Seattle's Tribute to MJ

On our second day in Seattle, my mom and I took the kids on a little trip down to the Science Center (at the base of the Space Needle). On that same property is that EMP (Experience Music Project). They had a little tribute to Michael Jackson going on. The pavement was covered with writings in chalk from everyone coming by to honor him.

Just so you know- I used to be a big fan. I had the trading cards, school folder, cassette tapes. Good times.

Best Recipe EVER

I think it is my most favorite treat (thanks Jane and Kristine). By the way - my next new favorite recipe is homemade kettle corn (thanks Jane). Good thing my raspberry bushes aren't producing yet. Next summer could be dangerous.

It couldn't be easier. But, it requires a toaster oven. If you don't own one - you should. Microwave s'mores are not good. S'mores around the campfire are fun but not quite the same.

Raspberry S'mores
2 graham crackers
handful of marshmallows
handful of chocolate chips
a few fresh raspberries.

Toast with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Add raspberries and smash together.

Divine!!!

PS - Those raspberries came from my CSA order. Love it. If you don't know about CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) check it out here. We pick up our fresh produce once a week. I hope I get raspberries for a few more weeks. :)

Happy 1st Birthday

June 25, 2008 - Kenyon received a bone marrow transplant. His donor was his older brother, Brett. You can read about it here.

It was a LONG year. But it is over. The recovery is still a process - kind of a long one - but it is improving. He is still on a lot of immuno-suppressants which require us to be so careful. We do not want any set backs. :) But things are looking up.

We celebrated twice this week. I had a big surprise party for friends and my family on Monday night. We went to this great park and ate and played. But how sad - I didn't even take one picture of Kenyon at the party. He was happy though and we are grateful for all the support. We could not have survived this year without our friends/neighbors. We have been well cared for.

Tonight we had a family party. We went with the One Year Old theme. Very childish but fun. We are also very grateful for all the family love and support.

And how CUTE are those cupcakes. Check out how to make them here. My very talented niece, Lauren, made them.

One Year Ago

I have a couple of these posts coming. We are hitting that one year milestone.

One year ago yesterday - We took the kids out to breakfast at IHOP. Then tearfully dropped the kids off at our neighbors. It was an embarassing display of tears on my part. Then we drove up to our home at the BMT floor of University Hospital. Read about it here.

This year....no tears. Kenyon is improving and we are so grateful!

Next week...the one year from transplant mark.

Another Month Gone By

She is 7 months old. How does that happen? She finally rolled over. I am sure she would have done it sooner if she was ever laying down. She prefers to be sitting up all the time. Like Teague - she wants to know what's going on ALL the time.

And she still growls. The other day, Quinn growled at me while we were in a store. A lady stopped her cart and turned around to see what the noise was. So funny.
Her favorite toy - her toes. It is hilarious how she can grab that foot and pull it to her mouth.
They are twins. All Quinn needs is a dimple and glasses.

And now for a little Kenyon update - I have been putting this off for too long. Can you believe that we are almost to his 1st birthday? I really haven't known what to say. Basically, he has been struggling. But this past week was much better (at least from my perspective). Kenyon's spirits have improved some. His recent visit to clinic showed that he has gained 20 pounds. That is great news! His blood counts look really good (I don't know what they are but everything is looking normal). His hair doesn't seem to be falling out very much anymore. His diabetes are under control. We are also happy to report that his taste is slowly improving. They are tapering the steroids - but really slowly. It is driving us crazy. But there is progress. Unfortunately, he is suffering terribly pain in his knees. They tell us that it is the result of the steroids (lame). So overall it is better. I am just a little nervous. We have had good weeks and then they can get so bad. So I am cautious....

Remember

I am trying to be better at this.

Landslide

Two of my sisters have already posted about this here and here. But if you don't read their blogs (by the way - you should), you might have missed hearing about this awesome group of kids who sing the coolest songs.

Seriously? I want to move my kids to NY and get them in this class. Unfortunately, I don't think they would let Elise in. She can't hit one right note. It is so sad, because she love singing so much.

You can watch all their songs on You Tube but here is my favorite. I love everyone of those kids. They are killing me! I think I have watched it 10 times now.