The Fab Five Spakouskys

Merry Christmas with Love From the Spakouskys

2010-12-20T00:04:00.000-08:00

"HE" is the reason for the season!!! Happy Holidays!

Halloween...My Three Bugs

2010-12-19T23:50:00.000-08:00

My girls were real troopers in wearing costumes we already had. Not only did they wear costumes we had, but they agreed to my plan of having them all be bugs. Jason brought out his artistic side with his creative face painting abilities.

Alese is THREE!!!

2010-12-19T23:37:00.001-08:00

Oh my sweet Alese, how I wish I could slow this time down. Even though you are no longer a baby, I am going to try and keep you as young as possible for as long as I can. I wish you would remind me when I get too busy and forget to enjoy all life's little celebrations

that this time will be gone before I know it.

This picture shows that there is no denying that these three are sisters!

Alese has the greatest expressions.
This is her favorite pose for a photo op.

Pumpkin Carving Party...The Beginning of an Annual Event

2010-12-19T23:13:00.000-08:00

After years of fun at an annual pumpkin carving party at the Bredbergs

in Alaska, we decided to start our own annual event in Washington.

Some of the final results.
Erin and Cole Williams.
Avery and Mike Stark.
Kylie and Kinley (a super cute little pumpkin) Gaard.
Michael, Thorin and Tiffany Nixon.

Rachel, Ben, Brooklyn, and Josie Showalter.

Thank you everyone for a fun night of good food, wonderful friends and messy orange fingers!

Pumpkin Picking 2010

2010-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Second annual pumpkin picking!

Some face painting and scarecrows!

Sisters...Priceless!

Once again, got a picture of the two of us because I held out the camera!

Totally worth it to capture the love of my life!

Hannah's perfect pumpkin!

The excitement of being surrounded by massive rows of pumpkins makes it very difficult to get them to pause and let me capture the moment!

Alese is looking for the perfect ONE!

The Praying Mantis

2010-10-17T19:03:00.000-07:00

We don't have bugs like this in Alaska! Mayah is my scientist and little discoverer. Last Praying Mantis she held pinched her so this one made her just a hair nervous. It tried to climb up her back and she wasn't too excited about that. She is currently keeping another Praying Mantis and its name is Bugsy!

WA Friends...The Starks

2010-10-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hannah, Mayah, Avery, Peyton, and Alese

Mayah and Avery, Best Buds

Mike was the one to give Alese her nickname of Alese the Beast!!!

My friend and running partner April! She keeps me moving!

First Day of School...Another Year Older

2010-10-17T18:36:00.001-07:00

Hannah and her 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Lemelin.Mayah and her 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. TilqueMayah and Sara Hannah's last year in elementary school, totally unbelievable!

So sweet, a girl can never have enough hats!

The Smiths

2010-10-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

We met the Smiths shortly after our move to Alaska in 2000 when we were both eight months pregnant with Hannah and Ella. They are an incredible family who will forever hold a special place in each one of our hearts. Thank you Pam and Tom for the incredible example of a strong and faithful family. Thanks Pam for the many experiences we have shared, including a total of seven pregnancies and over ten years of friendship. Thank you Ella and Claire for the laughter and moments you have had with Hannah and Mayah. Thomas and Owen, someday I will allow you to fight over Alese!!!

Hannah's BFF

2010-10-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ella will forever hold a huge place in Hannah's heart.

There is not a day that goes by that Hannah doesn't miss her and their friendship.

Our Adopted Alaskans...The Harris Family

2010-07-24T14:06:00.001-07:00

Not only did we have wonderful neighbors in Alaska, but they became more then that over the NINE years we lived by them! My girls gained an extra set of grandparents, a.k.a Nana and Papa. Nana Darlene drove me to the hospital when I had Alese and Papa Lynn and Rob took care of Hannah and Mayah. Lynn came to our house dressed up as Santa one Christmas Eve! Darlene taught me how to make my first pie...the best lemon meringue! Thank you for opening your hearts and home to our family! We love you!

