Dora Goes to School!

Ever since last Tuesday when Brooklyn had her first turn at show & tell, I have heard non-stop about taking Dora, her cat , to school. She checked with her teacher, got the okay, and it has been, Dora, Dora, Dora, ever since. Now for those of you who don't know, I am not an animal person, the exact opposite of my darling husband, Brook. I was raised with a dad who does not like to touch anything dirty, let alone an animal, so therefore, I took on his non-loving spirit for animals. I try, really I do, for I desperately want to be an animal lover, but I can't stand to be licked, rubbed up against, jumped on, or have any trace of hair on me. I can't help it and have tried over the last 9 years to develop a love for anything furry and it just hasn't seemed to work, again the exact opposite of Brook.

When Brooklyn asked for a kitten for her birthday in June, my first thought was "No, no animals around here, one dog outside is enough." But then I reasoned with myself, or maybe I should say Brook did, and we decided that a kitten would be a good thing for her since her other request was for a little dog, one that would stay in the house and that was totally out of the question! Her eyes lit up like light bulb and it was love at first sight for her when she opened her "special package" from Daddy. We decided that it would be from Daddy since he would be the one to help take care of it. Anyway, Dora has so far survived our dog Maverick (he hates cats, but seems to get along fine with her), the many different wildlife that live around here, the vehicles coming and going, and being manhandled by the children. All in all, I guess that you could say that she is a good cat.

So, it was show & tell today and I had a little girl that was determined to take Dora to school. Origionally, we had decided that Brook would take Dora to the school at the appropriate time, since I am not known for being an animal handler. I knew that he would be a good one to help Brooklyn show Dora and pass her around to all the other children in the class. Funny thing though, that is not how it went! I was the one who had to take Dora and Brittan (who is a show & tell piece all of his own!) to school for show & tell because Brook had something that he needed to do at work. I wasn't too keen on the idea, but I had a little 5 year old that was expecting her parents to come thru. So, thinking that I was going to out smart Dora, I placed her in a box, tried to lock the lid so she couldn't get out while I was driving, I did not want cat hair in my car, tied a long ribbon around her neck just in case she did, and away I went, Brittan & Dora in tow!! Halfway down our road, I hear this scratching, meowing noise coming from the back seat. I turned around to see Dora, pawing and clawing her way out. I quickly reached back for the box, stuffed it behind the seat, which sandwiched it in a little more, and then I pushed hard on the top to keep her in. This is the way I drove to the school for the 15 minutes. When we arrived, I had a MAJOR cramp in my arm, a very disturbed cat, a little boy that had fallen asleep, and a class that was waiting for Dora to arrive! I grabbed the cat box with my bad arm, thinking that Brittan would be to heavy, put him in my other arm, and ran for all my might into the school. It was not in vain, Brooklyn had a smile a mile wide and the children we very excited about having Dora come. The cramp will go away, Brittan can finish his nap later this afternoon and Brooklyn was able to show to her class and in her eyes the day couldn't be better. "Good", I thought, "we are finished with taking anything major for show & tell", but on the way home Brooklyn said, "I think next week I'll take Maverick so the class can see my dog." Anyone available next Tuesday?

Annual Schatz-Walker Camping Trip

We LOVE to camp! My parents taught me at an early age to love to go camping. And when I say camping, I mean in our camper. I am not a tenter!! I love to have running water, a good comfortable bed, a shower, and last, but definitely not least, indoor plumbing!!! There is nothing fun to me about sleeping on the ground, going to bed dirty, not being able to wash your hands or having a bathroom. About 3 years ago we were privileged enough to get a camper and have loved the comfort and fun times that it has brought us, and believe me there are many.

Every year we try to arrange a trip with Brook's sister, Darcy, Mark, and their ever growing family. For those of you who don't know the Walker's, they are the home for the homeless! Not really, they are just people with extremely big hearts and God bless them for it!!! They have four children, but you would never know it. There is always someone (or ones) extra tagging along with them and they love it. Trust me, it takes a very special person to be as big hearted as they are!!! Then there is Kale and Kyler, the two boys whom they are trying to adopt. So that puts them up to 6 children, plus tag alongs, thank goodness that they have a mansion for a camper. This weekend it was no different. They had their 4, Kale, Kyler, Korbin, & Brittnie. It was a full house, but the more the merrier I believe is their family motto.

We usually go to Winchester, but I wanted to try somewhere we had never been, so we went to Dworshak Resv. in Orfino. It was only about an hour away and I cannot begin to tell you how amazingly beautiful it was! I had no idea and it is now going on our favorite camping spot list and we will return. There was a campfire restriction due to the extreme dryness and heat, so there was no late night campfire chats or marshmellow roasting, but we did play a few games, got a ton of visiting done, jet skied, swam, played in the mud, and just had a wonderful time together. It was short, but sweet and I love my times together with the Walker's. I did a terrible job of taking pictures of everyone, so I apologize in advance that you don't get to see everyone, only my kids, but when you have two very active children, it is more important to know where they are at all times then it is to photograph everyone that was present. I will try to do better next time. So thank you Walker's for another fun and memorable camping trip and let's do it again next year.

