Flowers and Greenery from Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens

Finally, pictures of our trip back in April. We went to Butchart Gardens on our anniversary. Here are a few from our trip. We took so many so here are some highlights. I will do another post of just flowers. The gardens are just gorgeous. We weren't even there for the rose blooms. I have only been there in the spring.

Joe entering the Japanese gardens.

The main house. This is now updated and turned into shops and dining.

Adrienne in front of the rose gardens. They were not in bloom while we were there. There were rose bushes and vines all over. I am sure it is quite spectacular.

It is so incredible to think that these gardens were a once a private residence. Joe and I really enjoyed ourselves there at the gardens. We walked around for hours. It is such a peaceful place. I am hoping one day I will have a beautiful garden of my own. If it is a 1/8 of what Butchart Gardens is I will be happy.

The Humboldt House

http://www.humboldthouse.com/
We stayed at the Humboldt House in Victoria, BC. This is where we spent our Honeymoon many years ago. We were both excited to return. It is an old Victorian home that has been perfectly restored. There is the front parlour where you can find maps, magazines, goodies and a comfy place to plan your day. There is also a place where you sign up for your breakfast. They always have at least 4 choices and you pick the time. They deliver the breakfast in a basket in a cubby next to your room. We stayed in the Celebration Room. It's decor is remarkable and exactly how we remember it. Wood burning fireplace and a cute little breakfast nook to make your stay more comfortable. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a fun getaway. No TV, No, Internet, it is wonderful. It is also a short walk from all the sightseeing and shopping.

Victoria wharf.

The Parliament building.

Adrienne in front of The Empress Hotel.

I will write more about Butchart Gardens in another post. We walked around the city enjoyed the sunshine. We also went to dinner at this great restaurant called Nautical Nellies. We enjoyed coconut prawns (mmm my favorite) and incredible steak and veggies. We also found a Romano's Macaroni Grill, WA doesn't have one so I was happy. Then as we got off the ferry in Port Angeles I spotted the Bella Italia Restaurant. It is the site of Edward and Bella's first date. The scene where he rescues her and then she devours mushroom ravioli. Although we didn't eat the ravioli's we did find a new favorite drink. Blood Orange Sparkling Cider. It was fabulous.

We had such a fun weekend. It was nice to be a couple again. We adore our children and missed them too. However, we enjoyed going and doing whatever we wanted. We didn't have to pack a bag with snacks and diapers. We got to stay out late and catch a movie and sleep in. Everyone deserves a a few days like that. On a side note we asked the kids if they missed us and the older two said "no". I like to think that our little Anni missed us. She got so happy when we came home. She wouldn't take her eyes off of Joe. It was so funny. She is a daddy's girl too.

A decade together!

Adrienne and Joe engagement photo. Taken By Christine Wilcox.

Joe and Adrienne sealed in the Manti Temple April 23, 1999

So here we are 10 years later. A little older, a little wiser, a little fatter, 3 more family members. Maybe a white hair or two.

Then, I didn't think that I could love you any more than I did that moment kneeling across the alter in that temple that day. We have had our share of ups and down. I think evey marriage does. I am just glad that I went through them with you. I think that joy and sorrow has brought us closer as a couple. Our love has changed in the last ten years. It has gotten better. I am really glad that we will be together forever. I love you and Happy Anniversary Joey!!!

The Belle of the Ball, Adrienne...

It is not too often that Adrienne and I get to get dressed up to go out together. My employer, Kitsap Bank, throws an annual Christmas party that is semi-formal. So Adrienne had an excuse to get all dressed up. Isn't she beautiful?

Many Thanks...

Papa, Annika, and our niece Ila Ann. We met with them for an appetizer before the festivities began.
Our nephew Joshua and Gavin.

Our niece Tara and Madi.

Papa holding our nephew Zachary and Joe holding Annika.

This year we spent Thanksgiving at the Sirrine's house. The VanderHoevens, Urvinas, and Densleys were there. Overall, I believe there was close to 30 people!! So the tradition is to list a few things that you are thankful for. I do hope that it doesn't get too long and mushy! I have much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for the Sirrines inviting us over to a wonderful dinner. I love a full house and all the chaos of kids running around, football game in the background, and the rush of last minute touches.

I am thankful for a nice warm place to live and food on the table.

