Crystal Mountian 2011

Every year our family goes up to Crystal Mountain for a three day two night ski trip. This year we went during the president's week break from school. They boys are always so excited to stay in one of the condo's at the base of the mountain. It is really handy, because Chris and Jackson could ski all day and all night, but Carter gets tired (and let's face it - so do I) and wants to take lots of breaks. This is what is so great about the condo. It is literally STEPS away from the ski resort. I didn't ski this year due to my back - but the boys skied like crazy. We got up there around 11:00, and I hung out in the lodge while the boys hit the slopes.

I was a bit nervous for Chris to take both of the boys up without me. I like the 1:1 ratio of kid to parent when we are out and about. The slopes can get crazy, and I worry about my babies. Chris outfitted himself and both boys with voice activated walkie-talkies. That way he could communicate with them easily, and he even gave me one so I could hear what was going on too!

Here they are getting outfitted with their cool devises! Jackson looks like an FBI agent!

After skiing for a bit, the boys met me in the lodge for lunch. Carter was pooped, mainly because he was coming off a 4 day barfing binge, and ready to head to the room for a rest. Luckily the front desk lady allowed us to check in a bit early. Here is what our room looked like:

A place to sleep for the king and queen . . . . .

 . . . . and the two princes!

Now - check out the view from our room!

WOW!!! See how we can walk right out of our room, and straight up to the chair lifts!

Here's the view from the front window:

The boys LOVE the heated pool! Because it was presidents week, it was very busy. Usually - we're the only ones in it!

Once Chris and Jackson closed down the mountain, they came back to the room to rest up before having dinner. There is a cute little restaurant with great food we can walk to. I forgot my camera, but we saw HUGE icicles hanging from the roof top of the restaurant. It was SO COOL! When we got back from dinner, the boys wanted to hit the pool!

 AS you can see, it was SNOWING while we swam. SO COLD!! I got out of the pool first and ran the 30 freezing feet to our room so I could jump in a hot shower before all the boys came up! NICE!!!

After our swim, we watched a movie and had some popcorn before heading to bed!

The next morning, the boys were ready to hit the slopes again. Here they are all outfitted and ready to go!

The boys make the "long" walk to the chair lift from our room. I took this from our balcony!

So, while they were out in the freezing cold - I happily stayed back in the room to watch a movie in my jammies!!! SO NICE! Now that's MY idea of a vacation! How relaxing - and WARM!

Chris called me on the walkie-talkie and asked me to meet them for lunch in the lodge. My pleasure!

Here we are just before heading in to get a bite.

After lunch I headed back to the room to work on my blog, and here is what the boys were doing:

GO JACKSON!! Look at that powder! Perfect snow conditions for those who love to ski!

 Carter takes a jump like a real professional!

When everyone was done skiing for the day, we decided to take the new gondola up to the top of the mountain for dinner. It was the boys first trip in a gondola EVER!

Here they are. Isn't it cool?

AND - here we are just before catching a ride up to the top for dinner! It was AMAZING how quickly it turned dark outside - and how cold it was! The trip up takes about 9 minutes, and it's FREEZING COLD!

Chris decided to order a coke with dinner, and the boys (much to my pleasure) wanted milk. As soon as they saw this super cool bottle that Chris' pop came in - they changed their tune. CAN WE HAVE THAT TOO? Oh, alright . . . .

Late that evening, Chris and I awoke to the sound of a child getting sick in their bed! OH NO! We thought for sure it was Carter, but it was Jackson! Poor guy! He NEVER get's sick! The condo is very small, and there was really no place for him to go other then the hide-a-bed couch. Chris, Jackson and I spent the rest of the night there. I'd like to say we slept, but we didn't  . . . . you get the idea.

So, due to unforeseen illness, we had to head home early the next morning. Not the best way to end the trip but overall I think everyone would give our visit to Crystal Mountain this year an "A" . . . . made with icicles!

Love it or hate it?