And She's Off!

I can remember the day as if it were yesterday, my Mom taking me into sit down at my desk for the first day of Kindergarten, Mrs. Campbell coming over to tell us goodmorning, my Mom giving me a hug and telling me good-bye, holding back the tears as she walked away, and then having them fall as she peeked at me one last time through those long glass windows at the door, and with that she was off. The thought of it still brings tears to my eyes, but only this time it is a little different, I am the one standing at the door peeking one last time as I wave goodbye to Brooklyn. Kindergarten, the starting of a new chapter in all of our lives, and this morning it was Brooklyn's turn.

Last evening, Brooklyn's school, CCS, did the neatest thing. Of course they had regular orientation like any other school, but while we were out having our meeting, the children were all in their respective classrooms with their teacher and all their other classmates. Not only did they get to meet each other, but the teacher took that time to explain what they would be doing with the next morning, how they were to line up, who was going to be doing what in the class room for the week, (ie. Brooklyn is the teacher's helper, someone else the line leader, etc) and then they all did a craft together. When the parents returned, we all saw our children sitting like they will on a normal school day, she had them stand up and push in their chairs, like she had taught them while we were out and then show us how they are to line up. It was so wonderful for the children and helped Brooklyn going into school this morning to know what to expect!!

I got up while the sun was just coming over the hill, probably because I couldn't sleep any longer, but really wanting the time to collect myself and be ready to face this day. Over and over in my mind I kept thinking, "this is it, this is the day that I send my little girl off to school all by herself, and it is just the beginning." All morning I wanted to cry, but to be truthful I couldn't for I had played up this moment so much to Brooklyn that if she was to see her Mommy cry it would have spoiled her joy! In truth, I gained my strength and resolve not to cry from her. The excitement over getting to finally wear her new school jumper and shoes, as well as finishing her craft from the night before, was catching, it even made the dreaded getting her hair combed fun. I really don't think that much could have dampened her mood. All the way to school she was total smiles and non-stop chatter, telling us all about how she still had to glue her mouse together from last evening. I walked her into her classroom, we hung up her backpack and went over to her desk. Immediately, Mrs Trigsted came over and said good morning. "This was it, I was reinacting my first day of school all over again, but this time I am the Mom and" ...as if sent from Heaven itself, she interrupted my thinking and started explaining to Brooklyn that she could finish up her mouse from last evining. That was it, I was distracted and so was Brooklyn. I gave her a big hug, told her I would be back at 11:20 to pick her up and walked away. I looked back to see her smiling, busy as a bee gluing her mouse together and it was at that moment that I realized that everything was going to be fine and I was off.

Brooklyn's Date with Daddy!

I have read in recent months that it is so important that children are allowed their own time with each parent in order to establish a deep relationship now that will turn into a friendship in later years. The article stated that although it is never too late to start, the sooner the better. These times allow that particular child to have the full attention of whichever parent that they are with, allowing to feel and know that whatever they have to say or want to do is important to you. It is not about how much you spend or really what you do while you are out, but it is just the TIME that you are alone together that is going to have the impact on your child.

So a couple of weeks ago I asked Brooklyn if she would like to go on a date with Daddy or with Mommy, all be herself. I really don't know why I asked because I already knew what her answer would be, but at that time we looked at the calender, circled two dates and it was settled. Tonight it was her turn with Daddy and Brittan's with Mommy, not that he understands yet, but it will be good for Brook to get to see firsthand what a handful he can be all by yourself!

Part of the fun for Brooklyn was getting to choose what they got to do with their time together, she chose going out to dinner at Old Country Buffet. Don't ask me why she wanted to go their, but I think that it had something to do with the fact that Mommy wasn't going and she could have dessert for dinner. She was excited all day about this "date" with Daddy. I think she called him 3 different times to "remind" him. At 5:00 she was bathed and ready to go. She told me earlier in the day that she wanted to "dress up in a dress for dinner, not shorts, they are for parks and we are not eating at the park." She picked her outfit and the way she wanted to wear her hair. It was darling to watch her excitement, but I was filled with sadness at the fact that she is growing up to fast! She is no longer the toddler that she was for so long and although I love the stage we are in now, I would go back to those days in a heartbeat. All in all, the evening was a huge success. After dinner she talked her Dad into taking her to Wal-Mart to "browse" the toy aisle, but wouldn't you know it, Mom called just as they were picking something out and put a stop to it. I reminded them that was not the purpose of the evening and that bedtime was only a short time away. They reluctantly placed the Strawberry Shortcake doll back on the shelf, with a promise that they would be back later to get her and headed home. She walked through the door with the same huge smile that she left with and I realized that the date with Dad had accomplished what it was supposed to.

