Cukes N Vinegar

Adjusting to Baby Brahm

2012-01-24T17:14:00.000-08:00

Qorbin's Baby

2012-01-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

More Brahm pics

2012-01-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

4th Son

2012-01-06T13:55:00.001-08:00

Brahm Gabriel Thomas

2012-01-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

Kyaking the Stillwater River

2011-08-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

Boating on Foys Lake

2011-08-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Extreme Slip N Slide

2011-08-12T19:36:00.001-07:00

Jewel Basin & Flathead Valley

2011-08-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hiking to Jewel Basin was another highlight to our Montana vacation. The wildflowers were amazing. There was Indian Paintbrush, Blue Bells, Daisies, Bear Grass(blooms once every seven years), and much more. I have never seen anything like it. The view of the Flathead Valley was awesome.

Biking the Hiawatha

2011-08-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Just west of Couer D'Alene is a 17 mile bicycle route that weaves you through train tunnels and what used to be train trussells. It is a rails to trails project that has breathe-taking views. The first tunnel was 2 miles long and required flashlights and jackets to cycle through. It was dark, damp, and quite an extraordinary build for its day. Quinn our eight year old rode his bike the entire way. We bribed him to keep going at the end. It is a very slight decline the entire way and they shuttle you back to the top at the end. You can rent bikes and flashlights at the ticket office. This is a ride that I have dreamt about doing for years.

Marshallows & Motorcycles

2011-04-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Qorbin's new favorite past time is to unroll the toilet paper. Nate's favorite past time is to take me to look at motorcycle's. My favorite past time is to look at motorcycle accessories. Quinn and Cannon are always looking for more adventure. We built a fire on our deck and roasted marshmallows.

Surgery

2010-12-07T09:38:00.001-08:00

Nate had knee surgery on Friday. He is mending. He's been a good sport about it too.

Today Qorbin fell asleep in the Johnny Jumper. I cracked up so hard at this.

Quinn's teacher called me yesterday and said that she found a pile of unfinished work in Quinn's desk, so instead of having to stay in at recess, he was assigned to bring it home and we were to finish it without complaint.

Lastly, we got the Christmas decorations out and my favorite was when Cannon put on the Santa hat and the red Santa Stockings we hang on our fireplace and did his best impression. He is a funny kid.

Twins

2010-11-15T16:33:00.000-08:00

Robyn and Luke came to visit today. You would have thought that we coordinated outfits. We cut and spiked Luke's hair to complete the identicals. Fun cousin coincidence.

Random

2010-11-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Catch'n Up

2010-11-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

I took a break from blogging for a bit. I thought I'd load some pictures from the last few months for grandparents and family to see.

A Mess of a Day

2010-08-08T18:06:00.001-07:00

Most people blog their best moments. I thought I’d keep it real. Today was not one of our best days. The boys behavior was down right rotten, church was an embarrassment, dinner ended up on the floor. I am pretty sure we should head to bed early and give life another try tomorrow.

FIVE is GREAT

2010-07-31T17:29:00.001-07:00

Sloan & Qorbin

2010-07-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

My sister Nalani had her Baby Girl a few weeks before Qorbin was born. They came to visit and we had a great time hanging out. Sloan has the cutest headbands ever....something we just don't know a lot about at our house.

Busy Being Summer

2010-07-31T17:15:00.000-07:00

My neighbor brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers last night when we had a neighborhood weenie roast. Then this morning I picked blueberries from our bushes and made out like a bandit. The boys husked corn. Summertime!

The Long Awaited Four

2010-07-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

Cannon couldn't wait to turn four this year. The last day of preschool, they celebrated all the summer birthdays. So Cannon then became convinced he was four, only to be sadly corrected by his older brother. Finally it happened, he officially turned four.

Buckaroos

2010-07-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

The boys got to go the the St Paul Rodeo this year. They came home in full force cowboy mode.

Blessing Outfit

2010-07-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

Updates of Qorbin

2010-07-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

Nate's Birthday

2010-07-31T16:58:00.000-07:00

My parents were in town and my mom made Nate Lemon Merinque pie. It was delicious. Nate and I had been scoping out a sandwich joint that was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives last month on the Food Network called Bunk Sandwiches. My parents watched the boys and we headed in for the infamous "Jalapeno Jelly Porkbelly" sandwich. It was unspeakably good.

