Golfing Under the Big Sky

Doug with Big Mountain in the background

Doug, Chad Grover & Jason Gillies

Doug had a guest this weekend in Whitefish. His friend and former co-worker Jason Gillies came for a visit. Of course golfing was involved and here are the pictures to show it.

A New Bed for Gus

This posting is mainly for Doug, since I know he's missing Gus as well. I've finally found and purchased a suitable bed for Gus. The most recent bed he'd been sleeping in was actually made for a cat and even though we call Gus our little kitty (because he sleeps all the time) I decided it was time to find something more appropriate. Most important this bed is just the right size, as if it were made specifically for him. Sweet dreams!

Too Cool for School?

Today is the last day of school for the boys. They've been attending Cloud Nine in Portland since February 2006. I'm dreading picking them up from school this afternoon, since I've been told there will be tears (from the staff) and I should be prepared. I feel that we've been so lucky to have found such a great place where the boys can grow and learn and be in such a loving environment. It's so hard to leave the people who have spent so much time with our boys are love them as much as we do. This will be our first wave of good-byes as we prepare to move the end of May.

Where's Daddy?

We miss Doug!! He left for Montana on April 17 and started his new job on April 19. We're in the process of closing on a house in Whitefish, but we don’t take possession until May 25. Doug’s staying in a furnished condo until then. Even though he really likes his new job and being in Whitefish he misses us – what’s not to miss? Thankfully he’ll be headed home for a visit May 4-6. We’re all keeping it together, though I do not recommend this long distance stuff. Thankfully the boys and I talk with Doug daily, sometimes multiple times a day. As you can see I made a sign for the boys to hold, and of course here’s what they did to it afterwards.

The Protégés

For Jack’s birthday the Hovdes gave him a harmonica AND recorder. Both the boys have mastered the harmonica and Will’s been working on the recorder. They are very talented!

Pink House

front

living room

kitchen

back

I just got back yesterday from a house hunting trip in Whitefish. I’m happy to say I found an amazing home that I’m so excited about and cannot wait to move into. I saw it Wednesday afternoon, we wrote up a contract, emailed it to Doug to sign in Portland, he faxed it back to us, we sent it to the listing agent and it was accepted, all within three hours. How’s that for efficient? Some details: it was built around 1930, possibly earlier and apparently has some Whitefish history attached to it (we’re hoping the owners will supply the details). There are many original details throughout the house. Lots of built-ins, beautiful wood floors, period light fixtures, and original moldings. The huge basement is finished with two bedrooms, a den, bath, large laundry room, workshop and another narrow space that would easily be converted into a wine cellar! The main floor has a living room, formal dining room, den with french doors, a small bath and master suite. The entire house is just less than 3000 square feet. We’ll be making some updates and cosmetic changes, of course painting the exterior, but over all it’s an amazing house. The home is located in a smaller neighborhood just outside of the downtown area. We have a view of Whitefish River from the master desk and there’s a creek that runs behind our house. The lot is close to 1/3 of an acre, there’s plenty of space for the boys to play and for us to entertain outside. We’re hoping to build a two story garage with guest space shortly after we move. Overall, I’m thrilled with the purchase and don’t think I could have thought up a better house for us if I had tried. We look forward to having visitors so we can show off our great find!

Easter 2007

We had a great Easter. We celebrated in the morning with the McAuliffes. We opened gifts for Jack’s birthday and the boys enjoyed an indoor Easter egg hunt. Between Marcie and me we put together so many eggs! I think I’ve learned that not every egg (the plastic kind) needs to have something in it. Sometimes the hunt is the best part. Also, I didn’t get a picture of it but Cousin Matthew is a pro! He found so many eggs his basket was filled to the top. Will did well, but Jack kept getting distracted, I’m sure he’ll be more into it next year. Later that day, we had dinner with the Peppmeiers and opened birthday gifts for Jack. One of his favorite gifts was a yellow baseball cap that said Big Fish. Chris thought it would be perfect for Whitefish.

Trip to Prineville

We recently took a weekend trip to Prineville to see Mick and Chris' completed "cabin". The amount of work and craftsmanship that went into this home is absolutely astounding. We had such a nice time relaxing and enjoying each others company. Doug and Mick went for a quick round of golf on Saturday while the boys played with the trucks and pile of gravel. We all had such a nice time, including Gus, as I’m sure you can tell from his photo.

Jack Turns Two!