Okay - calling all my girls!!!! I went to the COACH outlet yesterday, and bought myself a purse with matching wallet, and make-up bag for a SMOKIN' DEAL. This morning I'm wondering if it's as cute as I thought it was yesterday. What do you think? Please tell me if you love it, or hate it. 

I have a brown purse, and a black purse, so I was thinking a wanted something little different. Cast your vote. To keep, or not to keep? . . . . . . that is the question.

Ireland Calling

Yesterday, I received a very special phone call - ALL THE WAY FROM IRELAND!! My dear sweet Eefie called to check in on me! What a fabulous surprise!! She has the most wonderfully amazing accent. I just loved talking to her. What a firecracker! I feel so lucky to have made such a special friend. Oh facebook, how you have changed my life for the better!!! Thank you so much for the phone call dear friend! It made my day! You're the best!

What a Holly-day!

My beloved wifey Holly took me out for a late birthday celebration on Saturday. What fun we had! When she picked me up, there was an ENORMOUS bag of treats sitting on the passenger seat for me! Feast your eyes:

Oh how she spoiled me!! We got a little bite to eat, then shopped a bit at Kohls before getting our toes done!

After that we went to lunch at Joey's (YUM!) and shopped at South Center. It was a really fun day, and just what the doctor ordered after a not so great week. Everyone kept asking us if we were sisters.

Here we are as Holly dropped me off a Jackson's soccer game. Thank you Thank you sweet sweet girl! You are the best and I just love you, and I don't know what I'd do without you sister-friend!

Love is in the air

Valentines day was just last week, and my wonderful husband was very sweet to me. First, I was surprised by these beautiful roses:

Then when he came home, he handed me a little bag with a very nice gift inside . . . . HOW NICE!

 The cutes thing I saw on Valentines day was something I pulled out of Carter's backpack. Just look:

Awwww. Could you just die??? My heart!!!! I just love my family. Happy Valentines day to ALL of my boys!! I love you Chris Welch. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Thank you for all my little Valentines - the boys included!! I don't know what I'd do without you!

36? When did this happen?

This year I turned 36. THIRTY SIX! Where has the time gone? Sheesh. Anyway, the beginning of the day wasn't very fun. Chris and I spent 4 hours at Harbor View preparing for my now postponed back surgery.  Just look at this CT:

HOW GROSS! My back is whack!!! See how the last two vertebrae are totally off kilter? Eeewww. Well, that's what I need to get fixed  . . . . later . . . .  at least my stomach looks nice and flat here ;-)

So, anyway - the rest of the day went well. When I got home there were some surprises! Grammy left me a cake and some flowers, Holly left me some goodies, and I received flowers form my beloved friend Aoife all the way from IRELAND!

We went out to dinner, then came  back home to have some cake and open my gifties! Just look at all those treats from all of my wonderful peeps! How exciting!! I hope my wish comes true!!!

Chris and the boys came out with a surprise when I was all done opening my stuff. It was a new net-book!

Thank you boys - and everyone who spoiled me on my birthday! I truly appreciate it! I guess 36 isn't SO bad!

Keepin' it real

I haven't blogged for a while. I just haven't really been in the blogging mood. I'd like for my blog to be a place of joy and wonderment, sunshine and rainbows. Perfect and happy all the time, but that's not real life. In the spirit of keeping it real, and blogging about my life, I need to share what's going on in my life. All of it. The reality . . . .  and right now my reality is that I have cancer. That's not  anything anyone ever wants to say, or write, or think about themselves, but for now - it's my reality. We've been told that it's been caught early, and very treatable - so that's my joy. Thank God. The wonderment is how in the world this happened to me? The sunshine is the outpouring of support, love and friendship that I have been given from all of my friends and family. The rainbow? At the end of all of this, I will have the pot of gold that is my life, and THAT makes me perfectly happy. Since finding this out, Chris and I have had many conversations about PERSPECTIVE. I'm the worry wart, and he's the rational one. Again, thank God.  He gives me perspective. My back surgery will have to wait, and that's OKAY. We have been given very optimistic information for treatment, and recovery. This is good.  One of my nurses told me, "THIS IS JUST A BUMP IN THE ROAD". We can deal with that. It's going to be okay. My friend Linda gave me some flowers with an attached note: TURN YOUR FACE TO THE SUN AND THE SHADOWS FALL BEHIND YOU. I love it. Not only is it a very wonderful thought, but it's a Maori Proverb! The Maori people are indigenous  to  New Zealand! My beloved Jemaine (a New Zealand native) AND my favorite member of Flight of the Conchords is Maori! This proverb was meant for me! I'm not going to dwell on this. I've got more important things to do. So, keep your eye out for my "typical" posts. I've got  a lot to catch up on. This is just going to be a bump in the road of my life, and I'm going to keep that sun shining on my face while I drive right on through this - to whatever lies ahead. It's all good.

