Top 10 Favorite Memories of 2008!

I had to put a limit on it.....otherwise I could be sitting here all day recapping the highlights. I feel so lucky to have that problem! 2008 was a great year for the Durbens, but my personal favorites were:
1. Max's Valentine/Writing Recognition Party.
This may seem like a day-to-day sort of one....but it was an emotional memory for me. First, the Valentines Party wasn't greatly advertised...... so not feeling particularly great that day and thinking it was a run-of-the-mill valentine exchange thing, I almost skipped it. But, then I went. And when I walked into his classroom that afternoon Max's whole face lit up with love and excitement. He was so happy that I had finally arrived, he proceeded to introduce me to his teacher (as if we hadn't met) and all the kids in the classroom. He gave me a walking tour of his classroom, desk, reading area, computer area, snack area, drinking fountain and then the hallway to the bathroom.
When we sat at his desk, Max pulled out a collection written works to read to me. He was thrilled to share this.
I CAN'T BELIEVE I ALMOST MISSED THIS!
As I left his classroom, he gave me the biggest hug and a big, loving puppy dog look. I teared up a little on the way back to the car. I don't know how long excitement for your mommy last in a little boy (I love that he still calls me Mommy), but I'm so happy I didn't miss this moment.


2. Tobias Is Born!
So this is an obvious choice. The little scamp really threw me on the date though. I had completely convinced myself he would be born on May 15th, so when the days, then weeks continued to pass.....I think I was doubly annoyed (and uncomfortable). It turned into a Happy Birthday present for Mark though. Tobias was born happy, healthy, and huge (9lbs) two days before Mark's birthday. My favorite memories of the day were:
Mark looking down at Tobias in the warmer, and Tobias looking right back at him.....they had the same profile. (I wish I had a picture of this moment).

The nursing staff were just in love with him....he was the rumored baby on the floor that was delivered in two hours of easy labor and hadn't fussed since. He didn't cry at all! (That has since changed)

Max and Lillian coming to visit that evening. They were so excited to see their new baby. Lillian started to cry when it was time to go home and she realized I was staying behind.....It was the first night she and I had ever been apart.


3. Taking Tobias and Lillian Into Seattle With Grandma Cecelia

This one is important to me because it was more than a day trip.... It was proof that I could manage.
With Max and Lillian...I had generally taken things super easy after having them....for about three months! Meaning I hardly left the house, and normal family outings went on hold.
When Tobias was about three weeks old, Grandma Cecelia came for a visit. She hadn't been to Seattle in years, so she was interested in checking out downtown. I hesitated at first...... but then decided 'Why Not'!
We did it. Had a great time. Tobias stayed cozy and asleep through most of day. "Why Not" had become a new and braver approach for me this year.....


4. Grandma & Grandpa Durben Came For A Visit
It was great to see them again, and it meant so much to us. They came to see Max when he was two months old (in Naples, Italy), they came just in time for Lillian's birth (in Hawaii), and now they were here for Tobias! It was Tobias's second trip to the top of the space needle too........
Oh, and we stumbled upon the Cheesecake Factories Anniversary special...all slices of Cheesecake just $1.50! YaaaY!


5. Lillian's 4th Birthday Party
As it turns out....because of moves and spacing, my kids have big parties maybe every few years. At age four and then seven. Lillian had been waiting so patiently throughout the year for HER party..... She was so excited to make the invitations, pass them out, put together goody bags, and order a special Fancy Nancy Dress. When the Birthday Party finally arrived, it was everything she hoped for....and I was excited about all the beautiful pictures that captured the moment.
But my favorite was the very funny, and painfully self-conscious look she had when all eyes turned to her at candle blowing time.
She had so badly wanted HER party..........but we discovered that she gets very squirmy and uncomfortable when she is the CENTER of attention.


6. Janet, Patty, Megan and Randy Visit From San Diego
The Sewell family was one of our best friends and right-next-door neighbors from Hawaii....and we love them! We had the chance to visit them in San Diego before our move to Washington, and we LOVE that they came to see us.
Max, Randy, Megan and Lillian picked up like they had never been apart. And I enjoyed a whole afternoon at the Farmers Market in Seattle with Janet and Patty. There is nothing better than a lunch of stuffed crepes and hitting all the shops with good friends that are enjoying it as much as I do.

7. Returning to Paradise
I've blogged about this already, but this trip was a lifetime highlight. When I was nineteen, back-packing around Portland and Washington with friends...I had completely fallen in love with Paradise (Mt Rainier). I envisioned a time when I would return...with my family (pictured three kids in tow, go figure) and hike around the hillside with them. This was a dream realized.


