Showing posts with label Ethan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ethan. Show all posts

Friday, January 25, 2013

Twins? Nope!

Okay, this is kind of a crazy, random post...however! I thought it'd be cool to share these 2 recent photos of Ethan and Abby.

Pretty crazy look-alikes, huh? ;-) 

Everywhere we go, people are constantly asking if they're twins. I mean CONSTANTLY! ;-) It's pretty cool, actually...even if they don't see the humor in it all the time. (Well, I should change that...ETHAN doesn't see the humor in it because he doesn't like being mistaken for a girl. Hee hee! But like I told him, that's to be expected if he's going to keep his hair long.)
Okay so, not only do they look alike, they're also nearly the same height and only 16 months apart, which REALLY ups the "Oh! Are they twins?" factor because they look like they're the same age.

So, what do you think? Would YOU mistake them for twins??





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Saturday, March 6, 2010

Saving Money Always Makes Me Feel Better, Etc.

Well, I'm starting to feel "healthy" again but poor Abby has succumbed to The Bug as of yesterday. Ethan's still clinging to The Bug as well (or should I say, the bug's clinging to him). Which means we stayed home from church and we're going through an awful lot of Children's Tylenol! :o/ Good thing I bought a bunch when I did. (Yikes)

I just hope she's able to beat this thing sooner than Ethan. He's working on his second week, which is a bummer in itself. But Abby's in the middle of learning her ballet recital, and every missed class quickly adds up. (Not good!) *Speaking of ballet, the pic to the right is Abby during last week's Parent Watch Day. Isn't she cute? :) *

On a lighter note, I've been feeling rather proud of my recent coupon transactions. Yesterday, I scored 3 half-gallons of almond milk and 3 boxes of cereal for $2.80. Then today I scored 4 boxes of fruit snacks for $2.50 then received a $2.50 catalina (receipt coupon) off my next transaction. This basically made those fruit snacks totally free! :) Hooray!

These little deals make me even more excited to get the Sunday paper and all those yummy coupons! :) I took advantage of a special deal on the local paper to where I'll get 5 Sunday papers each week for dirt cheap. Woohoo! If you're in my neck of the woods (Lynnwood/Edmonds/Everett WA) check out the deal for yourself here. (Thanks, CouponConnectionsNW! :) ) What's more, is that I've got my Mom all coupon-happy now, too. Hee hee! She also signed up for the newspaper deal, so you can tell what the two of us will be doing tomorrow! "Did you see the coupon for XYZ in the RedPlum flyer?"..."Oh goodness, yes!" {Snip, snip!}

And on another happy note, I've received a few books to review in the mail which always makes me happy. (I mean, hello? Free books!) These aren't "school" books either, but actual fiction/brain candy books. :) The good stuff!

Now, I have to get back to "work" and hammer out a few reviews that are due this week. I meant to get them done last week but I was sick sooooo.....yeah. Time to play catch-up!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Male Metamorphosis

Strange rumblings of maturity are afoot in the Opper household. My son is becoming a man.

A tall, big-footed, recently-graduated-to-his-first-stick-of-deodorant, man. {Insert the old Beach Boys song: "When I Grow Up To Be A Man" here}

Oh, and he can make scrambled eggs now. Which is cool because I hate cooking them, Abby loves eating them on a daily basis, and he's always hungry. Perfect! He also makes a mean bowl of Top Ramen, a sweet bowl of oatmeal, and a great turkey-on-a-bagel sandwich.

Yesterday, I had to get the Man Cub a new pair of shoes; size 5.5 thankyouverymuch. In men's. Yep, he officially has bigger feet than his Momma, folks. What's more--his head's about up to my eyeballs and he's *almost* taller than me when he stands on his tippy-toes, as he so rudely pointed out in front of the bank teller. Ahem.

Now if I can just get him to do the dishes, his own laundry without having to be reminded, and hold down a steady job, I can basically marry him off in about 10 years' time. :)

Maybe. We'll see. I think I might want to keep him around awhile longer... {Heaves a heavy sigh}

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

World Math Day!


Attention math lovers and those aching to set a Guinness World Record--this one's for you! :)

Registration is officially open for World Math Day 2010! This free event will take place on March 3rd.

"Join us in a celebration of numbers as students from around the globe unite in their quest to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD – the largest online math competition in answering mental arithmetic questions. Be a part of this Guinness World Record and global education event involving more than 2.5 million students from over 200 countries."--World Math Day.com

Ethan is really looking forward to this and hopes others out there will join him. :)

For more information, please click here. And if you decide to register, drop us a note and let us know. See you on the 3rd! :)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Preparing for a Busy Weekend

We have some serious shopping and errand running to do tonight. I hate "big" shopping as the length of the receipt and the "grand total" always makes me feel a bit sick. But it has to be done because...