Nana Darlene and Papa Lynn

Hannah, Korah and Rob

Mayah and Rachael

Hannah and Isabel

Megan and Rod

Girlfriends

2010-07-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Korah, Pam, Sarah, Me, Darlene and Stephanie at the Grape Tap!

Darlene, Korah, Me and Pam

Sarah, Me and Stephanie

No matter where I am God has always blessed me with great girlfriends! I appreciate each one of them so much and feel so fortunate to have been able to be with and hang with my Alaskan girls!!! Thanks so much for who you are and the friendship we share!

Cousins

2010-07-15T15:56:00.001-07:00

Hannah, Lindsey and Mayah

Mayah, Mason, Alese, Emmy, Marynn and Hannah

Mayah, Hannah and Lindsey

Trevor, Alese and Hayden

Kael

Toothless

2010-07-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

Mayah's first top tooth fell out just before Alaska. A friend of hers told her that all Tooth Fairies have names and are either boys or girls. If you write to your Tooth Fairy they will respond with their name. That night Maisy, the Tooth Fairy, came to visit. Mayah also informed me that she was supposed to have received $3.00 but she only got $2.00! When she got to Alaska her friend Abby had a matching smile!

A month later, after we came back from Alaska, Mayah lost her other top one! Abby had informed her that if you leave a cup with tissue and water in it the Tooth Fairy will change the color to pink or blue to let you know if they are a girl or boy Tooth Fairy! That next morning the water and tissue was found pink and $3.00 were beside it! Luckily Mayah has so many friends who keep her up to date on all the Tooth Fairy business that one must conduct! Mayah is blessed with lots of room in between her teeth so we are crossing our fingers that braces won't be needed! Hannah at age 10 already has a $4000 smile and we are only half-way done!

Casting Cares

2010-07-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

When Pam visited WA we saw this on a chalkboard in a small cafe in O'Conner. These words have been on my thoughts lately because too often I don't wait on the Lord and spend too much time worrying, wondering and trying to fix things! We have been blessed in so many ways since our move to Washington, but it has also been a time of struggles and many transitions. Philippians 4 has been a chapter that has helped carry me through this journey!

A moment with Alese!

2010-05-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

First Days of Summer

2010-05-19T14:06:00.001-07:00

End of Spring soccer season!

Car washing, sprinklers, and friends.

Sisters and Mom

2010-05-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Me, Sarah (Jason's), Mom, Marnie, Kylie, and Jen (Brent's)

What a wonderful time together in Spokane with all my sisters, sister-in-laws (minus AK Carolyn, who coudn't make the trip), and my fabulous mom.

Pam

2010-05-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

I am blessed and so very thankful to be able to call you my friend!

Thank you for a wonderful Seattle together time!

Birthday Greetings

2010-03-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

This is going out to all those February birthdays...

Auntie Jacqueline and Uncle Nicholas

2010-03-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

We were so blessed to have a visit from Aunt Jacqueline and Uncle Nicholas just a few days after our move into our new home. We had such a wonderful time staying up late playing Ticket to Ride, Risk, and just simply hanging out!

A Few of My Favorite Holiday Pics

2010-03-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

Being close to "Emmy" has been wonderful!

This holiday season completed our first year in Washington!

Alese is TWO!!!

2009-12-27T09:58:00.001-08:00

Alese one-week-old! It just seems like yesterday!

My baby is TWO, how did that happen?

I have been meaning to post for a couple of months, but one TWO year-old in a house can stand in ones way!!! She is talking more than the other girls at this age and a few of her favorite words are "no," "nope," and "hey!" Most of the things she says are full sentences, which still completely amazes me! We moved her to a big girl twin bed the week she turned TWO. She is so proud of herself that she is able to get out of her bed and open every door in the house, even with the door knob covers on them, which are supposed to keep her from opening them! Those things never worked with Hannah or Alese! She is a tiny tornado throughout the house, but even with all the disasters in her midst she still manages to melt my heart.

