Kara at Christmas Dinner with the Prutches!

Kep of KepPrutch!

Megan and Kaylee anxiously awaiting dinner!

Kara, Kaylee and I leaving for dinner on Christmas day.

Christmas morning, waiting for Dad so they can open presents!!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm sitting at home on New Year's Eve, 3 hours and 35 minutes away from a new year and a new beginning, but that's okay! I have my favorite people here with me (sans Kara) and we're just having fun listening to music, baking brownies, drinking champagne (sparkling apple cider for the girls), and snacking!

I just wanted to wish you all a VERY Happy New Year! May your 2009 be filled with peace, joy, love, happiness and wealth!!!! That's what I wish for us as well :-)

We are starting this year off right with a trip to Cancun. Check out where we're staying, The Royal Resorts villas. I'm thinking one week here will NOT be enough but it'll do! This is the first get-a-way Randy and I have taken in the 12 years of being together without the girls. It's our honeymoon/10-year anniversary trip! I'm REALLY looking forward to it! More to come about that!

Well, it's always an adventure for us when we start the new year, so here's to resolutions, vacations, peace, love and happiness!

Happy New Year!

adios '08!

White Christmas 2008!

2008-12-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

These pictures are Randy's that I took from his Facebook but we're all family so it should be okay. Right dear? ha.ha.

I just wanted to show my loyal reading fans what I was talking about when I said it was snowing! It's been snowing for the past 5 days! A record for this area. We haven't seen levels of snow like this since 1968!

Anyway, we've had fun playing in it, walking around in it, throwing it, and watching it continually to fall. This is the first time since we moved here that we'll actually have a white Christmas. And that's cool but we are all ready for it to go away. Especially the girls. When it confines you to the house, it can get old VERY fast.

So I hope you enjoy the photos and our adventures in the snow!

Kara and Kaylee playing in the snow!

Sledding time!

The girls.

Here we go!!!!

"It's cold!"

Randy and I cuddling in the snow!

Megan thought it would be funny to shove snow in her face. Now she has frosty eyelashes!

Randy and the girls.

Daddy and Kara.

Our family!

Kaylee thought she'd shovel some snow off the driveway but gave up on the idea after a couple of scoops!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Snow Day!

2008-12-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

After a week of the news threatening a "major winter storm", it finally hit last night! Thankfully after Megan arrived from California! Now all three girls are braving the cold wind and falling snow as they sled down the hill at Kaylee's school. It took about an hour to bundle them up in all the protective gear! I thought they'd be back by now but they're still out there having a good time.

We tried to go to the mall earlier today but after sliding around so much only a few blocks away from our house, we decided not to be "those stupid people" who drive around in the snow with no studded tires or chains and play bumper cars in the snow. I didn't feel like being on the 5 o'clock news. So we turned around and went to plan B: gingerbread houses and sledding. Now they're back and it's time for hot cocoa.

I hope the snow stops enough for us to finish our shopping before Christmas but lingers around long enough to make it a white Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone. Hope you're with those you love and enjoying this holiday as much as we are!!!

The weather outside is frightful!

2008-12-15T12:20:00.000-08:00

Burrrrrr...it's REALLY cold here!

We got some snow this weekend and temps aren't going to get past 30 this week! And the East winds are horrible!!!

Arizona and Mexico are sounding really good at this point!

Well, on the upside, we might have a white Christmas!! The girls would love that!

Hope your holidays are warm and cozy! Geez, I hope MY holidays are warm and cozy!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is coming!

2008-12-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

And I'm ready! I couldn't say that last week but this weekend I decided to stop whining about it and start doing productive Christmassy things. So over the weekend Kaylee and I decorated the tree and living room, I finished up my Christmas shopping, and I wrote our Kepple newsletter (no cards this year to save time/money). Now I'm feeling pretty good because I can relax and enjoy the rest of the month.

Next Friday we have our annual Prutch Christmas party to attend, Megan's flying in early that day and Kaylee has a small performance before the party. This weekend, Randy has a wedding I'm helping him with, another party, and a day at the salon! So I'm feeling very accomplished at the moment.

Now that the Grinch is gone from my Christmas spirit, I'm going to focus on making this a great Christmas with our girls since it may be our last for a while. Next year Kara gets to choose for herself who she spends her Christmas with and who knows, she may travel the world instead, and Megan will be with her dad. I'm really looking forward to the two weeks I have off to really enjoy my family. Even Randy will be able to participate in our family antics because he is all caught up and has very little work that NEEDS to be done. This will be the first Christmas where he hasn't had to sacrifice family for work. It's going to be a great time!

Hope your holidays are happy!

Getting Some Holiday Spirit

2008-12-02T18:16:00.001-08:00

Kaylee's been teaching us some cool dance moves. Hope you like the results!!

Ha.ha. This is about as festive and involved as Randy gets at Christmas time so enjoy the fruits of his labor! ha.ha.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Leaving the nest...

2008-11-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

I really hadn't thought about this concept until recently when I had to face this truth: Our girls are growing up. And not so much Kaylee, I still have a 8 good years with her. But Kara and Megan are getting older and the older they get, the less we see of them. And, in six months, Kara starts her adult life so I know and have to accept that we'll see very little of her for a few years. But I never thought it would happen this soon with Megan.

Megan is only a sophomore in high school and I didn't really think that her high school career would interfere with my custodial time (breaks and summer). I thought I had two more years before I had to worry about how little I would see her. But now I'm faced with the cold, hard facts: I'm losing both of my girls at the same time! I am NOT happy nor ready for this!

It's one thing to accept this fact and quite another to HAVE to accept it knowing that it doesn't have to be this way! Why, you ask? Well, with Kara, she turns 18 in six months. She's graduating from high school, her life is her own now and it's up to her to decide where she wants to spend her free time. Of course we hope she'll WANT to spend time with us vs. the "court appointed" time we'd been given these past 10 years. But we've had time to deal with that. Megan, however, is another story.

She lives in CA with her dad and since we moved up here, he's never been generous or courteous with my custodial time. It's always been a fight and usually the fights come down to days and even hours with her. But now there's a new glitch in our parenting plan: Megan's life. She does have one, even at the ripe young age of 15. She's learning how to drive, doing water polo, involved in her church, and taking summer school. Plus she has two families that want to spend time with her. The problem is her family in CA couldn't care less how much time she has with her mom and now that I've been asked to give up my custodial time with her because of summer school, we're still fighting over how much time we have with what is left over. Of course I don't think that's very fair to me; the parent that hardly sees her child. But of course, whose fault is that? Mine, according to some.

Anyway, I realize that this is just the beginning of what's ahead for me. I'm not there in my daughter's life and the older she gets, the time that the courts appointed to me will diminish. Not because she or I want it that way, but because that's the way it is. She can't stop her life because of me and I wouldn't want her to. But that doesn't make it any easier to let her go. I don't want to let go. I want her to be here. I want to be with her. I don't want to spend less time with her than I already do!

I'm prematurely dealing with "empty nest syndrome".

I'm very proud of both Kara and Megan. I know they have good heads on their shoulders and I know they love us very much! What bothers me the most is that we didn't get the time that we really wanted to have with them. We tried. God knows we tried. But for reasons that would take forever to list, we fell short.

So I'm sure that what I'm feeling here is a lot more than just loss. It's guilt, fear, pain, sorrow and loss! A whole bouquet of fun feelings!!! They are emotions that I could neither explain nor justify to anyone who has never been in my shoes but they are real and they are emotions I'm just going to have to deal with.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T17:24:00.001-08:00

I know it's early but we have a fun-filled, jam-packed week ahead of us so I probably won't be blogging for a few days!

Vacation starts tomorrow and I'm really happy to have a few days off to just chill, watch movies until I can't keep my eyes open, and sleep in!! Oh yeah, and work on a science project with Kaylee...yay me!

Up until yesterday, I wasn't very excited about Thanksgiving. Then Randy made reservations at Jake's Grill. The menu is to die for! Once I found this out, I couldn't wait for turkey day! We're going to have a small, intimate, fine dining experience and since I don't have to cook, clean or worry about storing (and eating) leftovers, I can relax and enjoy the company of my family and our friend James! And then we'll go see a movie; maybe Transporter 3 with Jason Statham. Sounds like a good day to me!

After that, it's Christmas shopping time. It's going to be a great week!

Happy Thanksgiving! May your life be blessed with peace, love and happiness!

T

Sunday

2008-11-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything for a while...how boring. Life in the Kepple house has been busy, to say the least. No time for frivolous activities like blogging. Between keeping up with laundry, cleaning, cooking, and work, school, and dance, there's not enough time in the day to do much else. So I thought I'd throw something up really quick before I continue on with my day.

This week marks a very important event in our household. One that doesn't happen that often. Randy has completed all of his "work" and can now concentrate his attentions on projects of his liking. As well as start going back to the gym and spending more time with us! We celebrated Friday and Saturday by sharing some alone time together and then going on a date with our friends Amy and JP. It was a nice weekend.

Now it's the countdown to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Arizona and Mexico. And I'm looking forward to all of it! This year we won't have the girls for turkey day so it's just the three of us. We've invited our friend James to join us for an intimate Thanksgiving dinner and perhaps a movie...a Thanksgiving tradition at the Kepple's. Christmas will be nice and possibly our last with all the girls. Kara will be in college next year and who knows what her holiday plans will consist of. Hopefully she'll always make time for her family. We found out Friday night that she was accepted to her college of choice, the University of Oregon. She was so happy and we're happy for her. It's exciting for us as U of O is only two hours south of Vancouver. We may even see her more than we have these past 3 years of high school! I think over Christmas break, we're going to go to Eugene to check out the campus. It's so exciting.

And then after the holidays, we get to look forward to some vacationing away from the cold, wet rain. I'll be traveling with Randy to Arizona for a photography convention and then we're off to Cancun.

I'm hoping 2009 will be a much better year than 2008. It will start out that way and with a new government coming in, there's a lot to be hopeful about.

Well, it's off to finishing chores and getting ready for the day.

Happy Sunday!

Vegas Baby!

2008-11-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

I don't really like Las Vegas for many reasons but mostly because it's too expensive, too crowded, too crazy and not an appropriate place for kids. And, don't ever let the slogan "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" fool you. It's not true.

However, my Aunt Mary lives there and as she is getting older (85 and still kicking!), any opportunity to visit her is one that needs to be taken. Since it's only a 3 1/2 hour drive from Upland, CA to Auntie M's, taking the long weekend to go see her was a no-brainer. Besides, for some unknown reason, my kids love Vegas. They were all set for the excursion!

Day 1: There's a new outdoor mall south of the strip. Lots of great shopping and a very tasty Italian restaurant. For lunch we ate out on the patio at
the Brio Tuscan Grille

Aunt Mary

Megan

Megan and Kaylee

Later that evening, we went Downtown to the Fremont Street experience for some "light" entertainment...ha.ha.

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Vintage Vegas at it's best. Aunt Mary LOVES Vegas. She used to live there in the 50's, when Vegas was the ultimate playground for adults only. She loves telling stories of the Rat Pack, her dancing days and all the greatness of old Vegas. It's fun to hear her stories and listen to her reminisce about the old days. I loved this picture on the wall of one of the casinos. Perfect with a shot of lady Vegas herself in front of it!

What's Vegas without a showgirl? The girls got a kick out of this showgirl standing in front of the casino taking tips just to take your picture with her! Oh well, what's a couple of bucks?

Day 2: The next day we set out along the strip, enjoying the beautiful day and snapping up various photo ops!

Well, that was our trip to Vegas. Good times.

California

2008-11-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

It's November 1st and here in the NW, the weather is right on time. Rain, wind, and cold. But I can accept it now. It's almost winter and summer is officially over PLUS Kaylee and I have just returned from the place where the sun always shines. Cali did not disappoint. It was in the 90's every day and our time there could not have been better! Here are a few pics from the REAL sunshine state.

First stop, In-N-Out!

Kaylee and I couldn't wait to get our hands (I mean mouths) on a cheeseburger! Yummm....

Strawberry shake anyone? I prefer chocolate but I was good didn't have one.

Most of the week, we hung out with Megan and her friends. Thursday after school, I took the girls bowling. This is Melanie, Megan and, of course, Kaylee.

Living in SoCal, you're never very far from a frozen yogurt establishment. Megan turned me onto another new frozen yogurt concept: self-serve! Yogi-O is a yogurt bar where you get to make your own creation from start to finish, weigh it and then pay for it. At only .34 cents an ounce, you can get as little or as much as you can stuff in your mouth or as much as you can afford! A really good deal and a tasty, healthy treat!

So good. Like the Honda commercials say..."Something new to crave!"

Now it's off to Vegas!

Pictures as promised...

2008-10-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

1930's trolley car. The trolleys only cost $1.25 each way and they pretty much span the whole city running east/west and north/south. So much fun!

Just one of the many streets in the French Quarter. It's such a unique place with narrow, brick roads, Spanish architecture, unique shops and GREAT restaurants!

This is the Lower Ninth Ward. To the right of the concrete wall, where all the green is used to be a very large neighborhood. All houses. The wall in the middle of the photo is the levy that broke after the canal flooded and basically washed away the entire neighborhood.

Preservation Jazz Hall. A great place to listen to jazz and that's it. No food or alcohol is served here and anyone can go inside. It's just jazz all the time. Very cool!

The Palace Cafe. A great restaurant on Canal Street. Great atmosphere and great food! What a treat!

Bourbon Street at night. What an experience. This place is crazy on any given Tuesday, I don't even want to know what it's like during Mardi Gras! Definitely not for me but it was fun to see.

Pat O'Brien's, home of the Hurricane. A very potent, very large, mixed alcoholic beverage. I had to have one because my neighbor said so. It wasn't that bad, probably because I ate enough to soak it up! Yummy food here too. I even ventured some and ate fried alligator. And believe it or not, it does taste like chicken. Very yummy!

The famous beignets. OH MY GOSH! I love fried dough with powdered sugar...used to have them when I was a kid but these were even better.

My new friends Colleen and Julie at Cafe Du Monde. This is a 24 hour operation that only serves coffee, milk, hot cocoa and biegnets! Can you imagine? Anytime, day or night, you can get one of these scrumptious doughnuts! I'm glad I don't live there! It's way better than Krispy Kreme!

Stay tuned for more pics of our weekend at Newport, OR and California!

Going home

2008-10-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Although the Great NW is now my home, there are times when I miss California. When summer turns to fall and the warmth of the sun is replaced by the cold, damp rain; that's when I wish I was in CA. In fact today it's supposed to reach 88 degrees in Cali. Whereas here, we might top out at 65. A big difference!

