Happy Holidays

I can't believe it has almost been a year since I updated my blog. LOTS has changed since I last wrote. Our biggest changes include us moving in with Vicki (Steve's mom) and Steve going back to school. He is enrolled at LCC in a radiology technician assistant program. He finished his first quarter and did amazing. The program is about two years and then he plans on transferring to Clark College to get his Radiology Technician Degree (another 2 years.)

The kids are getting BIG! Presley started Pre-K in September and turned 5 in June. He also started Kung Fu. He is busy as ever but can be a real snuggle bug too. Zoe started the 1st grade and turned 7 in October. She is still enjoying soccer and Girl Scouts. She is doing awesome academically too. She is a smart cookie!

For me I am still working in Kalama. This is my 7th year there... hard to believe. I have a wonderful class and I love going to work each day. I am trying not to fill my plate so full this year and just enjoy my family. Sometimes we need a break from all the extra stuff that can pile up. I am still a Girl Scout leader and enjoy the time planning and being with my troop. Other then that being a working mommy keeps me busy enough.

So until the next time I get a free time to write... Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Time to Rest

It seems as if I am always on the go, go, go! I have come down with a silly head-cold that has zapped my energy but also given me an excuse to reenergize. I did do some well needed house cleaning on this 3-day weekend but I have also done a lot of sitting, reading, and blowing of my nose.

Today has been the first day in a while that the kids have got to play outside. They played with chalk, found pet worms, and ran around for hours. Itwas good for them to get some energy out.

I am looking forward to more days that they can play outside and warmer weather! I love spring! I can't believe March is just a few weeks away. Here are a few pictures of some fun we have had lately!

Steve surprised me with flowers at work on Valentine's Day!

The kids playing at Great Wolf Lodge! We had a fun family get-away!

The kids with Violet after story time.

Bingo!

Winter is flying by...

It has been so long since I last wrote. The sun is shining today and it is finally in the mid-5o's. Now time to catch-up... we had Thanksgiving at our house. Steve made a yummy smoked turkey. We also celebrated Christmas at our house too. It is so nice making our own little family traditions. I did a crock-pot breakfast for Christmas morning and then we ate a yummy Prime Rib for dinner. The kids were spoiled as usual but we are trying to teach them about appreciating their many blessings. We rang in the new yearwith my bestest friend, Brittni and her great boyfriend Jason. Steve and I even tried Sushi. Steve loved it, me not so much! January was a long month but it sure came and went quickly

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Zoe and I have been busy withDaisy Scouts. She had goal to sell 155 boxes of cookies and she ended up selling 250 boxes of cookies. The troop of 16 girls ended up selling 1403 boxes of cookies and we could still add more boxes to that number. I am so proud of our daisy scouts and families.

Fun in the Fall

Fall is one of my favorite seasons because of the fun activities you can do with your kids. I look forward to the pumpkin patch every year. I also enjoy making fun fall arts and crafts and baked goods. Here are a few fun fall Fortner Family activities we have been up to.

Pumpkin Patch @ Kruger's Farm

Painting Pumpkin Jars

Trying on our costumes for Trick-or Treating

Fire Safety and Fire Prevention @ the Kelso Fire Station

(We even practiced our fire escape plan and both kids know how to get out of the house and where to meet the family. They loved doing it!)

Making Yummy treats! We were bored so we made up our own yummy treat. We called them Minty Monster Cookies! (See the recipe below.)

Minty Monster Cookies

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening (I used butter flavored)

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp peppermint extract

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

food coloring

Heat the oven to 375oF Mis together butter, shortening, sugar, egg and flavorings.

Blend in the flour and salt. Divide the dough in half. Add food coloring of choice. We used lime green and purple. Roll dough (a little from each bowl) into a tsp sized ball. Place on a cookie sheet and bake about 9 minutes.

With the last batch we rolled them in a mixture of sugar and sprinkles for an added touch.

Makes a little over 3 dozen. The kids loved them!

Summer to Fall

Summer is over and now for one of my favorite seasons fall! Zoe started Kindergarten and LOVES it. Presley started pre-school and is really enjoying it too. I celebrated my 30th birthday (again) with my family and wonderful friends. We had a yummy taco bar. My brother Jeremy got to be here this year from New York. We did the Race for the Cure for our 11th year. Team Myrtle's Turtles was the biggest it has been yet. We raised almost $1000 for the organization too! I am looking forward to Zoe's birthday and our annual trip to the pumpkin patch coming up soon! I love the fall colors and smells! It's such a beautiful season!