The Eaglin Clan

Camping Fun!

2009-08-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the family camping last weekend. So, we packed everyone and everything up in the Expedition, got a later start than we wanted to, drove 4 hours to right outside of Forks, WA, and discovered that not only all 3 campgrounds in that area were completely booked up, but that all hotel rooms in the nearest big city were also booked up!! Talk about a let-down! We ended up in Sequim, in a kinda cheap-o motel, in a room that was fairly clean- but with a door that wouldn't close all of the way. If we locked it with the deadbolt from the inside it would close, but we didn't dare leave the room with all of our stuff in it.
Anyhow, the next day we found a great campsite at Mora, and had a fabulous time! Here are some highlights and lowlights:

Highlights: wonderful view, quiet and peaceful, community bathroom- with flushing toilets, nice people, plenty of hiking trails, cheap fun!

Lowlights: Chris fed a squirrel- and he wouldn't leave us alone after that. In fact, he ended up stealing all, I repeat, all of our nuts. Let me back up, Chris was leaving little treats for him (a no, no, and I told him so) and he thought it was so cute. I said, "He will just keep coming back- I don't think you should do that, and it might mean that we get fined if the Ranger comes around." I was just a "nervous nelly". So, it was a picky squirrel, with only half an ear on one side, and a shorter tail than the rest of the squirrels we saw, apparently because it had been in a few scuffles. He wouldn't take the almonds Chris left, but really liked the walnuts and pecans. So, Chris went with the older boys to the store to get a few things, but he left some of the bags of food out by the picnic table. I was in the tent with Chase trying to get him to take a nap- and after a little while I heard A LOT of chattering and squawking. I went out as soon as I heard the boys come back, and low and behold, the squirrel had gotten into the bag of nuts, stolen all of the walnuts and pecans, and was in the middle of a battle between him and several crows. Now, I must tell you that the bag of nuts was a gallon-sized plastic bag, and I really don't know how many trips that squirrel took from our site to his home, but he should have enough nuts to last him 3 winters.
Here are some pics!

A note about this one: Xavier packed his own pants- but they were too big and kept falling down because he didn't have a belt. Chris was so proud of this ingenious idea- the stick belt. Xavier wore it for the rest of the day- and didn't complain one bit.

Our friendly neighborhood squirrel!

Family visits!

2009-07-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

The first week in July we had Chris' brother Ryan, his wife Amela (cool chica), their baby Jaiden, and Chris' beautiful sister Alyssa in town. We did quite a bit, so I may have to warn you that there are a lot of pictures to scroll through. Enjoy!Our family at Mt. RainierSiblings- Ryan, Alyssa and Chris at Mt. RainierMe and AlyssaAwesome waterfall at Mt. Rainier Chris and Chase getting a little wet- it was a hot day, so what a perfect spot!!Someone else put the flag up to take a picture- so I stole the idea- Happy 4th!

Chris- flexing, Gavin smiling!!Chris and Alyssa at Spanaway LakeJaiden- cool dude just chillin'Ryan, Amela and Jaiden
Alyssa and Amela at Spanaway Lake
Mason at Spanaway Lake

Spanaway Lake- Xavier and Chase

Long time, no blog...

2009-07-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

There has been so much going on, that I don't know where to begin with this post. First, I will show some pictures of our recent visit with my Mom and Dad, or as Chase was calling them, Grandpa and Grandma Peg. We went to the Mariner's game, and rode the Sounder for the first time. It was Firefighter Appreciation Day, so we all got hats as part of the special ticket thing. They won, which makes it even better when you spend so much money!!! Enjoy!
Me and Chaser
Ken Griffey Jr., as he hit the ball- great pic by Chris

Chris and Chase
My Mom and Dad all decked out with Mariners hats!!
Gavin and Mason having fun!!

Happy National Prayer Day!

2009-05-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

Well, today was National Prayer Day. How did I celebrate? Well, besides my normal prayers for health, happiness, and peace, I prayed for the car repair to not cost us an arm and a leg. I hate paying for auto repair.
Turns out, my prayers were answered- not too much money- but still not great news. Ah well, such is life. Too bad my other prayer for a huge amount of money was not answered today. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I was handed everything in life, right? God is great- and He answers the prayers that we need Him to answer. Hope you all prayed for something good!!!