8. Taking A Spur-Of-The-Moment Chance And Booking A Cabin
If you don't know me well..........I'm not very impulsive. If you do know me well you know I over think everything.
Mulling over our tent camping experience with Tobias... I wasn't sure I was up for that again.... but with some sunny days left in the year, we still had the itch for camping fun. I stumbled upon a late cancellation of the Hamma Hamma Cabin and pounced on it. Out of character for me, but I'm so happy I did, the whole family had a blast!

9. My Birthday Brunch, Hosted By The Best Sisters Ever!
I don't usually fuss over my birthday....or mention it really, so when some of my best friends put together a brunch just for me....it was the greatest! The same group had put together a fabulous baby shower too (which I loved), but the Birthday Brunch was icing on the cake and then some........ (picture from the baby shower....I've gotten smaller since then I swear!)
You guys are the best and I love each and everyone of you! And the food was FAB-U-LOUS!

10. Falling In Love With Mark All Over Again I can't tell a little story or blurb, or even pin down a date, time, day or afternoon to illustrate this one. I just know that over this year I have had moments, when I looked at him and felt I was the luckiest lady in the world..... overcome with a new love for him.
I love that after nine years together, I still can feel madly in love with Mark.

Merry Christmas!

Our Christmas was crazy this year.....crazy and fun! I think we were all making a special effort (or maybe it was just me), to really go all out. With our looming move to Japan in mind (and knowing that the holiday decorations will be stored away for years), I wanted to pack in some memories. Some ideas were a hit (loved the cookie party! snow meant snowmen, the kids made five including Mommy holding baby Tobias, Christmas party after Christmas party, sugar cookies and goodie plates galore) and some ideas seemed a little funny.

The Christmas Gift for Jesus.


So I read about this idea and loved it immediately. Under your Christmas tree, a specially wrapped gift for Jesus, on his Birthday. Inside, each family member adds a couple of special gifts just for him. Super cute........and a wonderful activity to help the kids focus on what Christmas is really about. So here we go.... at the Durben house we had some creative ideas......... Kate says "Commit to family home evening, scripture reading three times a week (I had to be realistic), and acts of service. Mark says "Take care of my body,he would want me to stay in shape." (seriously Mark) A positive attitude about family home evening...and I'll get back to you. Max says "Be nice to everyone......always!" yep that covers it. And Lillian says "Boy toys...., Jesus would like some boy toys, maybe legos.

It's a start.

Later Christmas day, I was overcome with memories of Christmas past.... it just seems amazing and delightful that seven years ago I had an identical little scamp on my lap. I had to dig through all the pictures to find what I was after. Maybe it shouldn't be such a big deal, but with Max and Tobias being born within weeks in May, they are almost the exact same age for their first Christmas. I just love it.

Max & Kate 2001


Tobias & Kate 2008

It's overwhelming how time has gone by so fast. It's been filled with wonderful friends and memories and I know that the next seven years will have more of the same... but I still linger a little with the sadness of how fast their childhood goes.

Don't forget the Reindeer Food!

Packing in the fun on our unexpected play day....we got a jump start on our Reindeer Food.......(for those that are interested in the recipe, you'll need:

1 Tsp Power Burst Powder(It's best if it is special ordered and arrives via Fed Ex....being that it's a precious and expensive item) or glitter
1 Cup Oatmeal


Mix with the love of friends and family in the air!


And make sure it is sprinkled at exactly 8:15pm on Christmas Eve! The moons pattern in the sky will cross over it to charge up the Power Burst Powder.
Then have fun (and feel secure) knowing that Santa and his reindeer will stay charged all through the night.

Procrastinate No More....

So I feel like I'm getting better with my time lines...spacing things out, and tackling the need to's over the want to's (I read the first three chapters of The On-Time Manager....that's about it).
Somehow, things tend to crop up. Max came home from school yesterday crazy excited/worried that his teacher was starting to receive Christmas presents from the kids and he really, really, really, really wanted to make sure the present we had for her was ready TODAY!

So... fueled on A LOT of this:


I cranked out all of the teacher/staff gifts late last night....feeling quite proud of myself for having it so together.


And then we wake up to this:


NO SCHOOL! And there probably won't be school tomorrow either.... so we've kinda missed the window for the glory of timely gift giving. Anyways, I'll embrace the chaos of the morning and enjoy the bright side, which is this:


There is nothing like playing in the freezing snow and then following it up with a nice, big (and healthy) breakfast..... Hot chocolate anyone..???

