Just the everyday, ordinary, very normal life of ... The Flansburgs

Since every one else is....

2008-12-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

I thought I should write about the fun snow we are having as well. Bryan just measured outside and we officially have a foot of snow. I don't think I have ever seen this much snow in Washington since I have lived here. The surrounding streets around here are caked with beautiful white snow and everyone is walking to their destinations, which I think is best for all of us if they do. (Most of them don't know how to navigate the roads in these conditions.) Being from Montana you would think that I would be used to this weather, I've seen drifts of snow higher than our house, walked to school in 2-4ft of snow and seen what a real blizzard is. I must admit that I have gotten acclimated to Washington weather and really have forgotten what its like for life just to go on in the snow. I really could just bundle up in a warm blanket, drink a hot beverage and just watch movies all day, however I cant. Out of need I have navigated the roads, quite successfully the past couple of days and will be doing the same today, after all I still have shopping to do! Wish me luck!!

Rancho De Sus Ninos

2008-12-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the month I was blessed to be able to attend a construction mission trip with my husband to Tecate, Mexico. Bryan has been going there for about 6 years now and has had some great experiences. Unfortunately due to work, pregnancy and Micah, I haven't been able to go. My mother in law called about 6 months ago and offered to take Micah for the week, so I now had no excuses. A group of about 15 of us went, including a couple of my girlfriends. We flew into San Diego, went to "In and Out" (for our last "American" meal) and drove from there to the ranch. The ranch is an amazing place with great stories. You can truly feel God's presence the moment you step out of the vans. (The exception was the bathrooms, the only presence you felt at night were the cockroaches.) God really worked through all of us to get things done, there were all different skills among us, but only 3 carpenters by trade. It was so amazing to see trusses being raised by hand, roofing done, doors hung etc. all by people who followed the call to go! Alayne and I went into the colonias in Tijuana and joined one of the churches on Sunday. It was amazing to see, even without understanding, that as believers our hearts all desire the same relationship and love of God. On the last day, we all hiked up a hill to the Cross that over looks the ranch, to raise it back up after it had fallen from the wind. What a great ending to our trip. Although I learned a lot, my biggest take away was, that God calls all of us, skilled and unskilled, to spread His word and love. We just have to listen and follow! I could go on forever, but I will just leave you with some pictures from the trip. If you want to learn more I encourage you to go to thier web site, you can click on the link from the "who we know "section on this blog or if you are interested in joining us let me know!

Visit down South..

2008-10-20T15:11:00.001-07:00

We recently ventured down south for a long over due visit to Bryan's family. Its always fun to go see his side of the family (Jeff, his older brother, and wife Samantha have two boys Alex and Zach. Marty, his younger brother, and wife Kristy and their two Corbin and Haley, as well as his mom and dad). Its great for Micah to have cousins around to play with the whole weekend. Micah had his 3rd dental appointment, his Auntie Kristy works at a great pediatric dental office. He had his teeth cleaned and checked for cavities, which by the way he has none. We also went to a pumpkin patch near Battle Ground. The kids had a blast, however Samantha and I decided that we would choose this time, of all times, to be trendy and wear heels to the pumpkin patch! Lets just say I had enough of the patch at hour 1 of the 3 that we were there. Haley and Micah had a great time playing the entire weekend and one of the pictures shows them playing red light green light on the stairs. Their average bed time was 12 am every night! Yikes! It was great catching up with everyone and had a great night playing spoons! These are the times I wish we all lived closer.

Little Chubbie legs. (Haley will be 5 in Dec. Micah and her are the same size, however, Micah weighs about 10lbs more though)

I cant believe he is 3......

2008-10-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

"This is a song for my sons for when they understand it, you know how life is full you know we couldn't plan it, your dad and I prayed for strength and understanding, for things we couldn't see or comprehend. This is a song from my heart a small refrain to hold you , for times when we're apart and i cannot console you. I can't say your life will always go like it should, but I can say that God is always good, and when the cold wind blows like I know it will and when you feel alone like I know you will and when the cold wind blows like I know it will don't let your love grow cold...This is a song for you to carry in your pocket take all our love with you in all the paths you walk in, be honest with yourself and don't forget to pray and read your bible everyday.....your dad and I pray for your strength and understanding, the things you can not see or comprehend." (Sara Groves)

Micah had a great birthday, although it was very low key, he didn't care. We started out the morning with a delivery of Spider man balloons from grandma, and a yummy whip cream with strawberries waffle cake. He played with Selah all day as well as enjoyed friends stopping by. The night ended with dinner ( another story for another time) and presents with grandma, grandpa, Auntie Paige and Uncle Josh. It was great to have family around to celebrate this wonderful day. We love our little Man!