Qorbin Richard Thomas 7lbs 3oz

2010-06-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

Our 3rd Son arrived today!!

2010-06-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Baby Boy Thomas was born today, June 2, 2010 at 7:45 am at OHSU Hospital in Portland, Oregon. He is 2 weeks early. He weighed in at 7lbs 3oz, and is 20.5 inches long. He has a full head of dark wavy hair.

Bed Time

2010-05-28T20:51:00.001-07:00

It's so nice to have a 7 year old that likes to read. Tonight Quinn read bedtime stories to Cannon and I as all 3 of us squished onto Cannon's single bed. It was a little tight but the narration was great. Cannon is like the little monkey who keeps telling the others to roll over 'cause he's squished. What an odd couple they make.

They Won Us Over

2010-05-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

Nate ordered flowers for his mom, my mom and me this year for Mother's Day. I knew nothing about this and he was quite proud of himself for taking care of his ladies. They came via UPS in a box. Quite cleverly packaged. I put them in the provided vase and well let's just say Nate was a little disappointed in his purchase. He even wrote an email to the company to complain.......however, a few days passed and the blossoms fully extended and they have ended up being one of my most favorite arrangements thus far. I think it describes our marriage, better with time. Thanks sweetheart, You did not disappoint!
P.S. Does anyone know what kind of flowers these are?

Boys of Summer

2010-05-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

Playing Hooky

2010-05-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

I pulled Quinn out of school today and we went to the Oregon Zoo. We must of had good "zoo karma" because the animals were all out. I think they were as excited to see the sun as us.

Tulip Fields

2010-05-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Nate's Handy Work

2010-05-11T17:54:00.001-07:00

We are nearly done with the bathroom remodel and it's a big improvement from rotted baseboards and stained tile. The boys took a bath instead of a shower the other night and they came out like raisins they played so long.

Easter Surprise

2010-04-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

It looks like the Easter Bunny may have left a really big surprise at 11pm at night for 2 energetic little boys at our house.

Note for Easter Bunny

2010-04-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

It got kind of quiet at our house and Quinn eventually surfaced with this note on Easter eve. "Dear Easter Bunny, may I have a DS I broke my other DS on axident. May I have a nother one if you have one. thank you from Quinn"

The Remodel is Under Way!!

2010-03-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

Demolition is complete (what a mess), 880 lbs of debris in a trailer rated for 500 lbs. The plumbing is done, the cement backer board is mostly installed, the shower 95% tiled, the floor is 75% tiled!!

The Demo Has Begun

2010-03-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

Nate & Audrey tore apart the family bath today. Audrey's glasses crack me up!

SO NOT CRAFTY

2010-03-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

I am typically anti-crafts. Walking into a craft store is a very confusing, perplexing, and overwhelming place for me to be. However, I found some decals to put this shelf together for Robyn & Mark's baby that should be here in a few days. Audrey, Nate's sister helped me and it turned out super cute. It will match the "airplane" theme in his room.

Birthday Bash

2010-03-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Every year at the end of February we have a birthday bash to celebrate Robyn, Myah, & Quinn's birthday. This year Gabe, Robyn & I are pregnant and Laura had a baby a few months ago. Robyn was technically on bedrest, but Mark carefully transported her up here and she got to lounge around and enjoy her day with family.

Mood Swings and Hormones

2010-02-23T22:43:00.000-08:00

6 out of 8 sisters are pregnant right now. 2 of Nate's sisters and the 4 girls on the Oram side are pregnant. We really feel for the men in the family. This will be a seriously hormonal year.

Well Worth the Money

2010-02-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would see Quinn sit for hours and do anything. He is so full of energy all the time. As a toddler he wouldn't sit and color or do crafts like the other kids. I AM SHOCKED that he will sit for hours and assemble Star Wars Legos. Well worth the money in my opinion.

Funeral Weekend

2010-01-31T22:19:00.000-08:00

My Grandpa Ellis Hughes Oram passed away last Sunday. I got to spend Saturday night in the hospital with him and my grandma before he passed away. He would wake up here and there and we found ways to make him comfortable. Cody, my brother even got a chuckle out of him. Anyone that was at his funeral would tell you that it was full of tears and laughter. He was a spirited man that really connected with people. He left a wonderful legacy to follow.