"Punkin" Picking

2009-10-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

As Alese would say we went "punkin" picking. This was my first time EVER actually choosing my pumpkins in a pumpkin patch. LOVED IT!!! I loved watching my girls run through the rows trying to find the best pumpkin ever. I loved watching Alese's excitement and amazement at all the pumpkins and most of all I absolutely loved just spending a Saturday afternoon with the family. Between soccer, school, work, etc. it seems so difficult some times to actually take time to slow down and just be a family. At the end of our day we enjoyed warm pumpkin

donuts and the girls loved running through the hay maze.

This will be an annual event without a doubt!

Steph and Me

2009-09-25T22:22:00.001-07:00

Words cannot express how blessed I feel to have so many amazing friends. The Lord knew this first year of our move would stretch me so He made a way for me to see many of my close friends. This year started with Pam in February for a birthday bash. June brought my Harris friends to a fun filled time in Seattle. Sarah and I were able to not only connect once but twice this summer! Steph came two weeks ago and then this past week Rene and her girls were able to hang out and spend almost a week with us! My prayer is even though there are many miles that separate us we will stay close and make time for connections together in person,
over skype, and oh the amazing invention of the telephone!!!

New School Year

2009-09-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hannah is only two years away from middle school and Mayah is now in the 1st grade! The girls are loving their teachers and enjoying school. I am not the type of mom who is ever ready for her kids to go back to school, even though routine is always nice. A new school year always makes me a little sad because it is a reminder of how fast my girls are growing up!

Hannah's Handy Work & Fabulous Friendships

2009-09-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a wonderful gift and lessons from the Lemays Hannah knitted her first hat. It was hard to say goodbye after a fabulous week of fun, food, and lots of laughter! Our time together was another reminder of how blessed we are with good friends!

Aunt Jacqueline and Uncle Nicholas

2009-08-15T00:17:00.001-07:00

Nicholas and Jacqueline were able to take a few days off

and have fun with the girls and I.

Minnesota Zoo

Alese could not get enough of her

Uncle Nicholas and Aunt Jacqueline,

nice break for mom...thanks bunches!

Nicholas pile!

Not just sister-in-laws, but friends!

Paul and Tiffany

2009-08-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed to be able to share in

Paul and Tiffany's special day!

Great Nana, Tiffany, Paul and Great Papa

or as Hannah would say Queen Nana and King Papa

John (Papa) and Tiffany

Mayah, Hannah, and Aunt Charity

Mayah and Nana

Flower Girl

2009-08-14T23:46:00.001-07:00

BFF...Mayah and Abby

2009-07-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July

2009-07-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

I have never seen anything like the firework display we witnessed. My description won't even come close to how it actually was, but basically the entire town of Airway Heights turns up in smoke. The city shuts down some streets and people line up their firewords and start lighting away. On the streets that aren't actually shut down there is still massive fireworks within several feet of parked cars. It is a pyro's dream. Sprinklers are on the tops of houses and you will get some sort of fall out on you from the many fireworks falling. Fireworks don't usually freak me out, but this was insanity and lots of fun to be a part of.

Ocean Shores

2009-07-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

We spent this past week at my moms and ventured to the sandy beaches of Ocean Shores. It was a little chilly, but the kids loved digging, laying, and playing in the warm sand.

There's No Place Like Home

2009-06-18T23:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you Harris family for making this weekend possible!

You will always be our adopted family!

Darlene, Me and Rach

Isabel, Hannah and Mayah

Isabel and Alese

Isabel and Hannah

Mayah and Nana Darlene

Rob and Tim

There is no place like home, but when you are with such good friends like the Harris family it brings you a lot closer to the place you know of as home. We had a wonderful refreshing visit with our Alaskan friends in Seattle. The memories flood back when you reconnect with close friends. For example, the dark and very snowy night where my wonderful friend and neighbor, Darlene, drove me into Anchorage to have our precious little Alese with no husband in sight. I don't know if it just the people in Alaska or just the time we were there that developed these deep friendships and family bonds, but they are missed!

Mayah's Moosical

2009-06-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

I really don't get teared up very often, but watching my kids grow and seeing their accomplishments can choke me up. Mayah's end of the year musical was super cute. The teachers did a wonderful job and of course I was a little bias to Mayah's musical debut!