My first Seahawks Game..

2008-09-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, me, my dad and Bryan were lucky enough to get tickets to the Seahawks vs. Rams game. After 14 years of living here I finally got to experience the excitement of a pro-football game. Being from Montana we didn't have any professional leagues so I didn't grow up having a favorite team and the most football I watched was when I was in high school (and that was mainly for the scenery if you know what I mean). We started the day off early and headed into the city to go visit a few friends. We stopped by the infamous "Hawk Box", my girlfriends husband help build, had some food and drink then walked down and visited some more friends. Wow, the tailgating experience is not to be missed! The game was great, the seats were good despite the small hike up a flight of stairs, and the fans were amazing! It was like I knew everyone around me, we were screaming and hi-5in at and with everyone! Some poor schmucks decided to wear some Rams jersey's in the middle of our crowd and man I felt sorry for them! Needless to say, it was a blast and I am defiantly hooked! There maybe a chance for us to go again and I am all over it!!

Pig Roast '08

2008-09-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Every September we look forward the annual Pig Roast out on Camano Island. Our good friends the Degans have invited us for the past three years and we always have a blast. Usually the sun is shining, and its typically hot. This year was a little different, but the rain and cold didn't stop the festivities: the pig still got roasted, beer still got drank, corn hole got played and plenty of yummy food got eaten. The kids had a great time running around in the cold and in and out of the house. Despite no nap times Micah did great and crashed in his car seat the second we left. As I said before we look forward to September specifically for the roast, and weren't let down this year either! Great times!

Veggie Tales...

2008-09-16T14:23:00.001-07:00

Saturday we took Micah and one of his good friends Dylan to Veggie Tales live! Let me start out by saying that I have loved Veggie Tales since my brother and sister were little, and remember quite clearly most of the movies and songs. I tried getting Micah into them when he was little, but its been only recently that he has really liked them. The boys had a great time. The concert was full of dancing and screaming and jumping up and down, all the things kids love. Bryan and I even got in on the action. We purchased the boys "Larry Boy" hats and the boys have been wearing them constantly. (I guess Dylan wore his to church and Micah slept with his on last night!) It was so much fun, and I defiantly recommend them to anyone who has little kids, they have a great message plus fun "Silly Songs".

Proud Sister!

2008-09-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

Recently my brother Isaac sent me some pictures of his graduation from Airborne School at Fort Benning, in Georgia. Right now he is attending the University of South Carolina with the Army ROTC program. Isaac has always been one to excel in everything he does and it sounds like he is continuing this thru college as well. When he finally graduates he will be a RN for the military. We are so proud of him, especially Bryan. They now share a really cool bond (wings).

Monster Jam

2008-08-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by saying that even as a young girl I have loved trucks, in fact that's one of the things that attracted me to my husband. And I truly believe that the most fun redneck thing to do is go to Monster Jam. The last time I went was in high school, and when the opportunity arose for us to take Micah to it, we jumped all over it. We prepped him all week, showed him clips on YouTube, made him wear his ear muffs throughout the day, you name it we did it. The day of,it was all he could talk about. We packed everything we could including the great new camera we got. When we got there he was so excited, but first thing was first I had to check my bag! And guess what?! They wouldn't let me bring in my camera, because it was considered a professional camera! Ugggh! I was so mad, because no where on my ticket did it say anything about camera's only video cameras! So needless to say we only got one picture of Micah and it was after the show. He had the best time! He sat in his seat the whole time and was just in awe of the the trucks! And of course he could take full advantage of screaming at the top of his lungs (everyone had earplugs)! It was a great time! I love that he is at the age where we can start taking him to some really fun things!

What we love about summer..

2008-08-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like corn on the cob? Micah just got the hang of eating the whole cob! I just love these pictures.

What about finger painting outside?Playing in the sun with friends.

Playing in the water.

Just being silly.

Camping..

2008-07-29T16:13:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we went camping with my family. We went to a KOA campground right outside of Leavenworth and had so much fun. Camping is one of those things my family has done since I was little, and I hope that this can become a tradition for mine as well. Now of course we are used to "roughing it" tent style, but I must say that my parents 5Th wheel is quite nice in the hot weather and defiantly an upgrade from the memories I have. We had a great time, and every year I wish we would camp more.