This Friday (just two short days from now), Dean will be flying to CA to visit his grandmother, Lyndy. She's been undergoing treatment for cancer and is now under hospice care. :(  He will leave around 5pm to make his 8pm flight. He won't return until Monday afternoon, which means I'll be all alone wallowing in self pity holding down the fort until then.

Also around that same 5 o'clock hour, my mother will be here to pick up my children and take them back to her place. Why? Because I'm going to review PNB's The Sleeping Beauty at 7:30pm in downtown Seattle.

I'm really looking forward to this performance. The Rose Adagio is one of my all-time favorites! And there's just something about hearing those first few notes of the Waltz that immediately puts me in my "happy place". :)  It's a lengthy ballet, too. I won't be home 'til after 11pm.

Then Saturday's church, provided my children are healthy enough by then. I can't have them coughing, sneezing and sputtering their germs all over the place.Yuck!

On Sunday I'm hosting a little jewelry party for our friends, Ken and Trish. (He's simply known as "Necklace Man" on Facebook! :) ) If you're in the area that day or need an excuse to get away from the Super Bowl, come on over! The party starts at 1pm. 

Now. Do you see why tonight's shopping trip is so imperative?

I'm just hoping and praying all goes well for Dean in CA. That and nothing major happens here while he's gone. I mean, aside from my usual "Woe is me, I'm all alone!!!" dramatics.

I may have to squeeze in some extra workouts to keep my mind occupied, as well as have a bunch of friends over to visit. Hey, if you're reading this, consider yourself invited! :)

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Ethan: The Lunch Meat Connoisseur

My son loves a good turkey sandwich. But it can't just be any sandwich. Oh no. There are a few specifics involved, which are unique to Sir Ethan.
  1. It has to be made on a bagel. A plain bagel. Preferably a Thomas' plain bagel, although store brand substitutions are allowed, provided they're not "gummy", "sticky" or "too chewy".
  2. It can only be roasted turkey breast. Not smoked. Not honey roasted. Plain ol' roasted. Which is fine because he eats enough junk with preservatives as it is.
  3. The turkey breast can only be of select brands. Land O Frost? Ok. Buddig? Not ok. Albertson's? He can deal with it. From the deli counter? Usually ok. But sometimes it's too thick for his bagel because...
  4. Bagel sandwiches can only be "this high" or "so thick", otherwise he can't get his mouth around it. And the turkey can't flop over the edges, either. Because that's disgusting.
  5. The sandwich can only be prepared with Best Foods mayo. No mustard. No pickles. No lettuce, no tomato...you get the picture. S-I-M-P-L-E.
On Saturday, we decided to visit our local PCC Natural Market. We hadn't been there in awhile and we all had a hankering for something that can only be found there. (Dean? Good brie. Abby? A vegan chocolate chip cookie. Me? Dried mangoes. The good ones! Sierra? Just wanted to get out. Ethan? The free piece of fruit for kids.)

As we made our way through the meat section, I decided to check out the lunch meats. Spying a package of turkey that I was sure would meet the Ethan Standard of Pickiness, I grabbed it--gagged on the price ($5.99 for 6 oz)--then tossed it in the basket.

Later I suggested he make a turkey sandwich with said lunch meat. He refused. Why? Because the package "looked funny".


Smiling through gritted teeth, I decided to pick my battle another day.

Which happened to be today. Like an hour ago.

Ethan came in and asked for breakfast (eggs). I consented to the monumental task of preparing his scrambled eggs "just so" and also suggested he "try" a slice of the new turkey, which I happened to be enjoying on my own sandwich. He looked at me like I was asking him to drink cod liver oil. But after a little more prodding (and supreme acting skills on my part: "This is SO delicious, Ej! Mmmm! You've gotta try it, buddy!"), he finally took a tentative bite.

And...?

He freakin' loved it. His eyes rolled in the back of his head, a happy small danced across his smacking lips. At long last, he reached the summit of Mount Picky Face and experienced the bliss of lunch meat nirvana.

Dang, I'm good!

So now I've been asked to make another trip to PCC to pick up more of this delectable culinary delight that is known as Organic Roasted Turkey Breast from Applegate Farms.

That's my boy, folks! That's my boy.... (And may God help his future wife.)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Discoveries--The Good and the Disturbing

My little corner of the world is still very dark and quiet. The children are still snoozing away (Oh, the joys of being homeschooled!), Dean's off at work, my workout is finished, and now it's time to get some computer work done before the troops emerge.