Chaser baser

2009-04-12T11:53:00.001-07:00

OK, last post for the day. I am leaving you all with some pictures of Chase being Chase. What would a fun day outside be without Chase pouting or being upset about something? I love my Chaser Baser, but he can sure try my patience!!!!

Finally, a sunny day!!!

2009-04-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

Last week, for 3 days only, the Puget Sound area was visited by none other than: Mr. Golden Sun!!! Oh man, it's been forever since that guy showed his face! Of course, we had to wash the trucks, ride bikes, and play on scooters. It was a beautiful day, and I am so looking forward to the summertime. Until then, here are some pictures of the kids soaking up all that Vitamin D!

Chris' new sport

2009-04-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

The boys and I were able to watch some really great athletes the other day: The Redmond Great Balls of Fire. The fire department Chris works for was asked to create a team for a dodgeball tournament at a local high school. The money raised benefits education in Uganda (I think). Last year the fire department team won, so greatness was expected this year as well. The guys did a great job, but ended up taking 2nd place. A few of the guys dressed up, but Chris opted out of the wig and short floral shorts (tragic, I know). Enjoy:

Xavier the wrestling stud!

2009-04-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Xavier has had a pretty tough year in wrestling. There are many kids in his division who are older than him, but it doesn't stop him from trying. He has won about as many matches as he has lost, and continues to impress everyone who watches him. Here are some pictures of him:

More pics from Phoenix

2009-04-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

So what would a trip to Phoenix be without some fun with Grandma and Grandpa? Paul and Stephanie and their kids Dakota and Hunter were able to spend time with us too. Grandma thought mini golf would be fun- and it was, for most of us. However, several children (primarily the 3 year olds) had melt-downs about mid-way through. These pictures were taken before they even started golfing, which was probably a great thing, since they are all happy here!! Oh yeah- ice cream afterward sure cheered those youngsters up :)

More trip stuff

2009-04-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

The reason for our trip was primarily Ryan and Amela's wedding. We had an awesome time: The wedding was amazing- I just don't have really any pictures from it. I have a video, but that's it, and for some reason, I can't upload the video. Let's just say, there was dancing, great food, and great entertainment. Prior to the wedding, the kids got to spend time with their little cousin Jaiden. Here are some pictures of the kiddos in the tub. Splashing was so much fun!!!!

Catching up...

2009-04-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

All right, all right. I am a bad blogger! I realize my laziness has left you all in the dark about our activities (since everyone is just dying to catch up on us, JK). Anyway, I will start with a few pictures from our trip to Phoenix. Here we are at the Childrens' museum- the kids especially liked the store and kitchen, as well as the cool foam hanging things that they could run through!

Going to visit soon!

2009-01-25T18:44:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let my friends and family know that we'll be down in Phoenix on February 11, and we are staying until Feb. 17. We would love to spend time with everyone- so book us now. It seems like there is never enough time for long visits with everyone. Ryan and Amela are getting married on Valentine's Day (so exciting!), but much of the other time is free- (except maybe Sunday, right mom?)

Anyhow, we look forward to seeing everyone and getting into some warmer weather. Actually, we had snow today, yet again, so 70 degree weather sounds really nice right about now....

I guess I have been wanting blinds for this room...

2009-01-13T12:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I have learned my lesson- again.
The other day while I was taking a shower, and Chris was watching TV downstairs (sick with the stomach flu), Chase found something to practice cutting on. He has been really excited about using the kid scissors on paper. He actually does a really great job with them, and holds them correctly. Anyhow, apparently he found the really good scissors (which were in the very back of one of the kitchen drawers), and he decided to cut up not only one of the panels of the curtains in the living room, but 6 of them.
I have really been wanting to get faux wood blinds for the boys' bedrooms and the large window above the front door, so I guess now I will just have to purchase an additional set for this window- it will match, anyway.
The most hilarious part is that I saw those scissors on the couch after I got out of the shower. In fact, I picked them up and asked Chris if he had used them. After he replied no, I looked at Chase. He said to me "I use them for nufing" I didn't actually see the curtain art until later when Xavier pointed it out to me. Chase then ran to his room yelling, "Gary did it!"
Can I just say, "What else?"

Hey there- we're still here!

2009-01-13T11:48:00.001-08:00

Sooo...
I realize that I have dropped the ball on posting lately. I can't say that I've been too busy. Actually, it was a really lovely break. I was able to sit for a few days and do nothing- and I mean nothing. However, in my defense, our internet access was out- who knows why. There were at least 8 days that we were without access, so no posting possible. I have needed to post about Christmas, so here is that one first.