New Year

2009-06-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

Birthdays have always been another time of reflection and celebration for me. This year we both turned 34! This past year for Jason and our family has brought a new job, new home in a new state, and many blessings of health, love and laughter. Even after 12 years of birthday celebrations with my hubby, I still can't figure out why in the world he would choose pie over something covered in chocolate! Happy Birthday Babe!

Softball Season

2009-06-04T17:26:00.001-07:00

Hannah has loved her first year of softball. She has a good eye

and has really improved throughout the season.

Taylor Swift 2009

2009-05-16T23:10:00.001-07:00

This will be a night to remember for both Hannah and I. It was so wonderful to share this night of excitement and fun with her. Her eyes were literally as big as saucers the entire night and she had an amazing energy all night that I simply loved being a part of.

Kellie Pickler opened for Swift in Spokane. She was fabulous.

This is towards the end of the night with Taylor Swift. Hannah's hair was now down, it was close to 11:00 p.m. and we were still having the time of our lives. Also, I was so impressed how she really got involved with the crowd and she actually moved around in the arena. We had excellent seats (they were just off the floor, but in the back) and she came down OUR AISLE and then played some songs in the back of the arena very close to where we were.

This was HER, as Hannah would have said, "six inches away" coming down OUR AISLE!

Amazing backdrops and scenes. This was a castle setting.

This was another amazing backdrop with 3-D butterflies.

Soccer

2009-05-09T11:17:00.001-07:00

I love watching the determination of Mayah on the field. She has a very competitive little spirit and even though the parents don't keep track of the score, she lets you know who had more goals!

Family and Friends

2009-04-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

All FIVE of my siblings were able to be together in San Diego for my brother's wedding. There is a strong bond between each one of us. Through the highs and the lows there is a safety net among us. Whenever we get several of us together there are always tears, that is tears of laughter. I don't know what it is about siblings, but when we get together something will happen and the next thing you know we are laughing so hard we end up with sore faces, bellies, and tears streaming down our faces. You know the kind of laugh that is almost silent because you are in so much agony from such a great laugh! Thank you Brent, Jason, Marnie, Kirt, and Kylie for always being there. Thank you for not only being my family, but also my friend.

Kael

2009-04-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

Call me bias, but you will probably have to agree that my family makes some super cute kiddos. It was wonderful to see Kael in San Diego. He is now six months old and is such a sweet and good little guy. He is already scooting and Kirt and Carolyn are constantly on the move. He was a real trooper in San Diego. It was a fabulous surprise that they were all able to be there. I cherish those little moments with those little fingers and toes!

Announcing Jason and Sarah Western

2009-04-27T12:33:00.001-07:00

I was so blessed to attend my brother's wedding in San Diego. Sarah and her two boys, Nathan and Alex, are huge blessings to our family. They are all a welcome addition. It is so wonderful to feel and see the love this family shares and how honored my brother, Jason, is to have them in his life.

Mayah's New Smile

2009-04-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Mayah lost her first tooth on Saturday at Hannah's soccer game. The Tooth Fairy always gives a nice price for the first tooth. Mayah is planning on spending her five dollars shopping at the dollar store. She is working on another wiggly one, gotta love those toothless grins!

Spring Soccer

2009-04-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Leaving Alaska I had this vision of watching my kids play soccer in serious heat with the sun beating down on me. I have since learned that spring soccer looks a lot like Alaska soccer...unpredictable. The first week of practice was canceled due to snow. The next week the temp reached close to seventy. Then last Saturday at their first game we (Alese and I) mostly sat in the car because I was very unprepared. It poored and was in the high 30's, people were covered in blankets, hats and gloves. Oh, the greatest rain/cold coverage that really made me feel at home was the other team across the field sitting under a BLUE TARP!!!

Sisters

2009-04-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

So thankful for sisters.

Alese...

2009-04-14T12:05:00.001-07:00

Oh, the places she will go. This picture is one that tugs at my heart. She is growing so fast. When she walks she has this little teenager stride with a little hip action with attitude. I am holding on to each moment just a little longer with her and trying to remember to slow down with all three girls knowing that these moments pass way too quickly.