My baby is two today. As I type my eyes well up and I’m amazed at how fast the time has gone by. Jack is such an active and busy guy he doesn’t even give me a chance to dwell on the past. Most impressive thing he’s doing? Talking in sentences – usually four words and occasionally five. If I correct the way he says something, he’ll usually try and say it correctly. He’s silly, such a clown and such a joy. Usually he’s fearless and interested in new surroundings. Running everywhere as if walking were underrated. He loves Will and wants to be wherever he is, however he’s starting to fight for his toys and doesn’t give things up very easily. He says “do it myself” when it comes to putting on socks, shoes, undressing for bed or brushing his teeth. Loves to be read to and rocked before going to sleep. Sleeps with his fuzzy blue blanket called “Blanket” and his stuffed duck named “Duck” (the lack of original names is totally my fault). He is such a fun child. The other night I was putting him to bed and I asked “are you a baby or a big boy?” He smiled and said, “baby” I asked if he was sure and he said, “baby”. He knows being the baby is a good thing.

Pictures above are from a recent get together with the Hovdes and Knights.

Love of Books

We have two young book lovers on our hands. I have to think that reading to both Will and Jack everyday has helped steer them in this direction. We have tons of books in our house TONS! I have to remember to keep rotating them just for my own sanity. The pictures are of an early book reading session as well as a picture of Will taken WAY past his bed time.

Other news...looks like we've sold the White House, phew! We received a very good offer on Friday which looks great. There will be a house inspection later this week, I cannot imagine anything bad coming up and we'll be closing the end of the month. As for the LO house our neighbor is interested in it for his mom. Since he doesn't have an agent and we'd love to sell it to him, we're letting him have an inspector come by this week (I would never recommend this to a client, not without an offer!). Doug and I are very curious to see exactly how much work needs to be done and if it will be a deal breaker, so we're keeping our fingers crossed!

Doug leaves for Whitefish on April 17 and starts work on the 19th. He thinks he's found the place he wants to stay and has worked out a deal with his new employer to cover some of the costs. If both houses close by the end of the month AND we're able to purchase and close a house in Whitefish I can see myself and the boys moving hopefully by mid May.

St. Patrick's Day - Family Style

Evelyne K., Jack, Will & Luke H. (Gilbert K. not pictured)

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day this year with the Knights and Hovdes. We all met at the Kennedy School for an early dinner and festive Irish music. As a group we're 13 (soon to be 14, baby Hovde will be here any day). How things have changed in just three years! The Kennedy school was crazy! But the perfect place for families, there were kids and parents everywhere. It took a while to get seated, but when we did we were outside in the courtyard which is so great, the kids could run around and not be disruptive. We had such a great time, and the boys were really good. We're getting to that stage where we can enjoy going out to dinner with them.

Before & After

Here are just a couple of before and after pictures from the White House. I wish we had these on display during our house party last week, but I didn't have time to make prints. We've had more interest regarding the house and are hoping for an offer this weekend.

I'm sure everyone has given up on our blog, since it has been over two months since the last entry. We've been busy (just like everyone else). We put the White House (the investment property we've been working on) on the market about 10 days ago. It's almost complete, Doug and I are finishing up all the last minute details. We're hoping for a quick sale.

Also, most of you already know, but we are moving to the big sky country (Montana). Whitefish to be exact. Doug starts his new job April 19th. The boys and I probably won't join him until May. I plan to stay in Oregon until our house in Lake Oswego sells. So with all the changes and projects we've been tying to keep everything together.

The boys are doing great, both talk constantly, and are enjoying school and their friends. They are such great boys and bring us so much joy. I hope to get some updated pictures on the blog soon. Corey is now in Honduras until June, so I'm sure she'd like to see them.

Will Turns 3! (12.12.06)

We celebrated Will's birthday this year with family. The McAuliffes and Uncle Steve were there. Will received so many nice gifts. Here he is with his Spiderman cake and "chips" (that's what he calls sprinkles). Will has grown so much in the last year. His speech is amazing and he continues to have quite a lot to say. He loves talking on there phone. He's been learning to use the toilet, dress himself and thinks showers are the best. He's a total daddy's boy, and wants to do everything Doug does. Will is usually very good with Jack and aside from the regular side tackle they play nicely together. Will weighs 34 pounds and is 38 inches tall.

