I I am a white privileged female. I want for nothing. I have equal pay at a job I love. I own a home and have two kids and a husband who not only loves me but supports my rights to work and have a life outside that home. I am educated and am able to speak freely on any topic I choose. I have never been a victim of hate or violence. I was raised catholic and attended both private and public schools and earned a degree from a state university (that I had to take out loans to attend). My mom was a teacher and my dad an insurance agent. I am as basic as white girls come. This is who I am and this is where I came from. I tell you all this so you can see I have no bias or agenda in what I am about to say:

I believe in equal rights but more importantly I believe in HUMAN RIGHTS. For everyone. It is not about democrat vs republican. Conservative vs liberal. Men vs. women.  Christians vs non-christians. Americans vs immigrants. What it is about is right vs wrong. Love vs hate. Facts vs fear. Science vs science fiction. 

What is happening in America right now is not only a travesty it is a call to action. If you can look around and see what is happening and do nothing, you should look deep inside yourself and see if you can FEEL anything. This is not the time to dig in your heals to prove a point. This is the time to hold out your hand and help the person next to you. This is not the time to be silent or be afraid of offending someone. This is the time to speak up for those who don't have a voice or a choice. Pull them, and yourself out of the shadows and into the light. Pick a topic, any topic-they are all under attack right now. Everything from national parks and science to violence against women and immigration. Find something you are passionate about and do one small thing every. Single. Day.  

Seriously, DO SOMETHING! 

Talk, tweet, give, volunteer, email, call, march then vote. It all makes a difference and it all matters. 

It may seem overwhelming but WE do have the power and if enough people speak up they can't ignore US. Now is the moment in history where you can say you fought back you proved what you were made of and what you really stood for. 

Our country and more importantly the world need to see that there is more good than bad. Show everyone that fear is not what drives us and divides us. Rather love and kindness are what binds and unites us. 

Random springtime fun...

Here's a dose of random pictures this spring:

I had a week when I worked days and we needed some help with babysitting. Diane graciously volunteered and the result are these three pictures. 

Jack dd not nap once the entire day with Diane and Reese. The results:

I can't resist cute nakeybaby bath time pics :)

Mom. Must you always take my picture. Yes. Yes I must. 

A fun impromptu BBQ at the snyders led to a ride in the wagon with Reese and Harper. 

Jack loves auntie stone!

One of my favorite pictures. And one of Jack's favorite things to do. 

Always such a happy guy. 

Weeeeee...

What can I say this kid loves to swing!

My lil Irish man...

I could not resist the urge to dress jack up for St. Patricks day. The results were adorable.

10 months...

These month to month pictures are quite difficult to get anymore. So these are the best we could get this month. 

At 10 months Jack:

Has 3 teeth that he constantly grinds

Wears Size 3 diapers

Says hi and mama

Feeds himself puffs

Can Stand by himself 

Took his First steps between mom and dad (march 9th)!

Sleeps from 7:30-7. Usually will  wake up once but goes back to bed after eating. 

Usually takes 2 naps 

Starting to wean from breastfeeding. 

His Grandparents and his dogs are his favorite things ever! He laughs whenever he sees any of them. 

Is starting to show a stubborn streak. Wonder which parent that comes from? He is also starting to throw little tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants. Usually this can be avoided by a minor distraction but occasionally you get the full on fall in the ground, stick your lip out and cry. It's actually pretty funny if it wasn't so frustrating. 

Besides the minor attitude he is just content as always. His mild mannered ways are very helpful in determining naps and bedtimes. Whenever e starts to get real cranky or whiny we know it's probably best to try a nap; and that usually does the trick. 

9 months...

Jack is 9 months and so very active now. We've had quite the milestone this month as well... His first word! 

I say it every month but it really is so awesome to watch him develop, grow and change each month. Being a parent is incredible. 

At 9 months Jack:

Has Two teeth

Officially said mom on valentines day (an melted my heart in the process)

Waves hi and bye 

Stands for a second on his own before falling. 

Does not like puffs. You put them in his mouth and he acts like he is choking. It's actually quite funny to see. 

Eats purees/cereal 3 times a day and breastfeeds.  

Gives slobbery sweet open mouth kisses 

Wears Size 3 diapers and size 6-9 month clothes. 

Usually will take 2 naps...if mom is lucky. 

Still wakes up twice during the night. 

Jack really is such a sweet natured boy and is happy pretty much all the time. He has no problem with strangers and loves everybody. His smile still lights up a room and his laugh will make even the grinch giggle. 

Super Seahawks!!!

The Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl champions! 

The week after the game the hawks held a huge parade and celebration at the clink. Jack and I decided we didn't want to miss it and we headed over the mountains with Terry and Amy to join in in the fun.  It was fun, and it was FREEZING! 

Luckily some very generous friends of ours, the Layton's, are season ticket holders. They got exclusive tickets to the post parade celebration at century link field, but couldn't  my make it so they gave them to us to use.  It was nice to have a place to sit, eat and use the bathroom while we waited. Did I mention it was cold? It was. Jack had on about 7 layers including two snow suits. I think he stayed quite toasty while the rest of us froze

It was a long cold day but worth the wait to see the team celebrate! I love that I got to share the day with Jack and even though he won't remember he can tell everyone he was there. 

Go hawks!

Winter wonder...

We had a (thankfully) rather mild winter this year, and I for one could not have been happier. My idea of hell would be trying to carry around a baby in ice and snow for 5 months. However, that being said I am not a total Scrooge and I do enjoy some snow and cold weather now and again.  I just like it in moderation with some sunny days sprinkled in there as well. So really this winter was pretty great...for a winter. 

Here are some random shots of Jack from his first winter season. 

8 months...

One month older and still as smiley and happy as ever. Just more mobile than last month. 

At 8 months Jack is:

Using Size 2 diapers

Wearing 3-6 months clothes

Will take 2 short naps when forced

Sleeps 8-8 sometimes 

Furniture walking and crawling 

Loves Playing with the dogs

Eats Real food (cereal and purees) twice a day.

Loves his grandparents

Teething and got his first tooth on jan 20th

Not shy at all-seriously he is happy and content to go with anyone. Gonna need to work on the stranger danger later in life ;)

First year, new year...

We spent New Years Eve celebrating with 3 of our favorite families: the Cole's, LaBelle's and Snyder's at what has become our annual Christmas party and gift exchange. These families are such a blessing to Jim and I and we are so happy to experience life together. And now as an added bonus we get the joy of watching our kids grow up together. It's amazing to think back to 7 years ago when this tradition started and to see what it has literally grown into 😘

This year party will definitely go down as the most memorable this far. Thankfully it ended with a laugh but it was not without the drama. Chris choked on our delicious prime rib and it took us all awhile to figure out what was happening. Once we did Jim and Bobby jumped into action and Bobby gave Chris the heimleich. 

Here's our reenactment of how that went down:

Funny now but it was scary in the moment. A story that will live on for years to come, I'm sure. 

Jack was his usual party animal self, so when all the other kids were sleeping yhe night away there was jack wide awake and ready to ring in the new year 

Jack is so happy to finally have another boy around to help fend off all the ladies. I just know Jack and Mason will be great friends for years to come. 

Even with the scare it was a great night and,as usual, many laughs were had and even better memories made. 

Is this not the most adorable picture ever? Stella is the sweetest with jack and all the kids and makes such a fantastic big sister to Mason. I just want to eat her up. 

You gotta love these guys!

Cheers to 2014!