November Thanks Day 25 - The City I'm in Love With

In 2008 I made a move to a city that showed me what community truly is. Having lived in various areas of Tacoma for over 6 years, now, I can honestly say it is one of my favorite areas to be and has everything anyone could want (minus the country life, which I do enjoy as well). The schools are fantastic, my former neighbors (there will be a post about them later) were kind hearted and observant, and the culture was fun.

The Tacoma Dome

Tacoma has allowed my family to enjoy so many outings at the affordable price of free (or pretty near it). Starting with the incredible museums - every third Thursday of the month the whole community is allowed to come and enjoy everything these places have to offer. There is also a children's museum that runs on donations. Kids can enjoy hours and hours of educational, safe fun and beg to go back as they are leaving.

Kids and Neighbors outside Union Station

Looking at glass scultpures

Glass by Dave Chihuly

More glass by Dave Chihuly

Fun inside the art museum

Union Station

Glass by Dave Chihuly

Family in front of Chihuly glass at Union Station

There is also an awesome baseball team (the Rainiers) who are the farm team for our  major leagues. Games are fun, active, yet laid back. And, biggest bonus are the free summer movies the stadium hosts for families. Bring a blanket, and lay out under the gorgeous sky and watch the summer favorites. Do like some families do, and bring a glove and ball to play catch away from the crowds, gives the kids the experience of playing where some of the greats started and is an opportunity most of us have never had!

Also, downtown, there is Ruston Way - a whole area for people to walk/jog/play that is right on the water. It is beautiful, and has a view of Vashon Island (another beautiful gem in this area of Washington State), and Mount Rainier. You can go, watch people scuba dive, watch parasailing, go fishing, play in the water, or eat at some top notch restaurants.

View from the trails on Ruston

More from the docks of Ruston

The parks in Tacoma are incredible, as well. Wright Park is one of our favorites. Not only does it have the Seymour Conservatory (pictures from there will come in December), but has pretty statues, a cute duck pond, and a romantic winding trail with stately trees lining it. Wright Park used to be a dark, dangerous sort of place, over the last decade it has been made into the local family hang out. It has a water park addition for the summer (free to use, and hours of fun), along with cute playground. In addition, many community events take place there, like the star walk where locals create stars that light up, and frame the trees of the park. There is an annual Dickens Festival complete with carriage rides and a Run Like the Dickens event.

Kids and I looking at statues at Wright Park

Photo courtesy of www.en.wikipedia.org
Conservatory at the park

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.com

So there you have it. I love Tacoma, I love all it has given me and my family (many reasons I have not written about here), and am so thankful we decided to make the move here so many years ago.

November Thanks Day 24 - Holiday Fun

Yesterday the kids, my dad, and I kicked off the holidays by doing a walk through at our local park. Every year they will the entire park with pretty lights and displays, and the Sunday prior to it opening, they open it up to the public to walk, instead of drive, through. The last time I had been was on a date with my husband almost 8 years ago. We drove through, were disappointed, and vowed not to go back as the park charged to see a lit up sign placed maybe every 10 or so feet, nothing fancy or impressive. Last year, my parents took the kids and ooh'ed and awed about it for the entire month of December. I decided that it was time to give the walk through a try.

 For a while, because of how sick my son was, it looked like we may not be able to do it, plus the weather is usually really yucky in Washington State every fall/winter. Scarily, yesterday morning we woke up to a monsoon going on outside, and reports that it would probably rain that evening. By noon, though, the sun was out and the ground began to dry. That evening was perfect, no rain, very little wind, and warm enough that with brisk walking my daughter took her jacket off.

Area sponsored by Clover Park Tech

The lights were pretty, the music was fun, and all of the volunteers were cheery. The kids, my dad, and I had a wonderful time staring at the lights, looking at the different sponsors (his employer had a sponsor/set up there), and being able to spend some quality time together while being mesmerized by everything around us. Don't get me wrong, driving through would be pretty spectacular too, but being able to slowly walk made it feel like we were enveloped in a winter wonderland.

I am very thankful that we were able to go, that the weather held up, that my son was doing alright enough to make the trek, and that I decided to just do it instead of backing out at the last minute. It was fun, and we will definitely be doing it again (although, big regret of the evening is that I left my good camera at home, and had the poor one on my Kindle for the picture perfect moments).

November Thanks Day 23 - My Son

I know I have already done a post about my kids, so this may seem a little redundant; however, please understand that my baby boy has been very sick for a over a week. At first we thought it was the flu, then maybe a bad cold, then bronchitis, only to find out he had the croup and another nasty virus attached. We went through breathing treatments, loss of work, and a lot of worry over how this little guy was doing.