Today's workout only consisted of a 30 minute ab routine. (Big whoop, right?) Yesterday I did a 55 min. tape plus an additional 20 mins on my bike. That doesn't sound too bad--in theory. However, I was going for a full 30 mins on the bike but wimped out. :) Oh well. So today I decided to focus on my jelly-belly and maybe do a cardio routine later on. We'll see. A friend of mine and I are keeping each other accountable in this area. Granted, our consistency isn't as it should be, but we're trying--we're making the most out of every day--and that's all that matters.

Guess what? Ethan's discovered a new hobby. Thanks to a homeschool class at Games Workshop, he's fallen in love with the whole Lord of the Rings model/game-making/role-playing thing.

When I first told Dean about it he was shocked and said, "What? He can't do that!" "Why not?" "Because we used to make fun of those nerds back when I was in school!" (Oh brother!)

My son is certainly not a nerd. At least not in his Mommy's opinion. I love how he's found a new passion (outside of video games) and am more than willing to encourage his endeavors. Thanks to my friend Rachel, Ethan is taking their "Academy Class" once a month w/ his buddy, Nathan. This was their birthday gift to Ethan. Wasn't that sweet?! Ethan totally loves it! He's made 4 characters so far and can hardly wait for the next class.


Oh and for the record--once Dean saw everything that came in Ethan's starter kit and all the detail that goes into painting these little things--he now thinks the activity is pretty cool. :) One more thing; Rachel and I've noticed how this can quickly become a rather expensive hobby. (Ahem) But we've both decided that we'd help our sons get started but after that---they're on their own!

Moving on!

I've discovered two new things about myself.
  1. My chai habit's getting cheaper. Sort of. I can no longer drink The Good Stuff without it irritating my stomach. I switched from The Good Stuff to the Close Second Stuff, but even that's bothering me now too. So I've moved onto the Not So Bad Once You Get Used to It. (*Sigh*) So unfair...

   2.   I find myself "forgetting" things quite often. Much more than before. Perhaps I'm just taking after my mother and sister. (No offense you two.) But I've always been a disciplined, structured, list-making person. Still am, really. But even if I write a task down, I'll still forget. Even if I just read it! Or worse, I'll forget to write it down in the first place.

Last week, I forgot to do something crucial for Dean and while it isn't earth-shattering (or ending), the ramifications are going to be a pain to deal with. I also forgot when Ethan's Academy class was to take place and had to email Rachel (repeatedly).

I also forgot to take the trash cans out to the curb for pick up, do all the laundry (figure that one out!), and forgot to do school among other things. ("Gee, you kids sure have a lot of time on your hands today...hmm...")

This is so hard for me because *I'm not supposed to forget*. I'm the one who "never" forgets even small details like birthdays. But I forgot to phone my brother in law on his birthday. I knew it was his birthday earlier in the day, but then I decided to call in the evening, then later forgot. By the time I remembered, it was too late to call with the 3 hr time difference.

Then I forgot my son's birthday was coming up until the moment he walked up to me and said, "Mom guess what? My birthday's a week away!" (Blink) In my defense, his birthday plans did coincide with my Uncle Bret's passing, so I'm using that as an excuse. In fact when Ethan reminded me, I was in the middle of making the DVD presentation for Uncle's service.

I then forgot to invite people until 3 days before the party. Then realized I forgot to invite everyone I was supposed to. (Not good.)

Then to make matters worse, I kept forgetting Sierra's birthday. Or rather, kept forgetting to make plans for it until the last minute.

I forget what I've written down, what I've done, and what I still need to do. It's downright scary sometimes, especially when I consider that my Grandmother--who was like my mother and sister--now has Alzheimer's. (Gulp) My mother says she has "Half-Heimer's". Hmm. Maybe I've got Quarter Heimer's?





Is this just an age thing or a family thing? Guess we'll have to wait 'n see! (But by then, I'll forget what I'm waiting for...) 

Monday, November 16, 2009

Party Pics



It was another loud, wild 'n crazy party here yesterday. Ethan's an official 11 year old (plus 10 days), and wanted a Lord of the Rings theme this year...

This is the special Lord of the Rings cake Sierra made for the party. The "ring" is actually rice crispies covered in yellow fondant. She then wrote "Happy Birthday" in Runes in edible black marker. Very cool!





Here's Fernando, all dressed up in his party finery! (Outfit courtesy of Abby and Victoria...and Build a Bear Workshop. Ahem.) He went through a series of wardrobe changes before he finally got fed up and chewed the last outfit (pink velour jacket and matching skirt) off.



Lindsey and Rachel arrived! We haven't seen Miss Lindsey in a little over a year. She was truly a welcome addition to the Zoo. :)




See here? Not even cat-lovers like Oystein can resist my baby boy. :) (Note the pink velour jacket lying next to Fernando!)





Here comes the cake! Get ready to sing, everybody! Gee, can you tell he was excited or what?





