Vancouver and Celine...Here I Come!

I just went to Vancouver Canada with my best friend Jenn. We took off Sunday morning and drove up to her parents house. It only took us a little more then 4 hours. They live in a beautiful home in a beautiful area. I couldn't believe how many awesome old homes up there. Jenn's family were wonderful hosts. They welcomed me with open arms. They took me around showing me their city...it is HUGE! I felt at home with all the European names. Kensington, Surrey, Westminister and so on. I LOVED IT! It was strange to go without Rick or the kids...but it was nice. I didn't have to worry about homework, schedules, phone calls, play dates, soccer, church, dinners, kids baths, brushing teeth, shopping (well, I did shop, but not for groceries!) and so on. It felt weird to get ready for bed all by myself and no one else to worry about. I loved it, but I sure missed them all at home.

The reason we went up there was to go to Celine Dion's concert. Jenn and Matt got the ticket from Jenn's parents for Christmas, but Matt didn't want to go...I don't know why...other then his friends would never let him get away with that very easlily. I'm glad he didn't go, 'cause I loved it! We had a ball. Jenn's parents, her sisters, Shawna and Shelly and her husband went. There was an opening act by Gordon Brown...it was soooo good! He was a comedian...laughed a lot! Celine was great, very entertaining. I didn't think I would know any songs, other then the Titanic one, but I did and I have to admit, they were good. I think one of the best parts was this girl next to Jenn's dad (first I have to say that Jenn's dad tolerated the concert) but the girl next to him was in love with Celine. She sang every song with power and had tears in her eyes once in a while...it was hilarious!

I hope we can do this again. Jenn and I. We had so much fun together. THANKS MY FRIEND! I also have to say thanks to all those involved. Jenn's family for letting me stay there and have me come to the concert. Adria, The Riggan family, and Becky for watching our kids while I was gone. Obviously my dear husband Rick, who actually cleaned the house for me. ANd last but not the least my wonderful children, Isabella and Dylan who was so good while I was gone. LOVE YOU ALL!

Dylan is amazing on his bike. He was a little scared of this bike in the beginning, it is a lot bigger then his last one. Rick has to coax him a bit, but as soon as he is on...he loves it.

And there is our dog...again.

Here is a little movie of Isabella riding Teacup. She loves that little horse and so do I. It always make me happy to go out to Monitor where she is boarded. It is quiet, except the noise of the chickens, dogs and horses and sometimes you hear the train from the distance. My favorite thing to do out there is walking in the orchards and just smelling the apples and putting my nose in Teacup's mane, I love the smell of horses. Dylan and Isabella loves it out there too. We also have Dylan's motorcycle out there, so he rides that while Isabella rides Teacup. Isabella is getting so good with her little pony. It's amazing to watch her. This day she just wanted to ride bareback.

The dog in the background is our dog Mika.

My Little Pony...according to Isabella

Crazy life!

Ok ok...it's been a while but I've been so busy with work. We are doing great, it's amazing to see people actually buying the stuff you create. I love what I do. If you haven't seen it yet check it out at www.alphabetgardendesigns.com If you have any suggestions, just let me know.

Linda is here right now (Rick's mom). We have so much fun. I feel bad because I have to work. She is such a trooper.





It's pretty crazy for the kids (and me of course); soccer, scouts, taking care of the horse, homework and so on. It's a fun time, but oh so busy. Dylan is in a great team. They have won every game except the first one. Yesterday they won with 16-1, pretty awesome (I felt bad for the other team). He is doing great as a goal keeper. He loves it which is the important thing.

Summer Break is Over!

Summer is officially over, well at least the summer break...I just want to know who the break is for, sure not for moms. I need to take a vacation to recover from this "break". It's been a crazy but fun summer.

Dylan started 4th grade. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. He is in an immersion program for Spanish. This is his fourth year, he is doing great. He is so tall and handsome. We were a little concerned in the beginning, but he is so smart.
Isabella started a new school today. We feel she will do much better at this new school, without having to learn Spanish. She is so brave, even though she is scared, she has such a good attitude and willing to make a change. She has been going to a Center where they help kids develop skills to make sense of this world and the way we expect people to talk and behave. Her doctor is great. She loves going there and have learned so much. She is having trouble with certain letters, mainly S, L and th sounds. Her tongue is "lazy" and she has trained it to be used in a different way. The problem is that it's hard to understand her. She also have some sensory problems. It's has something to do with her brain. She can hear things but for some reason it doesn't connect in the brain. It's like a glitch. She is learning how to deal with that. Anyway, I love being with them...however, now my break start...

Weekend in Leavenworth

We decided to take a short trip to Leavenworth (25 min away) before school started. We got a room at Icicle Inn which is right next to a fun zone with miniature golf and arcade games. The first night we went to the pool. It was actually cold outside, so I sat in the jacuzzi while Rick and the kids played in the pool. Tyler, Jade and Maddie came to visit. Isabella and Jade wanted some privacy, so they changed in the closet. After the pool we came in and played Dylan's and pappa's new toy...Rockband. It's fun to play, but I also love to watch them, they get so in to it. Watch the clip.
The next day we went and played mini golf. It was a beautiful day. Dylan and Isabella did great, a lot better then me that's for sure.


If you have never been to Leavenworth you have to come. It's a beautiful town, it makes me feels like I'm in Europe.