4th of July fun!

We had LOTS of fun this past weekend at our family cabins in Spokane. The weather wasn't great, but we were able to: have great chats with extended family, take naps with Brynn instead of doing chores, enjoy a mostly "media-fee" 5 days, eating delicious creations from my brother, who has become quite the bbq master, and relish in the fact that Brynn will now be able to enjoy this place that I have enjoyed since I was her age! So fun!

Brynn has now chowed down on several fruits and veggies and the girl loves to eat- she almost snarls as she tries to catch the spoon in her mouth before it quite reaches her.

Mark enjoyed playing around with the camera and captured some awesome night shots- he is so talented!

On the way home, we experienced the biggest, and I mean biggest, poop in the history of poops. I mean...it was all over Brynn, head to toe, all over the car seat AND even went ALLLLLLLLL the way down to the car seat base! How does that even happen?! Super gross and definitely a two-person job to clean up...and then we had the 6-hour drive home. =) Brynn must have been on a blow-out spree because that night when we arrived home, she had pooped again, and then the next day as I was walking through the store with her in the front pack, I realized she had pooped all over herself and it was all over the baby bjorn and my shirt. Awesome. Of course, as I had just begun my grocery shopping, I had to keep going...clearly I have my priorities straight: food first, poop second.

A weekend in pictures...

I'm on mid-winter break this week (yahoo!) and have been enjoying checking off my to-do list, visiting with friends and family, and in general just loving being in charge of my own time.=) This past weekend we had a great time celebrating V-day and my birthday in Seattle. One of my dear friends got married Saturday morning, so that's what began our festivities. We stayed at the W hotel, a place we've always wanted to try, had a fabulous dinner at Palomino (thanks, mom and dad!), went to the aquarium, walked around Pike Place market, stood in line for what seemed like an hour at the original Starbucks (my americano was definitely worth the wait), watched the man at the Beecher's cheese shop stir a HUGE tub of cheese, and enjoyed great sunny weather the whole time. Ironically, as we drove home, it started to rain.

I feel so blessed to be able to celebrate another birthday. My mom always says that having another year to celebrate IS a reason to celebrate, and we did...with pizza brought by Mark's parents and a delish cake brought by mine...I've never felt more sure of myself, confident in who I am, and content with my life than I am right now. I have the knowledge of Christ as my Savior, a husband who is so amazing it's hard to describe in words, a beautiful house that is much to large for the 2 of us, a job that I love, the ability to have extra money to create goals with...a lot of people don't have half of what I have...and I know it could all be taken away in an instant. The Lord is SO good and I'm overcome with adoration and awe in Him.

Today I'm looking forward to checking a few more things off my list, getting to visit with some of the kiddos I used to nanny and their mama, and excited about bible study tonight! I hope you're all enjoying the day! xo

What we've been up to...

It's been a while...hi, how are you? :) There has been a lot going on in the Pearson home that I should have been blogging about, but in the midst of the last month, which was full of school functions, conferences, report cards and the like, well...I've been tired. Sometimes, blogging just feels like work- maybe some of you agree. I do love sharing what our life is like, and peeking into yours as well, but sometimes we all need a break. But here I am, sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee, enjoying the gift of time that has been given to me in the form of a late-start day because of the snow- I wanted to take this time to check in.

These are quite random pictures, but they all made me smile, so I wanted to share...




We've fallen in love with this little dog. My parents got him last summer and he's been a great companion. Here is Coco after his weekly bath. My dad treats him like a baby- this is the closet thing he has to a grandchild right now...we'll have to change that soon. :)


And just for kicks, this is me enjoying the last day of summer with Mark, dining at the Newcastle Golf Club. If you've never been, it is unbelievable. The view is out of this world.


This is some of my staff at our holiday party over the weekend. It was a blast! I love these people- God has truly blessed me with an amazing place to teach and friends in the faces here...

Having fun with the creepy moving hand that was a white elephant gift. It had a remote control and the fingers wiggled. egh.

