Weather

Seriously, where did this weather come from? It is late December in the state of Ohio and I went running outside wearing a short sleeve shirt. While Washington State (not known for it's snowy winters) is still getting bombarded with snow. How is this possible? Normally I would be complaining because the weather here is cold with no snow, but how could I complain when it felt like Spring.

After I returned from my run, I found the boys just getting home from their adventure in the Metroparks, getting ready to make a fire in the fire pit. They loved it. We cooked hot dogs in the fire and of course, had to top the afternoon off with s'mores. (I know it probably defeated the whole point of running, guess I will just have to run further tomorrow.

Today was probably the first time in a very long time that I was not jealous of my friend Amy, who lives in South Carolina. Don't think I won't be jealous of Amy again tomorrow since it will most definitely be cold again (causing tons of people to get sick because they think it is still warm.)

So here is to the messed up weather!!!

Close to My Heart Website

Hello, Scrabooking and Card Making Friends.

As the new year is about to begin, I decided it was time to give everyone the opportunity to see exactly what Close To My Heart is all about.

I have started a website: http://www.karenguise.myctmh.com/. Be sure to check it out.

I will add future workshop dates and some artwork created by me and your fellow crafters. Please share your feedback, so I know what changes need to be made. If there is a demand for it, I will be adding an option for ordering online.

Two in a Row

Wow, here I sit at my computer for the second night in a row. If I am not careful, this may be a habit. Although I guess this is what is supposed to be happening with blogs, right?

I am surrounded by my husband and my in-laws, as we are watching a movie together. Something that is not usually done back at our home in Washington. I do so enjoy these moments, only made possible by the fact that there are 7 adults in this house that are able to help entertain the boys during the daytime hours. Since they are moving nonstop from the time they wake up until bedtime, they sleep quite well throughout the night. Which is a great plus for me.

On a final note, enjoy this holiday season with your loved ones, I know I will be...

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone! I am sitting on the couch with my feet up, my tummy full and my boys still trying to calm down after all the excitement of the day.

We are currently in Ohio visiting both mine and my husband's family. Since we are so far away from 'home', the boys were a little nervous about Santa finding them. Fortunately, Santa knows exactly where they were going to be, but since there were some things that they asked for that may not fit in suitcases, they are hoping that Santa also stopped by Washington. Shhh... don't tell them, but I am pretty sure Santa made it there.

At least we are hoping that Santa made it safely to all the Washington Families, since they are getting hit with snowstorm after snowstorm. And wouldn't you know it? We are in lovely Ohio WITHOUT any snow!!! I am so disppointed. So those of you enjoying the snow, please take lots of pictures for me.

Merry Christmas everyone and have a good night!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Happy Thanksgiving to all our Family and Friends.

Hope everyone is able to fit into their jeans again after stuffing themselves with turkey. We had our Turkey Dinner on Friday instead of the traditional Thursday, since Auntie Cari was on call for work (we didn't want her to leave in the middle of dinner). Actually it meant that we got to have two full meals two days in a row. Not to mention all the desserts, Logan has found a new love in cheesecake, apple pie and pumpkin pie. I have to thank Homemade Gourmet for the cheesecake and applie pie. They were absolutely delicious and were quick to disappear.

This holiday weekend, we find ourselves in Idaho visiting Cari Silvey and her two children, Hayden and Mara. Hayden is just two days older than Logan and Mara is a month older than Brandon. It is amazing to see the difference in each of the children, as they have grown so much over the last few years.


At dinner, as Cari and I looked at the children sitting at the counter, we were both completely Thankful for the greatest gifts that we have both received. It is remarkable, as we remembered how far our two oldest have come, years away from being in the ICU together at birth.

I am very thankful for all of our family that is spread out far and wide; and all of our friends both past, present and those to come. Without all of you, our lives would not be nearly as complete.

Thank you each and every one of you!

And how could I not be THANKFUL for these smiling faces?

Thankful for Tae Kwon Do

I am very sad that the economy is affecting so many things in our lives. The boys had their last class of Tae Kwon Do, hopefully it will be just for the rest of the year. Our Master Instructor is having to close his doors as of the First of December because his landlord is increasing their rent.

I usually understand that sometimes things happen, but for some reason this time it is really affecting me. The boys enjoyed Tae Kwon Do very much and I am so pleased with the confidence they have developed since starting a few months ago.

I know there are other places I can take the boys, but I am not sure they will enjoy it with a different class or instructor. Master Lugo has created such a great rapor with the boys, they actually looked forward to learning and practicing. His dojang will be in our thoughts this holiday season and we hope he will have something to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving.

We look forward to hearing good news from Master Lugo in the upcoming weeks.

New Jeep

Well, who says I am not the best wife in the world? Probably my husband, but that is besides the point. I may earn enough brownie points when it is completed.

When Brian and I first met he had a black Jeep Renegade. The Jeep was great, I think he drove most of the time, so it became so much of a fun part of our beginning relationship. After he went to the Academy, the Jeep was passed down to his brother Andy for a few years (Brian couldn't have a car until he was a First Classmen). Brian was reunited with the Jeep as his last year at the Academy arrived. It was very nice to have transportation for that final year when I visited.

After Brian's graduation and our Wedding, we both drove from Annapolis to Cleveland in the JEEP! Note to fast drivers: Jeep not great on trying to accelerate fast on the highway trying to pass trucks. Not to mention no Cruise Control! (Don't tell Brian, but it was not a fun trip, if he even remembers it).

Why am I telling you all this from 15 years ago?

Well, because after months of searching ebay and craig's list and any other form of buying used items; Brian found one that brought the memories pouring in. He spent a few weeks bartering with the kid that was selling the 1994 Jeep Wrangler Renegade. After still not feeling comfortable with the decision, Brian had to board a plane (I won't say where, because he doesn't need any more people jealous of him). Having the money in hand and the kid's number on my phone, I called him and made another offer. This time it was working out. Nana, the boys and I crossed on the ferry to pick up Daddy's new jeep:

So here it is. It is in great shape for being almost 15 years old, but it reminds me everyday of those fun filled adolescent years. The boys absolutely love it and want to drive it all the time (well, they are not driving yet, they love riding around in it).

After Brian spending all day working on it yesterday, it now has four working lights, so we can at least drive it in the evenings. Speaking of...we are off to go for a ride now.