These days, I consider it a blessing when I can do any kind of traveling since everything from gas to airline tickets to food has gone up in price, making it harder and harder to take trips without putting one in debt! But, as luck would have it, I'm able to travel down to my home state and visit Megan, my dad & brother, some aunts and uncles and lots of friends! And I'm really looking forward to it!

It seems I've been going down there every October, at least for the past three years. And every October there seems to be a wildfire or two getting out of control. This year is no different. Because of the Santa Ana winds, most of SoCal has been on fire! These fierce, high powered winds are what brings the warm air in but because of the dry agriculture surrounding SoCal due to lack of rain, it's just a matter of time or the stupid act of idiots that spark a firestorm. I think by the time we (Kaylee and I) arrive, most of these fires will be contained but it's sad and a bit surreal every time we go down there in October and face these (sometimes) natural disasters.

I haven't been down there since February and I'm really looking forward to visiting my old friends from work, my aunt who has been going through chemotherapy these past 6 months, my dad and brother and In-n-Out Hamburgers! I've been watching what I eat and exercising just so I can justify having at least one cheeseburger, fries and their famous chocolate milkshakes! MMMMMM.....

Kaylee is excited too! She hasn't been down since last October and she can't wait to see her peeps! Linda, Grammy, Carmel, Megan's friends: Danielle, Riley and Cindy, Megan of course and Grandpa. She's also looking forward to a cheeseburger or two and some California sunshine!

After we return, it will practically be November and then Christmas! Holy cow, where did the time go? Summer just went by so quickly and now we're already facing a new year with a new President and hopefully some good changes!

It's hard to believe we're here again. It sucks that time passes so quickly. Planning something a year in advance feels like planning ahead for only a month. In two months, Randy and I will be traveling to Az., then Mexico and before you know it, Kara will be graduating, Kaylee will be in middle school and Megan will be a junior in high school.
Ahhhhhh!!! Somebody stop the clocks Please!!!

Well, time is not on my side today either. I've only a few hours to get a week's worth of work done! So off I go!

See you in Cali!

October

2008-10-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess summer is officially over! And that sucks! Last weekend we enjoyed our last nice day. We went to Newport, Oregon and stayed at The Elizabeth Street Inn where we had a fantastic view of the ocean and the weather cooperated quite nicely. It was about 80 degrees, very little wind and no clouds! For the Oregon Coast, this was a treat and pretty much a lucky draw for us because that hardly ever happens!

Anyway, Randy had an engagement shoot on Saturday so Kaylee and I explored the beach and the lighthouse before meeting up with daddy for dinner. Dinner was outstanding. Randy's couple, who live in Newport, recommended LocalOcean and we weren't disappointed! Then back to the hotel to be lulled asleep by the ocean waves hitting the beach...ahhh, tranquility at it's best!

Sunday we got up, ate a light breakfast then headed down to the beach to snap some more photos of our great adventure. Then it was off to Lincoln City to do a little shopping at the Outlet Mall. We all walked away with some pretty cool stuff! Kaylee was very excited when I presented her with a new purse! I scored some major mama points that day!

After shopping, we wanted to find this great restaurant we remembered from a previous coastal trip, The Wildflower Grill. With only our memories to guide us (yikes!), we set on down Hwy 101 and found our charming little cafe! Lunch was yummy and then it was back to reality...the drive home!

I have some great pictures from our little excursion so stay tuned.

But now, I must go...beauty calls and so did my hair stylist saying I can come in early for my hair appointment!

Tonight, a birthday party Randy is photographing and I'm assisting and tomorrow, the Prutch's I believe!

Happy Saturday!

Kaylee

2008-10-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

I guess when you're a photographer's daughter, you simply learn to be at ease in front of the camera. This is true in the case of all our girls but especially Kaylee. She's very photogenic and loves the attention. These are a few pics dad took of her last week while I was in New Orleans and he sent them to me so I wouldn't miss her as much. I still did but I enjoyed the photos!

Always dancing!

Rock Star!

Nawlins' Baby

2008-09-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

What a great city! So much culture, music, art, food and vibrancy! So much human adversity! This truly is one of the greatest American cities and it's a shame that it has been forgotten. People still come here to party and have fun, and I'm sure tourism helps some but if you saw the devastation that still exists and the thousands of displaced families, you would be ashamed! I'm ashamed. The people here don't whine and complain about what they've lost or what they don't have, they rebuild. They move on. But that doesn't mean they've forgotten. They have not forgotten but the rest of the country has forgotten about them!

My time here has been so valuable in so many ways. The conference I attended was incredible. I had the opportunity to meet CEO's of companies that take wellness seriously and who have implemented the most comprehensive, sustainable, successful wellness programs in the United States. I've met so many people in my field that I didn't even know existed! And it was nice to sit with folks and talk about what we do. I don't have that at home because the only person that does what I do is my boss and he's too busy to talk...ha.ha. And, on top of the conference being spectacular, the hotel I'm staying in is top notch and I'm blocks away from the French Quarter, which, let me tell you, is like stepping back in time. It is the most amazing little city I've ever seen! I call it a city because when the French built it, it was surrounded by fortresses that would protect them from "certain" people. It was considered their city. And to have maintained it's authenticity all these hundreds of years is simply incredible. Some of the buildings look like they are about to collapse yet people are running successful businesses and living in them as if they were penthouses in Manhattan. You really have to see it to believe it.

After the conference I was able to take a city tour and look at the major points of interest in New Orleans. One of them was the Lower Ninth Ward where about 40% of the damaging floods took place. Another thing you have to see to believe. It's a very different story that you hear from a native's perspective than what we've been shown or fed these past three years. What used to be a bustling, thriving neighborhood is now just green plots imbedded in overgrown grass. Some people are rebuilding and Brad Pitt and Habitat for Humanity are helping but there were a lot more homes destroyed than any agency or the government could help restore. And that is truly sad.

But it wasn't all depressing. Of course there's the Garden District where the American families lived in their gigantic plantation homes. What a contrast. I will have pictures soon!

Bourbon Street is like Vegas on steroids. Bars open 24/7. Open container so you can walk around town any time of the day and carry your drinks where ever you go! The party people should definitely make New Orleans their hub. The 1920's streetcars are amazing, the architecture is incredible and the history of this city is one we should all know. It's fascinating!

Needless to say I'm having fun in New Orleans! I'm going home tomorrow after one more little city tour. I'm looking forward to going home and seeing my family but wish I'd had a little more time to explore this great place!

I hope I can return someday and experience the magic of it again!

rainy day Sunday

2008-09-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it's really icky here today. Dark and cloudy and some rain!! Hopefully this won't last too long and we'll still have a few more sunny days. The good news is that I'm leaving the cold and rainy Northwest and headed for the warm (and probably rainy) South. Tomorrow I leave for New Orleans. I'm very excited and a little nervous. I've never traveled anywhere by myself where I didn't know anyone! I've traveled by myself but to visit people. So, I'll be out of my element but also challenged to step up and make friends and network with people in my field.

I'm very excited to go to this conference but even more excited to see the city of New Orleans. I've been hearing from so many people how nice the people are, how fun the French Quarter is and how the food is out of this world. I'm probably not the best person to report on that though. I'm not much of a seafood person nor do I like spicy things but I'm willing to try anything once. I do know one thing I'm looking forward to, beignets at Cafe Du Monde! Mmmmm...what could be better than puffy pastries smothered in powdered sugar! So much better than doughnuts!

So, I'm off on a new adventure. Hopefully there will be lots to blog! Stay tuned!

bon au revoir

Sunday musings

2008-09-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, it's Sunday, time to relax!

It's been a hectic week with a couple more to go so I'm taking today to do absolutely nothing outside of the house (except church later). I'll do laundry, blog, clean up, and just hang with Kaylee the rest of the day. Randy is going to Seattle this morning to photograph Kara's senior portraits. She's so excited. She's having her make-up professionally done and he and a friend of his are going to take her to some really cool places for the backdrop of her shoot! I can't wait for the final product!

Needless to say, this next week is a busy one for all of us and then the following week, I'm off to New Orleans for a business conference! That always adds added stress to poor Randy and Kaylee. They both hate when I leave for much of the same reasons. My job as wife and mother never goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Kaylee doesn't want me to leave because, well, she likes everything I do for her. She likes when I take her and pick her up from school. She likes that I take her to dance and watch. She loves when I put her to bed and scratch her back, and whether we like it or not, she needs help with her homework, and that's my job too. She certainly misses all this when I'm gone, but she also forgets how much fun she has with daddy even though he may not do all the things that I do. And, Randy is so busy and behind in his work, my leaving means more duties added to his plate which makes it very stressful. But he also appreciates the one-on-one with Kaylee. So I guess they're both going to have to live four days without me. I know they can do it. It's convincing them that becomes the challenge.

Last night I assisted Randy at a wedding. It was a beautiful setting at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA. The families were so nice that it felt more like we were guests than vendors. We had an opportunity to sit down for a few minutes by ourselves and enjoy the wonderful food that was served. I loved the lodge so much, we're going back there for a weekend get-a-way very soon.

We're gearing up for the 2009 season starting around the 1st of January with a wedding photography conference in Arizona. This year, I will be attending the conference with Randy and while he's in class, I plan on hanging out by the pool, reading, relaxing and drinking! Then at the end of the month, a wedding and then Cancun! 2009 is looking good so far!

But for now, today is my day to relax. So far, I've knocked two things off my list: blogging and laundry...

Happy Sunday!

Cancer. The ugly, scary, vicious monster...

2008-09-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know if any of you watched Stand Up 2 Cancer last Friday but if you didn't, you missed a very important message and opportunity to be a part of the fight against cancer...all cancer.

In my opinion, cancer is a dirty, ugly, scary monster that lives in the deepest, darkest parts of our bodies. One that is ready and willing to come out of hiding, given the right circumstances. One that doesn't discriminate. And, it's a monster that I've been hearing too much about lately.

I guess this is what happens when you get older. The people around you; loved ones, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and yes, even folks you may not have any emotional ties to, are getting cancer. And the reality is, at any point in time, I might be next. You might be next. This thought leads me to wonder why I worry so much about the frivolous, stupid stuff I worry about day in and day out. But how do we enjoy our lives day to day because it is so precious when almost everything around us screams "Give up, it won't last!" It's definitely a paradox!

In my life (which sometimes feels like a short time, sometimes a long time), I've had to deal with this awful disease. I've had distant and close relatives, co-workers and friends have to battle and, for some, succumb to some type of cancer. But when I found out my 40 year-old cousin had it and wasn't expected to survive, that's when it really became my nemesis! You see, my cousin was like a sister to me. I could not have been any closer to any one person than I was to her. And when she passed, it was like a piece of me went missing. So when it hits that close to home, it's devastating.

Then her brother found out a few years later he had it. He just passed this last June. Now one of my favorite aunts is battling breast and lung cancer, my step-daughter's mother is fighting liver and colon cancer, and today I found out my good friend Linda has breast cancer. I HATE cancer!

The reality is, when you look at how many people around you that you know has had it, or is currently fighting it, you realize that the possibilities of you getting some sort of cancer is pretty imminent. And that not only scares me, but pushes me to work even harder at taking care of myself and my family!

I wish there was more I could do, other than donate money, pray for, love, and support those I care about who have or have had this disease. I hope that any person that reads this will do the same: donate money, pray for those you know and even those you don't know, love and support those close to you if they are fighting this monster and take care of yourselves! It's so important. It's so necessary.

I was recently asked the question, "If you could be successful at any job, what would it be?" I said doctor but I'd like to change my answer to "someone who could eradicate cancer from this world." That would make me very happy!

Thank you for listening to me complain about the ugly, scary, vicious monster that lives in all of our closets. He's ready to pounce on us at any moment. What are you going to do to keep him locked up?

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-09-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

I went to work today and my co-workers were like "Why are you working on your birthday?" Normally, I don't work on my birthday but since no major plans were made because it's Wednesday, it's the first day of school, first day of dance (for Kaylee of course), AND I just had a four day weekend, I figured I'd work and just celebrate tonight with my family.

But I thought about it some more (for about two seconds) and decided they were right. So I left work early, had a nice lunch with my friend Linda and Randy (where I was able to enjoy a birthday beer) and came home to eat the box of chocolates Sandy sent me. Well, I didn't eat the whole box and Randy helped but you get the idea.

Now it's off to dropping off Kaylee and then get ready for my date with a very special someone...he.he.he.

So, until tomorrow or Friday or whenever...

Here's to me!!!

September 1, 2008

2008-09-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

September is my favorite month for several reasons. Number one, it happens to be my birthday month. Two, it's when school starts and life kind of gets a fresh start. Three, it's the beginning of Fall but it's still warm and sunny. And four, it's my birthday month!

There are two days until my birthday, two months until Halloween, and three months until Christmas and the new year! YEAH! And even though I experienced some wonderful, memorable moments this past year (thus far), I really can't wait for 2008 to be over. You know how you have those years where you're being challenged every which way you turn? And then there are those years where everything goes smoothly? Well, my year was the former.

I'm pretty ecstatic and satisfied that I've come through this year with just some minor cuts and bruises but I would like a break as we wind down 2008 and head into 2009. And September, for me, represents that downhill trek.

So here's to September...CHEERS!
In italiano

Here' s settembre, ad ACCLAMAZIONI!

Me and my hubby...

2008-08-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

It's not that often that Randy and I have photos taken together. Usually because he is behind the camera when we're together taking portraits of our girls.

On this special occasion, however, we were at a wedding of a client/friend and our friend, Brian Shumaker was the photographer. Mind you, these photos were taken almost a year ago to the date but we're just now getting around to having them. It must be a photographer thing...I don't know, but I was happy to finally receive them since, like I said, photos of us together are very rare.

I think some inside joke was being passed back and forth between Randy and Brian but we were having such a good time. The bride and groom actually wanted Randy to shoot their wedding but he had already booked that date. Lucky for me, it was a short day for him, and I was able to bring him as my date! They were all pleasantly surprised to see him there and he was SO glad that he was able to enjoy the festivities vs. watching everyone else have fun!

Ahhhh...Yummy kisses! 10 years together and still going strong!

Good Times on the cruise!

2008-08-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

I know I keep going on and on about my cruise...you'd think that I didn't have any other exciting things going on in my life...sorry, just tryin' to spread the joy!

On our last night, the cruise director invited all the adults to the lounge to play Qwest. He made sure he told us that it was "adult only", "funnier than hell", and the "most fun we'll ever have". Thao and I were hooked. We had no idea what the Qwest game was all about, nor did we care but we were ready to laugh and have fun. We didn't go to play so much as to just check it out. I video taped practically the whole thing because I couldn't believe the things these people were doing!