There were other great things about my weekend in Utah / Idaho. I got to sit on the kitchen floor at Nalani's house and play patty cakes with my 2 nephews. I got to spend time with my siblings on our car rides to and from Idaho. I got to admire my dad and his siblings for handling their dad's death with respect and love.

Thank you Grandpa for the many rounds of Old Maid, verses of "Bronco Horse" & "County Wounty", saddling up the horses, giving nicknames to all my college roommates and anyone that I brought to the house, life lessons and happy memories!

P.S. Nice plaid jacket in the family photo Uncle Kent. So Styl'n!

3 Boys

2010-01-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

When I think of three boys, I think "THE THREE STOOGES", "THE THREE AMIGOS", or "THE THREE MUSKETEERS". However, today I learned that three boys will have a much different meaning for me for the next 40 years. Our third boy will come to our house the beginning of June. Cannon is excited to have a little brother. Quinn.....well let's just say it will grow on him. He had made his mind up on a baby sister.

-10 Degrees Othewise Known as Polebridge

2009-12-31T09:18:00.001-08:00

For some reason Nate's family finds it entertaining to trek out to a remote cabin with no electicity or plumbing and stay the night. It was minus 10 degrees that day.

Favorite Gift of 1989 and 2009

2009-12-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

Pat, Nate's dad is notorious for leaving the "best for last" gift hidden behind a piece of furniture to be unveiled as the last gift. So before we even began opening presents the kids found the gift behind the couch and anxiously awaited the big unveiling. Finally, at the end of unwrapping presents Dave asked Pat if he wanted to open his treasure behind the couch. Pat had no idea what Dave was referring to. Come to find out, this gift had been left behind the couch many many years ago to finally be discovered this Christmas. It was a really horrible old 80's family frame. The most hilarious part was when DeAnn said, "Pat, you shouldn't have." We were all laughing so hard we had tears.

Christmas Morning

2009-12-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

It was fun to have Christmas morning with all of Nate's siblings at his parents house. We had Ryan and Laura for Christmas this year. I gave Ryan a set of buck teeth and told him this is what will happen if he hangs out in Montana too long with the Thomas family. We had a blast.

FROZEN

2009-12-31T08:43:00.000-08:00

A half a mile from the Nate's parents is an frozen lake that the neighborhood routinely turns into a skating/hockey rink.

Santa came to Roger & Merla's

2009-12-20T07:03:00.000-08:00

I even got to sit on Santa's lap. Ho Ho Ho!

Harris Christmas Party

2009-12-20T06:56:00.000-08:00

We went to Roger & Merla's last night for their annual Christmas party. We had fondue, and sang christmas songs with bells and chimes. I must must give an honorable mention to Melissa at the piano. She plays without sheet music and can turn around and watch the kids sing and dance while she plays. Seriously, it's incredible and one of my most favorite parts of the night.

Soon-to-be Almond Roca

2009-12-07T13:25:00.001-08:00

Recipe: Lay wax paper on a cookie sheet. Lay chocolate bars on wax paper. Bring 4 cubes butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup brown sugar to boil. Bring temperature of mixture above 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. Spread mixture over chocolate bars. Top with Almond flakes. Let sit over night. Break or cut into pieces.

U-Cut

2009-12-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about Oregon is we have about 10 u-cut Christmas tree farms within a mile of us. Nate cut us down a tree and then we stopped at Lee Farms for apple cider, donuts, and a warm Marionberry-Peach Pie. I think that will be a Thomas tradition. Robyn and Audrey came with us and we had quite a time tromping through the lot finding the perfect tree in freezing weather. We ended up with a not tall-enough too tall tree and paid for an extra foot that we ended up cutting off to fit in our house. Doesn't make sense I know, but it makes for a good story.

Early Thanksgiving

2009-11-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

We had an early Thanksgiving dinner since Ben was home from Iraq for a couple weeks. It was so delicious. We had such a great time seeing family and being together. Thanks Pat & Carl for hosting. Thanks Carrie for letting me steal your pic.

