Sporting Some Serious Bling!

Today my 8 year old daughter got braces.
Yes...I agree, they are starting them early these day.
For a plethora of reason, not the least of which is self esteem!

So this morning, bright and early we headed to her Orthodontist.
She was such a trooper! The appointment went really well.

After an hour or so, she had four bright and shiny braces on her teeth.
Yep, that's all she needs (right now)

So she picked out her first set of bands...and her first colors. Teal, Purple and Pink.
Very...uh....colorful!

After that I decided to treat her to an extra special occasion day.

See, she has wanted her ears pierced for years now. So we headed to the mall.
She picked out her earrings, sat in the chair and waited.

The girl at the store did the first ear and Gracie looked at me like I had just shot her in the foot! Shocked and in pain.
Second ear...she managed to sit still but as soon as it was over she let out a couple "Ow's" and "that hurt!" A few tear fell but all in all she did awesome.

By the time we were back in the parking lot, all was forgotten (the stop at the ice cream place might have helped too)

As we were pulling away from the mall she commented "NOW I'M SPORTING SOME SERIOUS BLING!"
Followed by...."I'm just a metal head now" To which I laughed, because I think that has a totally different meaning to me.

Now she's had some lunch and said she was hurting a little.
She was laying down watching tv for a while then came up to me and said "my teeth hurt, but I think they would feel better if we went to Toys R' Us"

Good try...and she might be right. After all she has endured two holes in her head, and metal things glued to her teeth and pulled together. A trip to Toys R' Us might be just what the doctor ordered!

an Open letter for Kori on Motherhood

My cousin Kori is about to embark on the most exhilarating ride of her life.

She is going to give birth to her very first child...a daughter. Tomorrow.

I adore my cousin. Her Mom isn't here to guide her. So I'm doing what I can (from 1000 miles away) to be there for her.

Today she told me they are going to induce her tomorrow morning. I tried to explain to her in a short email what to expect and what will change.

I didn't do it justice...so I'll try again here.
Having a child means never putting yourself first again....and you wouldn't want it any other way.

Having a child means for the first time in your life, you understand what "Unconditional Love" really means.

Your perspective of the world changes, the moment you bring that child home. Things that never crossed your mind before, consume you.
Like...is the kitchen tile cleaner going to harm her? I wonder what sort of chemicals are in the carpet? Are there any sex offenders living in my neighborhood? City? County?

An interesting change. Before children, you could go out and meet "people" and strike up a conversation. Once you have children, "people" are "strangers" and Strangers mean danger.

Nice young mothers, with children of their own are the only "safe" people you will talk to anymore.

Your world, your life and you will change the moment she is born. You've heard this before and it sounds a little scary...but I promise, it's worth it.

You will forget what life was like without her. You won't be able to imagine it. The world didn't exist until she was born.

Anything regarding a hurt, lost, hungry or homeless child will affect you. In ways it never did before. It sounds a little hippy but, you become a part of a larger family.
Motherhood is a condition. You can't turn it off. Every child that yells "Mom" in a store has 40 Mothers turn their head. We can't help it. You will be a part of our club.

Remember you have a family and friends who love you, Cameron and the baby. We are here. Sleep when she sleeps and enjoy the little things.

They grow up before you know it. You blink and wonder, "what happened to my baby" so enjoy the everyday moments while you can.

It is a fun, fascinating and sometimes scary ride, but in the end it's the best one you will ever take.

I love you my dear cousin and I can't wait to hold my "niece"

UPDATE: Kori had a beautiful baby girl on August 27. After almost two days of labor! Mommy and baby Ashlin are doing great.
We love you Kori, Cameron and Ashlin Jean!

School, Seattle and Hackers Oh My!

Wow, it's been a while.
I have been so bad about staying on top of this with Chris home. It seems we are constantly busy with day trips, yard work and various other fun things.

So, last weekend Chris and I got away. I had won a night at a fabulous 5 star hotel in their luxury suite. Very nice. We were greeted on a first name basis by the concierge. He invited us to the wine tasting that evening. And had a bottle of VERY nice champagne waiting for us.

The suite was unbelievable. Half the size of my house! Canopy bed, top floor and a great view of the city.
That evening we went to the wine tasting...then enjoyed dinner at Benihana. The next morning we played tourist. A very strange thing to do in the city I grew up in.

We went to Pike Place and I showed off my knowledge of great little hole in the wall Chinese places as well as how to get away from all the tourists and find the really cool little shops hidden underneath.

I also showed off my skills by ducking not one, but two flying fish at the fish market. Yes indeed, I was told I MUST be a local...as I didn't even look to see where the fish were coming from I just knew to duck when I hear the humming.

Anyway, we had a great time. However during that same time, Chris' facebook account was hacked. Some bastard decided to log in as him and actually told people...Chris' brother included, that he was stuck in LONDON, had been mugged and needed money. Unfortunately...someone fell for it.

Now, I have to say...it was the nicest thing in the world to want to help Chris out. I feel really awful for him because he was scammed. But it's a lesson learned for everyone. If a friend chats with you on Facebook and tells you they were mugged and are stuck in London...do NOT send money!

As a consequence, Chris has canceled his facebook account. Sometimes I really hate people.

On a different subject....Gracie is about to start third grade. Seriously! Where did the time go?
A big third grader.

But before that big day, she has another one. Thursday she will be getting braces! Yep...they get them early these days.

She is getting the top front four teeth. In a year, she will have straight, together teeth! Hooray! She's excited and a little scared. Luckily, she knows a boy in her class who already has braces. He's a super cute, sweet kid so they will have something else to talk about now!

As soon as she has her new metal I will post a picture of her bright and shiny smile.