Just a few things...

Having a High School student has been a different experience for our family ... life has never been so busy! Here are a few pictures/videos of her first dive meet ... enjoy.

So, after much thought, I have finally decided to disclose my recent thoughts and decisions. I mean, recently receiving money from the Muckelshoot Fairies has thrown me into a whirlwind of thoughts on how I might or should use this recent and unexpected gift. Do I be rational, wise, and thoughtful and buy something useful and necessary? Something that we NEED, that can be used by the entire family? Or even better, stash the money away in savings for when we REALLY need it?

Or do I throw all common sense away and use the money entirely selfishly on myself for something that I would NEVER dream of doing or buying? Something that a "good mom" would never do, or even consider?

I think I have always been considered a "good mom" ... and there are so many things that we could use this wonderful gift on. But, wouldn't it be fun, just once, to throw all caution to the wind, and do something so entirely unexpected?

So, I have finally made the decision, with my family 100% behind me, to do the scariest thing possible with my share of our recent Muckelshoot Loot.

Last night, consequently, we were out looking for a certain store that we had never been to, when Addison told us all to: "keep our eyes peeled" while searching for the store. "Hahahahahaha", I said, "I am - literally!".


Yes, in just 13 short days, I will be the next recipient of Lasik surgery!!!!!!!! NO MORE GLASSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you imagine ... no more glasses, or contacts? No more red eyes from wearing contacts too long? Seeing when you wake up in the morning? Swimming ... (need I say more here)? Water parks? Cool sunglasses? Not looking angry from tired and dry eyes? WOWOWOWOWOWOW! Yes, I am REALLY GOING TO DO IT! I have considered it for years, but always been too scared, but NOW ITS TRUE!!!!!!

Here, watch this ... they are going to slice a small layer off the top of my eye, peel it back, laser my cornea, then put the flap back on my eye to heal. Aha! I said it! How cool is that!? I talk about it, explain it, answer questions about it, and even look at pictures about it. Wow, pretty good for someone who never could watch herself put in her own contacts.

Anyway, just thought I'd share my news. There is a lot more involved (like two weeks with no eye makeup, wearing goggles to bed so I don't rub the flap out of place, etc.), but I've pretty much reached my writing limit here...

Since I am so far behind on my blogging, and may never get Christmas cards mailed out ... here are some pictures that were suppose to be on our cards and never made it there.

I don't know how to post a YouTube thingy ... but if you need a smile today, go to this link and watch this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-q-fsYQPZw

Kids just look do darn cute when they lose both front teeth at once ... even after they spent months with one front tooth sticking straight out (during all the pictures at a family reunion).

Hanging with our newest house guests ...
Many end of year concerts ... (and playing with cameras when they get really long) ... (see Mikaela in the front row - and her really fun band director in the crown and sparkles?!)