Once the singing was over, it was insisted that Ethan take a large bite of the rice crispy ring! He said it tasted good, as did Dean who snuck a bite later. :)




Some photo opps are just too cute to pass up! Here's Ej and Elijah, doing what they do best--enjoying each other's company. :) Ethan refers to Elijah as his "pretend little brother" and Elijah refers to Ethan as his "best friend". Tooooo cute!


Sierra, wearing her new trademark black hat, enjoying the fruits of her labor. (Her t-shirt reads "National Sarcasm Society: Like We Really Need Your Support." It reminds me of an old keychain I used to wear on a necklace at her age that read:"I was put on this earth to make your life miserable." Sarcasm runs deep in this family. Ahem.)




Present time! He received items from his 4 Favorite Food Groups: Nintendo, Legos, Blockbuster, and Lord of the Rings. Life...is...good!




Ethan was really surprised by Nathan's gift. The two had recently attended a homeschool group outing to Game Workshop in the mall.


They painted their own LOTR action figure, which of course Ej dearly loved. So, the Boe family decided to pay for him to take the 4-week class with his best friend, Nathan. Thanks, you guys! :)




This is probably the coolest looking LOTR cards I've ever seen. Rachel Boe made it from simple craft paper and a photo from the internet. It looks fantastic!



Awesome Blockbuster gift card, courtesy of Adam! Hmm...movies or games? What a dilemma.



Sierra loves "Miss" Ahviana-Elise! Then again, who can blame her?

Obviously not Lindsey! They both had to get some smootches from the little darling! :)




Nicholas (from taekwondo) and Adam (from church)


Thanks for coming, everyone! See you next time!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Mommy's a Runt! :)

Ladies and gentlemen...
I present Exhibits 1-8. The proof of my shrimpy existence! Enjoy... :) (And if you happen to have an old step stool you aren't using, I'd be glad to take it off your hands. Thanks!)

Feel free to double-click on the album for a larger view.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Ethan's a Brown(ie) Belt!

He did it, folks! Ethan earned his brown belt in Tae-Kwon-Do last week. Isn't he cute? Now I've got two little "brownies". ;o) Well...at least for now. Sierra hopes to test for her red belt in October (I think?).
Congratulations, son! You did an excellent job!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Ethan's an Official Blue Belt!


Check it out! My boy earned his blue belt in taekwondo! Wooooooohooooooo! His trophy is on its way, but he has his blue star, new belt, and certificate.

My kids rock!

Go Ej...Go Ej!!!! :o)

Monday, December 29, 2008

Quotable Ethan

After a time of rapid-fire questions, Dean turned to Ethan and asked;
"Why do you ask so many questions, Buddy?"
"Because I'm young and curious."

After gleefully sneaking yet another of Sierra's fresh baked cookies, Sierra turned to Abby and exclaimed;
"Pookie! Why did you take another cookie?"
"Because I needed another cookie."
"You don't NEED another cookie, you WANT another cookie."
(Giggling) "No, I needed it."
"No you didn't!"
"Yes, I did!"

Ethan, raising his voice above his sister's bantering exploded:
"If she says she NEEDS a cookie, then she NEEDS a cookie! Now give her a cookie!"

Dean laughingly turned to Ethan and said, "Are you sticking up for your little sister, Buddy?"
"No," he growled. "I'm just grumpy."

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Lego Maniac


Ethan worked diligently for several hours (over the course of a 24 hr period), putting this last birthday gift together from Papa Russ, Grandma Deb, and Aunt Dyon.

A huge, just-shy-of-600-pieces Star Wars Lego set!

Now normally, Ethan immediately asks Dad to help him (which basically turns into Dean putting it together for him), because he gets overwhelmed just looking at all the pieces. But not this time! I was very proud of the fact that he never once asked Daddy for help, even when he became confused or visibly frustrated.

In fact, he exercised an incredible amount of self-control that I've never seen in him before. Not once did I have to say, "Maybe you should take a break, Buddy." Because he took it upon himself to take those breaks whenever he needed them. (Maybe he's matured a bit more than I'd realized?)

Sure, he bounced around like a bunny on No-Doz during his spelling lesson, but he was all business when it came to Lego building. (Ahem)

Anyway, as I was saying; it may have taken him several hours, but he eventually completed his masterpiece. :o)

And the look of satisfaction on his face made it all worthwhile.
**Correction: I've been informed that the kit contained over 800 pieces, not 600. Ahem.**

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Friday, November 7, 2008

Taekwondo Belt Ceremony

Practicing before class
Pretty girlie
Ethan receiving his green belt! Hooray!
Congratulations, buddy!
Sierra receiving her blue belt! Woohoo!
Great job, bear!