I am thankful for my job and my husband's job.

I am thankful for 3 very happy healthy and beautiful children (Well, most of the time anyway). I am also thankful for my extended family on both sides.

I am thankful for a husband who adores me and shows and tells me on a daily basis. I am thankful that he works so hard to support his family at work and home. I am thankful that he believes in Jesus Christ and shows compassion for everyone. I am thankful that he is an amazing daddy.

I am thankful to live in America. I am thankful for my freedoms. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, etc.

I am thankful for modern day appliances that make day to day life so much easier.

I am also very thankful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I would definitely not be the person I am today without the wonderful example and knowledge of Jesus Christ. I am also thankful for the atonement and the knowledge that I can live with Him again and with my family.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy this wonderful month of December.

Twilight the movie

Yes, I braved the long lines and the late night to go see the Twilight movie come to life. I went to the 12:01Am showing in Federal Way with my sister-in-law Valerie (with Zach in tow), my niece Sarah, and her cousin and friend, and Valerie's sister-in-law Judy. I was in line at 9:30PM. I forgot my book and so I just sat their and people watched. Very entertaining lots of teenagers and people who like vampires. It wasn't all in vain. I did get some very nice seats so that I didn't have a huge crick in the neck. Anyway, I liked the movie. I want to see it again to give it a proper critique. It is really hard to see a movie when you really love the book. It is sometimes hard to put on screen what books do so well with words. Overall I thought the actors playing Bella and Edward were a good fit. For all of you who haven't read the Twilight series I highly recommend.

Cell phone pictures what can I say!!!

High School Tag!

1)Did you date someone from your school? Briefly, my boyfriend had actually graduated!
2)What kind of car did you drive? The first year I could drive I drove a Plymouth Colt hatchback - that my dad named "The wind-up". He thought it resembled those little toy cars that you had to wind-up to get them to move! My first accident was in that car about a week after I got my drivers license. My second car was a 1994 Ford Aspire, teal green. I named this one Paco.
3)What was your most embarrassing moment? Thinking back about this there were really too many. Here is one I can remember that isn't too bad to share. I was in math class as a freshman. The teacher was calling us back individually to talk with us, while the rest of us had quiet study time. He said my name I got up and my book was about to fall so I turned to slide it back on and then turned back around to go see the teacher. I turned a little to wide and ran smack into the metal file cabinet. It was SO LOUD. Every one turned and laughed. OY!! I just laughed it off and kept walking. I will never forget that one!!
4)Were you a party animal? Only with my close friends. I did get quite a few sugar highs but that was the extent!
5)Were you considered a flirt? No, I was a little shy in high school.
6)Were you in Band, Orchestra, or Choir? No, I was considered a hazard when it came to music.
7)Were you a NERD? Verdict is still out! J/K I wasn't a nerd but I definitely wasn't a part of the "IN" crowd.
8)Were you on any Varsity Teams? No, that would require me to be on a sports team.
9)Did you get suspended or expelled? No, shy remember! Plus my mom would have killed me.
10)Can you still sing the fight song? No, I barely could remember the words! My friend that I got this quiz from had it all written down. So here it is. “We are proud of our valley, its fields and meadows fair. We dwell in peace and plenty, contentment everywhere. There is one of these blessings from mem’ry ne’er depart. It is our dear old grand high school, the pride of every heart. GV High (GVHS), I love thee (I love thee). Thy name I hold in memory. GV High (GVHS), I love thee (I love thee). Let me live and die still true to thee.” I won't do the second verse. ;o)
11)Who were your favorite teachers? Mr. Harwood he was a witty smart teacher. I loved how he constantly made fun of all of us for our bad grammar! Sanpete county, He got a lot of laughs. For me he was very effective. He was also over the yearbook committee and I really enjoyed my time there.
12)Where did you sit during lunch? I didn't go into the cafeteria often. I couldn't be seen eating! Hello this is HS. I always took my apple and plain wheat bagel and ate it in the halls. I sometimes met my mom at home for lunch when I was hungrier!!!
13)What was your school mascot? Bulldog. Go Blue!
14)Did you go to Homecoming? I think I did one year. I didn't date a lot in HS. Small towns are difficult to date people. I could remember what these boys did in Kindergarten. Like eat paste and stuff like that.
15)If you could go back would you? No, I would never want to relive it. I am pretty satisfied with what I did and who I was. Those are difficult years. I did the best I could.
16)What do you remember most about graduation? I remember it was in our school gym. I sat by my good friend Stephanie Finlayson and talked through most of it. Checked out a guy in the back of the room I had a crush on. (Rochelle Pet.'s cousin) Oh yeah, and my brother-in-law Rick yelled out "Yo Adrienne" when I got my diploma!! Classic!
17)Where did you go for your Senior trip? I didn’t. I bought a ticket to go back to Finland and Sweden. Then a day before I was supposed to leave my father passed away! I wish I would've gone to CA with everyone else. In hindsight!!!
18)Were you in any clubs? Student Body Secretary, FHA, Yearbook, that is what I can remember.
19)Have you gained weight since High School? Yes. 3 kids later. I am working on it. I was fit in HS.
20)Who was your prom date? Gregor Biet, an exchange student from Germany. I actually stayed in touch with him for quite a few years after.
21)Did you go to your 10-year class reunion? No. I would like to go to the 15 year though. I did check out the class reunion website.
22)Looking back, what advice would you give yourself? Life is beautiful and HS is only 4 years. Don't sweat the small stuff! I hear people say HS is the best four years of your life. I disagree. I say it is just a stepping stone to many more wonderful years ahead.
23) What year did you graduate? 1996