This clip was taken toward the end of the night, when the game was almost over. Mind you, each Qwest request that the cruise director yelled out kept getting raunchier so this was about where it ended up! Oh, the things we do for fun!!

By the way, the gentleman I focused on, who was closest to me, was the father of one of the boys our teenage daughters met...doesn't give me hope for the boy...

Here's more...

Hair of the Dog!

2008-08-24T14:33:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday, the beginning of the last week before school starts and we're enjoying the quiet, peaceful afternoon. Kaylee is with a friend and Randy and I are about to go to Happy Hour at McMenamins on the Columbia River. It's partly cloudy so it shouldn't be too crowded today. We enjoyed our Saturday evening with some Mojitos followed by some Hornitos tequila. Needless to say we got a litte sideways but it was so much fun!!! So this afternoon, we need just a little hair of the dog to take us into Monday.

Randy's celebrating getting caught up and I'm just celebrating.

CHEERS!!!

kk dancer

2008-08-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of Kaylee and her award-winning dance team in Florida and here in Vancouver, WA at the Clark County Fair.

They were invited to the fair to open for Corbin Bleu, star of High School Musical (he's the one in black with the wild, crazy hair in the middle)...anyway, that was a pretty exciting moment for these kids. They did an excellent job, as usual!!

Here they are right before competition...so excited!

Here they are with their instructor, Beau Sem; choreographer extraordinaire! This was after they WON Platinum at the International Dance Challenge.

Kaylee and mommy...I'm so proud of our little dancer!

Kaylee, Victoria and Jocelyn. Good job girls!!!

Kaylee, Kara and I the night before competition in Florida.

Kaylee on Cabbage Beach...so happy the dancing part of the trip is over.

Paradise found...

2008-08-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are just a few of the photos the girls and I took on our cruise. There's more to share later but I wanted to get something up for your viewing pleasure. We had an amazing time on our cruise, and Florida had some adventures too. My traveling companion, Thao has more pictures of us to share so when I get those images, I'll put some more up. Hope you enjoy the photos!

F L O R I D A
Some BBQ restaurant in Cocoa Beach, Florida. This was our last night before the cruise...we were pretty darned excited!!

Megan and I as ship was sailing out of Port Canaveral!

Night One, drink one. Here's to summer!

C O C O C A Y
Day two was on Coco Cay. The girls were havin' fun!!!

This guy had us all rolling on the floor with laughter all day long. He had this high pitch, Jamaican accent and all day long he rode his golf cart around Coco Cay singing, "Water, water, beer, beer!" And he wore the funniest hats. This one he made out of a beach towel! It would've been a dull day in paradise without him and, oh yeah, and the rooster too!

Six beautiful ladies enjoying ourselves at the Captain's Dinner.

me e la mia belle ragazze...(Me and my beautiful girls)

N A S S A U, B A H A M A S
Our ship, The Sovereign of the Seas, docked in Nassau, Bahamas.

Sweetness all around...

Beach Beauties...

My new favorite drink and my new nickname, "Bahama Mama!" Oh yeah!

S A I L I N G H O M E
Our last night on the ship, celebrating Kaylee's 10th birthday! If it wasn't for her and her amazing dancing, we would not have taken this trip, so here's to Kaylee!

endless summer

2008-08-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

not quite, but one can always hold out hope.

I miss those endless summers in Cali. When there is no delineation between spring and summer and summer and fall. Winters aren't bad either. But in two days, my summer with Megan does end and I am very sad. Sad that I didn't get to fit a year's worth of girl talk, activity, love, affection, fun and yes, even the mundane in six weeks time. Sad that I know this may be one of the last summers we have all three girls. Sad that I don't even know when the next time I see her will be. With finances the way they are and everyone's life changing at the speed of light, who can predict or even plan such things...I know it will happen, but I just don't know when.

I am glad though that we had a great, memorable vacation for all the girls. And now the next two days will be spent enjoying what time we have left with each other and trying not to cry.

Well, I'd better get to it then...my last two days with Megan are definitely not going to be spent on a stupid computer.

BFN

Back from the Bahamas!

2008-07-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

And oh, what mixed emotions it brings.

To be home is nice. To sleep in my own bed, next to my warm and snugly husband, is pure bliss. But I miss being on vacation. Doing nothing but relax, dance, drink, sunbathe, swim, and occasionally, sleep. No bills (just racking them up), no phone (that was really weird being cut off for so long), no laundry, no work, no domestic duties of any kind! If I were a millionaire, I'd whisk Randy away from this life and semi-retire on Cabbage Beach! He, of course, wouldn't be able to retire, it's too beautiful there; he'd have to take pictures!

The girls and I had a blast. Florida was not all it was cracked up to be though. It rained pretty much every day so it made for some boring afternoons for the two teens, especially when the rest of us were busy with the competition! The competition was great! Kaylee's team and the other two teams from our studio won first place and Kaylee's team was runner up for the most entertaining! It was a fantastic way to end the season! Once we left Orlando for Cocoa Beach, Fl., the trip started looking up! Cocoa Beach is so cool. The water, the sand, the people...it was a shame we could only spend one night there! Then we went cruisin'!

What fun! Each and every one of us had the most amazing vacation. There's so much to do on the ship that we never heard the words "I'm bored" the whole time (which was VERY nice for us moms). The girls want to take a cruise every year now! I'd better look for a second job soon!!! The older ones met a lot of kids during their "disco nights" and Kaylee and Vanessa had fun at Adventure Ocean. Thao, Vanessa's mom, and I relaxed and enjoyed the moments when "mom" was not the constant calling of the day. But on the islands we enjoyed activities together and separately where each of us was very satisfied by the end of the day.

The food was outstanding. Each night we all enjoyed a variety of different cuisines, trying new things and enjoying the abundance of it all! I was even able to convince all the girls to try escargot and surprisingly enough, they liked it! They learned how to fold napkins into different shapes thanks to our wonderful wait staff. They looked forward to the towel animals our room attendant would leave each night. And they really loved formal night. They dressed to the nines and couldn't wait to show off their beauty at the teen disco (pictures soon).

We had the best time and, at the request of my photographer hubby, I took lots of pictures "to tell the story". I even have some hilarious video...You Tube material! Between Kara, Megan, Kaylee, Thao and I, we have enough photos and video for a book, not just a story! Can't wait to show you.

And while I was away, my sweet, loving husband was diligently home working his butt off. He even had time to give my little laptop an overhaul...see Geek Alert on his blog. I wish he could've been with us, it really would have made a perfect family vacation. We missed him a lot but he and I will have our chance to frolic on the beach come January when we go to Cancun! Yeah baby, cervezas & sun in January! Can't wait!!

I will post photos soon, I promise. Until then, I'm back to being domestic goddess instead of beach goddess. At least here at home I am appreciated for my many talents other than just forking out money to "entertain" the kids! Randy and I really missed each other and have a new-found appreciation for our marriage.

Now it's back to reality...

Orlando here we come!

2008-07-14T20:15:00.001-07:00

It's finally here. The final countdown to Florida. Only 11 more hours and we're headed south! The girls and I are so excited. They want to stay up all night so they can sleep on the plane. I won't sleep either way so it doesn't really matter to me.

Our first week will be getting ready for Kaylee's competition. She's so excited! Hopefully her team is ready. We'll be spending the first 5 days hanging out by the pool, maybe some sightseeing, watching some awesome dancing and just relaxing before the cruise! Then the fun really begins!

First stop, Cococay. A private island exclusive to Royal Caribbean passengers where we can snorkel, play on their water slides and various other water toys, layout on the beach and just have some fun!! Then the island of Nassau in the Bahamas!

I hope this is one of the most memorable vacations for the girls and worth all the sacrifices made to make it happen! One thing is for sure...I'm going to enjoy myself! It's been a rough year up to this point so hopefully this trip will turn things around and give me the adjusted attitude that I so desperately need!

Well, you may or may not hear from me in the next two weeks. If you do, it will be a surprise and if you don't, come back for the highlights!

Ciao!!!!

Another Fourth gone by...

2008-07-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well, Amy and I figured out that this was our 7th year together as KepPrutch! We are now in a common law relationship.

This 4th of July was very mellow. We hung out with Amy, JP and kids, lit fireworks all day, drank some, ate lots, and finished the day off with the Firework Grand Finale at the schoolyard (every one's favorite!). It's hard to believe it's been seven years. Kara was only 10 the first year we went to the Prutch's, and now our babies are that age! The one constant in all of this is that we know what we'll be doing every 4th and our whole family loves it! This may be the last one for the older girls though. Who knows what the next few years will be like. Kara will be in college and Megan, miss social butterfly, may just decide to stay in Cali next summer. So, it was great fun and hopefully new memories were made to add to the last six! At least no one caught on fire this year!

The girls and I are on the final countdown! Six more days until we leave for Florida! We are ecstatic! We shopped yesterday for some last minute "must haves" for our wardrobes and this week we'll get all our "primping" done: nails, pedicures, hair, etc...The time has passed so quickly, I can't believe it's here! Part of me wishes it wasn't just because I know it will go by quickly as well, then the girls go home. That's always the hardest part!!!

This week will be a busy one so I'd better stop procrastinating and get back to work!

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

We are preparing for our annual BBQ at our friends' (Amy & JP) house. Every year we usually purchase some type of festive t-shirt for the occasion. This year, we tie-dyed. It was fun. So much so, Randy wants to make more! Who would've thunk it. My husband, t-shirt designer!

It's not going to be that hot today but the sun is out and it's a great day to spend outdoors, drinking margaritas (or straight tequila for Amy and I), eating hamburgers and shooting off fireworks.

I'm off to the grocery store to figure out what our part in this "pot luck" BBQ will be. Nothing like last minute planning. From there, it's party time the rest of the day.

For those of you living in the U.S., Happy 4th of July! For those of you who don't, Happy Friday!

Home, Sweet Home.

2008-07-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Well, we're back from the big Taormina Family reunion. We had so much fun! It was wonderful seeing family members I haven't seen in over 10 years! My baby cousins are now in their 20's and 30's! It's really weird seeing kids you've babysat drinking vino or pregnant! But the most important thing for me was that my girls met this big, loud, wonderful family and hopefully, they will keep in contact with them; especially when the two remaining siblings (Mary & Joe) of the Taormina clan are no longer with us.

It was typical Italian fare at the reunion. Uncle Joe sharing stories of his grandfather and father, cracking jokes about everyone. Aunt Mary interrupting and correcting him and, for the most part, being the butt of his jokes. The two of them had the whole room in stitches over their banter! Oh how I miss those days. The only thing missing was Mom's lasagna or spaghetti, some Italian cookies and of course, mom. She would've had so much fun.

Over the years our individual families have grown apart for various reasons but when we're all together, we forgot about the distance and the time spent apart and for one day, it was like those 10 years never passed.

Of course, Randy got some fantastic footage of the event. Both in video and stills. He had his camera in every one's face! But my family loves him! He could keep up with the best of this Italian crew and believe me, it's not easy! And he really enjoyed my cousins. They got along really well so hopefully we'll stay in better touch now that we've been reunited!

Well, now it's time to prepare for the next vacation! Florida baby! Yeah! The girls and I can't wait. 12 days in the hot sun. I may be tan now, but wait until I get back from the Bahamas! Oh yeah!

Well, it's time to go. I'll try to get some photos of our trip to Cali.

Until then...peace out!

The Gang's All Here!

2008-06-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday we picked Megan up at the airport and our first stop, of course, the mall! Actually we didn't go there for them but to return some clothes for dad but you can't just take two teenagers into a mall and expect them not to look around.

So the girls are together again. Oh, how I missed their door being closed and the giggling that goes on behind it. We were almost immediately shut out as soon as they got home. We did see them at dinner though, that was nice. I missed those two!

Two more days and we're headed off to Vacaville where I hear the temperatures are reaching into the hundreds. I don't mind but I think Randy, Kara and Kaylee will complain. Unless of course it's a "dry" heat! But, ironically, as we are about to leave the NW, the weather is starting to shape up and actually look and feel like summer! Still, a little heat will be nice.

I hope to be able to blog some and write of our adventures this summer. We're gearing up for our cruise which will be a blast. We're all very excited for this summer which may be our last one together. Both Megan and Kara may not come next year because of college and school and extracurricular activities. I don't know what I'm going to do without them. My whole world revolves around their visits.

Well, gotta get back to work.

Happy summer everyone!

Summer is here!

2008-06-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, this week officially kicks off our summer. Kaylee is out of school on Wednesday, Kara will arrive on Sunday, Megan on Monday and then, it all hits the fan! I doubt that I will be blogging much after this week unless I get a moment to myself once in a while, but that's highly unlikely (big smile)! I love it when the girls are here. We have so much fun together and because it's only a short period of time, I like to keep busy the whole time.

As usual, we're not feeling ready for their arrival. It doesn't help that the sun barely decided to poke it's head out of the clouds for a brief period of time which makes it hard to do anything until it does. We like to be fairly caught up with work and house stuff before they get here and, typically, we fall short by a couple of weeks. We're not complaining that the time is here, mind you, we just wish we could get better at being organized and diligent in the weeks prior. So, we'll scramble this week to get it all done and come Monday, we'll have our whole family together again.

The girls are really getting excited about summer. As of today, it's one month until our trip. It's pretty much all we can think about at this point. But before that, we have our family reunion trip first. I'm really looking forward to it. I haven't seen some of my family members in over 9 years so it will be really fantastic catching up with them.

Today is Father's Day and we're all taking it pretty easy. Kaylee made chocolate chip muffins for daddy and I'm taking him out to The Edgefield with the Prutches for beer and cigars. He's actually taking the day off from work.

So, as I write this blog about wanting to get more organized and get things done, I'm looking at a pile of papers I need to file. So I will procrastinate no longer.

Happy Summer!!

Happy Birthday Megan

2008-06-06T18:47:00.001-07:00

The most magnificent experience a woman can have--giving birth, happened to me for the first time on Wednesday June 9, 1993 at 6:35 a.m. A beautiful baby girl and a blessing from God, was born. I named her Megan meaning soft and gentle. And that she is. Since her birth, she's brought so much love, joy, happiness and pride into my life and on Monday she'll turn 15! WOW!

It's so hard to believe. The time really does go by fast. But she's so incredible and each year has been a thrill watching her grow up into the beautiful young woman that she is today. She's smart, super funny, sweet as can be, and believe it or not, she doesn't cause that much trouble. Her dad may disagree at times but we both know she's a pretty delightful girl.

It's hard to watch your kids grow up, especially when they get to this age because you know having to let them go is getting closer and closer. And you never want to let go. I especially feel this way since I don't get to see her on a day to day basis. Her dad might feel differently though (ha.ha. just kidding Megan). But what pride and joy they bring when you see them make good decisions. When you watch how they treat people respectfully. When you're not sure if what you've taught them throughout the years had any impact at all, until they show you that they were listening (or watching).