A view of our tree from the front yard. We've really been taking a different perspective with Xmas this year, as are a lot of people I think. I love to shop, give and receive as much as anyone, but I really wanted this year to be more about Christ, and the family traditions we have. It's a gift alone to have this life, and to spend it with those we love, to live in a country where we can worship the Lord freely and to not live in fear of persecution...these are the gifts we receive each day of the year, and honestly, it's been a huge load-off to focus more on that than anything else. Also, with the remodel we're planning/hoping to do in 2009, we wanted to stay on budget with our gifts, and it's been fun to have to sit back and actually think about what would be great for each person, instead of rushing out and trying to buy as much as possible, as fat as possible. We've also had a lot of fun adopting kids to buy gifts for- it was one of my favorite memories this year so far...a great date night with Mark to do something meaningful for others. :) Thanks, honey, for doing that with me! I'm looking forward to a wonderful holiday season!

Also- I'd love to send Xmas cards to my blogging buddies! Email me your address at robincpearson at gmail dot com. :)

Hoping that December is treating you all well!

What I've been up to (list format)

I've decided lists are more efficient sometimes, so here we go:

This weekend/last week I...
-Freaked out about getting a sub for the first time.
-Stayed at school til 10pm on Wednesday to make sub plans for 3 days while thinking to myself, "there's no way I could do this with kids at home".
-Drove to Oregon on Thursday with Mark and my in-laws.
-Drove to California on Friday and met my uncle Bob on the way at a rest stop on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere (it doesn't take much to impress him) :)
-Went to a really fun rehearsal dinner and ate delicious walnut prawns with Mark's extended family, who are SO much fun!
-Thought about how full my school email inbox probably is.
-Enjoyed a fabulous time hanging out with Mark's family and attending a wedding for one of his cousins.
-Had a bbq in 80 degree weather.
-Wanted to see the Tangens while we were there, but ran out of time. After experiencing the 80 degree weather in October, understood why they moved there.
-Decided to fly home Sunday night so we could spend more time with family instead of taking Sunday and Monday to drive home.
-Endured a smooth flight. (I don't appreciate flying...at all.)
-Since we came home on Sunday and I still had a sub for today, got to hang out at home- bonus!
-After pacing for a while, deciding whether or not to open my school email, I did it and realized why I didn't want to.
-Went to Starbucks and Ikea with Mark to look at kitchen cabinets- if only I didn't have a job, Ikea is a great place to hang out on a Monday!
-Did lots of laundry.
-Looked at photos from our trip. I'll post more later so you all can see how the Pearsons party.
-Now enjoying a cup of tea (I practiced my british accent all weekend) before heading to bed early.
-Browsing blogs and seeing that so many of you have been to the pumpkin patch- fun!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Family Fun!

We had a great time with my cousins and parents over the weekend. We missed the Warren family =(, but I think we ate as though they were there! K and N just returned from serving in the Peace Corps, and are about to become "New Yorkers" as N will be teaching in (what sounds like an amazing school) the Bronx. We wish you both the best and were so happy to enjoy the day with you!

Summer fun!

We look as good as we felt. =)

So, time has been passing quickly with all the STUFF going on around here! I have found myself panicked and almost paralyzed when confronted with the idea of updating this blog, because I don't know where to start! I think I have to realize that I'm really just doing this to keep in touch with others and no one really wants to know ALL the details of the Pearson Prose, right? =)

Since I last posted, Mark and I enjoyed a fabulous long weekend in Walla Walla, celebrating our 5 year anniversary. Seriously people, Walla Walla is the new Napa. =) It's such a cute town, with breath-taking vineyards, and amazingly good ice cream cones. Despite the heat, and it was hot, we had a great time...we haven't been away together in a couple years and we have realized how good it is for our marriage- wouldn't you agree?