We were asked to spend Christmas Eve with some friends of ours- Skott and Angela, at his parents' house. They are awesome people. Chris was working, so it was just me and the kids there. (There's a picture of me and Angela).

Since Chris wasn't going to get home until after 9 am, we told the boys that they could wake up whenever they wanted to, but that they could only open one present each until Daddy got home. This was almost torture for them- but I wasn't going to let Chris miss out on all of the opening. Once Dad got home, we started in. We open presents one person at a time, so sometimes it takes a little while to get through it all. This year we opted not to give a lot of toys, since our kids don't really need more toys.

The biggest hits were the Spiderman singlet (Chase), battle bots (all the boys), video game rocker chair (Gavin), and the pull-up bar (Mason). I have video of the boys (not able to post that yet) on the pull-up bar. It's pretty darn impressive- as I can't even do one- sad I know.

At the end of the evening we played some poker. I bought a poker set for Chris, complete with chips. Xavier and Chris were on a team together, and ended up with the pot. Chris thinks he's funny and has nicknamed himself "Chips McGee".

All in all, it was a fabulous Christmas, and we are so fortunate to have so many blessings!

Crazy snow days!

2008-12-21T15:34:00.000-08:00

This week has been so snowy! For those of you here in Washington, you know what I mean. Everyone else- take a look at the crazy snow! Here are some pictures of us in it, and also of the huge snow fort/cave that the boys, Chris, and I have been working on. When it's done, I'll post a few pics. We are currently taking a break- my arms are sore, and the boys were getting really tired. The roof is posing a challenge, but we'll see!

Blame it all on Gary...

2008-12-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

Funny story:
It all started about 5 years ago when Chris made up a person named Gary. He was the person who would pinch Xavier's butt when he wasn't looking. Sometimes he would pinch it because Xavier was being naughty, and sometimes he would stand watch just in case a naughty thing was done- poised to pinch. We actually have some video clips on our old camera (I will try to figure out how to post them) of Xavier holding his butt cheeks or sitting on the floor after Chris says, "Look, it's Gary!"

Anyway, it worked until Xavier was old enough to know that it couldn't be Gary- it was Daddy.

However, Chris thought that it would be funny to try this trick on Chase. We all know that Chase is not easily threatened- he prefers to find out what is really going to happen instead of avoiding the inevitable consequence. Anyhow, recently Chase had gotten into some granola, and had decided to eat it while watching Diego on the couch. A huge mess was made, and when Chris questioned the young man who was most likely to blame, Chase said with a completely straight face, "It wasn't me Daddy, it was Gary."
Well, would you be able to keep a straight face??

Blessings and Happiness!

2008-11-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

First of all- Happy Thanksgiving to all family and friends out there! I have so many things to be thankful for, but here are a few that I am especially thankful for right now. (Note: these things may change from moment to moment, but they're happiness now)
1. Cookie dough
2. Mimi's blog- little Mia's heart to be specific: http://mcdonaldfam.blogspot.com/
3. Chase's cute voice- especially the way he says Xavier (Zayer)
4. Chris' video game addiction- while I don't appreciate the finer points of Call of Duty 4 or 5, I can appreciate the extra time he gets to spent vegging out and playing with friends
5. Gavin's laugh- the really belly-deep laugh that he gets when he thinks something is absolutely hilarious. It used to be the really old Bugs Bunny cartoons that would do this- love it!
6. Xavier's cute face- isn't he just the cutest little boo?
7. Mason's "I'm too cool" attitude. While it's not going to be cute in the future- specifically in the junior-high years, right now the way he tells a little girl who has a crush on him "S'up", and nonchalantly walks on- how cool can an 8-year old get? (Note: I did tell him that he should have at least talked to her a little- there's a difference between rudeness and coolness)
8. I love how God has blessed me with such a wonderful family. I truly love the moments that I get to spend with them- whether they make me nuts or not- I wouldn't want any other family.

Hope you all have a fabulous Turkey Day- I plan to eat a lot, but then go to the gym sometime this weekend, perhaps twice.