Parenting is very humbling. You tend to get your bad behaviors thrown back at you as a reminder that, even though you are the adult, you're still human and mistakes can be made by all. Megan has always been one to do that. And I love that about her. I can't ever recall being that way with my parents or anybody for that matter, so it really does my heart good when I see her stand up for herself and hold the mirror up to those around her; reminding them of their misdeeds. I'm proud to say all three of our girls do this. So it does keep us humble.

Megan, you are an extraordinary young lady. I'm so proud to be your mom. I hope you make this year special! Find the adventure and happiness in all your endeavors. Your so close to this destination we call "adulthood". My advice: Don't be in such a hurry to get there. Enjoy the journey.

You are so very loved. Can't wait to see you my love!

Happy Birthday!

Mom

Kaylee's latest performance...enjoy!

2008-06-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 30, Kaylee's team was invited to perform at the Portland Rose Festival on the waterfront! It turned out to be a beautiful day, no rain! This was a new, fun routine the kids just learned. They had so much fun with it and the parents enjoyed the music...a little different from hip hop!

There's no mistaking this little rocker! She's up front and in your face!

Hope you like it!!

May 15, 2005

2008-06-02T13:48:00.001-07:00

I wrote about losing my Aunt on this day a little over three years ago. In May of 2001, I lost my cousin Brenda, Aunt Bonnie's daughter. Since then, this extended family of mine has seen way more death and tragedy than any family should. And the pain continues. Yesterday, we lost my cousin Darrell, Aunt Bonnie's oldest and only son.

Darrell was cool! His love of music extended throughout his whole life. As a teenager he taught himself to play the electric guitar and had dreams of being in a rock band. When his family moved to Oklahoma, he took time to find his way but his dreams never died. He eventually got married, had children and opened up his own music store where he also gave guitar lessons.

After his divorce, Darrell pursued his dream of being in a band and started touring with various bands all across the U.S. He was an awesome guitar player! He met his current wife PJ on one of those tours and they've been inseparable ever since. They settled down a few years ago in Northern California where they opened up a music store again, offering lessons to the locals. Darrell was very well-known in his community for his skills as a guitarist.

Unfortunately for all of us, Darrell was stricken with the same disease that took his father at the age of 32 and his baby sister at the age of 41. Darrell was in his 50's.

Darrell was like my big brother. He and his sisters always took care of me when I was little (and even when I was not so little). He was a devoted son to my Aunt Bonnie and he loved and took care of his sisters too. He had to. He became the man of the house when he was just a young boy. He and his family's life has never been easy, but I saw Darrell as someone who never let setbacks get in his way. He always pushed forward and made his dreams come true. Even if it meant giving things up! He always tried.

Darrell will be EXTREMELY missed. Especially by his wife, PJ. But he also left a lot of devoted, loving family members behind. A sister, three children, four grandchildren, five nieces and nephews, a few uncles (including his favorites: my Dad Stan and his brother Hugh), an aunt and a whole lot of cousins!

Maybe this explains my last post and why, in the midst of a bad economy, soaring gas prices, struggling families trying to make ends meet, we still have to deal with death and dying! It's just not fair! Unfortunately, lately for my family, this topic is coming up way too much. So I hope that you re-read my last post and take it into consideration. Love those around you so much that you never have regrets after they've gone.

I love you Darrell. I know you're in Heaven with Brenda, your dad and mom, and grandma and grandpa having a ball! We'll miss you down here though!

Love,
Tammy

Life is fragile

2008-05-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. -- Gandhiji

We've heard it. We've said it. We've experienced it. But when tragedy strikes and it's close to home, we can't help but rethink how we live.

It's human nature I guess to take our loved ones for granted. We think that they will be there forever. But what if they're not?

For whatever reason, 2008 has been a year when the Universe is screaming at me to WAKE UP! Look at what you have around you! Cherish it! Stop taking life and those people in your life for granted! You don't know how long they will be there!

With so much thrown at us each and every day and the busy lives we lead that distract us from what is truly important, I'd like to encourage you to stop. Take inventory of those people in your life and reach out to them. Tell them how important they are to you. Show them you care. Tell them you love them!

We're not really on this earth that long. Let's make the best of what we're given and NEVER take for granted the blessings of God!

Happy Anniversary Randy

2008-05-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, nine years! It's hard to believe. And, as you've said many times, each day brings us something new.

We found that out this week. All new challenges to face; hopefully those challenges will bring our family closer together.

I know for a fact that we were brought together for good reason and maybe it has taken us this long to finally discover what those reasons are. I know we're each on our own path to healing and I'm looking forward to the journey ahead.

Thank you for loving me. It has been a great ride so far. I've definitely grown these past 10 years being by your side but realize I have a long way to go. Thank you for continuing the journey with me.

Happy Anniversary!

Love always in all ways,
T

"Eternal Commitment"

2008-05-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

This is the inscription written (in Latin) on a ring I bought for my husband on our seventh anniversary. I thought it was appropriate for how I felt then; but even more so now. When I think back to when we met, where we are now and everything in between, I still feel that way but I had no idea how that simple statement would be challenged so much!

In life we are guided by our experiences. We base decisions on what we know, not what we don't know. When I married the first time, I thought divorce was not an option. I thought I knew what commitment was. That was a naive girl thinking she could change her man. Then I met Randy.

In our relationship there were a lot of unknowns. And we took a huge leap of faith that the decision we made to be together was the right one. We were scared but both of us felt we were ready to find out what real commitment was and, as Randy so lovingly told me, "leap, and the net will appear."

The net did appear. We've made a pretty good life for ourselves these past nine years but, like I said, not without challenge. But anything we faced, we did so together and for me, those things just strengthen that commitment. And I can honestly say that I didn't think I had it in me. But you surprise yourself. You realize that you are stronger than you thought. You realize that you are more forgiving than you thought. And you realize that you really are eternally committed.

As we pass this milestone and move on to face the next challenge, I would just like to thank my husband for showing me what "eternal commitment" really means. I know he was brought into my life for many reasons: as a teacher, a mirror, a friend, and lover. And each day that I'm with him, I learn more and more. More about him, about myself and about commitment.

Happy Anniversary my love.

I love you in all ways!

Run your own race...

2008-05-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

A piece of inspiration for those struggling to find their way in this world...

"Let each one examine his own work"

Galatians 6:4

In other words, you take care of you; quit looking at what everybody else is doing and run your own race. If you are the best that you can be, then you can feel good about yourself, regardless of whether you come in first or last.

Follow your own heart in light of God's Word and do what you feel is right and good for you.

Weekend Update

2008-05-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's been fabulous here this weekend!

90 degree temps since Friday. Too hot to do anything but drink, BBQ and relax and that's exactly what we've been doing!

Can't be indoors, it's way too nice outside

Later...

Gotta love Country Music!

2008-05-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

I was filling up my new iPod that Kaylee and Randy gave me for Mother's Day and came across this song! It cracked me up! I love the lyrics! I never really listened to Gretchen Wilson much, except "Here for the Party." She's got some great songs!

I've always loved Country music though. I grew up on it but really fell in love with it in the early 90's when I found out you could dance all by yourself in a line, to this upbeat, fun and very real music! Before I met Randy, and of course had Kaylee, that's all I listened to. In fact, the only reason he listens to it at all is because of me. It's so real & relevant. It says what needs to be said and it always has a mighty fine beat. Music you can dance to AND listen to. You know? Yeah, country music is the best!

"Homewrecker"

Well you're a real hot cookie with a new hairdo
Your high heel boots and your credit card
Long legs and a mini skirt
Yeah you know what works and you work it hard
You smile like such a lady innocent and sweet
You drive the men folk crazy,
But any girl can see
You're just a

Homewrecker

I know what you're doin'
You think you're gonna ruin what I got, But you're not
Yeah you little go getter
I'll teach you a lesson
If you get to messin' with my man
You don't stand a chance
No, you're just a homewrecker

I'm sure you waited for a long, long time
To find a man like mine
But honey you're too late
So before you go and make your move
Maybe me and you should get a few things straight
There's two ways we can do this
I'll let you decide
You can take it somewhere else or we can take it outside you little

homewrecker

Now honey I'm a Christian, But if you keep it up
I'm gonna go to kickin' your pretty little butt
Is that clear enough yeah, you little

homewrecker

Wake Up. Are you listening?

2008-05-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

When you're awake and aware, you realize that you are handed challenges each day to test whatever it is you're trying to change about yourself. There is a message in every moment when you're awake. When you're asleep, you miss the messages and nothing ever changes. You keep doing the same thing over and over again.

There was a time in my life when I was in a deep sleep. When I was married before at the ripe old age of 24, I thought I knew it all. I thought I knew what marriage was and how to make it work. But when challenges arose and I'd try to change things, old patterns & behaviors kept creeping back in and nothing changed. Well, reality bit me in the ass with that slumber, as it usually does, and I woke up! With a lot of soul-searching, praying and most importantly, listening, I awoke to something even more beautiful than I could ever imagine. My relationship with Randy. In this relationship, I vowed to stay awake. And with experience on my side, at least I knew what NOT to do!

That was 10 years ago and, as most of you know, it's been a good ten years! But, even in the best relationships, you can get comfortable, complacent and lazy and can easily fall back into what you think is a safe nap. That's where I found myself recently...back asleep!

But now that I'm awake again I'm very aware of those messages in the moments. But it's not easy. The thing is, it's very easy to let the behaviors and patterns of others run our life, take over our emotions, keep us from growing. We give them power they do not deserve.

I recently compared my daily challenges to Satan. Satan has entered into my life, questioning all that I thought was true, challenging me to give up and give in. But Satan didn't know how strong I was and didn't know how much God loves me because He knows where I've been, how far I've come and He knows that by facing this challenge, making the changes I need to make, just makes me stronger and more powerful than Satan. And, in the end, I will be victorious and come out on top because of my Faith in God and in myself.

So, as the daily challenges come my way, I realize that they are just making me a better person. A better child of God and a better role-model to my own children.

This is my journey. My quiet growth in grace and character. And as I continue this journey with you, my ever-so-faithful readers, it is my hope that you too will wake up and be able to listen to the messages in every moment.

To all my favorite moms...Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

Of all the blessings God has given me, the one I'm most grateful for is being a mother. Not just a mother, but Megan and Kaylee's mother and Kara's bonus mom! These girls are the light of my life and I would do anything for them. They are each wonderful in their own unique way and yet all three of them are smart, loving, kind, beautiful (both on the inside and out) and so much fun to be around. There is absolutely nothing else in this world that I'd rather do than be a mother to these girls.

An old high school friend of mine from Cali sent to me this tribute to mothers and I thought I'd share it with you, my favorite moms in the world. Karen, Lee, Brenda B., Gloria, Debbie T., Aunt T., Aunt M., Jessica, Kim, Linda T., Linda N., Jeanette, Deborah S., Brenda H., Brenda T., Aunt A., LaVonne, Thao, Sandy, Amy P., Amy T., and so many more. Each one of these women have been an inspiration to me or supported me in life and as a mom.

So here's to all moms! Happy Mother's Day!

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in
their arms, wiping up puke laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry
Kool-Aid saying, 'It's okay honey, Mommy's here'.

Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies
who can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work
with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers
in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween
costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And
the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on
their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at
football , hockey or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of
their cars, so that when their kids asked, 'Did you see me, Mom?' they
could say, 'Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world,' and
mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store
and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice
cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead,
but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and
explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who
wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read 'Goodnight, Moon' twice a night for a year.
And then read it again. 'Just one more time.'

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their
shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted
for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their
daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little
voice calls 'Mom?' in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring
are at home -- or even away at college.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach
aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to
get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick
them up. Right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the
words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14
year olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the
mothers of those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of
their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school,
safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful,
and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway?

Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby,
cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son
or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the
very first time?

The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2
A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?

The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to
hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?

Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you
hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for
young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...
And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all. For all of us.
Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them
every day that we love them. And pray.
Please pass along to all the Moms in your life.

'Home is what catches you when you fall. - and we all fall.'

Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely weekend here in the Couve! Computer-free, stress-free and rain-free! Woo Hoo!

We are almost finished with our bathroom remodel! It looks great!

Friday night KeppRutch (The Kepples and the Prutches) went to see IronMan! A Fantastic movie you can't miss, especially on the big screen! Then pizza and Wii (guitar hero) followed at the Prutch's house. It was a fun, relaxing start to a great weekend.

The rest of the weekend we spent finishing up the bathroom and relaxing. The weather cooperated quite nicely so it turned out to be a wonderful weekend.

Today is Cinco de Mayo so I guess it's a good day for tacos & beer! Yum! Is it lunchtime yet?

Later...

May Day!

2008-04-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

May is here. I can't believe it, but it is. Lots going on for us in May, especially this year. Mother's Day of course, more dance competitions for Kaylee and our wedding anniversary is coming up.

I was reading my husband's blog tonight, looking for inspiration and went back to last year around this time. He wrote a beautiful tribute to us, our meeting and our wedding day. Yes, I have to admit that he is a hopeless romantic. One of many reasons why I married him! In his blog, he describes what is the most beautiful and memorable day of my life: Our wedding day. And the wedding night was even more incredible!

A lot has happened to us in this past year; some good, some not so good. But as I read through what Randy wrote and the comments left behind, I realize that there are still some truths that are still holding strong. For me anyway.

He writes about us sharing a lot of life together; boy is this ever true! We've been through a lot these past 10 years (9 years of marriage) and there has never been a year that's been easy. Whether it's dealing with kids, exes, finances, or work, we've always managed to turn to each other for strength and comfort and work through any difficulty we faced. And although this year we're facing our greatest challenge yet, my passion for and commitment to this man has not wavered.

It's when you go through the bad times and come out still standing that you appreciate your partner and this precious thing called love. Some people throw it away when the road gets rough. They throw their hands up and say "I'm done" and just walk away. I've never felt that way in all our years together. I learned what commitment really is by being in this relationship. Not just a commitment to my husband but to our children, and the life we've built. For me, there is nothing more important than my family. And I will fight for them whatever way I can. It's as simple as that! And for the record, my love, NO, I haven't left and have no intentions of doing so.

Although the song Posession is our song and does elicit fond memories of our meeting, our long, late night talks on the phone, our never-ending emails to each other, and our plans to make a life together. The song that really says it all for me is "You're still the one" by Shania Twain.

