Interview

So I interviewed for an Admin Assist. position today. I feel like the interview went well, but it's hard to get a good read on whether or not I'll be called back for a second. I really, REALLY want this position, so I'm staying positive and hoping for the best.
Don't get me wrong, I love being at home with my kids, but I also feel that they are at a point right now where they will be okay being away from me for a few hours each day. In fact I think they need it. The position I am applying for is at Clubsport and they have a phenominal child care center there. I wouldn't even call it a child care center so much as an awesome day camp for kids. There is so much to do and the gals there are very dedicated to the kids. The hours would be M-F 9-1 so absolutely perfect for my schedule. Haley will be in school part of that time and it will be a great way to get Jack used to school next year.
I've always been very lucky that my husband does well at his job and allows me the opportunity to stay at home with the kids, but with the economy the way it is, it doesn't hurt to start bringing in some cash that we can put away for college, retirement, emergencies, etc. Besides, I love working and always have. I feel good when I can help provide for our family financially and it's wonderful to get outside the home and be part of a team. This really is a dream job for me, so keep your fingers crossed for me and add me to your prayers.

Poker Night

Ashley hosted a couple's poker party at her place. It was a blast. John isn't always up to meeting new people and making new friends, but he really enjoyed himself. Ashley and Jesse are super down to earth, cool people. Although I'm not much of a card player, I had fun and even won a hand, I think. There was some drinking happening. I think the card game went a little faster after Ashley and I left the table for some living room dancing. Good times. Phoebe and Trisha from Clubsport (hands down the very best fitness facility EVER) were there and I met a gal named Erika. Her daughter, Stella and my daughter will attend Deer Creek Elementary next year. We are going to plan a playdate so our girls can meet and feel that much more comfortable when they go to Kindergarten for the very first time. I'm trying not to freak out. That's a whole different post. Gulp.

I love John

John and I had the awesome opportunity to go out FOUR weekends in a row. That's unheard of. We lived away from our families for 3 years and rarely had a date. Now that we are back in Portland, we have family to help us out, but still don't really take them up on it very much....until recently. Two of those weekends were overnighters. Oh, we had so much fun. One weekend was a trip to Mt. Hood to ski and stay in our friends cozy condo. The other weekend was a night at Skamania lodge where we got engaged 13 years ago. I think I posted about this before, but oh well. Here are some pics.

Macadoodle

Our new puppy Mac isn't so little anymore. He is growing and growing and GROWING. He's gonna be HUGE. He recently started puppy training which is going very well. He's a smart dog (like most Labs) and responding well. We are so happy with him. Although he wakes me up every morning at 4 to be walked and fed, we love having him as our new family member. He's wonderful with the kids and they are doing a great job teaching him manners, walking him and feeding him. Picking up poop? Not so much. He's just the shiniest, cutest, funniest dog ever. We love you Macaroni, Macadoodle, Macattack, MAC ♥

The Best Girlfriends EVER!

I am truly blessed to have some of the best girlfriends around. I met Erin, Kristin, Michelle, Latsy, Mary Kelly and Wendy over 5 years ago. We were all part of a first time moms support group set up through St. Vincent Hospital where we all gave birth. I distinctly remember the first time I walked (or rather limped) into the room full of moms who had just given birth to their very first child. Although we were all different shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities, we all had one very special thing in common. MOM! We were all completely sleep deprived with gigantic sore breasts and sort of sitting sideways because of the pain "down there." We all had a million questions and a million fears, but we all had the same look in our eyes. We were so in love with our new babies.
After 6 months, we "graduated" from the support group and formed our own "playgroup" which is still going strong. We meet once a week for a playdate with our now 5 year olds and siblings, once a month for Girl's Night Out (GNO) and twice yearly for weekend get-aways. One to Sunriver and one to the coast. I love these gals so much. They are my constant source of support and laughter. No drama, no BS. Just true friendship. I am blessed. Even after moving away and coming back, I've maintained a wonderful bond with these women. It's rare I think. I've watched so many women completely destroy relationships with pettiness, jealousy, drama, backstabbing, you name it. Some women go through friends like water......it's pathetic and lonely. I'm just grateful for my friends. Thank you.
Erin...thank you for your laugh and your amazing patience. Kristin..thank you for making me laugh my head off all the time and for all the playdates at your house. Michelle...thank you for your free spirit and showing me how to live more "green." Latsy...thank you for your funny stories (Kinkers Poon) and all your hard work setting up our adventures. Mary Kelly...thank you for your amazing cooking and bartending skills and your ability to see good in every human being. Wendy...thanks for being so down to earth and easy to talk to. I love you all.
Last night the girls came over to my house for fondue and massages. A gal from Haley's school is trying to get her massage bizz off the ground, so I invited her over to give us 10 minutes shoulder massages and pass out her business cards. It was a fun and relaxing time. The other pics are of us at Sunriver last year. What a crazy time.