Cookies with Uncle John and Aunt Amber

Amber and John and thier family were at our house last weekend. We managed to make not one but two batches of cookies in that short weekend. All the kids climbed on the counter to be a part of the process. Amber was teasing the kids with chocolate chips. John makes great cookies. I was actually able to replicate his recipe after they had left.




Jonas caught on to us taking pictures and did his best to smile on cue. It was a busy weekend but all in all we have fun!

Fall has arrived!

Although I enjoyed the Indian summer we had I am happy to see fall and have winter on the way. I was driving home the The Dalles a couple of weeks ago and witnessed a beautiful sunset to guide my drive home. It was awesome.




Then today I was finally able to see Mt. Hood after the awesome storms we had over the weekend. I was with Mary and we had to pull over to take some pictures. "Blayne's Mountain", as my family calls it, is so majestic but becomes very inviting once you top it with 3 1/2 feet of newly fallen snow. It definitely makes you stop and take a second look.

Maddy's First Hair Cut!

Maddy got her first haircut tonight. I have been contemplating it for a few weeks now but wasn't sure I was ready to cut off her baby blonde curls. After a trip to the store today where she kept taking her hair in and out of her barrette I ended up with hair all over the place. I decided I was ready!

So off the tails came! Of course I saved it and documented it but there is no turning back now!


She looks so grown up! She loves having short hair, of course Victoria is in complete envy of her. If she could only remember the first time I cut her hair.....7 years ago!

The votes are in!

Victoria and Gavin's school voted last week on the school mascot nominees. This morning they had an assembly and announced that Victoria's idea won. They are officially the Oregon Trail Primary Academy TIMBER WOLVES!!! Victoria was so excited, slightly embarrassed but excited. To top it off they also announced that she was elected Student of the Month.

I am so proud of her. She is doing so well even though attending a new school was not her choice. WOOHOO! Good job Victoria!!!

Finally Done!

After gathering brown and blue fabric for the last year and a half I finally put together Blayne's quilt. He has complained a few times about my "girly" quilts that I made the effort to make him a more masculine one. It turned out really good. I made matching euro shams that are more for me than Blayne but they look great!


I have finished all my projects that piled up over the summer that I am ready to put away all my craft stuff and start preparing for the holiday season!

October....already?

I can't believe fall has come so fast! Things are returning to normal at the Yates house. Kids are doing great in school and Mom feels like she is human again. We've had Amber at our house for the last two weeks. It was great with her here making sure life was continuing on while I was sick. Although after having Jonas with her, I almost expect to have a toddler running around......Heavens No!

Kids are doing great in school. They are in a new Charter School that started in our area this year. Being a new school, each child in Victoria's class was asked to right a "persuasive argument" on what they thought the school mascot and colors should be. Then the class voted on a few the teacher had picked, now it will go to the entire school to vote. Tori's idea won for her class, she is so excited!!!! I am very proud of her. She is growing up so fast.

While Amber was here she made sure the kids kept busy. She made sure dinner was ready, dishes were done, homework was done, kids to and from school, laundry, groceries, pretty much everything! All done while she was still taking care of her sick little sister, Blayne and I couldn't have done it without her. Thanks Amber, I love you! Somewhere along the line we got on the subject of pirate hats, she told the kids she'd help them make some. Of course the days passed, so right before she left she picked up a paper to make sure she followed through. They had fun, now I just need to let them decorate them.

Week one of School down

Well, Gavin starting kindergarten and Victoria the third grade, we survived week one of school. Maddy is quite insulted that she is the only one who has to stay home, not very happy at all!




Blayne went into Gavin's class, he was sad at first then he was off with a bang and had a great day. Victoria was fine on day one. Their school was given iPads to use all year for each student, Tori is very excited.
Day two was a completely different story. She was very upset. I found out she is unhappy with her math teacher. We've tried to make some changes but informed her regardless of what happens you need to realize you won't always have teachers you love.
All and all it was a good week. I am already running out of things to do with Maddy for those three short hours before we pick up Gavin.