P.S. To all the folks in Utah and Ohio: Yes, they cancel school for six inches of snow....I know its CRAZY!

The Spazzzarooney!

I love how Lillian and Tobias's relationship is changing! Not long ago, he would tense up and grunt whenever she got too close.... but now, he just laughs like crazy! I'll often overhear them in another room and she is being crazy loud and rowdy. Preparing to interupt and tell her to get away from him I'll start in.... only to find that he is having a great time watching her bounce around the room and reaching toward her. It's funny that I think I know what he wants, but he really seems to be enjoying Mark and Lillian's 'Spazzy' gene.... the piece of a genetic puzzle I don't understand.

"Ohh Obi Wan Kanobi, Where are you?"

....for under $40.00.
Max has never been much of a toys child, he much rather play with people, outside, interactive games.... But in this past year he has developed a passion for Star Wars, everything lego Star Wars.
So it didn't surprise me when we asked what he hoped for from Santa. It was simple, but specific: A light saber that changes colors, A General Grevious Lego figure and an Obi Wan Kanobi Lego figure. We are talking about a couple of pinches of plastic here, it was touchingly simple. It seemed too easy.........until I started searching for these two little guys. I have now entered into the world of Star Wars collectibles.

Which brings me to a painful intersection of "Mom who really wants to see her child happy"... to "Kate who cannot pay $40.00+ for a 1" piece of plastic". It's the principle of it I struggle with....am I crazy? I know Max will cherish this little man in an I'm-so-happy-now-I-can-complete-my-storyline-when-I-play-at-home-outside-in-the-car-at-the-store-everywhere kind of way, versus the strange cult of adults that enjoy it in a now-I-have-the-master-set-to-display-on-my-showcase-shelf-to-stir-jealousy-in-my-other-geek-friends-because-they-know-how-much-it-cost kind of way.
In the end, and because Mark likes to make dreams come true, we'll buy the crazy thing.......... but it's not leaving the house.

To Cool for School.....But Not To Cool To Sleep There

Max is so excited with himself. He was a lucky winner for a Schoolhouse Sleepover Party. For me it brings back childhood dreams nightmares of living in the school building.... but for Max, it was the neatest idea ever! I couldn't say no after he won a longshot chance.

The following day I asked him what was the best part. He said "I got to sleep right next to my teacher."

The Big Boy Chair Already?

I can't believe he's ready for table food! Well not exactly solids but.......food! We broke out the highchair last week and he loves it! I shouldn't be surprised that he is an enthusiastic eater (look at him), but he already gets antsy and claps when he sees the rice cereal and apples mixing. Oh, time is flying by. I'm going to blink and he'll be three.......

What Have You Done?

Don't you just love a tag when you don't have much to blog, but need to update..... Rules are: Anything you have done has to be in bold. How much have you done?
If your reading this, then your invited to cut & paste to your post:

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (does rockband count?)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited Italy

10 Things I still want to do:
1. Go to Tahiti with Mark
2. Go to Disneyworld as a family
3. Make a beautiful gown for Lillian
4. Write my autobiography
5. Finish my degree....I still need to decide in what?
6. Live in a cute stone cottage
7. Plant and maintain a full garden
8. Learn to can and preserve
9. Own chickens (This might only last a year... but I've always been curious)
10. Get super ripped (as is awesome shape)

The Perfect Husband For Me........

It's Wedding Season for us! I say that because Mark and I have been married three times.... all within this season of the year.
The first time we stood in front of the Mayor of Korakies, on the Island of Crete. We said 'Neh' to each other and agreed to I'm not quite sure what. (It was all Greek to us). The second time we walked down the aisle together at the Catholic cathedral in Hania, Crete Greece and exchanged our vows in front of a handful of people that we barely knew, and a nun that sang like an angel. (It was a fairy tale).
The third time we were married, was November 2007, when we were sealed for time and eternity in the Logan Temple. Rather than pick the most meaningful date and celebrating just that one..... I like to think of our anniversary as a season, just as our marriage has had many seasons.
So here we are, at nine years and I still believe that Mark was meant for me. He is not the perfect husband (is there such a thing?), but he is the perfect husband for me......
Mark will still bring home flowers for me at least three times a month. No matter how many times I've told him not to spend the money.
Mark is always the first to say "I'm sorry" and cannot stand to have a harsh feeling between us.
I can be myself completely...good and bad...and he loves me anyway. He may not always understand me, but he always tries to.
I always feel safe when he is with me and not just physically (although it is nice to have my own personal body guard), I feel my heart is safe with him as well.
Mark is the most honest person I know. And with the proper motivation, he is the hardest worker you will ever meet.
He takes his job very seriously, which in this day is refreshing because many people don't think about security until after something bad has happened.
Mark loves a party and I can always count on him to turn on the enthusiasm and fun.
Mark always makes me feel smart and beautiful, even if I don't. There isn't anything in the world that he wouldn't try to get/give/buy/make/or do for me if I ask. (though he might grumble just a little at first).
Mark isn't the easiest person in the world......... but I can handle him....and he can handle me! I love him so much and couldn't imagine my life without him.
Happy Anniversary!