At the dr's office

Then, yesterday, he randomly felt up to playing outside. We let him under the orders to take it easy (any action of any sort would leave him coughing so hard he would physically choke and start throwing up). After an hour, he was running like normal and not coughing at all. We were able to proceed as normal with his play practice this morning, and Sunday school. He seemed a little wiped out, rested on the couch a bit, and then headed out with us to a Christmas lights walk through. I had the inhaler with me, and a plan, in case he needed to stop and the last day and a half of his doing well went away. This kid went through everything like a champ. Walked two miles, laughed, acted like a normal kid and coughed maybe three times.

After play practice.

In line with his sister

Happy with the pretty lights!

Why is this blog worthy? For a mom, it's always a relief when the babies are getting their health back. I am very, very grateful that this is passing, and that we do not have to make an emergency trip that we were told to monitor for. God is good :)

November Thanks Day 22 - The Hubby

Normally, in our house, we do not go over for the mushy stuff. We love each other, we know that, and outward displays (minus the occasional Facebook post) feels like trying too hard. I cannot, though, go through the entire month of November and not recognize my husband.


Ken and Biscuit the Squirrel (formerly, and
better named, Rocky)

We have our differences, and are completely opposite from one another. I am also in constant awe at how so many conflicting thoughts can fit inside one person politically. An avid lover of Ron Paul, yet one who will defend the president's decisions to the death on immigration make no sense to me, but that is who you are, and it makes life interesting. I also value our many interesting arguments on Obama-Care, Charles Manson's love life, and the death penalty. Our kids will never be able to grow up saying they don't know what is happening in the world on both sides of the spectrum - something that will be a great value whenever anyone tries to tell them how closed minded they are.

Which brings me to what a great dad you are. Just like me, you have things to work on, but no one is perfect. The kids will always know you will be there for them no matter what, and that you will do the best you can to make sure they are well mannered, intelligent human beings who value others above themselves. And it's great for me to see how much the kids love you, and how many times a day they bring up different things they want to do for their dad, to show him how special he is to them.

Ken and Reyna

Ken and Bubba



First family picture in 2006

Ken and the kids on
Mount Rainier

As for how you are with me... We have made 11 years together, over a decade. In that time, we have learned how to make this family run well together. Not many families have both people working, while trying to finish school, volunteer, have outside hobbies, and raise kids at the same time. We do, and without you I would not be able to finish school. I know that you will be there for me no matter what. And that you will be patient with me as overanalyze and stress out. You have a lot to deal with, and work very hard. I love you, and I'm grateful for your company in life.

Right before I went to Disney World, June 2005

Our wedding day in 2007

Thank you, again, for taking this crazy life journey with me. I love you very much.

November Thanks Day 20 - The Events That Shaped Me

Today has been a long, rough sort of day. Just in the sense that lots of hours were dedicated to something important, but not necessarily uplifting or fun. So it took me a bit to think of something to be thankful for beyond the usual my family is alive and we were all granted another day to live... As I was making dinner, it hit me that I have been through many different events in my life (as we all have) that have helped mold me into the adult that I am, and that some of those events were hard yet now I am grateful to have been through them, and have learned much about myself. That includes, by the way, all of the negatives in my life, so anyone wanting to lodge a complaint... Here are the culprits to complain too!

The first event in my life that I would like to recognize and be grateful for is parenthood. We all know that parenthood changes us, although it effects each person differently. I was 19 when I became a mom. By all standards, I was young but felt I was mature enough to handle things. I was wrong. It's funny how babies tend to confirm a complete lack in ability to be selfless, and provide a mirror to see the mounds of patience we all don't have... Needless to say, I did not handle becoming a mother with the grace that I should have. I did not the first time around, nor the second when I was 21. Actually, I'm still working on the grace thing... And the patience... And the selflessness. You see, having a child does not prevent anyone from having selfish thoughts. If anything, those thoughts multiply while seeing/feeling that the whole world is spinning out of control, control is essentially lost, and the sandman won't be visiting for a while. What a baby does do, though, is provide a boot camp of sorts in not acting on the selfishness. As I said, I'm still working on it, I spend money on coffee when I could put that money towards a camp or something for the kids. I'm not perfect, but am a work in progress. Also, parenthood tends to make things a little more funny, and forces us to laugh at ourselves. Remember that time your kid started pushing your other kid during a musical practice at church? Or, oh, remember the time your kid grabbed her chest in the middle of a restaurant and loudly announced she is now getting boobs? No? Okay, just me then. If that is you, then laugh, otherwise you'll develop frown lines before you turn 30.