I remember the first weekend we spent together. We drove my little black Toyota Corolla rental car to Whidbey Island, yes the same island where we were married, and spent two glorious nights in Langley, WA at the most elegant bed & breakfast. We were waiting for the ferry when this song came on the radio. Of course, it had little meaning to us at the time because we were just starting our journey. However, we both knew the road ahead would be a challenging one (and it has been) and hearing that song gave us hope and faith that we would overcome any challenge and be able to say these words to anyone that had their doubts!

Looks like we made it.
Look how far we've come my baby.
We might of took the long way
but we knew we'd get there someday.

They said, I'll bet,
they'll never make it
but just look at us holding on.
We're still together, still going strong....

you're still the one,
still the one I turn to,
the one that I belong to,
the one I kiss goodnight.

So, our great story continues. And even though it's not our anniversary yet, I do plan on celebrating it all month long and it all starts tonight!

Weekend Breakdown

2008-04-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Friday: In-laws arrive, yummy steak dinner and lots of wine.

Saturday: Relax with in-laws, Beautiful, sunny day. Thai food lunch and a movie!

Sunday: Lazy morning, afternoon at McMenamins with the Prutch's, more food & beer, sleepy time.

Unfortunately the visit is too short as always but it was really good to see Dad and his new bride, Jackie.

Now it's back to the routine...work, house, dance, school, work, sleep?!!

More later!

Child labor

2008-04-24T12:08:00.001-07:00

Today is Bring your Child to Work Day and I brought my sidekick, Kaylee, and put her to work. Of course, I'm not setting a good example because I'm blogging and not working. I will...I just think it's cool that she's here with me today.

It's funny when a kid would rather go to work with their parent then go to school. But shes loves hanging out with me no matter where I am so how can I complain? I probably would have been the same way when I was her age.

We've got a great department here and she's off working on stuffing folders or something. I'd better take advantage. Later is lunch at Subway, her favorite.

Well, I'd better get back to my own work.

"A Quiet Growth in Grace and Character"

2008-04-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

More about this later. But I love this quote. This is my path. And I have my husband to thank for putting me on it.

You've been a good teacher my love. I've learned and grown a lot over the years but even moreso in the past month. I'm excited for the future, whatever it brings because I know...I have Faith that it will be wonderful, better.

Thank you for being who you are and for loving me so genuinely & honestly.

With love in all ways,
T

reflection

2008-04-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...what a relaxing day. I love Sundays. Hate Mondays though and wish this day would stretch itself out a little longer.

But, this weekend has been especially nice so I can't complain! We decided not to work on the bathroom all day today for various reasons but that was OK with me. I had to take Kaylee to pick up some things for school, get her haircut, and pick up some groceries and wine for later. We spent all day yesterday on the bathroom project and, as usual, it was challenging, funny, frustrating but rewarding in the end. We capped off the evening with some beer, wine, an excellent dinner, two really good movies and rest!

I guess Randy had enough of the bathroom project for now so he was going to do work stuff but became frustrated and decided to shut down and go blow things up at JP's...don't blame him either! Kaylee is at a friends house So I'm sitting here all by myself reflecting on the day, the week, the month, and the year so far. So much behind us and so much more ahead. And all I can say is "Bring it on" universe, I'm ready!

With each day I'm feeling more and more ready for what is to come. More and more answers come my way and more peace sets in. I read a quote today that really resonates with what I'm struggling with right now and that's getting answers. The answers are not always there and sometimes that's OK; other times, it drives me crazy. However, I'm learning the lessons needed in order to find the answers I'm looking for. Patience and Faith. Qualities I've always strived for but never really mastered. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrew 11:1.

As I reflect on these things I do start to find answers. Not the answers I might be looking for exactly, but answers nonetheless. And I appreciate and accept that. I've got a lot of work ahead of me and as I keep moving forward, I know that more and more will be revealed to me.

Now, it's time to stop reflecting and start working.

Happy Sunday!

TGIF

2008-04-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

Another week come and gone. Another Friday, another weekend. This week was better than the last but still brought with it some challenges. However, with every challenge came a new discovery, a new perspective, and a new sense of calm.

Randy and I are both overwhelmed with work stuff right now in addition to all that is going on here at home and next weekend my father-in-law and his wife are visiting from Missouri. So this weekend will be spent tearing up our bathroom (yes, you heard me) and remodeling it. I know, it sounds crazy, but Randy swears this is the only weekend it will get done. This ought to be fun! Thankfully he knows what he's doing when it comes to stuff like that but that's not to say it will go smoothly...projects like this usually tend to have glitches. I think he's actually looking forward to doing some manual labor and get away from his computer for a couple of days.

Right now Kaylee and I are waiting for our crusin' buddies, Vanessa and her mom Thao to get here so we can hang out and go out to dinner. They are going on the cruise with us this summer. Vanessa and Kaylee have become such good friends this year and she's really one of the sweetest girls we know. Other than Kylie Brooks, Vanessa is K's best friend.

The weather here this weekend is not going to be so nice. They are predicting temps in the low 40's! I wish I was headed south this Spring but no such luck! I'm just going to have to wait until June to get my sun!

Well, I think I'm going to take a little cat nap while I'm waiting for our friends.

Will post this weekend to update you on project bathroom. Can't wait...

Cleaning house

2008-04-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's Spring here in the great Northwest and time to renew. Yesterday's temperatures reached 80! We didn't know what to do, what to think...it was awesome!

But there's something about Spring that makes us want to clean up. Clean up the yard, clean out the house, and even clean up relationships. This year, Spring Cleaning has a whole new meaning for me. I've had to clear out the cobwebs, open up the doors and windows and let the new light shine into my life. It's refreshing and leaves me with a newfound energy...it's kind of like being in a new relationship. You know how that feels? Exciting, nerve-racking, happy...that's how I'm feeling today.

Speaking of cleaning house, Kaylee's dance studio, Groove Nation Dance Academy, cleaned up yesterday!!! There are three performance teams at GN. There's the high school team, the middle school team and K's team who are in elementary school. Here are the scores for all the teams:

Remix (high school): Platinum award. Highest scoring senior group. Highest score overall in the senior division. Most entertaining group. Best choreography (Beau Sem and Marc Roy).

BoomBox (middle school): Platinum award. Highest scoring teen group. Highest score overall in the teen category (BTW-this means that out of any teen group, duo, trio or solo, their scores were the highest). AND highest score overall (meaning any and all entries). These kids really rocked the house!! They also got some specialty awards.

Kontrolled Kaos (elementary): Platinum award. Highest scoring junior group. First place winner in the highest scoring overall in the junior category. Music Video award. Most entertaining.

It was so fun yesterday being a part of this awesome studio where all the teams showed up to support the other teams. We were the loudest in the house and the most proud. Your talking about a competition where there are ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical dancers and we're strictly hip-hop. To be recognized and honored amongst all of these genres is really incredible. Especially since most dance competition judges aren't really familiar or have never judged hip-hop.

So needless to say, we're very proud of Kaylee and the accomplishments she's attained by being in this performance group. It's really cool to see these young kids really shine and show their talents! I almost wish I had video from yesterday instead of the first one because their performance yesterday was definitely sharper, cleaner and more exciting to watch! Don't know why except that the whole studio was there to watch which made us, the audience, REALLY loud in cheering them on. I think that makes a difference to them when they're performing.

Anyway, I'll stop gushing. It's time for me to go clean some more!

Later...

Happy endings...

2008-04-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a good ending to a bad week. Last night I had dinner with my good friend Amy Prutch. Although we didn't really eat much as we were enjoying our drinks a little more, what came out of that dinner was something very incredible. It was really nice for me to take some time for myself and spend it with a friend. I don't do that normally so it was good to finally allow myself some "me" time.

After dinner we went back to the Prutch's where the boys (and Kaylee) were playing games. It was an early night for all of us because Amy and JP have a wedding today, Kaylee has another competition and Randy has his plate full with various projects.

Last night brought out some new revelations about me, about Randy and about our relationship in general. I realize just what an amazing man he is and I've always known it, just took for granted that the love we have for each other could sustain itself. I will never make that mistake again. I'm so glad this week is over and so happy that the bad week I had is behind me and so grateful to have someone in my life who is committed to working through the mud & muck to get to the good stuff again.

Lots of things happening in the next couple of weeks that will keep all of us very busy and we're almost into the month of May. YIKES! I'll report back how Kaylee's team does today at ADX but I'm sure they'll do just as great as they always do! No video though since they're doing the same routine...

Wish us luck!

Watch Kaylee's dance team!

2008-04-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Kaylee is in front most of the time but there's another girl with blond hair so keep your eye on her. Enjoy!

Oh yeah, by the way...

2008-04-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

Kaylee's team WON Platinum at their dance competition! They will be competing in Florida this summer. We are all so excited and proud of our little dancer.

Video will be posted soon of their winning performance. BTW, we told her that her team just needed to win Gold in order to compete in Florida so when they announced that the team had won Platinum, Kaylee didn't think they were going. Everyone else was jumping up and down, excited and Kaylee looked at me with her big, beautiful brown eyes sadly saying "Mom, we're not going to Florida". When I told her Platinum was better than Gold, she was so happy. Poor thing, she couldn't even enjoy the fruits of her labor until an hour or so AFTER she won! It was adorable though.

She has several more competitions in the upcoming months but this was the big one that her teacher was worried about but we're glad it's done and now they can focus on winning in Orlando!

in the Meantime...

2008-04-04T23:08:00.001-07:00

Randy and I are reading an incredible book right now about finding yourself and the love you want.

In life and in love, we have to deal with a lot of crap. If we don't deal with it, it festers and builds until that thing that we keep pushing down or away blows up in our face. I know this because it's happened to me, more than once. The good news is, I've learned from all of my experiences in life and want to continue this growth and learning so that I can be a better person, a better mom, and a better wife. Thankfully I'm married to a man who is willing to experience this growth and learning process along with me.

I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling right now in their relationships; whether it's the relationship you have with yourself or another person.

Every paragraph of this book speaks to me. It's like a mirror has been held up to show me the things that I've done to myself that have caused me pain and suffering in my relationships both past and present. I thought I had learned all that I needed to know from my past relationships but apparently that's not the case...I'm still learning and growing and, hopefully, teaching. The next two paragraphs were taken from "In the Meantime" Finding Yourself and the Love You Want by Iyanla Vanzant

People cannot fulfill your needs. They may want to, they may try to. They may convince you that they can, but they cannot. What people can do for one another is make the need seem less urgent. We distract one another so that we forget, temporarily, what we need. We help one another replace a pressing need with something else. In the meantime, the need does not disappear. It dissipates.

We enter relationships looking for love, expecting someone to love us or accept us lovingly. In some unfortunate situations, we can want love or acceptance so badly that we will do almost anything to get it. We break love's rules. We disregard love's house. We forget to set love boundaries. We allow people to step in, be in, move in, live in our lives in ways that have nothing to do with love. Even when we have boundaries or standards clearly defining what we will do, how we will do it in the name of love, and what we expect in return, there never seems to be enough love to fill the void we have all, at one time or another, felt in our hearts. When we believe we do not have enough love in our lives, we enter the meantime. What we fail to understand is that we are the love we seek. Until, however, we can recognize ourselves as love and live in harmony with our true identity, the void grows deeper, wider, and more painful.

I've been on this personal journey for a while now but my path and the work I need to do to get there has become clearer to me in the past three weeks. I'm grateful for the process that I have been going through and will continue to go through in order to find the love I want. I'm not saying it's going to be easy...work like this never is, but the outcome of it will bring many rewards; as it already has!

If you can relate to any of this, I wish you the best of luck in your own journey in finding yourself and the love you want and in the meantime...go buy the book.

Looking yourself in the mirror

2008-03-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

Can you?

Randy and I have often had conversations around this. Especially since he and I have been through so much together. We've had to deal with a lot of shit in our life and it seems to never end. But at the end of the day, it comes down to one thing: Can you look yourself in the mirror, knowing you did the right thing today?

I'm really proud to say that I can.

I'm very grateful that I have been blessed with a wise, loving husband and the most beautiful children on the face of the earth. We've really built a home filled with love and I know our girls appreciate it. It's not perfect, by any means, but the one thing we've tried to do for ourselves and for them is "the right thing".

Someone on the outside looking in may not understand this but that's just too bad. It's not about the outside world. If it were, I'm sure we'd all get caught up in it and NOT be able to look ourselves in the mirror.

I heard someone on the radio today say that if you do the right thing, good things will happen to you. Simple enough. I will continue to do the right thing for Myself, My children and My husband, and ignore the outside world.

Take a look in the mirror, what do you see?

3 25 08

2008-03-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

We are a few days from Spring Break and I'm so looking forward to some time off. I have already taken a few days off this week to tend to my family but a few more won't hurt.

Megan will be here on Thursday and we have lots of activities planned. First off is Kaylee's dance competition this Saturday! This competition will determine whether or not her team will go to Florida to compete in finals. We hope they win but regardless of that, we are going on a cruise. If we didn't end up going to the competition, we might just change our plans and take a Mexican cruise vs. a Bahamian cruise. I'm not looking forward to flying from here to Florida after listening to Randy's experience flying across the country this past January.

Megan wants to redecorate her (and Kara's) bedroom. This is a project we've been putting off for a while now. It has been six years since we moved here and painted that room so it's time for a change.

If we finish early, some shopping and movie-going will be nice. I just wish it was more than a week.

I can't believe we're almost into April. One more blink and summer will be here! Kara is off to Italy in one week! We're all so jealous but very excited for her to get to experience a trip abroad at such a young age. She cannot wait to do some serious shopping in Milan. Hope she brings me home something nice (smile).

This week has brought many surprises, many challenges, and many more blessings. The nice thing is is that I LOVE surprises (and these were fantastic!), I THRIVE on a good challenge (and this one's a doozie!), and I welcome the blessings (who wouldn't?)

All of this has made for a less stressful week and a future to look forward to. Randy and I had lunch at our favorite Chinese restaurant today and my fortune said it all: "Patience is the knot that hold the seam of victory". I think I'll frame this one!

Fifteen days later...

2008-03-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

I always think to myself "this will be my last blog" because nobody's really interested anymore and I'm so doggone busy with work and home life that I can't seem to find the time to blog. But then I look at my stats and one person has read my blog this week, so I keep going. Whoever you are, thanks for reading.

My job has been going really well. So well, in fact, that they are probably going to increase my part-time hours to full-time. It's taken me 6 1/2 years to finally get back to full-time and frankly, I'm not sure I want it! I need it, considering the price of gas, food and everything else. So how can I turn it down? But it's been great being able to have a good balance between work and home. I know that Kaylee sure appreciates it. Randy too since I really try to make sure I'm the one taking Kaylee to school and picking her up. She's old enough to walk to school but I like being home to do that. Anyway, we'll make it work no matter what. The good news is my position is expanding and not going away. In these troubled times, who can complain about that?