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up ans see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." Louisa May Allcot

New Camera

2008-07-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Camera's are like computers, they are constantly being upgraded. Bryan and I purchased a camera about 4 years ago and we were so excited because it was digital. I remember some of the first pictures I tried taking, we were at Sea world and every shot was of the whales tale sticking out of the water! I missed every shot because of the delay in the picture! And now with Micah I miss out on some precious moments because of the same problem. Well no more!! I love this new camera and cant wait to see what it can do. So far Bryan has been playing and has taken some great photos. (For those wondering its a Nikon d40)

Happy Birthday to Bryan..

2008-07-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

For years Bryan has asked to go skydiving and I have been very adimate that he should have done that before we had kids. Well with his birthday coming up and knowing how much he does for our family so I can stay home, I booked his appointment. We took him down to Snohomish for a nice meal with his family and mine and then drove him to the jump school where I proceeded to tell him that he was going skydiving. His reaction? Not a word! He was so in shock that he couldn't believe it. Deep inside I knew he was jumping out of his skin! It turned out to be a great surprise and he had a perma-grin for the whole evening after his jump. Bryan's instructor was great and made the whole experience worth it!

Summer fun..

2008-07-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

I love summer time and with a two year old running around I have been trying to find fun things to do in our community that are not expensive and also keep Micah's attention. Since its been awhile since I've posted here are a couple of things I have found that are great entertainment.

My Mops group meets twice a month for fun in the park, this time we went to Forest Park where there is a free petting zoo along with a water park. Micah has a good friend Sylivia, who is two weeks younger than him and they had a lot of fun

Another great thing we did was a children's concert in the park. Every wed and Thur you can find a concert for kids in our area. I took Micah and Selah and we met up with Tracy and Sylivia again.

Berringer Farms is a great place to go as well. You pick strawberries by the flat and the kids have so much fun. I think they eat more than you can pick however. We met up with my good friend Traci her two sons Jess and Teddy along with her family, and had a great time.

And of course what's more fun than having your friend over to play in the pool. Recently Micah has been asking to play with Dylan, so we had him over for the afternoon, and the boys had so much fun.

"The sky is such a perfect blue, It must have been painted there. Even the clouds bear witness to the stroke of an artist's brush. This just proves that God is perfect at many professions." (Welkin Mattie J.T. Stepanek)

The 4th of July..

2008-07-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

This year for the 4Th we spent the evening over at my aunts house in Everett. It was just a short walk from her house to see the different fire works display held at the local park. I'm pretty sure the whole neighborhood understood how excited Micah was. He was screaming and oohing and awing the whole time. It was a well needed burst of excitement and laughter for our family after the weeks prior events.

"O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine till all success be nobleness and every grain divine!" (Katherine Lee Bates)

Philip E. Aldrich jr. 1/08/88-06/26/08

2008-06-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

The Broken Chain..

We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone:
for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide
and though we can not see you,
You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one
the chain will link again.

Welcome to the world!

2008-06-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world little Cole! My good friend Jill gave birth to her second son June 20. Cole weighed in at 8lbs 4oz and is absolutely beautiful. We were so excited to see him! Its been a fun adventure with Max and Micah, and I am sure this is going to be even more fun! Congratulations Ellingson Family!

On June 13 my cousin Brandi and her husband Ben, welcomed to the world two little blessed boys. Wesley Benjamin Green at 5lbs 14oz and Riley Michael Green at 6lbs 7oz. (she was carrying 12lbs of baby, talk about back ache) No two people deserve this more. I know that they are going to make great parents and I am so excited to watch the boys grow!

Wesley Benjamin (R)
Riley Michael (L)

"Dear little child, so small and sweet, with curious eyes and adventurous feet. Where will you go? What will you see? What joys will you find? Oh, what will you be?" (unknown)

Congrats Josh!

2008-06-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

So although its been almost a week exactly, I still find it important to announce: MY BROTHER GRADUATED!!! We had friends and family come in for what ended up being a very eventful graduation party last Saturday. Its was so good to see so many people come around to support Josh. It's been a long journey for him and we are all so proud of him. Tuesday was his official graduation day and I couldn't help but remember my graduation as we sat thru the band playing, really long speeches, and the choir (the only thing missing was the dancers!). My heart swelled with pride as they called his name to the podium "Joshua Edwin Hardesty", then our family did what we do best stood up and screamed with all our might! His school days are now behind him, and hopefully only good things lay ahead!

"Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go." (Dr.Seuss)

4 years behind us...