I started my 4 week journey of teaching summer school and it's a blast...I was so burnt out at the end of the school year and also frazzled about prepping myself for the fall, that I was not looking forward to teaching during the summer, but it has been super easy and fun so far and a great way to earn a bit more- I'm saying it goes towards my new kitchen. =) Hopefully, those "before" pics will be on here in a couple months!

We just returned today from spending the 4th at our family cabin in Eastern Washington...my mom is touring Europe with her choir and her absence was sorely felt! We did have a wonderful time, though...family bonding is always "good times".

Other than that, our days have been filled with keeping up on our house and yard, visiting friends, keeping up with all those who are expecting (which is fun for me because I'm enjoying making things for them with my sewing machine!) and just trying to take it easy this summer. I love keeping up with everyone and hope you're all enjoying a fantastic summer! I've got the burnt shoulders to prove that I am! =)

50 posts!

I feel like I've really contributed something special to the blogging world with my modest 50 posts, don't cha think? In all honesty, I just like feeling connected to so many out there! I've reconnected with friends from college, and bumped into their friends on the way as well- it's always more fun for me to read other people's blog than write on my own, but I agree with C and Tiffany when they have said that this is a great way to journal what life looks like at any given point.

The last month has been insane with school winding down and finishing (praise God!), gearing up for summer school, my mom's retirement and all the events surrounding that amazing accomplishment...all these things worthy of posts including pictures. Alas, the reason I haven't posted in so long is because we've lost the camera power cord. Grr. I have great pictures from my masters graduation ceremony in May, all mom's retirement shindigs, and fun with friends...hopefully they will appear very soon!

On another note, Mark and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary this weekend...I can hardly believe it's been so long, and yet it seems like he's always been at my side (aww). We're taking a getaway to Walla Walla for a long weekend and we're super excited! It's a place we've always wanted to go, and it's getting so much press for what a blossoming city it is...we look forward to lots of wine tasting, great food, sleeping in, and exploring!

There are so many things happening in the lives of my blogger friends, mostly, it seems, in the realm of babies! =) Congrats, again, to all who are expecting...the funny thing is, there seems to be a pattern of "unexpected # 2's" around! Super exciting for those families- what fun is in store for you!

I will be back, and with pictures next time! =)

This one's for Auntie Vicki...

My Auntie Vicki is the best! She is so supportive of my career thus far and is such an encouragement to me, so I'm posting this blog to say a public "thank you!" to her...AND also to share some GREAT news!

I HAVE A JOB FOR NEXT YEAR! Yay! I'll be teaching 4th grade at the school where I'm currently working. I'm so excited to know this so soon in the year- now I can prepare and plan with the current 4th grade teacher who's leaving, and also just relax! Usually, first-year teachers get a probationary-type contract their first year, but because I've taught at the school since January, I'm getting a continuing contract, which means I won't have to apply next year- I can just stay in my current position!

This is such an exciting step in my career- who knows how long God will have me in this role, but I do know that I see His work so clearly in my life and am praising Him today and always for being so faithful to me and Mark. Yes, I've worked really hard for this opportunity, but it's by the grace of God that I'm even here and that I've heard His calling to teach!

An ode to some of the raddest moms out there...

To my mama: You are the most fun, loving, and kind mom a gal could ask for. Your vitality and love for "doing things" :) energizes me.  I love to laugh with you. I'm so glad that we have so many things in common- I love hanging out with you! Thank you for always being present in my life and loving me in the way that only a mom can!

Susan: Your creativity inspires me. I love coming over to see what new project you've been working on. You raised an incredible son that I now gladly call my husband. He is is loving and attentive- the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! :) Thank you for welcoming me into your family!

Auntie Vicki: You are so fun. When I think of you, I can hear your laugh in my head- it's contagious! You have raised two great kids who are on their way! I love your emails and phone calls- they encourage me and brighten my day...our relationship is a special one to me!

Auntie Cindy (with an "I"): I love that you let me play with your hair and makeup, trusting that I won't make you look like Cher...or that crazy TV evangelist lady. You are such a strong woman and have given so much of yourself to raise great children. I respect you so very much for that and I love spending time with you.