Turkey Cupcakes

2009-11-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

My mom did the cutest turkey cupcakes with the boys while we were there. The boys loved helping her make them and eat them. Yummy!

Utah

2009-11-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

Hiking Squaw Peak, visiting BYU and the Creamery.

Trophy or Trick or Treating

2009-11-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

We are pretty sure Quinn played soccer this year just for the trophy. We had his soccer party on Halloween day and I asked him if he was more excited to get his trophy or more excited to go trick or treating that night......it was an even split.

Fall Colors

2009-10-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

We left Miami at 80 degrees and came into Portland and 58 degrees. Kind of a shock, but beautiful fall colors.

SOUTHERN MOST POINT IN USA

2009-10-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

After our Bahama cruise we drove from Miami down to Key West. That is a beautiful drive. The highway connects small islands all the way down to Key West Florida. We sampled Key Lime pie all the way there and back. We stood at the most southern point of the USA. SO FUN!
I also have to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to Audrey our sister that took care of the boys while we were gone. She was amazing with them and she's an amazing person. THANKS SO MUCH AUDREY!

Coco Cay Bahama Island

2009-10-22T10:22:00.001-07:00

Coco Cay Island is a private cruise island in the Bahamas. We saw a couple sharks there. It was so beautiful and relaxing.

BAHAMAS

2009-10-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

We left Miami on a 4 day Bahama cruise. We stopped at two Bahama islands and before we left, I told Nate I could become a Bahama Mama. It was warm and beautiful. We enjoyed swimming and see tons a fish. Nassau is a dirty run down island, but it has some interesting Brittish and pirate culture. We were sad to miss the Pirate museum. It wasn't open that day, but we did get some pictures on the cannons that were there.

Driving South from Miami to Key West

2009-10-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

We stopped at several beaches and were awed by the shallow, pristine, blue waters.

Our Drive South

2009-10-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ernest Hemingway Home - Key West

2009-10-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

The one thing Nate had on his list to do in Key West was to visit Ernest Hemingway's home.

Berry Trifle with Homemade Lemon Pudd'n

2009-10-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

We made a hit for Gabe's 35th birthday. It is layers of strawberries, raspberries, blueberris, whipping cream, cream cheese, homemade lemon pudding, and poundcake. Absolutely delicious. I love that I have a helper in the kitchen with me.....SO MUCH HELP!

Soccer

2009-10-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

You can tell Quinn really does have fun while out on the field, much to the adults chagrin...a little too much fun. He told me after Saturdays game, "That sure was a fun game mom, I'm not sure who won but we ran like crazy!" It cracks me up to see the adults be more competitive than the kids.

Sneak Peak

2009-09-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, Nate snuck the camera into Primary to take a picture of Quinn giving a talk. The other parents now know we are crazy!

This Week

2009-09-21T10:27:00.001-07:00

Tomatoes, Pears, and a walk by the river.

Cabana Boys

2009-09-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last 90 degree day we ventured to the pool. Cannon brought his duckies to float in the water. Quinn, Nate & I went down the water slide together.

Nate's Tomatoes

2009-09-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

Nate planted all our tomatoes this year and they turned awesome.

Before & After

2009-09-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

We started landscaping this spring. This is how things have shaped up so far. We still have more to do but it's a pretty good start.

World's Champion Jumping-ship!!

2009-09-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

Quinn and Cannon set up a jumping obstacle course in the hallway, then spent 30 minutes sprinting up and down the hall as Quinn provided both the verbal commentary and his own soundtrack to the whole event.

Summertime

2009-09-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

This needs no words.

Latest Thomas Pic- Soon 2 B Outdated

2009-08-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

We took a pic of the entire Thomas group tonight but it will be outdated in a month when baby boy Morgan is born.

Nate's Safe In China

2009-08-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

I have had several phone calls asking if Nate was safe considering all the severe weather in China. I talked to him on the phone and he did make it to his destination safely and it is raining heavily where he is at, but he is able to travel and do business. Thanks for all your concern, we appreciate the support.

The Girl Next Door

2009-08-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Molly is the "Girl Next Door". She is 9 and we love having her over cause she knows how to get the boys a drink and do art projects with them, clean up the mess, and build forts with out moms help. Today there are clouds in the sky so they pretended it is winter and went and found hats, mittens, and scarves to wear. She is so fun.