Mindy's Family Bridal Shower

It has been a tradition for years that when one of the Seward cousins is getting married or having their first baby, that person receives a "family" shower. I have to be honest here, it is the most fun and nicest shower any person could ever receive. We, all the relatives, look forward to these times because it is really the only time when we ALL are together for an entire evening (Judy & Sheila, you have an excused absence, loved the photocopy out of your wedding album you sent.). For example, a Seward shower is not the same unless; there is constant talking (sometimes noisy), Rachelle makes her chocolate dipped strawberries, Nadine or Shirlee bring pictures, a family story from when our mom's were young is told, we start the shower late because we are all talking and can't stop, there are funny comments made from any one of us younger generation cousins that has the older cousins asking what it is that we are laughing about, one of the older cousins prays (in this case Shirlee and it was beautiful!), or LaDonna doesn't remind us that we are blessed to be in/from this family and we have a heritage to carry on! There is so much laughter and enjoyment in the room and everyone hates to see the evening come to an end.

This past Thursday, it was Mindy's turn. My dear friend and cousin, Shauna, was the hostess and as always it was beautiful, the food delicious and her home so very inviting! (If you have never been there, you are missing out. She is one of the all time greatest hostess' ever!) Mindy said on the way over, "wow, I have gone to these for years and can't believe that it is actually my turn and I am so excited." We were up at the cabin, so we had about an hour & a half drive and it was fun. Everyone in the car was excited and the conversation the whole way was wedding and/or shower oriented. It set the evening off to a fun, girly start!

Mindy was exuberent as she opened each and every item. There were panties, pj's, robes, slippers, perfumes, and lotions, of every color and style. It made me wish that after you are married 10 years, that you could get another shower, just to replenish your drawers. I was actually talking to a friend of mine about it later and we thought that it would be fun to have several girlfriends over for an "after you've been married several years" shower. Anyway, Mindy loved everything she received and was very overwhelmed by it all. You really notice in a setting such as that, how many people really do love you. It really is a time when you are acknowledged by a gift, from those who care the most about you. It makes you stop and think about how or whom, you as a person, are investing your time and life into. Are they friends worthy of your time here on earth? Are you a good friend and support in return? In this case, I would say yes. I am very thankful for my famly. They are worth the time and effort that I have put in to getting to know them on a very personal level. Thank you LaDonna, Shauna, and Rachelle for the beautiful shower that you gave to Mindy. Once again I went away with joy in my heart because I had been in the presence of some of those who are very closest to me, my family. I love you!

Cascade Trip Last Entry

Thank you for your patience with me and my computer. I apologize for the inconvience of 3 seperate slide shows, but I guess the old saying, "saved the best for last" is true in this case. We had an awesome time at the lake jet-skiing and the children enjoyed it as well. Enjoy...

Cascade Trip Continued

I am still having trouble uploading everything, so please bare with me. I guess that I will have to do this trip in like three segments. So to be continued...

Our Trip To Cascade

Every other year we go on Crane family vacation. This means that the entire Ron Crane family, plans and goes on a 7-10 day vacation all together. It is always fun, noisy, busy, and full of memories that are worth every penny spent! And although it is usually to a place like Disneyland or something, this year, since we are having a wedding and the bride and bride's mother thought it best, we stayed a little closer to home. You would think that they were trying to plan a wedding or something and had lots to do. So, to accomodate the above mentioned, we headed to my parents cabin in beautiful Cascade.

Despite the fact that there was a forest fire a few miles away which provided us with the smell of camp fire, it was still as relaxing and beautiful. We spent most of our time there at the lake. Whether it was building sand castles, collecting rocks (a personal favorite of Brooklyn's), sitting in a lawn chair soaking our toes and chatting, swimming, or jet ski-ing it was the place that found most of us spending our time. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for being outside and in the water and once again I realized why I haven't sold my jet ski.

I have told Brook for years that we should sell them, they have sat for at least 6-7 years just collecting dust. But knowing that we were going to have a few days in the warm sunshine at the lake, we decided to get them out, dust them off, gas them up, and get them wet. You would have never known that we hadn't been on them, well perhaps I should re-phrase that, you couldn't tell that mine had sat for years, Brook's was a different story, but he had it going by the end of the day. Yeah, I think that we will be going again this weekend. Other than being a little sore from using muscles that I haven't used in years, it was fantastic and I had truly forgotten that I really enjoy this sport! My parents and Brent rented a couple of sit down skis for the "not so adventureous ones" in the family and they were really fun, but I guarantee that they were not as sore as those of us that tried our stand ups!!

All in all, it was the laughter, memories made, and time spent being together that meant the most to me. I have truly been blessed with the greatest family on earth and there is no one on earth that I would rather spend time with. They are each one different and as unique as the next, but that is what makes them so special. For if one is missing, there is no one that can fill his or her shoes. I love you each one and thank you for the fun time we had once again.

(I am experiencing some problems with my slide show, so I will try to upload the rest of the pictures and post them this afternoon. Sorry!)