Riverfront Park

2009-03-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

We have been spoiled with some beautiful warm spring weather, but this week it has turned on the chilly side. We all bundled up and headed to the park for the gigantic Radio Flyer slide, leftover Subway bread shared with the ducks, and a river walk.

Slippery Fun

2009-03-23T23:20:00.001-07:00

We all had a great night of slipping, sliding, and the occasional dog pile on the ice. It just so happened that the second night Rachael was here was the last night the ice rink was scheduled to be open until fall so we were able to have some last minute fun on the ice.

Our First Alaskan Visitor...Rachael

2009-03-23T23:03:00.001-07:00

Rachael flew in on the 18th and we have had tons of fun having a piece of HOME around. The first night we celebrated her belated 14th birthday. The girls are loving having a "big sister" to hang on and laugh with. We hope to spoil her so she will stick around a while and if she absolutely has to leave we are hopeful she will not be gone for too long.

Kids Say...

2009-03-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

After viewing other kiddos answer this Facebook questionaire, I decided it was time for me to find out what my kiddos thought about their MOM, the good the bad and the ugly…

1. What is something mom always says to you?
H-good job or work on it or HAN-NUH
M-no and not so great

2. What makes mom happy?
H-when we give you hugs and kisses
M-doing what you say

3. What makes mom sad?
H-when we lie
M-when dad has to spank us

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
H-by tickling me
M-by tickles

5. What was your mom like as a child?
H-crazy
M-you had swimming lessons

6. How old is your mom?
H-34
M-30 or 20

7. How tall is your mom?
H-Five foot four no five foot ten
M-I don’t know that

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
H-go out with her girlfriends
M- play with us

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
H-sneak out with her girlfriends
M-you take care of Alese

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
H-singing
M-singing

11. What is your mom really good at?
H-running and being a good mommy
M- the game Sorry!

12. What is your mom not very good at?
H-swimming
M-going to bed

13. What does your mom do for a job?
H-teach
M-watch us

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
H-crab and whip cream
M-chocolate strawberries

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
H-she ran thirteen miles
M-nothing

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
H-Jetson’s wife
M-Jerry

17. What do you and your mom do together?
H-paint our nails and go shopping
M-watch TV and play games

18. How are you and your mom the same?
H-we have the same colored hair and we look alike
M-our last names are the same

19. How are you and your mom different?
H-I have short hair and she has long hair
M-I don’t know how to play some games and you don’t know how to play some

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
H-by giving us hugs and kisses and keeping us safe
M-you say it all the time

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
H-that he is cute and he cares for you
M-you’re glad you’re with him and he protects us

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
H-to the beach
M-dates with daddy

Mayah is SIX

2009-02-28T20:48:00.000-08:00

Mayah is officially SIX! She has been very patient with the hand-me-down bikes and was so excited her birthday morning to have her very own brand new shiny bike!

Another birthday party with another fabulous cupcake cake.

Parachute fun!

The party gang!

Thanks to the Alaskan Smith Family for the Birthday Girl shirt!

Hannah's WA Friend Birthday Party

2009-02-27T22:12:00.000-08:00

Hannah had fun with friends ice skating. It was her first birthday ever without her Alaskan Grown buddies so she did have to call Alaska and let them know they were missed!

Mayah is quite the little ice skater. I do believe she actually loves to fall.

Cupcake cakes are the greatest invention. Less mess, but oh so cute.

IKEA

2009-02-27T21:49:00.000-08:00

Pam and I both had our FIRST adventure at IKEA! It is aMAZEing. There is only one way in and one way out with a few little passage ways in between. We attempted to take our own photo and after many failed attempts we found a kind employee who took our picture. Who knew that IKEA was a tourist attraction!

Birthday Blessing

2009-02-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

I felt very blessed this birthday to have my dear friend, Pam, meet me in Seattle for 24 hours of fun, food, and laughter. We had a fabulous time catching up and simply being together. Our friendship is one that will last even though there are thousand of miles that separate us. She is one of a kind. Thank you Pam for making this happen.