Cannon's 1st Time to the Dentist

2009-08-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

He was fine sitting in the chair as long as Quinn was in the next chair over.

Nate's Flat Tire

2009-08-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

Nate got a flat tire driving the van. The boys set up camp at a light post as dad put on the spare tire.

Hot Day

2009-08-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

Cannon's Bday

2009-08-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Cannon and Quinn loved the pirate ship Nate picked out for his birthday. Cannon also loved his bad guy birthday cake with "Engine Turtles" on it. Oh, and by the way, I hit an all time low with this birthday cake, Cannon love the bad guys on it but it tasted horrible. That would make the upteenth horrible cake I've made. Any suggestions?

4th of July at Nate's Parents

2009-07-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

Jumping Off the Dock

2009-07-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Quinn jumped off the dock for the first time when we visited Grandma and Grandpa Thomas.

Flathead Lake

2009-07-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

Pat, Nate's dad took us out on Flathead Lake while we were there. The lake is 50 miles long and 250 feet deep. Carved by a glacier. It was fantastic. Here are our many findings. Check out the snag that has an Osprey nest at the top. Very large birds. We also found some ancient indian art painted on the side of a cliff.

Biking

2009-07-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Nate and I went on a few bike rides together while visiting Montana. One was on a Rails to Trails path and the other was on a series of lakes near Nate's parents house.

MOOSE COUNTRY

2009-07-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

Church Sign

2009-07-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

This sign hung in a church parking lot cracked me up.

Mambo Italiano

2009-07-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Wonderful evening in Whitefish, MT eating with Pat and DeAnn at their favorite italian restaurant.

Summertime in Montana (Flathead Valley)

2009-06-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

OFFICER AWOL

2009-06-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

This gives a whole new meaning to "Off Duty Officer". This patrol car was parked right up next to the highway in "radar stance". Upon approaching the car, you significantly reduce your speed only to realize that you've been duped. The officer has left this guy in charge. Only in small town Montana!

Swimming & Ice Cream

2009-06-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

This pic of Kate cracks me up. That ice cream cone is about as big as her head.

Buffalo Herd

2009-06-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hiking Lone Pine Mountain

2009-06-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

We went for a hike near Grandma Thomas' house on Lone Pine Mountain. We jumped off rocks and logs, saw deer, and had a great view of the valley floor.

Willamette River

2009-06-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

Dave put his boat in on the Willametter River in Portland and we took a tour of the Portland City Skyline and headed further south to see the Oregon City Falls. While at the falls we came upon a fisherman that reeled in a HUGE Sturgeon. It was incredible to watch. You can see it on the side of his boat.

Beauty Session

2009-06-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Aurora and Myah begged me to scrunch their hair yesterday so we got out the mouse, hairspray and blow dryer. They looked so cute when we were done. It is fun that they are getting old enough to do this with. Pre-teens here we come.

I MET BOB

2009-06-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Bob's Red Mill Products are headquartered here in Oregon so Laura, Audrey, DeAnn, Gabe and I took the kids there yesterday. We shopped, ate lunch and met Bob.
Their food is DELICIOUS!

Chillin'

2009-06-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

On the way home from the waterpark I turned around to see Quinn chilling in the back seat. The hat is no joke, it really is his.....he likes it.

Ladies Lunch

2009-06-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

Grandma Harris requested a ladies lunch when she visited Portland this last week and we of course were excited to make that happen. Merla, DeAnn, Amanda, Melissa, Robyn, Laura, Gabe, & all of our children had a fun time together. We had the kids each take a turn singing songs to Grandma. They were so cute.

Thanks Grandma for a Ladies Lunch!

Kindergarten Graduation

2009-06-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Quinn & His Kindergarten Teacher

2009-06-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Quinn really lucked out this year, Mrs Pelissier was truly an awesome lady. We will cross our fingers that his first grade teacher is wonderful.

2009-06-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Kai footage for Ben

2009-06-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

Promised Ben some Footage

2009-06-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Baby Kai

2009-06-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Baby Kai is staying with us this week while my sister Kami is on a wedding cruise.