I am tagging everyone that reads this. It was fun to reflect.

If you were born

to Sarah Palin your name would be...

Adrienne - Sack Panther Palin
Joe - Steam Fangs Palin
Madilynn - Mole Valdez Palin
Gavin - Luger Otter Palin
Annika - Bullpen Cola Palin

I guess my names don't seem to bad next to these!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

It is my moms birthday today. I just wanted to wish her a Happy Day. She turned ##. What a milestone. I think my mom would disown me for posting her age. My 3 sisters surprised her at her house this morning and took her and John out to lunch. I wish we all could be there too. We love you Grandma Catheryn.

This is a picture of her when she was around 19 or 20. She sent this to my dad when he was in Vietnam. Doesn't she look beautiful?

Tagged

I have been tagged. I am now going to give you all way to much information!!! I am supposed to let you in on 6 of my quirks. So here it goes.

1. I get totally bugged when people breath on me. It makes me feel like I can't breath myself. Or if I watch a movie and they are out of breath I try and breath for them.

2. Along the same lines. I can't have anything blocking my breathing. I get really uncomfortable and may even freak out a bit!!! No blankets, hands, etc. Maybe a mild version of claustrophobia. Although, I am fine in elevators and things like that.

3. I spell thing in my head constantly. I will pass a billboard or sign and I will find words and a lot of times complete sentences and spell them over and over until I find something new to spell. I know weird!

4. I think this is a newly acquired quirk because I can't remember when I actually started doing it. Maybe when I became a stay at home mom or something. OK...spit it out right. So I have conversations in my head with myself. OK, don't call CPS on me I am not crazy, well maybe a little. It may have started when we moved here to Bonney Lake. I haven't gotten to know a lot of people yet. Hmmph...still searching for where I got that one.

5. When I get nervous or uncomfortable I kind of laugh or giggle.

6. OK, last one. When I concentrate really hard on something I tend to stick my lips out. (kind of far almost touching my nose)

OK, so now my husband is thinking so that is why she is making funny expressions, and every once in a while will let a little laugh out!

This is hard because you have to kind of evaluate yourself. I am sure there are a ton of other little quirks that I have but shouldn't reveal at this point. I am going to tag Keri, Valerie, Rochelle P., Jennifer B., Rachel W., Camille, Shayla, Jennifer H., and anyone else that thinks this is fun.

Benefits of working at Fred Meyer

So, I work in the evenings at Fred Meyer. It is not a place that I thought I would be at this point in my life. It is the hardest physically that I have worked ever. Well, besides raising my family. I know that you need to do whatever is needed for your family. So, I happily meet the needs of the Fred Meyer Customer. Well, in doing so I was mystery shopped. I guess I passed because they gave me a $25.00 gift card. Well, that in itself was pretty cool. On top of that I get discounts. I also get to know if things are on sale or in stock. So I put all of that to work for me today and bought my dear husband a Wii Fit. So here it is Joey. Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas. I got it for only about $63.00. WOO HOO go FM. Wait a minute...Go Adrie!!!