Hannah is NINE!

2009-02-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

It is official on February 12th, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. Hannah has turned NINE! Once again, she asked us to tell her about the day of her birth. It seems like just yesterday when her little heartbeat was lost on the monitor and she was being taken out via emergency C-Section. When they placed her tiny four pound, six ounce body in my arms I knew she was a gift from God.

Alese's Discovery

2009-02-27T20:28:00.000-08:00

Alese made a huge discovery tonight.

She figured out that there are actually holes in her nose!

I am just hoping that this new found amazement is quickly forgotten.

Birthday Month

2009-02-27T19:28:00.000-08:00

The month of February is packed full of many birthdays, too much sugar, and too many toys! Emmy, Aunt Marnie, and cousins (Marynn and Mason) drove over from Seattle to start the birthday celebration at Chuck E Cheese. Marynn loving Bob the Builder!

David Shannon books always have a great message for our kiddos!

Oh, so sweet!

Jason likes to join in on the kid fun and tries to win lots of tickets for all of the fun prizes.

Kyra enjoying the carousel.

Washington cousins.

A Place we call Home

2009-02-06T22:32:00.000-08:00

We miss our first home in Alaska with the two floors, playroom, plenty of room for our very active kiddos to roam, but we know that a house is really just a house. My kids have been enjoying watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 and Kate said this past week, "It's not about where you live, it's about the memories you make where you live."

Expect the Unexpected

2009-02-06T09:58:00.001-08:00

Amanda challenged her blog friends to post the 8th picture from their 8th file. My 8th file only had four pictures, so I chose the last one in the file. This is the picture of Pam minutes away from having Owen her very unexpected. I still remember the night before Pam found out she was pregnant. She was multiple weeks into her pregnancy (AROUND 17 WEEKS). Correct me Pam if I am way off. She had spoken with Judy, her midwife, and was concerned that something wasn't quite right. Judy told her if she wasn't pregnant then she would be very concerned. That night Pam and I laughed about all the logistics about four kiddos. Like plane tickets and traveling, car seats, how old Thomas would be, vasectomies, lack of maternity clothes, etc. The next morning when she verified that she was indeed pregnant, I know I was thinking the night before we should have been talking about tiny toes, lots of cuddles, and the joys of motherhood. Owen is almost ONE now and how complete he makes their family. Thanks Pam for being a wonderful example of a great MOM and always expect the unexpected!

Our Little Artist

2009-02-01T21:16:00.000-08:00

Alese is starting to develop her artistic abilities. She is loving coloring and doodling. We are all trying to channel her talents on paper and nowhere else like the walls, homework or books. So far we have been successful. We found the gigantic pencils at Walt Disney World and Alese seems to think it is just the right size.

Future Ball Player

2009-02-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

Hannah is playing her second year of basketball. She has a little more experience this year and a few extra inches to help her make it to the basket. Her team this year is - and over all they are doing a great job, especially with dad as coach. It is very entertaining and exciting to see the competitive edge increase each year.

Valuable Lesson

2009-01-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

Jason taught me a valuable lesson tonight. As I was relaxing on the couch with the girls watching TV, which I don't do enough, Jason went and grabbed the camera on his own will and thought it was a moment to capture. When my husband is grabbing the camera period it means that it is a very special moment. Lesson learned- Slow down and enjoy life before our kids are out of the house and we wish we would have sat on the couch and cuddled with our kiddos, even if there is dishes in the sink and laundry piled up.

What we love about Washington

2009-01-25T22:59:00.000-08:00

I am missing our home, friends, and family in Alaska and thought it would be helpful to focus on the things we are enjoying here in Washington instead of focusing on the things we miss in Alaska. These are just a few of the things I love about Washington and hope to add many more as the days pass by...

*Cleaner toilets (there must be something in the water)!
*Constant predictable temperatures!
*Sidewalks and paved streets!
*Riding your bike in the middle of winter!
*Having a garage to actually park in!
*Living close to Olive Garden, P.F. Chang's, and the
Old Spaghetti Factory!
*Outlet malls!
*Being just around the corner from family!
*Cheap plane tickets (not too far from Seattle so I can meet buddies there)!