This weekend is the first weekend that we've had absolutely nothing going on and I'm so happy about that. Randy left for a convention in Vegas yesterday and Kaylee had spent the night with a friend Friday night so I had yesterday afternoon all to myself. I took full advantage of it too! I was able to get some work done and take a two hour nap. WOW! That was sooo nice! Today is just a leisure day. The most energy I'm going to expend is to do laundry and see a movie.

Well, as usual, not much else is happening. Megan will be here in two weeks. I think we're going to paint her and Kara's room. After that, it's the countdown to summer and our cruise! I'm taking the girls on a 4-day cruise to the Bahamas. We're also having a big family reunion on my mom's side of the family! Can't wait. It's going to be a great summer. Our last one with Kara as she will be going to college next fall so I imagine our summer with her next year will be shortened. It's sad that our girls are growing up but they're turning into fine young ladies!

Well, until the next time. Keep reading my one, loyal fan!!

It's all for you!

March One

2008-03-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

I know, it's been a while. And I have no excuse except that's it's been a crazy, busy month with lots going on.

After my return from Ca, Kara came down for the week. During her visit, we were all involved in a little fender bender. So, on top of all of the normal %#&* we have to deal with day in and day out, we now have to fix our oldest, most run-down car to either sell or keep until it just dies one day and then find a new (used) one.

Since Kara was here, not much was done around the house. Laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping. We just took each day as it came along, with no preparation. Then she went home and I thought I'd have the weekend to get all those things done. Wrong again.

My cousin in Seattle was having a big birthday party for his son who just turned 10. I was going to go then decided I shouldn't then at the last minute was told I should go. So I went. Leaving all this stuff behind for another week! Between work, dance class, working out, dinner, homework, and miscellaneous errands, I knew I would not get to any of it until the weekend.

But then Friday I took Kaylee to the Ballet. Saturday I promised her I'd take her to the movie I was supposed to take her to two weeks ago. And Sunday is our dear friend James' 50th birthday party. So it's Saturday night, 10:33 p.m., my next to last load of laundry just stopped--Yay, I'm almost done. I cleaned the house this morning so once I get all these clothes put away, I think maybe I can rest!

I'm really glad we're moving into Spring. Although the weather here has been pretty nice, we're probably going to start getting those "Spring showers" that won't quit until July! But I heard today that next week is Daylight Savings time already! Woo Hoo! I'm all about daylight savings! I LIVE for daylight savings.

Next week kicks off Kaylee's competition season. I can't wait to post about her accomplishments! It's going to be so fun to watch these kids WIN. I just know they will. The team is sharp, their routines are tight and somewhat difficult, and their energy is amazing! They can't lose! Even if they don't win first place, they will win something.

Well, I'm losing steam and I still have lots to do.

I hope to get back to writing more. There's lots I need to write about but for now, good night!

Leaving Sunny Cali

2008-02-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

It has been an incredible week here in Cali. The weather cooperated quite nicely and I enjoyed every minute of my visit. I didn't get to see anyone except my brother, dad and aunt and uncle (because we stayed with them) but I spent a lot of time with Megan and it was great!

We went to the outdoor mall where we spent more time window shopping than going inside because it was too pretty and hot outside. We went to church and out to lunch with my dad and brother. We saw two movies and yesterday we spent the whole day at the beach. It's days like this when you KNOW why So Cal is so crowded with people. It's just the most perfect place to be. It's February and 84 degrees! Besides Australia (because it's summer over there), where else can you go to get that kind of weather? Anyway, I enjoyed this trip immensely especially because I know that I won't be back until October probably.

So I go home tonight and I'm sad but at the same time, happy to be going home to see the other loves of my life! I miss both Randy and Kaylee so much! Plus I have to get back to work. I will have a lot to get caught up on when I return.

Well, I'm off to Victoria Gardens to soak up more sun and do my homework outside. They have wireless internet so I don't have to sit in some stuffy enclosed library or busy grocery store (where I'm at right now) to get some work done.

I'll be back with more excitement later this week, I'm sure. Kaylee has some performances coming up so I'm sure there'll be lots to talk about!

Bye sun. I'll miss you.

It's over

2008-02-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

I hate those words. I hate when something good has to end like a good book or a good movie. And in this past week, we've been saying that a lot.

We finally decided to take the house off the market. Why? Well, all along we've been pretty adamant about our price. For this market, it was a little high but for us, it couldn't have been high enough. Our thoughts were that we didn't have to move so if and when someone came in and saw our house as the prime piece of real estate that it is, it would be a good deal. Well, someone did. Actually two people did within the same week. One wasn't willing to go up to our full asking price but the other one was. WOW! Maybe we didn't actually believe that would happen because when it finally did, we really worried. Even with all the new construction that's going on and everyone having to deal; it is totally a buyers market, we could not find anything that made us really want to move from where we are now. Even those homes that functionally worked where Randy would have his office, the girls would each have their own rooms and everything was more spacious, were either in ok neighborhoods, just looked like every other house on the block or were totally out of our price range.

So we had to make a really tough decision; we decided to stay where we're at for the time being. Maybe we can make our current home work if we try a little harder, maybe not. We've got some folks lined up to help us make that decision. So for now, the stress of trying to sell a house is over. I'm a little relieved because it's hard keeping your house spotless and "show" ready 24 hours a day. And it's tax season, I'm leaving in a few days for Cali, I'm super busy at work...it was becoming too much!

What else ended that was really good? Well, I took Kaylee to see the Hannah Montana 3-D concert at the movie theater yesterday and it was too short. Randy and I went out on a date last night and had a really good meal and saw a really great movie. That ended before I was ready.

I know, a little dramatic but it's Sunday and when I think back at everything that's happened this week I get sad, nostalgic, worried, and yes, dramatic!

On a lighter note, we have a lot of fun plans set for this year so that's also keeping me busy, stressed and preoccupied. We're having a big Taormina Family Reunion in June in Northern California and Kaylee will be competing in a dance competition in Florida in July. So since we have to take the whole family to Fl., we decided since it was right around the time of our family vacation that we should just make it our family vacation. Unfortunately Randy won't be able to go because there's not enough time in between weddings to take a trip across the country; but he agreed that I could take the girls on a four day cruise after the competition. They are so excited. I hope that that enthusiasm keeps up as month by month I will be saying "no" to certain expenses because I have to save for this big excursion. I'm excited about it though and it is getting me through some stressful times right now!

Well, as all good things do, even my blogging has to end. It's time for me to take a shower and get busy with my domestic work...taxes, laundry, cleaning...you know, the fun stuff!

I'll be taking my laptop with me to Cali because I have to do my homework for this online class I'm taking. Hopefully I'll have some blog entries in for you to enjoy!

Until later!

Change is Good

2008-01-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

That's what I hear anyway. Although, I think as I get older, change really brings about more fear than excitement.

Take, for example, selling a house. You would think that once you put that sign in your yard, it means you're ready. You're committed to the process and when an offer comes in, you'll be excited. Well the opposite is true in our case. We had a decent offer come in this week and turned it down. It wasn't for our full asking price but it was close and in this market, you can't complain about that! But we hadn't found a house that we liked and we were looking at homes out of our price range and the houses we thought would work were not in the right neighborhoods. It was very scary so we turned down the one and only offer we've received since we put the house up in August.

I'm not sorry we didn't take the offer so are we really ready to sell? A big part of me says no because we love our home and especially the area where we live. Nothing else that we've looked at seems to hold a candle to what we have; even the brand new homes that have walk-in closets, two sinks and a shower in the master bathroom, and brand new kitchens! Yes, all that would be wonderful but you look out your windows and you don't see Mt. St. Helens on clear day. Or rolling hills or trees everywhere. You see a house on your left, on your right, behind and in front of you. It just doesn't seem like a fair trade.

So we thought more seriously about building a second story onto our house. We'll look into it. But, there again, if it's going to cost an arm and a leg, it may not be a feasible solution. The one thing I don't want to have happen is that we don't do anything. We don't sell, we don't remodel, we just don't change. Change is good. And we know that we have to change something about our living quarters; the question right now is, what? What are we going to do?

I feel really bad that someone was excited to buy our home and probably change it all up to meet his needs and we quashed that dream. I think we're too emotionally attached to this house but if you knew how hard it was to get here and to realize how wonderful an investment this home has been for us. Who wouldn't get emotionally attached?

Anyway, a new week will begin and we'll see what it has to offer. Probably no more offers, that's for sure. For now, we're not changing a thing.

The week

2008-01-18T18:31:00.000-08:00

This has been a most interesting, emotional, painful week and I'm so glad it's Friday and at the end of what could have been the beginning of some major changes.

First off, we were told last Sunday night that we're probably going to get an offer on our house by Tuesday. This, of course, put me into a tailspin cuz, you know, I like to worry. So I worried about leaving our wonderful house, where the heck we're going to go because within two hours we were told the house we wanted to make an offer on was off the market, and all the other worries that go along with selling and buying houses. The moving part of moving does not appeal to me and right now would not be a good time but if it happens, I guess I'll just have to deal with it.

So, I had to think about that and then Tuesday I had to prepare for a colonoscopy that I was having done on Wednesday. I know that you probably don't want to hear about this but hey, it's my week, so I can write whatever I want. Now, I was nervous about this whole ordeal long before the thought of selling the house came along, so this anxiety on top of everything else really put me over the edge. First of all, the thought of going close to 48 hours without food really had me going. How would I survive. I never go 4 hours or more without eating, how would I make it for two whole days? So I went to the store on Monday, stocking up on all the liquids I could. Gatorade, jello, chicken broth, tea. But none of this was consoling my brain. I just couldn't imagine what it would be like.

So Tuesday rolled around and it was an all liquid diet. I could eat frozen fruit bars and jello but the rest was water, tea, broth or Gatorade. By 3 p.m. I was not happy. It was very hard to see, smell or even think of food. When I came home I told the family that I would not be participating in any way, shape or form in the dinner-time ritual. So Randy was kind enough to take Kaylee out to dinner. And I got to stay home, wishing so bad I could put ANY type of morsel in my mouth. But at 5 p.m. my dinner consisted of the first of two 8 oz. glasses of liquid laxative. And there is NOTHING yummy, tolerable, bearable or okay about this particular part of the "cleansing" process. It was awful. So after that, I didn't want any food or drink for fear of throwing it all up! So I guess that was a plus!

Now it's Wednesday morning and I have to take the second 8 oz. glass and then not drink or eat anything until after my test, which will be after 5 p.m. So from Monday at 8 p.m. to Wednesday at 7 p.m., I had no food in my body. But I wasn't even thinking about food by Wednesday afternoon. I was more concerned about my upcoming test. When I arrived to the outpatient surgery dept. to get poked with an IV, undressed down to my socks, and resting next to this old guy getting lectured about how eating a cheese burger after an endoscopy is not recommended, I was starting to feel slightly better. Why, because everyone kept telling me that I won't remember the procedure, I'll be sedated and will probably be out and that it's only a 10-20 minute process. Okay, I can do this. No problem.

They wheeled me in the "room" and explained everything they were going to do to me. I asked the appropriate questions and gladly received my drugs. Who knew I had such a high tolerance to anesthetic medication? I never did go completely out. I pretty much stayed awake for the whole thing. And it was okay for a while. Of course, they had to stop, change scopes and start all over because the first one wasn't working...just my luck!

So they began again and all was going well. I even watched, which was mildly interesting and educational (of course, that might have been the drugs). But toward the end things started going wrong. Now remember, I'm drugged so I can't recall all the gory details, thank goodness, but for whatever reason, they were struggling with getting the scope further up my you know what...

They pushed and prodded, pressed on my stomach, and nearly killed me trying to get where they needed to go! I screamed as if I was in labor again. And actually it felt like I was in labor only it felt like they were trying to push a baby in me instead of pull one out of me. They kept telling me I was "doing great" and that they were almost done. I can only guess this is why they didn't give me more drugs to try and knock me out!

Finally they did finish and I lay on the gurney crying and probably sleeping. I know this because I don't remember getting from the procedure room to the recovery area.

They said I was fine as far as not having signs of cancer and that I didn't have to take this test again for another 10 years. Ha, they'll be lucky to see me back EVER!

They only positive thing to come from this test is that my appetite isn't as strong and now I'm eating less and want to eat healthier since I'm king of starting out "fresh"...you know?

Anyway, just received a call from my realtor and an offer has been made...so now I have more to worry about...again! YIKES. It's the week that never ends.

Well, I suppose there's more to come!

Thanks for listening to my horror story. I hope it wasn't too disturbing. For those of you who've been there, you probably have lots of sympathy; for those of you awaiting the big C test...good luck. I bet you really can't wait now!

How well do you know me?

2008-01-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

I read this in a book. I thought it was interesting and enlightening. What would you choose? Maybe you could guess what I chose:

more smarts or increased hotness
master thief or master sleuth
caviar or chili dog
Brad Pitt or Cary Grant
cheese or chocolate
knight in shining aromor or scruffy dude on a Harley
Oscar Wilde or The Three Stooges
James Bond or Indiana Jones
Wonder Woman or Xena: Warrior Princess
fruit or vegetables
King Kong or Godzilla
pink or black
Glinda the Good Witch or the Wicked Witch of the West
pirate or ninja
leather or lace
Broadway musical or basketball game
walking or sprinting
Abba or The Sex Pistols
music with a message or shut up and dance

Sunday

2008-01-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

While my husband is in Tampa, FL, here I am sitting in our living room, doing tax prep stuff and looking out into the dark, cloudy coldness. Lucky him! He keeps sending me pictures of the blue, sunshine sky and palm trees. Just wait until I go to California in February...I'll show him!

Today is the last day of my vacation. Megan went home yesterday and Kara went home Thursday. It's just Kaylee and I and we're NOT looking forward to tomorrow. It was a great week and a half though. It's always great having the girls here. So much laughter and screaming and laughing. Now, it's just quiet.

Tuesday is Randy's birthday. After today, I'm not sure he deserves a birthday present but I went out this morning and picked up a little something for the occasion. I'm hoping that I'll be able to whisk him away for a quick weekend trip soon as a part of his gift but we'll see.

It's hard to believe it's '08 so soon. There was so much I didn't get done in '07. It's a shame we can't relax and enjoy the year, we have to "hurry" up and get things done. At least that's the way I feel. So now, I've already got my "to do" list for January. These are things I should have started in December but didn't.

It's almost time to take Kaylee's friend Ky home so until next time when I need to procrastinate getting my real work done and I just blog to kill time...later.