Me with my baby girl in 2006

Me not caring with my baby boy 2008

The next event was getting married. Much like having children, pretty much everyone goes through this. What no one told me, though, is that the first few years aren't exactly easy. They are filled with adjustment, getting to see who we actually are as people (you know, the good/bad we didn't want them to see while dating as it may scare the other person off), and rubbing away at the rough spots much like a clam with sand to get to the pearl. While I definitely haven't been turned into a sellable jewelry yet, I definitely know that marriage has made me a better person, learning how to approach things as a team instead of an individual. And in remembering that I am not the only one to complete things, there is another person there (which is how I know I'm not at pearl status, yet. I definitely forget this one a lot to my spouse's chagrin). I also have learned there is a major difference between being in love with someone, and loving them. I have also learned that everyone, no matter what, will end up in the second stage so there is no point in feeling like something is broken when the first one ends. There, maybe I saved someone a trip to the counselors office. Your bank account shall thank you if you embrace this concept early on.

Our wedding party in 2007

Hubby and flower girl, Reyna

Us in 2010

Being laid off was another life changing/shaping event for me. Prior to that I had things figure out. I worked at the Better Business Bureau, felt confident at how young I was and yet how I'd landed such a great job, and knew that school would eventually be in my future but that I was fine for the moment. And then, my whole world got yanked out from under me. Bitterness and anger were the emotions that followed in the next few months. I had no idea what to do with myself, but eventually embraced the idea of staying at home. I volunteered at the local elementary school thinking I would possibly pursue a teaching degree (a few months in I said nope to that idea, ironically). I also took classes on cake decorating. The house was clean, kids were potty trained, and life didn't seem so bad. Then my husband lost his job (and our car got broken into, windows smashed, and cell phone stolen). Boy what a jolt that provided. Never in my life have I felt the need to rush and put my life together as I did then. But I did it, and was hired at the Employment Securities Department, and was one of the youngest people there. I loved my co-workers, and my job. I loved the commute and being in the city. And then I got laid off again. My whole perspective on job security was shattered, and I knew that I had to do something to get my life on track. That was when I decided to just "jump" and find a school and degree track to propel myself towards something, anything. So many appointments, so much paperwork, it all seemed so endless. Eventually, I settled on WGU and a part time job with one of our local school districts. That turned into me deciding to teach for a living, and an almost full time job with the school district. And it taught me that I am not irreplaceable. There are no guarantees in life, so it's best to be prepared for times of crises (even if that just means mentally because your bank account has no spare change to be prepared) and know that you can, and will, get through it. My dad used to throw a quote at me of "this too shall pass", and I know from this experience that it does.

 The next is a really odd one, but it helped me see that my family really is a team unit, working together. We had a major storm in 2012, the power went out, there was deep snow everywhere, then it rained ice, trees were down, the works. For days we were trapped at home, not able to drive anywhere. Our power, luckily, was only out for 24 hours, but getting anywhere to do anything was near impossible. And, shockingly, when you have kids they do need to eat, stay warm, be entertained, and know that they're safe. That winter, my husband and I learned to suck it up, and hike up a mile in snow that had a layer of ice on top. By saying layer of ice, I do mean thick slabs of ice where you place one foot down, and are met with a feeling of razor sharp resistance that created bruising (and probably cuts if our pants weren't so thick). We had to do it, though, and we did it together and even did so happily after accepting that freezing our butts off, being in pain, and generally being uncomfortable was our fate. We also BBQ'ed in the garage (with the door open, no comments about how unsafe it was because we were well ventilated) in order to make sure the kids and neighbors ate. It was interesting. After a week, we realized we could do it, we could work together and not kill one another.

Our backyard after the first or second day of the storm.

Definitely not one of the last events that was changing in my life, but the last I will talk about (some things, honestly, are too private to share) is that of meeting some of my husband's friends. It sounds funny that the friends of my spouse would deserve a spot in a post, as they are not directly in my life, but my husband's. Nevertheless, Rob, Robert, Jeremy (someone we fell out of touch with) and some others I have met, but will remain nameless for the sake of privacy. Both Rob and Robert were very instrumental during difficult times in our lives, just being there to listen offer advice, watch the kids, or be confident enough to tell us the answers we needed to hear, but didn't exactly want. Jeremy is someone who was around in the early days , such as right after both kids were born when both Ken and I were adjusting to our new roles. He had a sense of when one of us would need help, and would simply step in and do it. I remember one time being completely overwhelmed, Reyna just cried and cried, and Ken was at work. Jeremy gently took her from me, sent me to take an hour to watch the new episode of Grey's Anatomy, and then let me lay down for a little bit. Robert has been quick to let me know when my expectations in life, relationship, or for the kids is unreasonable. He has reminded me that my children are not robots, and are entitled to their own feelings so long as they are following the rules and being respectful. He has also reminded me again and again that there are times to compromise, and times to dig in my heels, and hold on to my pride. Rob has shown he has an endless ability to listen, provide encouragement, and perspective. When I have "oh crap" moments, he has been the one to stay calm, steady, and reminding that I am not the first person on the planet to make these mistakes (like getting into two car accidents in a month... How genius of me). Knowing these three guys, and through them April (Robert's wife) and Lisa (Rob's fiancé) has helped me learn that letting others who are not family in can some times be the smartest thing we could have ever done. Thanks guys!