Future Rock Star

2009-01-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

Alese is already following in BIG Sister's footsteps. She loves to rock out with Hannah's microphone. She has the greatest head bob.

Pro Ball Player in Training

2009-01-23T21:19:00.000-08:00

They start the kiddos young here with basketball. Mayah's team consists of 4, 5, and 6 year olds. This was her first game! It is so fun to watch her with all her might try and get the ball to reach the hoop! Fortunately, they do not call traveling and they have surprised me with how well they are doing for being so young.

Mayah's New Kindergarten Class

2009-01-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

The new Kindergarten class has been an adjustment. Her teacher is wonderful, but the schedule is a little odd. Mayah goes all day Monday, Wednesday, and every other Friday. On her off days we have "home school" created by me. She is becoming a great little reader and loves math on most days.

There's No Place Like Home

2009-01-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like a little snow to remind you of home. Within the first 48 hours of arriving from Florida to Spokane there was at least 24 inches of snow. Schools were closed and many large stores (Fred Meyer's and Wal-Mart) had to close for a few days due to their roofs collapsing from the weight of the snow. It is amazing how much snow we have had in addition to those first few days. Also, it is also crazy at how not prepared this area is for large amounts of snow. People literally are stuck. Thank goodness for a four-wheel drive rental and finding Jason's truck right away. After four weeks, we are still awaiting my vehicle and all of our household goods. Hopefully soon, if it stops snowing! It is expected to arrive on Tuesday, January 6th! It really makes one appreciate the small stuff, like silverware, when you have been using plastic for a while. Also, since our snow gear has no arrived Hannah and Mayah have been decked out in Kylie's snowboarding pants and 70's rainbow bibs. It has been wonderful to be close to Kylie and Ryan and little Kyra.

Disney's Blizzard Beach

2009-01-02T23:58:00.001-08:00

It truly amazes me that when we left Alaska we were freezing and all bundled up and then you arrive in a place where they can actually where flip-flops year round. I thought this water park was a perfect reminder of Alaska but with some serious heat!

Disney Detour

2009-01-02T23:27:00.000-08:00

We were blessed with a detour to Disney World when we left Alaska. It is such an amazing place where the magical moments never end. It helps me see thru the eyes of a child. Hannah's favorite ride was Mt. Everest at Animal Kingdom, Mayah loved Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom, and Alese loved anything with animals and music. Jason and I figured the best way to document that we were there together was for one of us to hold the camera and the other one to squeeze in close. It always amazes me how you can take a long vacation with the one you love and there are not any pictures of the two of you.

Alese was mesmerized by all of the characters. Goofy was her first encounter.

Nana and Papa and Aunt Charity met us in Orlando for a full jam-packed week of fun.

Pampering!

2009-01-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

Rene's very first pedicure!!!

After a very crazy few months, it was time for some pampering with the girls. Toes all around and some ladies went crazy and did their hands too. It was wonderful to relax and have some girlie time.

The Cleaning Crew

2009-01-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

I would never have made it those last few days if it hadn't been for the help of wonderful friends. Many of you helped with the kiddos and several packed boxes. We were cared for with good food and laughter at all hours while we packed the last few boxes and cleaned the last wall. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Final Hours

2008-12-29T22:27:00.000-08:00

The last days and hours of our time in our Wasilla home was bittersweet. Eight years of memories...

*Moving in Oct. 2001 - Hannah was 1 1/2 years old. - 4th Wedding Anniversary

*Christmas Eve Crab Dinners with my Anchorage Western Family

*Several years of Connection Group

*Mayah born February 2003

*Alese born October 2007 - Jason in Kodiak

*New Years with Shrekathon and a houseful of good friends.

*Fourth of July fun with friends, food, and fireworks.

*11th Wedding Anniversary

*November 4th 2008 Offer on our Home

*December 4th Closed on House - Moved Out!!!