Artsie Fartsie

Last week I went in and did the art docent lesson for Jackson's 5th grade class. Our featured artist was French Impressionist, Camille Pissarro. The title of the print: Le Bassin Deuquesne - whatever that means.

 

Here is a photo of the painting that was to be our inspiration.

I chose to do a tear art project, being that our past lessons included supplies like water colors, oil and charcoal pastels. I wanted to mix things up a bit. We used tiny bits of torn paper to replicate the chunky brush-stroke style of Impressionist paintings. This is the example that I made to bring in and show the class.

Here is the complete finished work from the class. It was a fun, messy and time consuming project. We used the full hour. Jackson's is the first one in the second row from the top on the far left. I really like how they all look so different.  I'd like to give a shout out to Holly for giving me the idea to post this. I never would have thought about it, but seeing her post of the art docent project she did for Cole's' class made me think - I had to do it too!

I've always hated fish

The Welch family has embarked on a new adventure recently - Premier league soccer. Jackson has played soccer for seven seasons, and he has been coached by Chris every season . . . until now. After this last season of rec. league soccer, we decided that it was time for Jackson to take the leap from "community" soccer to "select" soccer. This basically means no more fun-and-games soccer. The kids on premier (or select) teams are there TO PLAY SOCCER. It is serious. It also means Dad isn't coaching anymore. It was a hard decision, but one we felt would be best for everyone.

After trying out a couple of different select teams, Chris and Jackson decided that DOS Premier league was the best fit. We felt honored that Jackson was invited to join the team. Here he is in his gear, on his way to practice. They have very official looking jerseys, warm -up suits, rain coats and duffel bags. Like I said, it's all very serious.

Jackson's first game was this past Saturday. Let me tell you - I think Jackson, and Chris, and I, were all extremely nervous. This was going to be his big debut on a real, competitive Premier league soccer team. Here he is (all the way on the left) with his teammates, and Coach Johnny (imported all the way from England JUST to coach this team) getting a pep talk before the game starts.

Jackson rode the bench for most of the game. This was something new for all of us. You know how I mentioned up there that I've always hated fish? Well, we've always played community sports, and Jackson has always done very well. He was a big fish in a small pond. Now he is a small fish in a big pond. A minnow in the ocean with a bunch of sharks. Ugh. My heart! This wasn't the only big change. We have played with the same team for YEARS, and all of the team members and their parents have become our close friends. Now we knew no one, and no one knew us. Chris wasn't on the side lines as a coach, but as a Dad. It was all very . . . DIFFERENT. These kids were GOOD, really good - all of them. I had never seen a game like this. I was honestly worried that Jackson might not get to play at all, but then towards the end of the first half we saw him spring up from the bench, and head for the coach. Here he is getting the last minute instructions before entering the game . . . . . we all held our breath . . . . . . well, I did at least.

Now I know this isn't a great picture, but it was a great move. Jackson is the furthest kid in the back, and he's just done a HEADER! That ball that's flying in the air has just bounced off his head! Now - on our old team, this would have earned you a patch. There are no patches here. Your reward is knowing you've done a good soccer move. That's it. No rejoicing - it's business time. Get your head (metaphorically and literally) back in the game.  

