A busy May 14th

Saturday seemed to come and go in a whirlwind.  We began the day at the Otis Orchards community parade.  I will admit it was bittersweet to realize this may be the last time Mountainview Middle School band will march in a parade.  So proud of the entire group. 

After the parade into the car and headed West to Moses Lake for rehearsal and refreshments.  It was nice to meet a few more of the contestants and the owners of Sporty's, a pageant supporter.   I am looking forward to our production as well as the parade on Saturday night.  Moses Lake is such a wonderful community and the festival really showcases the culture. 

Final stop was a late celebration dinner for our oldest daughter at the Max in Spokane Valley.  Nummy food and amazing service. 

Hoping fun but eventful Saturday will be followed by nice and relaxing Sunday!

Bowl for Kid's Sake

The event Thursday afternoon at Valley Bowl was wonderful.  Thanks to Melissa, the amazing coordinator, along with Darren the CEO for putting this event together and allowing me to be a part of the magic.  I got to meet a big sister (Melissa) and a little sister (Shyla) and witness the impact this organization has on our kids and community.  No frills just pure passion for mentoring the youth in our community.  Even with the technical difficulties Tom Sherry was able to complete the weather remotely and help us raise over $3,000 in two hours!  Friday and Saturday if you get a chance stop by Lilac Lanes and help cheer on the bowlers, buy raffle tickets for great prizes, and maybe even bowl a fame with a Krem celebrity.  All for an amazing cause.

Music in our schools

Currently our Washington State legislature is in special session discussing the budget impact within our schools.  One of the items being discussed is future funding for extra activities including formal music programs within our schools.  Music and the arts are so important to our next generation.  I ask that you take a moment to look at MENC's website focused on what we as community members and parents can do to get involved.  There is truly power in numbers.  Facts surrounding the impact music has on our students can be found on the Washington Music Educators Association website.  Music can make a difference and so can you!

May has officially landed

The first full weekend in May hit with a vengeance.  The Spokane Jr. Lilac parade kicked off our Saturday complete with rain, sun, and wind all within a 5 minute span.  As promised I did my duty and entered the parade route in an attempt to gain pictures as my daughters band came in to view, traveled past us, and then on final shot as they continued on the route.  Yes, that gentleman in the bright yellow shirt and rather interesting pants is the very talented band teacher.  My daughter would be the one in the multi colored pants, black shorts, and purple coat (thank you grandma for making those crazy pants really work). 

This week continues to be busy as the Bowl for Kid's Sake event kicks off on Thursday at Valley Bowl.  I hope you join me in supporting this amazing organization. 

Saturday we are back on the parade route for the Otis Orchards community parade followed by a whirlwind trip to Moses Lake to prepare for our production number over Memorial weekend. 

Stay tuned as it is going to get exciting as we begin the summer and officially kick off pageant preparation. 

Enjoy the sun!

Bloomsday in Spokane

This morning was amazing.  For those of you not familiar with Bloomsday I urge you to take a peak and think about 2012.  It is an amazing fun run complete with a killer hill that is almost a mile long.  For this reason I use the term fun very lightly.  Although we started at 40 degrees by mile 3 I am thinking we were close to 55 (or at least it felt like it).  It was nice to see so many younger kids...although a little disheartening as they passed me like I was standing still ~ oh to be that young again. 

I will be adding an event to my schedule which  I hope my followers will join in on.  My daughter's volleyball coach was impacted by a brain tumour at a very young age.  Please join us for the 2011 Joggin for the Noggin in support of families impacted by brain tumours.

 View outside my office after our section started

The beginning of the hill ~ yep, almost a mile!

Hope everyone has an amazing week and don't forget next Monday is Mother's Day ~   

Stuff the Bus!



Me and Jesse Sheldon, founder of Inland Northwest Baby

I commend Jesse and friends for powering through the weather this morning for the first day of Stuff the Bus...in the rain/snow.  When I arrived at 6:15am he and friends were ready to go dancing up a storm in the Shock bus.  I freely admit I didn't make it through the entire morning, oh to be young again.  I was able to stay long enough to give Jesse a big hug, along with a pack of diapers, and share my own personal story communicating how critical Inland Northwest Baby is to our community.  Even though it was cold I think everyone, including the KXLY crew, was ready to get busy stuffing the bus.  I plan to be back at it Saturday morning and am praying the weather cooperates.  I challenge all of you who are reading this blog to show up at the bus and join me in helping Jesse meet his goal.  Diapers are so important and no contribution is too small.  Please help me help Jesse help others!

What happened to Spring

Apparently someone forgot to alert the person in charge of weather that the calendar says Spring.  As I looked out my office yesterday the weather changed from snow to sun to snow.  I truly love living in Spokane where we get a taste of all four seasons I would just like to avoid experiencing all four in one day. 

We are knee deep in birthday season around our house.  All four of our wonderful kiddos have birthdays in a three week span beginning April 17th.  This weekend our youngest graduated from a pre-teen to official teenager.  As we celebrated her birthday I realized how close we are to being empty nesters.  High school and college are right around the corner and the annual trip to drop off cupcakes coming to an end.  For all of you parents out there with young ones just a word of advice.  Seize every opportunity to share moments with your children.  They grow up so fast and before you know it special talks and cuddle sessions are few and far between.  One day they will go from requesting a bedtime fairytale to your car key's.  While the birthday shuffle at our house is full swing we are also heading in to event season in Spokane. 

Just a reminder ~ this Thursday through Saturday is the annual Stuff the Bus at Central Valley High School.  Please join me in helping Jesse to refill the diaper bins of Inland Northwest Baby and help out the families in our area.  One pack of diapers makes such a difference. This year there will also be a second location on Saturday only from 10am to 3pm at the Walgreen's on Division.  Click on the hyperlink above for details.
While I would love to snuggle up to a good book in front of the fireplace I must sign off and prepare for the day. 

Have a wonderful Tuesday and try to stay warm and dry.  Don't forget the gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and snow boots ~ you never know what the day will bring.