Fall 2009 Happenings!

Boo Bash, pumpkin carving, trick or treat, cupcakes, carmel apples, cousin time and the Mexican Train game!

Minnie Mouse!

Well that wasn't too difficult! I googled a pic of a little girl with minnie mouse face paint, and seconds later Lilly was convinced! Can you say stinkin' adorable!!!!!!!!!!

Boo Bash Today!

And we are already preparing! Can you tell my kids are excited?!!!
...Minnie Mouse & Megatron...
I'm trying to convince Lilly to let me put some eyelashes, whiskers, and a nose on her, but she is being a little hesitant...we will see.

Beach Trip!

Feeding the deer...

Mommy got to hand feed them!

Site seeing at the Columbia River Maritime Museum

Going down below!

According to Ethan, i have to have a party for my birthday or i don't turn older. Seems to me like a good idea. No more parties for me. ;)

I am truly Blessed!

If you truly want to know just how precious your children are, and just how much life is a miracle from God. Watch this video, you will not be disappointed that you did. Then go hug and love on your little ones, because they are a gift!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=5596df7a0789b1c074e417&skin_id=1603&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Proof That I Finished the Portland Marathon!

http://www.racephotos.net/PhotoDetails.asp?nPhotoID=808943&sReturnKey=R:725809

They finally got the pic posted! Woo Hoo!

I may have looked like a complete mess, but I finished! What an amazing experience, I am so blessed to have been a part of it, and look forward to many more finishes!

Giving Praise and Thanksgiving!

Tis The Season! I love Fall! I'm so thankful to be through the knot hole and out onto the other side, so to speak. Summer was rough for me. Being super busy, buying a house, moving, getting Ethan started up in Kindergarten...man times got tough for me. I was quick to jump to the "poor me" stage, and start my own pity party. But thankfully God has restored my heart to "Thanksgiving" and I'm seeing His work through it ALL. We have been completely blessed with our new home, our family, completely blessed with two amazingly beautiful, healthy, smart children, and with eachother. We have wonderful friends, an amazing church family, and several parents who love us to death!

Each day is a new day to be thankful for, a new day to experience true Joy...

Ethan is doing awesome in Kindergarten. He seems to be thriving in all areas of school. Math is something new and entertaining for him, reading gives him a fun challenge, PE keeps him moving, and he loves music, recess, the bus ride to and from school, and especially computer lab! There is homework everyday to do with him, from math assignments, to reading wheels, to writing in his school journal. I'm thankful to be able to volunteer in his class once a week...it is a blessing to see him learn and interact with other kids. It melts my heart when I catch him helping another kid with writing, or sharing his snack. I know that God is at work in his heart, and that Jared and I have been doing a great job of parenting. We love that kid!

Lilly is well...Lilly!!! She is my princess, my loving, emotional, strong, kind hearted, sweet, blonde haired, blue eyed little girl. She loves her brother to pieces, they fight, they make up, they hug, they kiss. It's definately a love love relationship. : ) She is my little sidekick, she goes everywhere I go, and loves it! She knows her ABC song a little, is learning to count, and recognize colors. She would tell you her favorite color is PINK, and that she is 3 years old. But who is she kidding, she is such a 2 year old. She wants her way, but is quick to learn that mom and dad are boss. We are so in love with this amazing little munchkin!

Over the last few weeks I've added new chores to the kids lists. Ethan of course puts his laundry away, takes out the bathroom garbage...and now takes out the recyceling and puts away all the silverware from the dishwasher. My Lilly dear has just started putting her laundry away, and puts away all of the kids cups from the dishwasher. They are GREAT little helpers! It makes me smile everytime they do their chores with a joyful heart....LOVE IT!

Jared is working, doing men's group, playing on the worship team, co-leading "The Stand" worship once a month, and being an amazing husband and Dad.

I'm working a little, playing volleyball, doing women's group, taking one class at Clark College, and of course being an awesome wife and mom.

WE ARE BLESSED!

Complete side note -----> I pierced my nose and finished the Portland Marathon all on the same weekend. Totally faced two of my fears at once! And I love them both!

Fun at Joe's Place Farm

"Pumpkin Patch 2009" was a hit! We throughly enjoyed ourselves as we wheeled around the kids though the patch picking out the perfect pumpkins. The kids had a blast... Ethan faced his fear -- the "Witch", and won! We ended the evening with playing in the hay, a stroll through the country store, and cookies for the road!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

We are giving complete advance notice for this one! We hope everyone can make it and look forward to seeing you!

Mark your calendars!

What: THROOP FAMILY OPEN HOUSE
Come eat, drink, and be merry with the Throops!

When: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11th 2009 from 4-7:30pm
Where: The Throops
1031 10th Street
Washougal, WA 98671

(We decided that August 30th was just a little too soon. I will be getting ready for Ethan to start Kindergarten, and it just seems more realistic for us to take it slow and get more settled in.)

Making the most of my time...

To sleep or not to sleep, that is the question. Well I've decided sleep can wait and I really need to get my blog up to date. It's summer time so things are happening all around this place. Road trips, play dates, girls nights, beach days, garage sales, shopping, and getting this new house in order. We are slowly but surely getting settled in. The kids love it here, and are doing better than imagined in their new bedrooms. I'm enjoying my summer and the extra time off school and I am using it wisely. We have chose a date for our "Open House", and can't wait for all our friend and family to see our new home. Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 30th...stop on by anytime from 5 - 7:30pm...all are welcome! Invites to go out soon (either by e-mail, telephone, or facebook). Nothing fancy, just an opportunity for you to come on over and enjoy some time together. Can't wait! Baby mania is totally going on right now. I have 5 more baby showers coming up...Crystal, Mindy, Amanda, Shekinah, and Marilee...gosh I hope I'm not forgetting someone...but holy cow...baby stuff galore...I gotta get to shopping! This weekend is Crystals shower, THE STAND, and then Sunday we leave for a mini family vacation to Kah-nee-tah. Just Jared, me, and the kids. Can't wait! That about wraps it up....and holds me over on blogs until atleast next week for sure! xOxoXXO!!!!!

Fun at the beach...AUGUST 2009

Our new tree swing!

Deana's Play-Doh Recipe - So I don't forget to make it with the kids!

2 Cups Four, 2 Cups Water, 1 Cup Salt, 4 Tbs Oil, 4 tsp Cream of Tartar, Food Coloring (or dry KoolAid Mix), Cook over medium heat stirring until very thick and there is no gloss. Dump onto counter and knead until smooth.... Keep in air tight container and as you well know, it can last for years.

Makin' s'mores with the babes!

We just got a new patio fire pit and decided to put it to good use tonight.