We were really glad that Jackson did get some ball handling time. Here he is heading down the field towards our goal. 

WHAT'S THIS???? A member of the other team is challenging him for the ball. Now, this is my last picture because from this moment on I was too busy WATCHING the game to take pictures. Jackson did get it away from this kid - and I'd LOVE to tell you he took the ball and booted it in for a goal that won the game, but this isn't an after school special. The first half of the game was soon over, and Jackson rode the bench for most of the second half too. He did play a bit before the game ended in a tie 1-1. He did a great job, and we were very proud of him. After the game we told him we'd take him out to dinner anywhere he wanted to go to celebrate his introduction to Premier league soccer. He chose The Olive Garden. He did mention on the way to dinner that he had a lot of fun, but didn't get to play very much. We reminded him that these kids have been playing together for years, and the fact that he can jump in there and hold his own with them is really something to be proud of! Way to go little fish. We are very proud of you!

Gold Cayon Goodness

My friend Kate is a Cold Canyon candle rep., and she had a candle party at her house last week. It was great fun, and I got to see a lot of my old preschool moms. Carter's preschool teacher was even there!

Here is Tia checking out all of the scent samples. Isn't this a great way to do it? You pick your scent, and then you can order it in the candle style you like best! I love it! I have recently purchased a pod warmer. It heats wax "pods" (like a wickless candle) so you get the good smell, without the flame. Too cool!

Every time I go to a party, I always end up ordering the same thing. Cinnamon Vanilla. I love it! It smells so warm and inviting. It reminds me of my elementary school friend Heather's house. Every time I went over there, her mom always had something baking, and it smelled so good. That's the way I want my house to be. When you walk in, you are welcomed by the comforting and spicy scent of cinnamon and vanilla. Each time I go to one of Kate's parties, I always think, "This time I'll order something different." I smell all of the sample scents, and end up going right back to cinnamon vanilla. I guess, if it aint broke, don't fix it. Am I right?

Here I am with Kate. Isn't she cute? Carter is good friends with her son Malcolm. We love them! She reminded me about the floor and counter top cleaners they carry. (It's back there on the table in the blue bottles) Thank goodness, because I needed to get more of that as well. I used to use the purple 409 to clean my counter tops, but they stopped making it! RUDE!! The HOMEOLOGY line of cleaning products that Gold Canyon carries is even better! Problem solved! Out of all of the at-home candle companies there are, Gold Canyon is by far my favorite. Check out  http://www.goldcanyon.com for all the great stuff they carry! Thanks for the fun party Kate!

The three that love to ski . . . . and me.

Chris LOVES to snow ski. In fact, I think he may just love it more than he loves me. Every winter, we head up once a week to take the boys skiing. The boys love it, Chris loves it. All of the lunatics that are up there seem to love it. This is not my favorite thing. I am  a California girl - through and through. I love the sun. The beautiful, WARM, bright shining sun. Ahhhh, just the thought of it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.  I also hate being cold. So, this does not a snow skier make. I must admit, in the beginning I pretended to like it. Poor Chris. Here he thought he was getting snow bunny, and what he really got was a girl who'd rather be in the lodge with a blanket, hot chocolate and a copy of Twilight. Anyway - January kicked off the beginning of our nightly ski outings and here's a little preview:

Here are the boys on the chair lift. We're heading up to the top of the hill to begin the evening.

 At the top of the run and ready to ski down!

Here we are waiting for the chair lift. Look at that line! Normally the lines are very short on weeknights, and that's a big reason why we go up during the week. There were 12 + buses in the parking lot when we got there. I was very annoyed. I am a skiing princess. No long lines please!

 Obviously, the long lines didn't seem to bother Jackson.

Come on Mom!!! Why are you ALWAYS so far behind us?? 

  

Jackson  (up there with the reflector strip) and Carter - showing that mountain who's boss!

It's the last run of the evening, and I'm ready to be heading home. I do love family time, but I just wish it could be on a sunny beach instead of a freezing cold mountain! The things I do for these boys!!! It's a good thing I love them so much!