Perfect Women....

If I were the perfect woman my blog would be as well written as Eileen Becks. I would articulate my thoughts that beautifully and have a house that picture perfect. It would be decorated as thoughtfully and cohesively as Katie Trujillo's. My blog would have gorgeous pictures like Katie's and I would fill it with all my wonderful recipes because I'd be an adventurous and consistent cook like Shannon. I would also have tons of books to recommend because I would be as well read as she is too. I would have my figure back and would dress as beautifully as Jackie and be super funny and quick witted like Danae. I would have a reputation like Jen Lilly's (being the nicest person you would ever meet and never saying a negative word about anyone) and I would have a warm, loving and calm presence like Shama's.
I would be as friendly as Brittany and as well put together, and I would be a spiritual giant like Marilee. I would work out as skillfully as Ramona and be as organized as Kim Salisbury. I would have a can do/lets get to it attitude like Janet Sewell and I would be flirty and fun like Chelsea Barlow. I would make everything look easy and effortless like Fabienne and I would be endlessly generous like my Mom. I would be fun and playful like Lori and a miraculously hard worker like Lynn Skelly. I would also be as lovable (especially by children) as Rose and as kind. I would be the best kind of friend to have in your corner, like my sister Milly is, and I would be as thoughtful of a helper as Lillian can be.
I'm not a perfect woman (yet), but I'm smart enough to recognize these amazing talents and traits my friends have. I feel so lucky to know women that I can look up to and learn from....... my list will just keep growing.......

No More Naked Angel Babies.

So for the last couple of days these little frames have been turning up in my bedroom. One set in the bathroom, another on the vanity table, and then today two on the bed. I didn't think much of it at first. Lillian is always in and out, dropping Barbies, scattering my shoes. But when I asked her why they were off her dresser she explained, "They're yucky. Gillian (her best girlfriend) says 'Ewwwwwe'. And they're naked. So we could keep them in here, okay?
And so it starts....I've embarrassed my child. I had picked up these little postcards years ago, not thinking much of it....but apparently Lillian doesn't approve. A little to risque for her taste.

Pinkalicious!

Have you read this book? It is the cutest ever and Lillian just loves it. Max spotted it at the book fair and brought home for her (funny how he knew the story by heart already). It's about a little girl who eats so many pink cupcakes that she turns pink herself........and she Loves it! But to turn back she must eat lots of green, healthy things...Yuck. It seems a lot of the fun ideas the kids want to try start with a favorite book. So of course we had to see if it could be true.......

Scrumptious Baby!

These pictures may not be appropriate for the web, but I couldn't help myself. Tobias is so delicious with all his chubby wubby fatness........ I could just eat him up! He is going to kill me when I break these out for his future wife. Max calls this 'Abstract Fat'.

The Marine Corps Ball

We had a great time celebrating the birthday of the Marine Corps at their annual Ball this weekend. Mark works with Marines at the SWFPAC Command, so it was unique chance for the Sailors and Marines to integrate so well. (There really wasn't very many sailors there.....and I felt kind of bad for their 'Cracker Jack' uniforms in contrast to the Marine dress uniform). It was such a sharp sight to see everyone so decked out.

This Is Where The Magic Happens?

Perched on my lap as I peruse the latest updates, etc. I wonder what Tobias must be thinking. He is a super grabby grabber and WANTS the keyboard so bad. Maybe he has a lot to blog about. 'The Baby Blog', Coming Soon: Why is my mom staring at this screen and not my adorable face?

Take a guess! No, we aren't torturing apples...

