I'm a mom to a teenager!!??!!??

also known as catch-up post 4

So, yep.  It is true.  My little Jakey Smoothface is a teenager.  *sigh*  It is still so hard to believe that this little sweetness...

...has grown into a teenager.  When I look at him, I still see this little guy. 

In those days it was all about:  his shirt sleeves being pushed up, his boardbooks, his Bear in the Big Blue House, his binky, his hot wheels, and running while laughing uncontrollably. 

These days, it is all about:  girls, AXE (ugh), schoolwork, music, more chapter books than I can keep available, games, and hanging out with friends.  (One thing that he isn't about is photos.  I tried to take one for this post and he was less than thrilled.  I pick my battles and that wasn't one.)  :)

But, I'll tell you what is really cool. 
The conversations. 
He is such a smart kid and I love that he has some strong opinions, loves to play devil's advocate, has an uncanny sense of fairness, enjoys stirring the intellectual pot, and owns a generous and kind heart.  *love*

Idyllwild 2011

Also known as, Catch-upis Interruptis.

As soon as Rene heard that a big storm was making its way toward Southern California, he texted me and asked if I wanted to take the family up to Idyllwild. Winning! (Ok, forgive me. I am fascinated by the whole Charlie Sheen demise before our very eyes and Howard Stern keeps playing this stupid exclamation that has become ubiquitous in Charlie's conversation.)

So, we quickly called and made plans. Our favorite cabin was no longer up for rental. Boo! (However, it is for sale. Hmmmm?) We ended up booking another cabin, that was pretty fabulous, as well. If you are ever in the market for a cabin rental in Idyllwild, I highly recommend Idyllwild Cabin Rentals (We stayed in the cabin called Alpine Chalet, this time.) Robert and the crew really go out of their way to be as helpful as possible!

So, we drove up Saturday and just before Anza (we prefer going this route because we despise driving through Hemet...ick), the snow started, without hesitation.





We hadn't put the chains on yet, but were fortunate enough to follow some four wheel drive trucks. It was unbelievable how quickly the snow was accumulating!

By the time we were climbing the mountain, we were really wishing that the chains were already on.






We finally reached Idyllwild and stopped to put on the chains. Woot!






So, the cabin was gorgeous! Not our favorite...but still very nice.
The kiddos spent many hours out in the snow and we discovered that our little Daisy dog is a total snow bunny. :)






Rallying the troops for a snowball fight





The deck





Jake's snow-angel












The kids finally wore themselves out and settled in for some movies and warmth!




I moved the kitchen table and set up a little quilting station in the kitchen using my SewEzi table. (Thanks to Andrina and Donna for buying these tables and helping me to decide to splurge on one, too!) It felt like a little slice of heaven!




Then, I started to feel a little spoiled!





The next morning was clear and sunny! A perfect day for more snow play.





It was a great weekend for everyone and I loved every minute of it!
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