Running Update #2

2008-11-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

Ok- so I have made some progress toward my running goal. I jogged the track at the Y today for 12 whole laps without stopping!!! That is 2 miles baby! I don't pretend to think I am amazing yet- some people I've talked to about running casually mention the fact that they "warmed up" with a 3 mile run. WHAT?
Anyway, 2 miles is great for me, and to tell you the truth.....I actually didn't loathe every minute of it this time. I just strapped on my i-pod (onto which I had downloaded some running songs which were suggested on runnersworld), and I went for it. I may get to my goal early- but who knows.

Hope you all have a great day!

Wrestling @ the Y

2008-11-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

Here is the first pics of wrestling this year. The Korum Y had a small jamboree tournament this past weekend, and the kids all received medals. Our kids did really well, and we hope the next tournament (this Saturday) will go just as well. Enjoy, and look forward to many more of these!

Halloween '08

2008-11-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

The kiddos had fun this year with Halloween. We only took a few photos, which is weird, but I am hoping they use similar (or same) costumes next year, as it was a little pricey, so we can take more next year. They all got a huge amount of candy just from our little neighborhood, and Spiderman was a huge hit. Mainly because he kept saying quite excitedly, "Come on guys! It's fun! Wets go! It's Ha'ween".

Once they were trick and treated out, they came back to strict instructions of 2 pieces of candy each. Chris and I were getting dishes done, laundry, and cleaning up the decorations, and were pretty sure that Spiderman, aka Chase was not following the 2 piece rule. As we walked into the family room, where the candy was spread out Chris was saying, "Are you boys only having 2 pieces each?" At that very moment, we heard the screen door open quite quickly, and caught the tail end of Chase throwing a sucker out the front door. He closed the door confidently, then turned around to see us standing there. The look on his face was a mixture of guilt and innocence, kinda like, "What? I didn't just throw that candy out there so you wouldn't see that I had taken my third or fourth piece." I busted up laughing, and Chris tried to play the strict role, but chuckled in between phrases such as, "What did you..? Why are you looking...? Are you trying to...?" But Spiderman wasn't really punished for this action- the sucker wasn't edible after that anyway, so he kinda took care of the natural punishment himself- we would have just taken it away.

Ah- Chase, the one and only!

You know this has happened to you:

2008-11-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

You are walking along, minding your own business. You might be admiring the scenery, thinking about your day, or perhaps dancing along a street. You may even be fussing with a cell phone, purse or diaper bag, your attention on anywhere but your feet- when out of the blue.... you falter....you stumble.....you trip.....you crash into a wall that just appeared out of nowhere. The world becomes a sea of spinning, slow motion rainbows as gravity does what it will do. As you plunge toward the ground- you think, frantically, "Don't fall, catch yourself!" Your arms may flail, your eyes bulge, and you may utter a slight scream or some profane words. As you come to your senses once the ground has caught you, you know what your first thought is- no, not "Am I injured?", but "Who just saw this pathetic fall?"

I would venture a guess that everyone reading this has had a "falling" experience. Here is one of my most recent ones:

I was right on time for my ballet class at the Y. I had my purse (weighing 15 pounds), my dance bag (unknown weight, but seriously heavy), and my clipboard. The dance room was dark, and I was noticing that there were several yoga mats and blocks scattered all over the floor, which irritated me, since that meant I had to pick them up before my class, and that some kids had been playing unsupervised in the dance room.... and then, my flip-flop slipped on some unseen overturned spray bottle spillage, and......I crashed onto the floor, flat on my back. I immediately looked toward the window of the dance room, thinking, "Could that have been any lamer- the dance teacher, supposed to be graceful, slipping and falling in the dance room? Did anyone see me?"

Well, fortunately for me, I landed where no one saw me- and Salina graciously helped me mop up the floor before the class- and assured me that I wasn't seen. (Thanks girl!). Anyway-just thought I'd share a slightly embarrassing experience, hoping that you'd share too- don't be shy, leave a comment about a "falling" of yours!

Chaser-baser is 3!

2008-10-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it was bound to happen- Chase turned three today. I can't believe it's been that long since he was born! He adds so much spunk to our house- I don't know what we did before we had him. Here are a few things that I really love (or love to hate) about my little boy:

1. Chase is a very strong-willed child- but I suppose I don't have to worry as much about peer-pressure when he's in high school- he only does what he wants to!

2. He has such a sweet smile!

3. He is a momma's boy- sometimes he absolutely exhausts me- but I hope in another few years he will still want me to sit on the couch with him or to hold his hand everywhere he goes.