Gotta love little boys

Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons and proceeded to the checkout counter.The man at the counter asked the older boy, 'Son, how old are you? 'Eight,' the boy replied.The man continued, 'Do you know what these are used for?' The boy replied, 'Not exactly, but they aren't for me. They're for him. He's my brother. He's four. We saw on TV that if you use these you would be able to swim and ride a bike. Right now, he can't do either one.'

Just thought this was a funny story!!!!

Thanks Melinda

Something to think about...

I have been on a sharp learning curve for the subject of Down Syndrome. I have read articles, found blogs of fellow families blessed with ds children, found support through state programs, and have been reading some books. I have found some great resources and still have many more that I would like know about. I came across a statistic that is quite disheartening. There is a 90% termination rate of ds pregnancies. This is all do to the prenatal testing. I think that it does come as a surprise when you find out but when these people have this child and realize how beautiful and wonderful these people are they would make a better decision. I think that people don't understand and are afraid. I am not really sure why I am writing about this. I guess I just want you to all be aware and understand and to just think about it.......

My life is a zoo because...

Ok... so in light of my posts as of late I am looking to make myself feel a little better about being a parent. Please, take a moment and reflect on a funny story that has happened to you and your kiddos. Go ahead make a comment. You know you have a story!!

Happy Mothers Day!

I hope that all you mothers out there had a peaceful and loving day of motherhood. I had a wonderful day with my family. It was great spending the day with my children because they are the reason that I am a mother. Although it was complete chaos here. I still at the end of the day love being their mom. Gavin and Madi made me some cards during primary today. It was quite fun. They had questions that the children had to answer. This could have been a nightmare to read but I was pleasantly surprised at their answers.

1. Why did God make mothers?

Madi: So we can have new babies to have fun

Gavin: To go here and there

2. What are mothers made of?

Madi: Fun

3. What kind of little girl was your mom?

Madi : happy and glad

Gavin: My mom growed up big big big

4. Where would you mom go on vacation?

Madi: Disneyland

Gavin: over there

5. If you could give your mom anything what would it be?

Madilynn: a cute present

Gavin: a lesson for my mom

6. What do you hear your mom say the most? (This could of been scary)

Madi: Be happy

Gavin: I have to go in there.

7. I love my mom because ...

Madi: Because she plays with me

Gavin: I love her lots and lots and lots.

This is what you get when you have a 3 and 6 yr. old answereing these questions. I love my kids. They make being mom so good. And they help me appreciate when they are being good! Thank you Joe, I couldn't do this without you.We make a great team. Thanks for a great day!

Seattle Temple

Joe and I went to the Seattle Temple for our anniversary night out. We were able to do a session, have a bite to eat, and sealings. It was so wonderful. It has been a while since we went to the temple. I love doing sealings. I feel that it is a way of renewing our own covenants with the Lord. It was a wonderful evening. We even topped it off with some ice cream. It was Annika's first night with a babysitter. It was a little nerve racking for me but we all survived!!!

Happy Anniversary!

Joe and I are celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary. I can honestly say that I love being with him just as much if not more than when we first met. Joe, you are a great husband and an amazing father. I couldn't have chosen anyone better to spend eternity with! I love you. I look forward to many more years as your wife.

On a side note. My scanner doesn't work properly and all of our pics from when we first married were with regular film. My how old that makes me feel. Oh well I guess!!! But here is a bad copy of one of our engagement pictures.

Yes, we are still alive!!!

I have noticed that our family blog has been neglected for the better part of April. We do have about 5 post we would like to do but just haven't found the time to download pics and update you all on our lives. Adjusting to a family of 5 is kicking our butts!!! We are doing great and keeping incredibly busy. More to come...Soon, I hope!!!!

Girls Night Out

Some friends from my last ward decided to have a little night out. We all served together in the Young Women organization. Two of us have moved in the last month and we wanted to get together again. It was so fun to laugh and have a grown up conversation. Wow, little things make me happy. I have to say that I truly love these women. I look up to them with all of their amazing talents. They are all unique and wonderful. I will miss seeing them on a regular basis. I hope that no matter how our paths in life will change that we will be able to stay in touch.



Krissy Hegsted, Christa Johnson, Melissa Leuck, Jennifer Halverson, and Me.