Here are some pictures from the party (Cousin Matt is in the red shirt):

Holiday Train (12.4.06)

Chris and Mick treated us all to a evening, holiday train ride. Will is very much into trains (does Thomas ring a bell?) so it was very exciting. The outside and inside of the train was decorated for the holidays and Santa even made an apperance. The train left from Oaks Park and traveled along the Willamette River. We had so much fun!

So Much to be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving - this year both Doug's family and my mom and sisters were out of town. So we celebrated at my aunt and uncle's home along with my dad, Papa and the rest of the McAuliffe group. We had such a nice time. Matt and Will played so nicely and kept each other entertained for hours. Jack was even a trooper and stayed up until 9p (way past his bed time). Dinner was amazing and it was nice to be with family. As you can see we took a family picture (aren't the boys getting big?) and attempted to take one of the boys, this is the best one I have.

So, we have a lot going on the next few weeks. I'll be going to New York this weekend with a bunch of girlfriends to celebrate Sarah Spindle's 30th birthday. Then we have my dad's birthday and Will's birthday, not to mention numerous other fun holiday activites. Isn't it funny how even though Thanksgiving is considered a major holiday the moment it's over we feel that Christmas is right around the corner? I'm trying extra hard this year not to become overwelmed or stressed by the season. I enjoy it too much and it happens only once a year. Plus, I already feel ahead of schedule - I put up our Christmas lights yesterday and we went and picked out our Christmas tree this afternoon.

Doug's Birthday & Other Happenings

Doug turned 33 on November 9th and he doesn't look a day older than 23! We celebrated with family, eating dinner and opening presents. The weekend before Doug and I met my cousin and his fiancee at Bandon Dunes. The weather was wet and windy, but Eric and Doug did get a day of golf in. Lindsay and I toured the small town of Bandon, had massages at the Lodge and had a very relaxing weekend.

Other exciting news, our dear friends the Knights welcomed their second child Gilbert Kelley on October 25th. I had a chance to meet him in person on Friday. He is absolutely beautiful and has a full head of dark hair. It still amazes me how quickly they grow. Also, my cousin just had her third baby on November 8th, a girl named Delaney Rose. I know so many people right now who are expecting, six to be exact.

The boys are doing great, enjoying school and spending time with family. Work has slowed down for me a bit which may be a good thing. We're moving onto the second phase of our project house which means I'll need to be much more involved. We're planning to have the home completed the end of January. Doug has spent the entire weekend demoing all the unwanted interior (removing sheetrock, tile, doors, etc.). I'll be traveling to NYC the first weekend in December for my friend Sarah Spindle's 30th birthday. I'm so excited to go and this will be my first time there. The next few weeks are going to be busy!!

"Do You Know You're Dressed Like a Chicken?"

Cock-a-doddle-doo! Yes, I've dressed the boys up as chicken/roosters this year for Halloween. Of course I chose their costumes, especially since I've figured this is the last time Will will let me make the decision. They've been told they were going to be chickens for the past couple of weeks, but the other day when Will was asked what he was going to be for Halloween he said, "a policeman". No idea where that came from, and it was the first I had heard about being a policeman, but once again I was reminded that my child has a mind of his own. We're planning to meet up this evening with Cousin Matt, Aunt Marcie and Uncle Dennis. We'll try out this trick or treat thing in their neighborhood - I'll let you know how it goes.

Will's First Field Trip

Pumpkins, bunnies and a house filled with nuts - what more could you ask for?! I had the pleasure of participating in Will's first field trip last Wednesday. Destination - pumpkin patch. We had such a nice time. It was a bit chilly, but the sun was out and it warmed up. We went for a tractor ride, picked out our pumpkins (I learned that Will prefers the green ones), met and fed animals, walked/rolled around in the nut house (similar to the play areas with all the balls) and had a nice picnic lunch. What a great time we had! At one point during the day I was teary-eyed with appreciation that I get to do things like this. I think one of the greatest parental pleasures is getting to experience everyday activities, but through my child's eyes. What a great day!

Project Update

So many people have been interested in the progress of our project house. I've included a "before" and "now" picture. I'm excited to say the exterior portion of the project is close to being done. The house is being painted this week. Once that is completed we'll be able to start focusing on landscaping and them move inside and start work in there. As for the exterior major work included trimming back the large trees, removing existing landscaping, all new windows, installing a second story dormer, new roof, some new siding and painting. We're optimistic that the whole house will be completed by February and ready to sell.