November Thanks Day 19 - The Sucessful Resolution

Every year I carefully make my resolutions. Usually they are the same, which is probably the case for all of us. Yet, I continue to make them with due diligence because may this time will be different. Maybe year XXXX will have that extra oomph to it to make me carry out the 10 or so things that I'd like to do, yet cannot seem to get around to by the time July is here (or, in most cases, February when the resolution excitement has waned). I actually made some really good ones last year (which, if curiosity leads you, can be found here), but sadly did not keep any that were made with my original resolutions.

Sounds odd to have a thankful post about resolutions that were failed, right? Well, you see I belong to this yearly blogging community who reflects for the entire month of December about the year that has passed, and how what was learned that year will carry on into the new one (I love it, and can't wait to start up again next month). It's pretty incredible, and has helped me with a lot of personal growth.

One of the things I wrote about was trying new things. I resolved, with the best of them, to try at least one new thing every month so that I could push myself into having new experiences. And, you know what, that is a resolution I actually kept! I do not recall if I actually did something every single month, but what I did do was remove the limits I normally would have had against myself, and for that I am thankful.

Here is the grand list (at least, all that I can remember):

• I went to Zoo lights - I'd been once as a child, but can't really remember it, so it doesn't count.
• I touched a tiger shark.

Reyna and her brother touching the
tiger shark

• I touched an armadillo.
• I touched an alligator (and, no, I didn't do all of those on the same days or at the same time).
• I walked on a suspension bridge that was swinging, and did not freak out!

My dad and the kids on the bridge

• I actually completed hikes on Mount Rainier, and off of it as well. This one may not count as I walked a trail the year before, but I did it in flip flops in the snow, lasted half a mile, and then had to stop. I did not actually complete the end goal of where we wanted to go (nor do I remember if we had any such goal). I'd also been on the mountain twice before with Ken. One time we hiked for 10 minutes and decided it was too cold, and the second time we made it to the parking lot and said, nope, lets go home. So, to me, this counts as a "first".

The switchback up a trail

The face of sweat after completing
a difficult hike

The view from that trail

• I saw my first real waterfall that was bigger than the mini ones you see on the side of the mountains (I actually visited two this summer). I'd been on top of one before, but was too chicken to do the steep climb down to actually see it.

• I personally BBQ'ed for the first time ever (I always let others do it, never myself)

Tell me that doesn't look delicious!

• I took my kids to their first stage musical to see Tarzan, which I had not seen before either.
• I went on the Ducks in Seattle, which normally would embarrass me like none other.
• I have personally held, and fed, a squirrel.

Our guest at my daughter's 8th birthday party

• I went to an island for the first time in my life.
• While on that island, I got to see my first ever lighthouse

Lighthouse at Vashon Island

• I took the kids to every single museum Tacoma has to offer, minus the car museum because I'm not sure how they'll react to it.

The kids and I at Union Station

• I went inside my first ever haunted house. Like a scary one, completely as far away from the Haunted Mansion at Disney as one can really get. I wish I had gotten pictures of that one, pretty sure the looks on our faces would have been pretty priceless!
• I walked around all day with a fake mustache on my face (spirit day at work).

• Took a tour of the Museum of Flight with an actual docent (which is way better than wandering through alone, trust me).
• I took myself and some friends to a few movies. This may sound crazy, but I personally have never done that as I've always waited for my husband, or dad, to want to go see something. I don't like driving, but finally decided if I wanted to see something I don't need to wait for anyone. So I found people who wanted to go, and made it happen.
• I went to an outdoor movie with the kids and my dad. It was so fun, and so beautiful. Cannot wait for next summer to do it again!
• Though I have not done this one yet, on Sunday I will get to go on my first walk through of Fantasy Lights, which is something I have been wanting to do for at least two years now, and finally just decided to buy the tickets for the darned thing.

I know there is more that I have done this last year, but I honestly cannot remember it all. I am just thankful that I had enough to fill up every single month this year, and then some. Cannot wait to see what else I can accomplish for the first time  between now and January!