Auntie Jessi: You're the best! You are SO fun and always make me laugh. Thank you for always being so encouraging and wanting to know what's going on in my life. Oh yea, and thanks for letting me drive your Maxima to learn how to drive a stick...I'm still not very good. :)

Toni: Your spirit is strong and and is such a present force in my life and so many others. Your love for life and people is something I aspire to everyday. Though you call another place home now, you gave your all as you lived and you will always be in my heart. We miss you.

Tisa: You are my friend, my sister...but also a wonderful mother with your boys. You've always had a "get up and go" way about you, and I love that. I love that we both need lattes at about 2pm, and that I can come to you and be who I truly am. You are loved.

Boys will be boys...

So, do any other blogger wives out there have to share their hubbies with video games like I do? Hmm...so many of you have kids, so I kinda doubt it. Where's my support group?! Today was a very important day in our home...Grand Theft Auto 4 just came out and Mark, my brother, and our good friend Branden came over to share in the glory of the first play together. Even though this is such a violent, not-ok-for-kids kind of game (luckily, we have none yet!) I have to say, watching the bonding between these boys is pretty fun. They are so excited about playing this game together that it helps me to forgive the hours they play, the language that streams from their mouths when it is on, and the really gross snacks they choose to devour while basking in this other world. Sigh.

*This is my 3rd post today- check below for more!*

Catching up...

It has been a busy week in the Pearson home- below is a pic from the night we celebrated my mom's 39th birthday...we dined at a delicious restaurant on the water and had a fabulous time laughing, looking at the view, and talking about my mom's upcoming "graduation" from the teaching profession.

Meet a few new members of the Pearson family. We've always been a charcoal grill gang, but having a gas grill is so much easier and convienient...we bought one over the weekend and have used it 4 times this week already!

Funny, even though we have a large yard with plenty of room for a vegetable garden (which I do want to start someday), I feel intimidated by the amount of time it takes to maintain such produce...so, I decided I'd start some fresh herbs (lemon thyme, basil and cilantro) and a tomato plant right outside my back door. I've read in my new Organic Gardening magazine (great, by the way!) that for beginners, grape tomatoes are the place to start. They are just smaller and it's apparently so much easier to get used to how to care for them. We shall see! I'm envisioning salads and pastas tossed with my fresh herbs and tomatoes all summer! Who wants to join us for dinner, al fresco?

It was so beautiful outside tonight, Mark, my brother and I ate outside on the patio! I made homemade tortilla soup along with some spicy barbequed shrimp (YUM-O!)- the spicy stuff is a theme lately with Mark and my brother...it's weird, but I suppose I'm glad they are addicted to seeing how much spice they can handle than, say, gambling or something...whatev- and we sipped gin n' tonics...so fresh and delicious! Can't wait for more warm evenings!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

So, all of my blogging friends have such inventive ideas when it comes to things to post about. Well, it all started for me today with this latte (notice the green bowl in the background that spawned my idea). I thought, "How can I celebrate St. Patty's day on my blog?" And then it came to me...I decided to go around my house and take pictures of any green that I saw. Trust me, there could have been about 50 more pictures; I know that we like green, but I couldn't believe how often it showed up in EVERY room! Anyone want to join in on this activity? :)

my green slippers on the green pool table

green in the weight room

the green candle in the kitchen

green candle on the landing

green duvet on my bed

Mark loves this one...the green carpet in our room leading to the even greener carpet in the hallway...oh brother.

green night-light in the bathroom

green shirt in the ironing basket

green Sonicare

green leather ottoman (which looked SO cute, by the way, in our condo office that it was bought for), but now just looks weird on the green carpet.

green cover on a book that Mark made as an assignment in college

green leaf on my Bible cover

green on my pot, flower leaves, and rug at my front door

green stems 

3 floors of green...please oh please let this be changed by NEXT St. Patty's day!