New Year, New Post, New Me

2008-01-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

It's 2008. Unbelievable. Yes, I know I haven't posted in a very long time but let's be honest here, no body's been reading my blog anyway. But this is 2008. I've been blogging for three full years now and I've mostly been doing it for friends and family that aren't a part of our everyday lives. It gives me an opportunity to keep them up on what's going on with the Kepples of Vancouver. But my readership has waned and that's okay. My writing has decreased as well but I'll continue to blog in 2008. Only now, I'm going to do it for myself.

The holiday season was busy of course. We did have all the girls here for Thanksgiving and then after they left, it was a mad dash to get everything done before December 24. But I did it. Then Christmas was here. It was a very quiet Christmas though because Kara and Megan weren't scheduled to arrive until the day after. So Kaylee was the only one opening presents on Christmas morning. We had a nice dinner with our friends, Amy and JP Prutch and their two boys and then December 26, we picked up the girls and had our second Christmas! Since then, we've just been enjoying our time with them. We've went shopping, watched movies, did homework, and just hung out. Kara goes home on the 3rd and Megan leaves two days later.

Now that 2007 is over I can reflect on the year and be thankful for the great things that happened and grateful that the hard times are over. It started out a very stressful year as taxes were due and the money wasn't there. YIKES! Then Spring and Summer rolled around and it was time for our annual vacation. We had a great time at Seaside, OR where we rented this cool, old, Victorian home with lots of character and charm as well as a hot tub! We enjoyed barbecuing steaks, drinking wine, making smores and relaxing in the hot tub after a day at the beach.

Once Summer was over, school started up again and it's been downhill since then. With Kara in her junior year, looking at colleges and driving, Megan is a freshman and into myspace, good friends and boys, and Kaylee in fourth grade looking forward to middle school in two years, time is just ticking away!

In between carting Kaylee around to her hip-hop competitions and events, we spent some time in California and Las Vegas, put our house on the market and made a quest for a new home...nothing has changed there, and we're already gearing up for more of the same this year. I have plans to go down to Cali in February. Megan will be here over Spring Break, Kara will be in Italy with her school orchestra and we're already planning this summer's vacation. Hopefully a Taormina Family Reunion in Northern California!

As you can see, each and every day is filled with decision-making, planning, or doing! There's never a dull moment in our household with three kids who live in different area codes, a self-employed husband whose business is booming and a mom trying to juggle all of this while trying to remain sane! And my family wonders why I have trouble sleeping! It's all in a days work though!

Right now I'm enjoying this moment of peace and quiet where I can reflect on the past year and look forward to this new year. I've made my resolutions: eat less, exercise more, drink less, go to church more, be more patient and loving to my family, and enjoy life! It's a lot to conquer, I know but hey, I'm used to challenges.

As I write this, I'm thinking about all my friends and family and I hope the New Year brings to you lots of joy, love, happiness, prosperity, health and peace.

Happy New Year everyone!

Here's to a GREAT 2008!

T

Hip Hop non-stop

2007-11-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

This has been the week of dance. But it's been great fun and a lot was learned. It started with a two-day seminar with Monsters of Hip Hop. This is a workshop put on my the most talented choreographers in the world. They tour around to different U.S. cities and hold a two-day, intensive & fun workshop. This year they added Portland to their tour and so naturally, I signed Kaylee up.

Saturday morning we get up and get ready and head on over to the Red Lion at Jantzen Beach. There were kids everywhere. In the ballroom where the junior hip hoppers were to learn, there were girls aged 7-12 years old dressed in knee high socks, bandanas, sweat pants, skirts, and dancing shoes. They were ready to move! Saturday's itenerary consisted of two, one-hour classes, a parent class (which I did attend), a lunch break, an audition and then an after party. The audition was to get recognized for your abilities to pick up the choreography and a chance to win a scholarship for next year's tour as well as an opportunity to get noticed by a Los Angeles agency talent scout. It was all very exciting!

After the parent class, the teacher encouraged us to perform our dance for the kids that night at the after party. Like crazy people, we agreed. They also had free style contests for all levels, including parents but I did not attend that. Kaylee did though and it was fun! She didn't win any cash prize or a scholarship, but she had fun and she learned a lot. And I learned a lot too! I have never in my life performed on a stage in front of hundreds, yes hundreds of people! But I thought I'd be a hipocrite if I continued to encourage my nine year old to "get up there and don't be nervous" without knowing what she experiences everytime she does. And I'm so glad I did.

I was very nervous and almost backed out but decided to make my daughter proud (or embarassed; however you choose to look at it) and do it. I thought I'd forget the dance but when all the parents got on stage the audience went nuts and screamed and clapped and screamed some more! It was so invigorating and exciting that it made me WANT to do the dance and then some. I did it without messing up and Kaylee said I did a great job. I told her how I felt when the crowd went wild and she said that's exactly how she felt when she dances on stage! It was a great night for both of us.

Sunday was an all day event as well. Kaylee took three more workshop classes, we attended the "Business of Dance" seminar and learned what it takes to become a working dancer and then attended the award ceremony afterwards. All of this was really good preparation for the weekly dance lessons and this Saturday's competition.
The first one of the season.

We will be getting up at 4:30 a.m. to leave Portland at 6 a.m. in order to get to Eugene, OR by 9 a.m. Kaylee will then compete and after lunch, attend more workshops.
By the end of this month, she will have logged in about 24 hours of dance. The girl is like a machine! just kidding...

Anyway, it's been a busy, hectic, tiring week and we're still on this roller coaster! Hopefully Sunday will be a day of rest then Thanksgiving! Woo Hoo!

Wish her luck for Saturday! Hopefully her team, Kontrolled Khaos will bring home a trophy and some cash prizes!!

Peace Out...

What's happening this week?

2007-11-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Kaylee and I are back from vacation now almost a week. It's hard getting back into the routine of things but the world doesn't stop so I keep on moving forward. This weekend, Kaylee will be participating in monsters of hip hop dance convention on Saturday and Sunday. Check out the website http://www.monstersofhiphop.com for all of the exciting details. She'll be learning from some of the best hip hop choreographers in the country! She's so excited. Also on Sunday, she'll spend the night with her best friend, Kylie.

Since we've been back we've just been trying to play catch-up. On laundry, homework, bills, etc. Nothing too exciting.

Randy's down to his last 5 weddings of the season. Once he's done, which will probably be right before Thanksgiving, he'll have more time to cook, go to the movies, and relax. Poor guy needs to relax! He's been so stressed and busy that it's brought him down a lot. The good news though is that the girls will be here in three weeks. We get to have a wonderful holiday weekend with them and then we're on the countdown for Christmas.

Nothing more is happening with the house. We're still wanting to sell but at this point, it might just be better to wait until things pick up again. Nobody wants to buy a house right before Christmas. Although we moved into our house on Dec. 6, 2001 and let me tell you, it was not fun trying to unpack, shop for Christmas presents and decorate within a matter of weeks! Talk about stress. But we did it.

Not much else going on at the moment but stay tuned. I'm sure things will get exciting, as they always do. One thing is for sure, we won't be passing the time watching reruns on television! I hope the writer's strike doesn't interfere too long with my Fall line-up! Sheesh!

Bye for now

California

2007-10-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...it's good to be home in the sunshine. But Megan and the sunshine is about all I miss in California. I love being here with my daughter. She has some good friends, she likes her school and she loves living here. She's not very happy with her home life at the moment but as far as she's concerned, Cali is the place to be. I wish I could come back here for her sake; although I don't know if that would be the right answer for the situation at hand. I know her father wouldn't like it but I don't know what would make him happy these days.

It's been a crazy week so far. Had a fun time in Vegas with Megan, her friend Danielle and Kaylee. Aunt Mary was the perfect hostess, as usual, making sure we had plenty to do. For an 84 year-old, she sure has a lot of spunk! We went to see the shark exhibit at Mandalay Bay. We visited Circus Circus to catch an acrobatic show. We saw "I lost my M in Vegas" at the M&M factory and drove up and down the strip taking photos. Oh yes, we even shopped for a while at the Factory Outlet stores. The girls were great, I enjoyed every minute with them. Having Danielle around made it so much more fun for all of us because she was great with Kaylee and that meant that Megan and Kaylee didn't bicker as much! Bonus for mom!!

Tomorrow is Halloween and we are gearing up for that. Megan has a party to attend then all her friends are going trick-or-treating. They invited Kaylee to come along so she is very excited about that!

I've been able to visit some family while here which has been nice. I usually don't have a lot of time to do that but since I'm here for seven days, it's given me the opportunity.

Life is very busy for all of us. Randy, myself, Kara, Megan and Kaylee. We all have our "things" we have to do and sometimes it's easy to take for granted the things we need to do. Like appreciate one another, tell each other we love them, make time for each other and just make sure everyone in our family knows that we are here for them, no matter what. It's especially hard on Kara and Megan because they don't live with us full-time but Randy and I both do our best to make sure they know that even though we're not within walking distance, we are there for them 24/7. We love them so desperately, they don't even know. We want to do the right thing by them but sometimes it's not clear what the right thing is. We have to take it day by day and hope that in the end, we've done our job. But then there's Kaylee too. She has the two of us all the time. But even she gets neglected sometimes. Our focus may be on work, home or the girls and she misses out. And it can happen with each other as well. I love Randy so much. I know I take him for granted sometimes and don't mean to. He's my life and my life has been so blessed and wonderful since he's been in it.

As I wind down a busy, hectic, fun-filled week here with my daughter, I reminisce of what might have been, what could be and what once was. There's so much thought and wonder that runs through my mind at any given moment and at the same time, I'm just trying to enjoy what little time I have with my precious girls. I'll be returning on Thursday, preparing for and looking forward to Megan's Thanksgiving and Christmas visit in Washington.

Thanks California for providing the thing I miss the most, Megan & sunshine.

T

Countdown

2007-10-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

With all the fires going on in Southern Cal, we're concerned about our trip. Will it be delayed or canceled. Friends and Family say that where we're going, there are no fires, just smoke and ash. Not looking forward to that but my thoughts and prayers are with those who have been hurt, killed or have lost their homes to this devastation. My daughter compared it to Noah's Ark. She said that maybe these fires were started because "we were being bad" and God wants to start over. I agreed that that will happen, but on a much larger scale. She didn't really like that answer. But when something like this happens, same with Katrina, it does make you ask yourself how close are we to the end? Something to think about...

Anyway, we leave tomorrow morning and we are both excited. I'm taking my laptop so hopefully I'll be able to find some time to blog.

Stay tuned. I'm sure I'll have some interesting things to write about!

"Six more days"

2007-10-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

That's the countdown to Cali. Kaylee reminds me every day how many more days we have left until our trip. I think she's a little excited about it. She's definitely excited to be going trick or treating with her sister and to be where it's not below freezing. Her costume is super cute. She's a 50's girl. She's also excited to see her Linda and Grammy. She can't wait, it's driving her crazy.

Today is picture day and yesterday we cut her hair. She looks so cute. Her hair was getting pretty long and damaged. We were just going to trim it but the lady really cut it up but both Kaylee and I really like it. So now she can't wait to show everyone her new doo.

I'm sitting at the car dealership right now waiting for my car to get it's oil changed. A good time to get some work done, which I intended to do but thought I'd blog first since it's been a while. Although my one reader has probably given up on me by now.

We were supposed to go to Seattle today to watch Kara perform in her band at their homecoming football game. Unfortunately she got really sick and under doctors orders, has to stay home and rest this weekend. Needless to say, we're all disappointed. We haven't seen her since August and we really miss her!

Well, I should get started on some work. For those of you in Cali who read my blog, see you soon (hopefully)! Still haven't heard from a few of you as to whether you can do lunch on Friday? Hello??? Anyone there?

I will be bringing my laptop with me to Cali so maybe I'll get to blog from there. Who knows??

Bye for now!

No Octoberfest

2007-10-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true, we did not go to Octoberfest this year. We were very disappointed too. We love Octoberfest; the corn, the beer, the music, the beer...oh, I said that. We were just really busy around that time so we couldn't make it out there. Randy had a wedding that weekend right in the middle of the event so it just didn't happen.

Sorry to disappoint my loyal reader(s). I know the pictures are always fun. I told you it was busy!

It would seem that even though our family is divided between three cities, we are all just as busy. Kara is super busy with school, band, driving lessons, and activities. Megan is busy with school, her new social calendar, church and parties and then there's us. Between work, selling the house, Kaylee's dance, school, the business; it's crazy. So we're all just adjusting to our lives and trying not to stress out!

Maybe next year. Hopefully though we'll have some pictures of something soon.

Thanks for hanging in there and continuing to read!

Inner Peace

2007-10-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Since I've written my last post I feel much better. I have an inner peace that I didn't have just one week ago. What happened? God happened. He was working in my life this week screaming out answers to me that I really needed to hear. Everywhere I turned, his voice was there and I realized that he's always been there, right beside me, helping me through the rough spots.

I think I finally heard him loud and clear on Saturday. I knew that I needed to go to church. My spirit had been broken and I needed to hear Pastor Matt Hannan http://www.newheights.org speak the truth of God's word. It had been a really long time since I had gone and I can't say why but I knew I NEEDED to go. On our way to church I thought I'd invite our old neighbor over for tea. She moved away a few months ago and she's had her own trials and tribulations to deal with so I thought it would be nice to talk and catch up.

Well, church was just what I needed, of course. And afterward I caught up with LaVonne to see if she got my message. She couldn't come over but she suggested visiting at a nearby Christian bookstore/coffee shop. So we did. The conversation was good; very cathartic. She was very supportive and comforting. As we were leaving, we walked through the bookstore and I saw the new book by Denise Jackson "It's all about Him" so I decided to buy it. When I came home (8:30 p.m.) I immediately started to read it. Within minutes of starting chapter one I was bawling! I realized that the events of that night were meant to bring me to this book because in it were the answers I needed. God was talking to me through this book and if I hadn't gone to church, met LaVonne, walked through the bookstore part of the cafe, I would not have picked up this book. I finished it at 1:00 a.m. And since then I've been reading the Bible every night and every night I get more answers, more comfort, more strength knowing that God is with me and telling me that everything will be okay.

I highly recommend this book if you're a woman struggling with her walk with Jesus. I always have been a distant walker with Jesus; following a few steps behind. I was not quite sure what my purpose or direction was. I knew I wanted a deeper relationship with God but didn't really know how to go about getting one. This past week changed all that. Only God knows the heartbreak I have faced and the despair I was feeling and he knew it was time to start talking louder or wake me up to start listening! Now I can say with true conviction that I have let go of the past and that it can't hurt me anymore. That He is beside me every step of the way even when evildoers try to break me. I know that I can't be broken because God is protecting me.