2008-06-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'm remembering a time when I was younger and I had a list of all the qualities I wanted in a man, here where some of them: Taller than me, has a big truck, I can fit in his clothes (silly), is a Christian, loves kids,and is funny (I'm sure there was more). It's incredible how God listens and even innocent lists can be answered. Bryan has fufilled all of my needs in a husband, and then some. He truly has taught me the meaning of unselfishness, and unconditional love. I'm not saying its been easy, but thats what makes it good, growing, learning and loving together. Here's to 4 years of the Flansburgs and many more! I love you babe!!

"I Erin take you Bryan to be my husband, you are my best friend and I will love you today tomorrow and forever!" (june 19 2004)

Micah is making progress?

2008-06-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

As most of my friends might know, I have been dealing with Micah being pretty aggressive lately. ( Who am I kidding, pretty much this whole year) This has been not only frustrating, but heart breaking as a mom. Its hard to watch the frustration and anger he has, when I know he has such a good heart, has good intentions and really loves his friends. I guess I have come to the realization that it isn't a reflection on me or of my parenting, and hopefully this too shall pass. Over the past year and half I have been watching Selah, the Moore's daughter, on Thursdays. At first Micah had a really hard time understanding that not only is she a girl, but she is not as ruff and tough, and we need to be more gentle with her. Recently she has started to play more with Micah, and he has started to love on her. This makes my days much easier because I don't need to mediate as much as I used to. They are actually starting to have more fun. Lately Micah has been pretending to be a puppy, here are some of them playing "puppy".

Micah being a puppy.

Selah feeding the puppy.

Both of them being a puppy.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Prov 22:6

My weekend in Idaho!

2008-05-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just this last weekend I was lucky enough to get visit my girlfriend Erin in her home town of Nampa, Idaho. Erin and I meet about 5 years ago when I hired her at the counter. (Clinique) I guess you can say we instantly got along. We love being silly, the latest celebrity gossip, movies and just hanging out. I can say that she is one of those true friends that I can be me in my truest form, and never have to worry about her loyalty. Over the weekend I had a blast, whenever I visit she always has entertainment planned. On the first night, Jamie had a bbq at her house with the night ending in one of my favorite games Pictonary. The next night we shopped and in the evening went to a Burns game (indoor football). I have never been to a football game before (except high school) and we had so much fun. Over all I think the most exciting event of the weekend was the Carrie Underwood concert on Sunday. What a blast! I am so proud to say that I voted for that girl and she is on fire!! Love her! Although I would have been satisfied with just sitting around watching movies, Erin and her friends did a great job at showing me a good time. What a great group of friends she has, they always make me feel like one of them whenever I go over there. I hated to leave and will miss her terribly, until next time. Thanks for the fun times Erin!

Erin and I on my first day, on our way to go shopping.
Brenna, Erin, Me and Jamie, before the football game.
The Burns game.

Yes that's Josh Turner! Love him!

That's Carrie and her band mates. We had great seats!

The girls at the concert!

Close relationships, more than personal satisfaction or one's view of the world as a whole, are the most meaningful factors in happiness. I you feel close to other people, you are four times as likely to feel good about yourself than if you do not feel close to anyone. (Magen, Birenbaum and Perry 1996)

Day at the zoo!!

2008-05-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Micah and I got to hang out with my good friend Jill and her son Max. We do this once a month to get the boys together to play as well as let us have some girl time. Friday was one of the few days we have had this spring that actually had SUN! We went to the Woodland Park Zoo, and then my house for dinner and some more hangout time! We stayed outside for as long as we could. I enjoy our monthly get togethers and we are really excited for Jill's new baby (Cole) to join our group!

The start of our day!

Micah attempting to touch the goat, he got as far as the tail.

Playing in the dirt.

Micah and Mommy at the end of our day.

Classic Jill and Erin.

Micah and Max just chillin in the lounge chairs.

We had a great day!

"A friend is someone who accepts you - warts, wrinkles, weight and all - unconditionally." (Joy for the Journey) Thank you Jill for being such a great friend!

Hood Canal

2008-05-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for a reason to start this blog and now I have one. This weekend was the official kick off to our spring/summer activities as well as shrimping season. We joined our friends the Degans at their home on Hood Canal. The house sits right on the water front and Micah was in complete heaven. He spent most of his time outside playing in the rocks and water. I was very impressed with his bravery, he played with live shrimp, starfish, clams, an octopus and went on a boat ride. Thanks to our friends he was able to experience a true Washington adventure. What a great opportunity this was! I was overwhelmed with joy over the blessings God has given our family, being out in the elements truly makes you appreciate His creation in its perfect balance. I cant wait for summer to officially start so we can spend more time outside!

Micah with shrimp. ( He even de-headed them)

Micah and Daddy on the boat.
Fishing with Dylan.

"So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." Gen 1:21