4. Chase is very polite!

5. He loves hugs- and can squeeze harder than most kids I've hugged!

6. He looks up to his brothers and wants to do everything they do, down to the wrestling exercises and bike-riding.

I am so happy that Chase is my little guy- and I love him so much! Happy birthday chunky!

Running update!

2008-10-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Well, a few days ago I ran 1.5 miles without stopping, and I didn't die. I plan to work out tomorrow, so we'll see if I can push myself a little more.

On a different note, I got the boys' Halloween costumes finished up today. Xavier is a Jedi- I think perhaps he's going for the "curly haired" Anikan (sans the curly hair). Mason is a zombie doctor- a character that he wanted last year, but they didn't have his size- he lucked out this year. Gavin is a scary clown- funny, since I think he's a little scared of clowns and puppets. And you can all guess what Chase is- yes, Spiderman. I will post pics of them in a week. I also bought some angel wings and a halo for myself, and seriously contemplated a Mr. T wig and some gold chains for Chris-but I didn't end up buying those.

Also, I am greatly saddened by the passing of Roseann, Teri's mom. She was such a wonderful person, and made every visit with her a reason to smile. I can still hear her famous laugh, and I remember that crazy duck that she kept as a pet for a while (what was the name?)- she will be missed!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and beginning of next week!

Running

2008-10-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Calling all runners! I absolutely HATE running. I have challenged myself to the following: I will run (or in my case, jog fast) 3 miles without stopping by the first of the year. Yes, I plan to do this, regardless of the fact that Chris tells me that it's not the most "efficient way to burn fat and build cardio-vascular endurance". (Gotta love him). I don't care- I want to do it. Not because I really enjoy it, but because I think I COULD do it. I am only on day 2 of this self-challenge, and I have gotten to 1 and 1/3 mile without stopping. So, here is day 2 of the running challenge-anyone want to join? Come on, you can do it!!! Chase is almost 3- there's no way I can blame the extra 20 pounds on that pregnancy.

I can keep you guys updated on my progress- anyone else itching to get into shape??

Ga-Zavier

2008-10-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today is Xavier's 6th birthday! I can't believe he's that old already. There are so many wonderful things I could say about him:

1. He was hands-down, the best baby ever! He was so easy-going, always smiling, and he slept through the night at 6 weeks old.

2. He has the cutest dimples!

3. He is one of the most athletic and coordinated little guys I've ever met. I am sure most of you heard the story about the time I saw him doing back flips on my bed!!! He runs a mile in a little over 8 minutes, and barely breaks a sweat. He learned to ride his two-wheeler without training wheels right after he turned 3.

4. He loves his brothers soooo much.

5. He gives the greatest cuddles, just when you need it most. (Do you guys remember how he used to put his little baby hand in our shirts, right by our chests when we held him? He always wanted snuggles)

6. Even though he doesn't talk a lot, he doesn't miss anything that's going on.

Boo-ie, we love you! Happy birthday!

Mommy and Daddy

Wheat thins

2008-10-06T16:52:00.001-07:00

Has anyone else tried that new flavor of Wheat Thins- cream cheese and chives? They are absolutely addicting! Any wheat thin is a favorite of mine, but those I can't stop eating. I don't think I'll ever buy them again- but if any of you want to buy them, and then have a party, I will come. Just provide the wheat thins and perhaps a mojito...cheers!

Masonisms

2008-10-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Over the last 8 years, Chris and I have written down things that Mason says, and that we want to always remember. I thought I would share some of those things with all of you- and a cute pic of my handsome Mason:

"Look Mom! It's the Goodyear Limp"

"Why do babies cry so much? Why do babies cry when they come out of mommies owaginas?" (I have no idea where he even heard the term!)

"I need more gum. The odder one went down my draims"

"I am so irrimitated with Gav!"

Mason came home from a sleepover in Kindergarten. He was telling me that his friend has a Grandfather in the military, who was, "So brave, worked so hard, and he helped so many people that his heart turned purple." (Get it- he got a purple heart!!!)

I just love how their brains work!

Here I Go!!!!

2008-09-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

OK, so I have resisted this big time...but here is the fabulous Eaglin Clan blog!

Thanks, Stephanie for leaping into blogging territory- I feel compelled to follow in your footsteps. So whatever the day (or week) brings to us, will in turn be brought to all of you. Perhaps you will laugh along with me- or cry- whatever. A new post to soon follow!

Yes sir, I am getting things rolling!!!!