Silly Me!

I completely forgot to post pics from St. Paddy's Day - of course, our friendly family leprechaun was back for another visit. He left shamrock-shaped footprints on the floor, shamrock-shaped confetti on the carpets, and treats for the kids. Liam got a Celtic knot necklace, a bear, 8 pieces of gold, a couple of treats...and I'm sure there is more I'm forgetting. I have a picture of Ceana's haul - see below. Instead of the necklace, she got a bracelet - along with an Irish dancing doll, and a fabric Irish counting book. She also got gold - but 3 pieces instead of 8.

Liam went to school in his new t-shirt - that tricky leprechaun has some terrific taste ;) Then we all sat down to a dinner of Corned Beef with cabbage and potatoes, Soda Bread, and Guiness for Phil/Harp for me. Dessert was amazing cupcakes made by another Coastie wife with Bailey's cream in the center. Yum.

Mellow St. Paddy's Day - and our 10-year anniversary! Who'd a thunk it?!?

"Feels kind of weird."

That was Phil's comment upon receiving his official retirement letter. Yes, folks - despite the idiots at Sector "losing" his paperwork for over 4 months, he is now set to OFFICIALLY retire on 01 June 2009. Strange feeling, that. I'm sure he's at work right now stewing over it in the back of his mind...I'm in the process of figuring out all the questions that we need to have answered - like our medical, etc. It's going to be an interesting couple of months between now and then!

Still no word on his job yet - hasn't even been listed. In fact, his boss is faxing the clowns responsible Phil's retirement paperwork and letting them know his plan was/is to begin terminal leave tomorrow. I don't think he will be doing that, though, since he hopes to have the job confirmed before beginning terminal. So, we'll see...

Anyway, that's the scoop on that. I know it's been on everyone's mind, so I thought I'd update. Not too much else going on here. We just had spring break, and Liam spent all week at daycamp at the zoo. He had a blast - I dropped him off in the morning, and then Phil picked him up on his way through, since there is a MAX stop right there. Worked out quite well, and we spent a good portion of our dinners listening to all the stuff Liam did and the animals Liam saw and...well, you get the idea :) He has a 3-day camping trip with his class at school coming up the end of this month, so that should be interesting. It's affiliated with OMSI and it's over in Bend - I'm thinking he's going to have a really, really good time!

That's about it! Hope you're all doing well!

I am so proud...

The radio station I listen to, 99.5 The Wolf, does a two-day radiothon every year to help benefit Doernbecher Children's Hospital. And every year, I listen to the stories of these families - some wonderful, and some incredibly sad - and think how incredibly lucky we are to have such wonderfully healthy children. We are so blessed...

This year, Liam decided to take the charity portion of his allowance (25%) and donate it every month for the next year to the hospital. Total - $98 for the next year. He called the donation in himself, and the volunteer was so impressed that he made sure the host mentioned it on the radio. I am so proud of that boy - and what a lesson for him...he got to hear his name on the radio (first AND last!) and the host challenging others to do as well as a 7-year-old boy.

They're doing the fundraiser for another 24 hours - I challenge any of you reading this to donate too. This is the hospital that Ceana was treated at when she had to go to the ICU after she was born. This is also the hospital that the kids will be treated at if (God forbid) either of them should ever become ill (or even just for broken bones, which I'm sure will happen sooner rather than later). They are a leader in cancer research, which benefits children all over the country. Can you donate at least $8/month? Here's the link: Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

If you do, please let us know - we'd love to be able to share with Liam how he inspired others to give as well....