A busy week of school activities...

The picture above and the picture at the bottom are of a performance by all of the second graders at Willow Canyon. They did an awesome job of giving a patriotic performance and teaching us about America, geography, and "having the whole world in their hands".

Morgan chose to be Sacajawea for a book report she was giving this month. Her favorite part of her report was telling about Sacajawea's baby, Pomp, in his papoose during their journey with Lewis & Clark.

There was a Beach Party at Cole's school this week. Pictured here are Cole and his friend, Tyler, and below are Morgan and her friend, Anna. The beach party was a success, the kids danced all evening and had fun seeing everyone in beach attire.

Below is a picture of Morgan being part of the sun while telling a Norwegian story with dance and song during a 2nd grade performance at her school. It was a treat to watch all the second graders perform; you can't help but smile.

Where we were engaged 15 years ago this day...

These pictures were taken up Lolo Creek, Montana last summer. However, the bunkhouse pictured at the bottom (the one with the tree almost covering the door), is the very place that Rich proposed to me 15 years ago today. Rich grew up on this mountain and we lived there for a few years as a couple, until we moved to Spokane. The bridge in the picture holds many memories for Rich as a boy, and for me, reminds me of the sound of the running water and the amazing smell of the woods in spring.

So, 15 years ago, he proposed in that very bunkhouse. I said yes. We had only been dating for about 3 months, but had been friends for awhile. When Rich showed his dad the ring before he proposed, his dad said, "that's a big ring, why don't you get a smaller one until you see if it works out?". Let's just say that he wasn't the only skeptic in the beginning. We were living together in Missoula when my parents drove over to "lay the hammer down", and let us know that they did not approve of our living situation. My dad and Rich spent the day together and, while Dad was there to tell him he didn't approve, Rich was asking him for his approval to propose to me. Guess we know how it all turned out... for here we are, 15 years later. I love you Rich.

Cooking Classes and Exciting Jr. Jazz Action

Morgan and her friend, Avery, at Young Chef's Academy. They made some delicious treats, including truffles, biscotti cookies, cupcakes, and chocolate dipped strawberries. 3 hours of great fun and somebody else to clean up!!! Morgan would love to go there again sometime. She was also inspired to make butter this weekend. Do you know anyone who actually makes butter? Well, I went to the store, bought the cream and came home to a disappointed girl who actually wanted to churn the butter by hand. I thought the Kitchenaid mixer was a much better idea. The butter turned out great, and we even melted some of it on our popcorn that night.

The above pictures are of our evening at Gygi Culinary Institute (our Valentine's date). Rich is trimming the tenderloin, and I was making gorgonzola sauce to serve over the meat (pictured with our neighbor, Pat). The 4 other couples there shared the cooking duties making roasted asparagus and tomatoes, salad with pears and candied pecans, and chocolate melting cake. After cooking, we all sat down to a great meal and fun conversation together. It was a very fun experience, something we would definitely try again!

On Saturday, Cole had his final Jr. Jazz game of the regular season. It was certainly a nail-biter. Cole's team was down by 1 point with 29 seconds to go, and they came back and won by 3 points. I had a headache from yelling and cheering so much! It was a great way to end the regular season. Way to go team!!!

Our 15th Valentine's Day together...

Valentine's Day is tomorrow! I haven't seen my sweetheart since Wednesday, as he was lucky enough to go to the Jazz vs. Lakers game on Wednesday night, then headed to lovely Elko, NV yesterday morning. When he gets back this evening, we will head to Gygi Culinary Institute to prepare and eat dinner with several other couples.

Why is this guy my Valentine? Well, after working together at Coca Cola in Missoula during my nursing school years, we became friends. We would party together with all the other Coke people. I was reluctant to go on a "date" with Rich, and he recalls our first real date to a movie. Apparently, I was being kind of a bitch (sorry, there's no other word to use) and wouldn't take my heavy winter coat off. My recollection of the date started with seeing him at my door, super skinny in his 501's and Reebok pumps. You know, he didn't even tie those size 13's for the date. Anyway, at the end of the movie, another girl he had his eye on came up and asked him to lunch the next day. And, he said yes!!! Well, that was enough to make me know I cared about him more than I wanted to admit. That was in November 1993. We were engaged in February of 1994!

Thank goodness I saw the light. He has been an incredible best friend, husband, and father all these years.

Boot Camp's Over...

Finished up Boot Camp on Friday and was both happy and sad to have it end. I was happy to have made it through, and sad to not see trainer Mark or the new gals I met every morning. What I learned: I can do anything if I want it bad enough, I don't need more than 1 Diet Coke a day, I can survive without Sour Patch Kids, and that what you get out of something is what you put in. I lost 3 pounds and a half a percentage of body fat. Went back to my regular gym this morning... great to see the "regulars" once again.

Morgan is off this evening doing a cooking class at Young Chef's Academy. I believe she is learning to make truffles, chocolate dipped strawberries, and biscotti. She loves to cook and bake, so it is perfect, because she can make a big mess in someone else's kitchen tonight! My little chef/artist also had a fun time last Friday when we went to Color Me Mine to paint some pottery. Reminded me of grade school when Mrs. Turner would have us pour the ceramics, clean and scrape them, paint them, and fire them. How lucky I was to have that experience at school! I still have many of my creations.

Speaking of cooking, on Friday night, Rich and I are going to the Gygi Culinary Institute with several other couples to prepare our (early) Valentine's dinner. We will all learn how to make the dishes, then sit down together to enjoy our hard work. I will let you know how we do!

Cole had a busy weekend of basketball and working on a history fair project. His team won their game!! They've had a great year. They have one more game next weekend, then will likely play in a tournament after that. He has had quite a busy couple of weeks at school, and just seems a little "off". He is more hyper than usual and talking in class when he shouldn't be... I may have figured out the problem. The teacher had rearranged their seating assignments, and he was placed next to the girl he has a crush on. Oh, I am not ready for girls to be distracting my little boy.

Morgan the Dancing Queen

Morgan loves the American Girl doll that she received for Christmas so much that she's trying to earn money to buy Gabriella a sister. It is hard for a 7 year old to earn $110, but she is giving it her best effort. She is waiting for the snow to melt so she can pick up dog doo... that's how much she wants this doll. So, in the meantime, she offered us dance class for 10 cents per person on Saturday night. We had a great time dancing in the kitchen to songs from Mamma Mia.

Last weekend was great... besides the dance class, I worked at the U, Cole's team won their basketball game, and we had a great time at the Brown's Superbowl gathering. Oh yes, and Morgan got bangs. She asked that they cut them so her bangs hang over her eyes. Great, next she's going to want "mall bangs". The widow's peak that she has on her hairline is a little challenging with the bangs, but she loves her new look.

Boot Camp is nearly over... just 2 days to go. For me, the truly amazing part is that in 10 days I have lost my need for a "sugar fix" and Diet Coke. Now, don't get me wrong, I still love one Diet Coke a day, but I don't want several. Another positive thing that's happened is that I've met some great new gals that are sweating alongside me. Thanks to my neighbors, Ella and Becky, for inviting me along, and to our awesome trainer Mark! I can't wait for Friday to see how everyone did over this 2 week period. I'll keep you posted!