He's blessed me with a man that I love and who loves me. He's blessed me with a daughter who thinks I walk on water. He's blessed me with another daughter who will have to start making tough choices based on what she knows to be true and what people are telling her (and that's God's will). He's blessed me with a bonus daughter who knows she can come to me ALLWAYS and that is something she needs. He's blessed me with good health, a home, a great job, wonderful friends and a loving family. And this is AFTER I've sinned and disappointed HIM but also after I asked for His forgiveness. I know that my life is in His hands so I have nothing to worry about.

Thanks to those of you who are loving and supportive of me. It's because of you and Jesus that I'm strong, honest and have faith in the future!

I love all of you!

A Diatribe

2007-09-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

In the past 10 years, my life has evolved beyond my imagination. I've learned a lot about myself and about those around me. Some of the discoveries about others have not been pleasant but the discoveries of myself make me very happy and complete.

It's hard to tell young people today that the way they are now is so NOT the way they'll be when they're 30 or even 40. We change so much in those crucial years. I wish someone had told me that when I was in my 20's. There's so much social pressure; more so now than ever, that we think we need to 'be successful', 'be married', and/or 'have children'. The truth is, we need to just be. We need to define ourselves and what it is we need in our life during those early years. I had to find this out the hard way and as mature as I thought I was, I made some very adult decisions with the mentality of a teenager. But here I am on the other side of my 20's and 30's and life is much better. I make decisions more wisely, given the wisdom I've accumulated over the years.

Nobody in this world is perfect although there are people out there that think they're pretty darn close. You know the ones; the ones that judge lest they be judged. The ones that gossip, lie and manipulate to get their way. I have a hard time understanding folks like this and it bothers me that I know too many of them. I often wonder why? There must be a lesson to learn from these people; that's why God has put so many of them in my life. Well, I do know one lesson I've learned: To work really hard NOT to be like them.

Of course I've made my share of mistakes and I've owned up to my mistakes and faced the consequences. And even when those mistakes keep coming back to slap in the face, I take my licks and move forward. Knowing that I will never make the same mistake twice no matter what life throws at me!

A very wise person said to me recently that life is about choices. Your past is a reminder, a marker of a point in your life that helps you see how far you've come. Only you know that journey and how difficult it's been to change. If you can learn from those mistakes and live your life with honesty and integrity, then there's no shame in the past.

If people can't put the past behind them and move on, then they will never truly be happy. I'm proud to say that I do live my life with honesty and integrity and I think that those who know me, know that to be true.

I have nothing to lie about. My life is an open book (and I literally could write one too). If you're close to me, you know this. My family, my friends, and my colleagues all know this.

So this blog is for the haters out there that can't get past the past. I'm sorry for you and your pain. I'm sorry that you can't let go of the anger and the hurt. It's a shame to spend so much energy on something that can never be changed. That's got to be really frustrating for you and those around you! You should know though that your pain and anger doesn't really affect anyone else, especially those of us who've truly moved on and let go. It's annoying at times but that's about it. You really should focus your energies on something more productive.

With that said, I'm going to bed. Thanks for listening to my diatribe. It's always so much better when you can release what's in the brain...especially right before you're going to bed.

Later...

So Sorry

2007-09-24T11:43:00.001-07:00

I've been a little busy. Let's see. We're trying to sell our house, my dad just popped into town this week, I'm working and Kaylee has mucho more homework this year! I'm sorry I haven't blogged...after last week, there's so much to blog about.

I think I almost had a heart attack last week. Randy was so excited to start the week out knowing he'd have two full weeks to get caught up on work. We get a call from this guy we wanted to hire to spray our living room ceiling (with orange peel) letting us know he was available on Thursday to spray. Then Sunday my dad said he was coming for a visit. Then our realtor told us someone "really interested in our house" wanted to come Friday at 11 a.m. I had to work Friday morning at 6 a.m. which meant that the ceiling had to be done by Thursday evening. Kaylee has dance on Thursdays so I wasn't sure how it was all going to get done.

In the meantime, more complications started rolling in. Dad said he was coming in on Thursday. The guy spraying the ceiling told us we'd have to paint when he was done because it wasn't covering everything and we couldn't start painting until it was dry. So, we couldn't spend Friday with my dad, someone was coming over at 11 and I still had to work. By Thursday afternoon, I was ready to drop dead! I finally asked a collegue to work for me which she graciously did. I pushed the showing of the house to 6:30 p.m. and I had to leave my dad hanging with nothing to do on Friday after breakfast. BUT we got it done! We painted and cleaned and made the house look new! However, I never want to go through an experience like last week, ever again!

Now it's the end of September and Kaylee and I are gearing up for our visit to Cali in October. It will be nice to get away but I don't think my stress level will be reduced by much.

So I will try to blog more. Hopefully I can contain October a little better than September and not be so "busy". Thanks for continuing to read though!!!

Until next time...

HOT!

2007-09-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is over, it's 90 degrees here...go figure! I love it but too busy to enjoy it. I'm sitting here at Kaylee's dance studio "working" while she dances (for the next two hours!). She's taking hip-hop and lyrical on Mondays so it's a long day today. So before I start "work" I thought I'd blog a little.

Did you check out Randy's website? You can meet her dance teachers if you do. Just go to http://www.randykepple.com/photoblog/ and see the instructors at Groove Nation.

The house is still for sale. A few people have looked but no offers. It's probably priced too high but oh well. Maybe we'll lower the price in a couple of weeks but for now, it is what it is.

Ok, I'd better get to working. I've got some major accounting to do. I've been putting it off all summer and I don't want the end of the year to sneak up on me and be behind like I have every year since!

Thanks for still reading. Later...

Feliz Cumpleaños to me!

2007-09-03T08:47:00.001-07:00

Well, whether I like it or not, I've turned another year older. The year went by so fast too. Is this what I have to look forward to? Can't time slow down? I guess I'm just going to have to live faster and stop putting things off.

I've already decided one thing I'm not going to put off...plastic surgery (ha.ha. just kidding...I think). No, I'm not going to put off a trip New York anymore. I have no excuses. It costs less to fly there than to Cali (most of the time) and I have my own tour guide. My brother lives there so I'd have a place to stay and someone to show me the sights! What am I waiting for? Not getting any younger, that's for sure!

There are other exciting yet scary things in our future as well. We may have a new house by the end of the year. And we may go to Cancun this January or February with my father-in-law and his new wife. Lots of changes possibly coming up but I'm ready. I'm older and wiser and life IS too short so what are we waiting for? Sounds like a song.

So today is going to be spent relaxing and enjoying. It's the last day of summer; school starts tomorrow, dance starts Thursday, we're back to the gym and life at the Kepple's will resume normalcy. It sure was a fast summer though and we really didn't have a lot of hot weather. We had maybe two weeks straight of hot weather (not consecutively mind you) and the rest was cloudy, rainy or just mild. We surely didn't experience the heat wave the rest of the country did, that's for sure. But today is gorgeous and I'm looking forward to enjoying it.

So with that, I'm done blogging. I need to start the day. I'm 41 now. It will take at least an hour for me to look 38 so I'd better get moving!

Bye, Bye!

Sunday morning

2007-08-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, I love Sundays. It's a quiet morning here at Keppleville. Amazing how much things change in a matter of a month. Last year on this day I was preparing for my "Drink 'Till you Dance" 40th birthday party. So, yes, I'm looking at my last week of being 40 and into the "over" part of "Over the Hill". Damn it! It's been a pretty good year though.

Kaylee's at her friends this weekend, Randy is getting ready for wedding #2 of the weekend and I'm trying to muster up some energy since yesterday. I was all by myself and boy did I work! Harder and longer than I think I ever have in my life. I started cleaning on Friday but at 7:30 a.m. yesterday I prepped and painted the inside of our shower, finished cleaning the house and painted our laundry room (which I couldn't finish because I ran out of paint). That was around 12 a.m. this morning. If it was just 4 walls, it wouldn't have taken so long (8 hours total) but there are shelves, a hot water heater and cabinets that I somehow had to paint around. Not easy! Lots of reaching, balancing on the ladder, and my arms in the air holding a heavy paint roller. Whew. Now I have to buy more paint and finish! I'm beat. I love being 40! Can't wait until next week...then I can say I'm 41! Whoo frickin' Hoo!

So why all the work? Why, when I could've done practically anything else yesterday given the fact that I had the WHOLE entire day all to myself? We put our house on the market! I'm getting it all pretty to sell. Though now that it's all pretty, I'm having second thoughts. But we'll see how it all goes. The market is slow so even though it's a great buyers market, it sucks for those trying to sell. So we'll see. But at least I was a good homeowner and "fixed" it up a little. It was my idea to do those things so I guess I wanted to prove to both Randy and myself that I was capable. Boy do I regret that decision this morning. Just kidding.

Anyway, I don't want to get my hopes up so even if we don't sell, we have a painted laundry room and a painted shower and the house is spotless! It helps not having Kaylee here making messes behind me after I've cleaned. But that will change this afternoon.

Megan starts school tomorrow! High School! I'm so excited to hear about her first day. Kaylee and Kara start next week. This week is Kaylee and my last week. We've got a lot of last minute summer activities to enjoy. Unless of course, the weather sucks! We have a lot movies to catch up on though so a few sucky weather days wouldn't hurt.

Anyway, I need to stop procrastinating and get my tired, old, saggy butt to the shower.

Later!

Clarification

2007-08-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we're back from NoCal after two long days of driving and two days of partying! I must clarify something though...I have TWO brothers. The one I grew up with (Thom) and the one that I didn't (Eric). Why didn't I? Well, I was adopted when I was a baby and after my birthmother had me, years later she went on to get married and had two more children. Eric is her youngest. I found my "family" when I was 24 and since then I've been slowly but surely building a relationship with my birthfamily. Eric used to live in Portland so we had an opportunity to get closer when Randy and I first moved here. Eric is the brother that was married, not Thom. But hopefully someday, I will attend his wedding also (HOPEFULLY).

Addie and Eric were married in June but had their California reception this past weekend. They both grew up in NoCal so there were lots of family and friends there to help them celebrate! It was really, really nice. And I met some family members whom I've never met before. I really enjoyed being a part of a large family again! I miss it. But everyone was very warm and welcoming and I think every single person there felt like they were family with the two families that have joined together. Congratulations to all of you.

So, Jess, I Hope that clears things up a little. I'm not sure if you ever knew that about me (unless you've read some of my first entries when I started this blog). I've been blessed with a lot of family. Having grown up with your mom and our huge family on Dad's side, my mom's crazy, large Italian family and now getting to meet relatives who share some of the same DNA, it's really cool! You should have seen us. Everyone is TALL! I'm pretty sure 5'10" is short for this group. Personally, I loved it! I actually felt "normal" and not so amazon-ish around the group. Nothing against the height challenged, I love everyone, but I'm the one whose always felt awkward and this weekend, I didn't!

Anyway, now that we're back, we've got to get back into work mode and there is so much work to be done. I'll try to blog more; especially since I found out people were actually reading it.

It's raining here and I'm wearing a sweater...IN AUGUST! Disgusting. Well, I suppose it could be worse so I'll shut up and count my blessings.

More to come!!! Thanks for reading.

I'll be back

2007-08-17T13:50:00.001-07:00

I don't know...busy I guess. We're in Arcata, CA now attending my brother's wedding reception. We'll be home Sunday night. I'll write more about that. Thanks for showing interest though. I guess my desire to blog is waning. But I'll continue.

Later...

Where does the time go?

2007-08-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been so busy here, I forgot to write about my baby's 9th birthday last Saturday, Megan went home yesterday, Kara goes home tomorrow and life as we know it will resume Monday morning at 6:30 a.m.

It's been a whirlwind summer. And oh do I have stories to tell! First, let's talk about Kaylee. She turned 9 last weekend. Instead of throwing her a party, she had a friend spend the night Friday and Saturday night so it was "girl's weekend"! Friday we went swimming and then out for pizza. Saturday was "Salon Day" followed by bowling, dinner and then a movie. Check out myspace.com (search for Tammy Kepple) for pictures. Kara and Megan dressed up as "Delores" and "Shanequah" and decorated Kaylee's room like a salon. They gave the girls haridos and manicures and then we all went to the bowling alley. After two games of bowling and some time in the arcade, we headed off to Joe's Crab Shack. We liked Joe's because of the entertainment, which they don't do anymore, so we were very disappointed but had a good time nonetheless. Then, since the girls were all "dolled" up with HAIRSPRAY and polish, we went and saw the movie Hairspray! We had already seen it once but it was just as good the second time around! The weekend ended Sunday morning when Kylie was picked up by her parents. But it was a great weekend!

Thursday we took the girls out on the Columbia River to Sea-Doo (or Jet Ski if you don't know what a Sea-Doo is). That was a blast. Friday was sad because Megan had to go home. And once again, we had problems with the airline so our normal two-hour time at the airport turned into an all day ordeal. What a mess! But it meant that I got to spend a little more time with her.

Today, Kaylee had a performance at one of our local parks. Video of her performance coming soon! Then we went and saw the movie Bratz (cute for those tweeners and up and comers). Now I'm reeling from the summer, getting prepared to take Kara home tomorrow.

It's just so sad. We look forward to this time all year long. We wait, we plan, we hope and then it arrives and BAM! It's over. How? Why? Where the heck does time go? It goes too fast, that's all I know.

We enjoyed our time, yes. We spent every moment doing something together...I'm sure the girls are glad to be away from us. We laughed, we fought, we joked, we loved! Another great Kepple summer. Now we're already planning next year, can you believe it?

Well, I'm sorry I've been remiss in my blogging. I may do better now with a little more time on my hands (a little).

as for right now, I'm pooped...I'm going to bed!

Summer, HA!

2007-07-20T22:19:00.001-07:00

It's RAINING HERE! Has been for 3-4 days and won't stop until Monday! What the $%!@#!
This kind of weather makes for a very expensive summer because all there is to do is shop and go to the movies. We've seen 4 this week. But I have to say Hairspray was by far the best. I highly recommend it! It was so cute, funny, musical, and it had a message too. What more could you ask for?

Megan's down to her last two weeks here and I'm totally bummed! I hate it. I can't believe how fast these last 7 weeks went.

Kaylee is turning 9 next Saturday. Another thing I can't believe. She's got so much sass and attitude. I don't think I'm going to make it to puberty with that one! Lord help me!

This weekend she's with her friend, Kylie. Randy is in Wyoming shooting a wedding so it's just the teenie boppers and me! We're going...guess? Shopping! For school clothes and such. It'll be fun though. Nobody worrying about when we get home and nobody whining about going home. It's just us!

Did ya'll like Kaylee's new hip hop routine? Pretty good huh? I told you she's getting better...ha.ha.

Well, it's getting late. Hopefully I'll be able to write soon. Thanks for reading!