Max had a four day weekend this last week and just to be sure he wasn't bored, he also had a backpack full of homework and extra credit projects. I felt great about consistently pacing the work, reading/math/reading/spelling, spreading it out throughout the days. We even tackled the optional sea life research projects. The last assignment (worth an additional 5 blue slips), was to build your own sculpture of a Sea Urchin. I looked throughout the house for the usual suspect of crafting materials, playdough (didn't have any), pipecleaner (nope), toothpicks (nope), at this point I was out of ideas and stumped. But Max really wanted those extra 5 blue slips. This is what he came up with ............all on his own. He is really excited about it.

My New Do!

I'm not sure which of the bizillion hormones women have during and after pregnancy that is responsible for the bizarre hair experimenting urge. I can say that whatever it is, I must get double the dose. When I was expecting Max I started with 'Why don't I try out bangs' that later turned into 'Why not Dixie Chicks short'?(2001)..........

(I'll tell you why not......there is no faster way to 'Mom' hair, than by chopping it all off when you still have 65 pounds to lose). After Lillian is was the "I think I'll splurge and buy the highlights-at-home-kit." ....I may have even contemplated a perm.....I regained my senses though.

This go-round, I played it safe and didn't touch it the whole time. (Partly because Mark has figured me out and kept telling me to leave it alone). Soooooo............ after exercising great restraint for almost a year, I've finally went and did it.......cut it all off again.

I feel so exposed.
I always experience haircut remorse for about a week afterwards.......... Oh well, I think I'll grow it out again.

Technology Is Our Friend..........

.......but is it that passive/aggressive friend that is always trying to make you feel stupid?
Mark needed a new watch. He's not a crazy big spender for the bling factor, but he is a sucker for seemingly useful features like compasses, altitude measurement records and barometric pressure sensors. This is the instruction manual.............. seriously!

Call me 'old-school', but I'm all for the face watch. It screams "I can tell time" (and I don't know how to program a digital one).

So When Do You Let Go Of The Cagefighter Dream...?

So..........the word is Japan! After being in the orders window for several months, and going a few rounds with the detailer, we've finally heard the word and it sounds like...........Japan! Won't that be fun?!! Right? That was the jist of the conversation Mark and I had. Something like "Gee, I hadn't really thought about it, but I'm sure it will be great and won't it be nice to get out and see all kinds of new places over there ......and we've heard only good things and you and Max can get back into Judo....won't that be fun?"
You might think the appropriate follow on would be........"Sure! That sounds great."
Nope (Have you met Mark) this is what I get. "I could actually earn some extra money pride fighting over there......there is always a crowd for a big white guy."
At this point, I'm just speechless. Isn't there an age limit on this kind of fantasy? I get it that Mark is pretty tough, and I get that he can somehow settle some of his supervisory (work-related) issues with a friendly throw-down.......... but at some point don't reasonable people draw the line at a UFC cage?
I'm guessing he's not serious ........(I'm choosing that he's not) and didn't dignify it with a response. But if it comes down to my having to actually say no, it would sound something like this..........."I don't think Heavenly Father would want you to cage-fight for entertainment, dear."

He Can Be A Moody Little Bugger...........

Tobias is such a cutey (to me) but he sure can be a moody little bugger. He is developing a very unique personality and it can seem very intense at times. That is a word that fits him well. When something catches his interest.........his attention seems intense....... when he gets unhappy (which can come on quickly), it can be intensly so. He loves Max and always lights up when he sees his face. But Lillian seems to annoy him, and that is just how he looks......annoyed. I'm working on a collection of 'The many faces of Tobias'. He has some killer dirty looks. It's still adorable though.

Mount Rainier

So never mind that we have a brand new baby, and never mind that we are down to the last few weeks of sunshiny weather. I still had that crazy 'Washington State Itch' to pack in the summertime memories. You really have to have those to get you through the dark and rainy months.
Plus, on our list of must do's before we leave the state was: Return to Paradise.
The historic Paradise Inn on Mt Rainier and the National park are really my idea of what paradise might look like. It's absolutely beautiful. We stayed at Cougar Rock and although the area was great, it ended up being a lot colder than I had expected. (For late august). Tent camping with an infant ended up being a little more difficult than I anticipated..... I was right in that Tobias was easy and immobile.........but I had overlooked the fact that if I was holding the baby most of the time, I really couldn't do much else. Mark ended up doing pretty much everything..............

It was suppose to be a four day adventure, extending down to Mount St. Helen, but on night number two, after nine hours of a torrential downpour all our gear (and tent) was soaked. Mark still pouted that it was do-able, but come on..........we have three small kids.......do I really have to be the bad guy by not wanting to sleep in a wet sleeping bag? (Why do I feel the need to defend my call........wouldn't you pack it in?)

Otherwise it was great and I'm so glad we did it!