A noble thing.

Today I was a little down-hearted. I'll be honest I think it was the rain. That and being a one car family, and not having the car today. When Jaron got home from work I said "Sweetie, I think I'm having a mid-life crisis". I'm so dramatic. He listened as I talked about how I didn't feel like I was getting anything done. How cleaning up after kids during the day doesn't feel like I'm accomplishing anything. In short, at the end of the day, it feels like I have nothing to show for all my hard work. So, I said something I know I didn't mean it at all, but said it anyway cause I'm dramatic "I think I need a job. I just need something where I can go somewhere and finish a task which at the end of the day I can say, "Look! Look what I accomplished isn't it great? I made this fancy power point presentation, or I managed some employees, or I created some spreadsheets that will help this company". I don't really want a job. I love being a mom, but sometimes you have those days, don't ya? Anyway, Jaron said some very wise words with me which I'll never forget and I thought I'de share them with you. He said "Jess what's a what is a power point presentation? What's a spreadsheet? Those don't mean anything. In the real world they are just a means to an end." He said a lot of other things that really touched my heart, but I can't remember the exact wording. In short, he helped me realize that, although I don't necessarily have something concrete to show at the end of my day to prove what I've accomplished, I'm involved in a very noble thing and that is raising a family. Raising two little human beings to hopefully grow up and be selfless, competent, and righteous people is no simple task. Its way harder than making some spreadsheet. It takes way more creativity and know how than any job on this earth, and it requires lots of love a patience, which is a challenge for even the best of people.
In short, I don't need a job. I just need to go for a run in the morning and I'll be over it.
Since this is already a super long post I might as well keep going. Warner turned 18 months this last week, and yes he finally went to nursery. Jaron and I were counting down the days, yet when the day came, I couldn't leave the nursery room. He was totally happy to go in and play with all of their toys and didn't even notice when I left.
I'll do a post on just him soon.
Peace out friends. I know you are out there even though I don't get comments anymore. Google reader is so convenient that I never comment either so I don't judge, but its still a nice way of connecting with old friends and family that lives far away.

Hoopes reunion in Seattle and Pax/Hoop Gathering in Seaside

Things to remember from the 2010 Hoopes Reunion in Seattle:
International Fountains and Joy rides at the Seattle center
Playin in the backyard and late night talks.
A night with just the adults with a stop into O’l Ye curiosity shop and a walk along the piers
A night at the Crab Pot with very meaningful conversations.
A trip to pike’s place to taste the sweet savory treats at Le Panier
A trip to gas works park to dash around the old gasification plant, hiding and seeking behind its vast variety of colorful pipes and hills.
And a stop to the Troll is always a fun experience, that is as long as there aren't any naked homeless guys lurking about.

Off to Seaside
Pack up lets go. Yay!!

Favorite things to remember from the Seaside 2010 trip:
A trip to Cannon beach to explore the star fish at low tide
Hiking into Oswald (our favorite beach on the Oregon Coast) with the wobbly brother on crutches was an adventure
Swimming swimming and more swimming
Late night talks. It always seems the later the night gets, the more meaningful and interesting the conversation gets, or the more slap happy it gets, but both are very fun to be a part of. Thus, we didn't get much sleep.
A day eating fresh crabs that the Davis’ and others had caught was so fun.
And
A talent show by the kids. So cute. And so many more things that I probably can't think of right now.


Some days I wish this world were just a little smaller so that we could all see each other a little more often.

Thank you parents for a wonderful trip yet again! Especially to D-Dad who got really sick the first day he was there and hasn't recovered since.

Hi

Liv may or may not be on her first date right now.

This morning when I told Liv that her friend was coming over tonight, she got really excited. She took extra long getting ready, and stood in front of the mirror patting her hair down for about five whole minutes (which for the attention span of a three year old is like an eternity). Then the magical moment arrived and her friend arrived. I told them they could watch a movie, but I had no idea she would be this snuggly. Not to mention that half way through the movie when Alex moved away she said "Snuggle with me!". I have no idea where she gets this from. Truly. A few minutes before she asked him to snuggle, she looked at him and said "Alex, you are cute". Man I tell you I'm going to have to watch out for this brown eyed little girl. Not to mention this is the same little boy that Liv pinned to the ground and kissed when she and he were both two.

Oh dear. I'm really in for it aren't I?

Nothing out of the ordinary to report this morning.

Just a little dressing up is all.

Don't kill me Jaron, it was his idea I promise.

Thai food and me, I can tell that we are gunna be friends.

Chinese food is a little intense to make as can be good Indian food, and although I love both dearly and need to have them in my life, I'm usually content to pay someone else to get splattered with hot oil while frying up some sweet and sour chicken or tandoori vegetables, so that I can, on occasion, enjoy their tasty goodness.

Thai food on the other hand, I have recently discovered is totally doable for the somewhat lazy chef. From start to finish this delicious meal took 30 minutes to make. It's especially great for all my allergy prone friends as this recipe is gluten, dairy, egg, and peanut free. Try it friends, you won't be disappointed.

Oh and here is a sneak preview pic for un upcoming post on the Oregon coast and having family in Seattle.