Seafood boil / Gaga's B-day!

Dane doesn't feel good tonight, but I'm sure he'll feel better tomorrow. As for me, I'm trying to find some moments of sanity in the chaos of parenthood. You know what they say, 'Have kids, it'll be fun!' I'll wake in about four short hours to head to the Molalla River with Christian and Sam. Christian's planned a day of gold panning, Sam will enjoy shooting, and I'm taking books and the dog. Ah... the joys of parenting on little sleep, good thing we have coffee!

This kid LOVES to shop!

 

I do not! However, it was fun to hear her say "ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS for a backpack!" 

My 44th birthday re-do with mom!

Yesterday I had such a fun and amazing time with Mom who is getting her groove back! She spoiled me rotten, and I learned to let her. I loved just being me with the one that brought me into this world! My kids also chewed her ear off on all that she had missed while in the hospital. Next year maybe we'll celebrate at the casino!?

The stuffed mushrooms were delish! 

Gold rush fever!

Christian joked that I wouldn't be able to get up early enough to join him on the river before other obligations. But I did! At the crack of dawn he switched on our light... after a few curse words (from Dane), we set on the road w/ Chloe in toe. 

 

Busy, Busy, Busy!

It's past midnight, and I'm finally relaxing after a long, stressful day. We rushed Mom to the ER this afternoon due to complications from her gallbladder tube! The ER was so backed up after several painful hours she insisted on being released with an appointment in the morning to have it fixed. Dane cooked dinner for us all, but it didn't go over well with two of our four kids. Hey, at least he cooked, which I was thankful for! I'm worried about tomorrow's hospital procedure with Mom, but I'm looking forward to spending time with her. I'll take her out for coffee and share good company on the way to her appointment. My therapist told me today that change is inevitable, and I need to set aside time for myself. So, I'm looking forward to October...I'll be attending a Christian Women's retreat in the wilderness with my fellow sisters!