Pug Parade

There are some annual events in Portland that I always look forward to as they fully represent the eccentric, wonderful side of Portland. The Pug Parade to benefit the Oregon Humane Society is one of those things. Held at a Brewery, it draws the BEST crowd of dog lovers, pug owners to be exact, who dress up their pugs in the name of charity. I lose it every time....like laugh so hard my cheeks hurt...and Mark is baffled by my amusement. Thankfully, the kids are in my camp. It was awesome.

Mary Turns Nine!

Jenny and the kids flew down on Friday because school is out in Alaska. It was also Mary's birthday. Big doings. Henry was VERY excited to get her Shel Silverstein books. He and Mary are pen pals and they both love poetry, so he knew the books would something cool they could write to each other about. Mary is such a sweet girl...it was so fun to celebrate her. She is the kind of girl every mom would want for a daughter. We love our Mimi!

Henry's Dream = Math Fair

Weds night Henry's school had a Math Fair night. Yes, a whole night devoted to games that involved math. Henry's DREAM. He talked about it all week. I normally get home from work at 6:00. I was a little late...when I arrived at 6:08 he had a very nervous look on his face. "MOM! Math fair starts in 22 minutes and we still have to eat". No joke.

Thankfully, we got there in time and he loved it. Even Francie had fun pretending to count.

How I Became a Pirate

The kids and I made a Spring list of "things to do". One of the ideas they had was to go to a play. So, tonight we went to How I Became a Pirate- the musical. We went with Grandpa Gordon and Aunt Kathy, who has been visiting from Minnesota.

They loved the play...although Miss Francie was scared in a few parts....too much "ARGH" for her.

Afterwards we went to one of our favorite restaurants and then walked on the South Park blocks where there is a wonderful bench in memory of my brother.

A great Sunday night.

One note: I have to say that I have been able to successfully coax Francie into a dress the last three Sundays. Serious triumph.

Dichotomy of Feelings

Henry and I were deciding whether to go to a Mom and Son event at our club. As I was just checking our calendar, I realized the event was on what will probably be our last Saturday together before the baby. I told Henry. His eyes got big. I told him "I can't tell what you are feeling...are you excited? panicked ?" He nervously laughed and then said "BOTH!...but probably more panicked". We instantly giggled and hugged each other. Holy cow, it is coming.

Romeo

It has started....Henry got his first love poem.....from not one, but two women.

Mark is very proud. When I asked him why they made it for him, his response: "I don't know".

Mothers Day 2011

Good ole mothers day....a day when I get to sleep in. This morning particularly started great because when I finally got up, Brooke & Josh were at our house and we got to hang out. They move to Portland this summer and we are counting down the days. As is Murphy's law...the kids were particularly "trying" today....so....I chose to give myself the mother's day gift of leaving the house and getting a break. Thank you Mark for that best gift of all! We had dinner with my mom and grandma and dad. I have to say, Mother's Day still feels more about my mom to me. The older I get, the more I appreciate her and the unconditional love that she gave me throughout my life. I feel blessed to not only love my mom, but to genuinely like her. I bought her a mug that perfectly summarized how I feel about my mom -- even if she wasn't my mom, I would want to be friends with her.

Hike at the Audobon

One of the things I love about Portland is that within the city limits there are these amazing trails. Today we went on a trail that is less than half a mile from our house and magical. At his birthday party yesterday Henry got a compass, binochulars and flashlight -- which he brought on the hike. We were VERY well informed of our direction the whole hike....like every 20 yards.

Later we went to Lola's first birthday party and then ended the afternoon with Brookie at Jamison, soaking in the sun. PURE BLISS.