There are so many more memories, but the greatest part of all the memories is the love and laughter shared with friends and family. Thankfully, those memories moved wih me.

Friends for Life

2008-11-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

Last night we headed to Hacienda with the gang. It was a beautiful snowy Alaskan night. Tom dared Sarah to make snow angels for $10. Somehow all the ladies ended up joining in the fun and Pam even managed to catch a snowflake in her mouth. I don't know if Sarah even got a dime, but it was fun to feel like little girls playing in the snow. Who could you lay in the snow with without any kids present, only TRUE FRIENDS!!!

Swimming Alaska Style...INDOORS

2008-11-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

The girls continue to impress me with their swimming accomplishments this past year. Hannah just moved up to Level V and is a little fish. Mayah has made huge strides over these past few months. She is now jumping off of the diving board with confidence when only a month ago I watched her knees shaking at the edge and afraid to jump.

Alese is ONE

2008-11-19T00:22:00.000-08:00

Alese is literally soaring to new heights. Since I have started packing she has discovered how to climb onto the kitchen table and to the top of the bunk beds! Some of her favorite words are "doggy" and "Ma" (which seems to cover mama and mayah). Her best verbal cue is this most adorable guinea pig sound whenever she wants something. It is just difficult to decipher what she actually wants.

Novak Fun

2008-11-10T22:50:00.001-08:00

The Novaks surprised us with a fun night of Chinese food and the movie Kung Fu Panda. Lots of laughs and silly sound effects.

Half-Marathon Mom

2008-11-09T01:24:00.001-08:00

I ran my first half-marathon in Long Beach, CA with two very encouraging and supportive friends. Thanks Becki and Sarah. I could not have done it without you!

Inspirational Friends

2008-11-09T00:11:00.000-08:00

Hats off to Pam, a dear friend who will be missed tons, for making me a blogger!

New Adventures

2008-11-08T23:06:00.000-08:00

Our family of five is about to embark on a new adventure. We will be departing to Washington state the first week of December. On Wednesday, November 5th we received an offer on our home of the past 8 years. We know we are blessed and are anticipating an incredible journey.

The Fab Five Spakouskys

Merry Christmas with Love From the Spakouskys

Halloween...My Three Bugs

Alese is THREE!!!

Pumpkin Carving Party...The Beginning of an Annual Event

Pumpkin Picking 2010

The Praying Mantis

WA Friends...The Starks

First Day of School...Another Year Older

The Smiths

Hannah's BFF

Our Adopted Alaskans...The Harris Family

Girlfriends

Cousins

Toothless

Casting Cares

A moment with Alese!

First Days of Summer

Sisters and Mom

Pam

Birthday Greetings

Auntie Jacqueline and Uncle Nicholas

A Few of My Favorite Holiday Pics

Alese is TWO!!!

"Punkin" Picking

Steph and Me

New School Year

Hannah's Handy Work & Fabulous Friendships

Aunt Jacqueline and Uncle Nicholas

Paul and Tiffany

Flower Girl

BFF...Mayah and Abby

Fourth of July

Ocean Shores

There's No Place Like Home

Mayah's Moosical

New Year

Softball Season

Taylor Swift 2009

Soccer

Family and Friends

Kael

Announcing Jason and Sarah Western

Mayah's New Smile

Spring Soccer

Sisters

Alese...

Tags

Riverfront Park

Slippery Fun

Our First Alaskan Visitor...Rachael

Kids Say...

Mayah is SIX

Hannah's WA Friend Birthday Party

IKEA

Birthday Blessing

Hannah is NINE!

Alese's Discovery

Birthday Month

A Place we call Home

Expect the Unexpected

Our Little Artist

Future Ball Player

Valuable Lesson

What we love about Washington

Future Rock Star

Pro Ball Player in Training

Mayah's New Kindergarten Class

There's No Place Like Home

Disney's Blizzard Beach

Disney Detour

Pampering!

The Cleaning Crew

Final Hours

Friends for Life

Swimming Alaska Style...INDOORS

Alese is ONE

Novak Fun

Half-Marathon Mom

Inspirational Friends