To grandmas house we go..

Our new weekend routine now includes a day spent at grandmas helping with the downsize.

I took some photos today of the new/old house...as you notice I haven't posted them. Why? Cuz, I freak when I see them! There is still so much work to be done. When I'm there in real life, I see the potential and I get excited. When I see the house on film, it has the opposite effect.

Patience grasshopper! In a few short months, those photos, will be "before" photos and we'll have "after" too follow.

The photo that I do have...well, meet Ludwid with a 21st century spin! Pretty hot, isn't he!

Breathe

"Take a nice deep breath in through the nose and exhale".... I'm having withdrawls right now. After an entire weekend doing homework, I'm ready for a cleansing evening in hot yoga with the gals. One night of hot yoga and I'm good for days. I'm not sure how to explain it other than feeling more balanced both physically and mentally. Good stuff for sure!

The last 2 weeks I've dove into school. In many ways I feel excited at the new challenges ahead, but I'm so very overwhelmed. The reality that I've spent the last 11 years as a mom, doing mom things, not working, not communicating, I feel so far behind intellectually. I've lost skills. I'm struggling with articulating my thoughts into words. Out of practice in so many ways.

As the months go by, I'm sure I'll get back into the swing of things. I just need to be patient and take one day at a time. A little deep breathing helps too!

Photos tomorrow I promise! Got my new hard drive and no school tomorrow!

Darn computers!

I have photos to post, but apparently Lightroom and Adobe Bridge have worn out one of my hard drives to the point where I've been told to not use either systems until we replace the hard drive. Fortunately we have enough systems in place NO photos are lost this time around.

We spent the last few days sifting through my grandmas stuff. It was wonderful having her in the room to tell us what we were looking at, and the origins of where items came from and the memories behind them. Beer steins from Germany, tea sets from Sierra, a ottoman from Budapest, flokati rugs from Greece, giant boomerangs from Australia, and the stories go on and on. We are so lucky that grandma is leading this downsize, I hate to think of what this would be like under different circumstances of illness or even death.

New Beginnings

Things are starting to fall in place for 2010. By summer time we will be moving into my grandparents home in Normandy Park.

With college, kids, downsizing our household, going through 60+ years of things from my grandparents home and some renovating before we move in, our plate will be full. I'm excited for the changes but also a bit scared.

This 1955 brick ranch is going to need some cosmetic updates to bring it into the 21st century. I'm looking forward to updating and putting our personal stamp on the home. The biggest undertaking will be removing the barf green carpets from the entire main floor, refinishing the hard wood flooring that haven't seen daylight in half a century. Did I mention the popcorn ceiling with red, white and blue sparkles? LOL! We also can't forget the basement covered in wall to wall wood paneling, and finishing off 2 extra rooms.

With all this excitement there does come some sacrifices on our part. It's going to be hard separating from our life up here in Bothell. We will all miss our dear friends, neighbors, and the area as as whole. The commute will go from 20 to 45+ minutes each way. At this point in our lives we need to put our needs ahead of our wants.

Cheers 2o10, to new beginings and new endevors!

Family 2009

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday! The Norton family had a wonderful and low key Christmas.

As the holiday is winding down, I can't help but think of how lucky I am. It's been another challenging year for the books (metaphoric and literally speaking). It's also been filled with joy, rediscovery, friendships both new and old, and family. Thank you to all of you for your love and support!

2010 will be a year of change for our family, downsizing homes and simplifying our lifestyle, hopefully new job prospects, college, and a smooth transition for the kids. As exciting as all that sounds it's all a bit scary and overwhelming right now. We know in the end we are making positive steps for our future.

Happy Holidays

Just a few photos before the festivities.

Emma's 9th Birthday Party

Emma's birthday party was a blast. Couple things I learned A) this was a ton of work. B) My favorite decoration came at the last minute after not being able to find tissue paper pom poms at any party stores. I ended up making my own and I love them! Martha Stewart has instructions on her website "Tissue Paper Pom Poms or floral pom pom". C) My best finds were at the thrift store. I found a Williams Sonoma Tea pot for 4.99, silver candlestick holder, and vintage hats for the girls to wear.