Science Fair and baby Westyn...

The last couple of week have been full of fun activities. Joe and I met baby Westyn, she is absolutely so beautiful!! She has the cutest little face ever!! I am so happy for Ashley and Troy.

Drew and Vanessa has a Science fair this week and it was a success. Both kids got an A+ on the projects, Drew's project was all about the moon and it's surface and the names of all the craters on the moon, I had no clue moon landscape had so many names.

Vanessa project was an experiment on "GOOEY SLIMY GOO" this is where you mix glue and Borax to create a slimy, not sticky substance.

Devin just got a 2nd job and will be working at the Rock pizza at the new Landing in Renton when it opens in a few weeks. Life is good.......

Lucky Strike (Bellevue Collection)

Whew it's been a whirlwind this week having Devin back home. He absolutely had NOTHING to his name so we have been shopping all week. Devin has been here for 5 days and he has been on 3 interviews and I am happy to say he GOT A JOB!!! He will be working at Bellevue Square at Lucky Strike, He will be working where they need him and starts today! Looks like a fun place to work. This is not your average bowling alley.

http://bowlluckystrike.com/

He has already started his paperwork to join the apprentice program for IBEW which is a Union for electricians, it is a 5 year apprentice program that pays you while you learn and earn. He is going for the 5 year apprentice and they pay for the AAS degree he will receive. We are proud of him and we are so happy he is moving forward and putting this year behind him.

So if you are out and about in Bellevue , stop and say hi to Dev!

CONGRATS TO ASHLEY AND TROY AND BABY WESTYN. WE LOVE YOU:)

The prodigal son .....returns

YES.... it's true. Devin Michael my oldest son, what can I say? Yesterday at 4 am I received a phone call from my lost son, who for the last week had been living on the street in Tri-cities after being kicked out of his "loving" fathers home for taking his step- sisters I-POD without permission.
For a man who fought me so hard in a devious most vicious manner to win over custody he has proven without doubt that the only interest he had in my children's lives was in fact ZERO. This has been the longest most agonizing year for me, worrying daily about my boys, not speaking to them and hearing things that no mother should never hear about her children.
Devin called me at 4 am cold, crying and seriously needing his mama. I immediatly called the nearest hotel and booked him a room. He told me that he has been going to school but the burden of it all and his guilt of not standing up for what he knew was right had finally got the best of his soul.
AMEN I thought all my efforts and YEARS of telling him to be strong and keep on track were in vain but in fact mothers if you preach hard enough, the message will sink in.
I called Pasco High School to inquire about Devin's grades and in deed he is getting all A's but his counselor told me Devin had been struggling tremendously with "his home life and school had been a refuge"
Well I could not be happier that my son will now get to graduate from Hazen and he will be home, after all HOME IS WHERE YOUR MOTHER IS :)
My dad went and picked Devin up from the hotel and he is spending a few days with pop and nana and he will be here this Saturday afternoon.
Devin only has a few clothes and nothing to his name, it's like preparing for a new child all over again. I am going bed shopping today and am looking forward to giving him much needed TLC and the guidance he has lacked so severely the last year.
I HAVE MY BABY BACK.. thank you God is all I can say for bringing him home to me. Keep Dev in your thoughts he has alot of soul searching to do.

Harland Williams..at Laughs in Kirkland

Last night Joe came home and surprised me with tickets to Harland Williams at LAUGHS in Kirkland. You may recognize him from Dumb and Dumber, Something about Mary and tons of other funny movies. We have never been to LAUGHS and it was so much fun at his show. Here is a picture of Harland and me after the show :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zngzYMsvjI8

Go Sis and Drew!

Vanessa attended a mini-cheer camp on Saturday and got to perform at half time of the Hazen High School varsity basketball game. She did an amazing job and we are so proud of her. Vanessa is such a joy to others she is an amazing daughter and I am truly blessed to have such a vibrant child.

Drew decided to play basket ball for the first time this year, so along with our crazy schedule of pre-season baseball training we are also going to alot of practices and games this year. I am such a proud mom and really happy that my kids are genuinely enjoying the lives they have.

GO DREW AND SIS!!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Happy 18th Birthday Devin

Happy 18th Birthday Devin Michael Vaughn!!!

It is really hard for me to believe that 18 years ago today I had my first baby boy.

WOW how time flies. These last 18years have been such a journey for my "little" guy and me. He now stands 6'4. As most of you know we have had some pretty trying times. I can't even imagine what my life would have been with out this kid.

He has TRULY taught me to have patients, as some of you know Junior high was a bit more than a challenge.

I have always been proud of Devin for his determination and compassion for his family. I am really in auughh and shock that this day has finally come.

Follow your dreams,

whatever they may be,

go wherever you want,

climb mountains, sail the sea.

Do what you want to do,

be whoever you are,

don't be afraid of the dark,

just choose your rising star.

Challenge your future,

attack your very own destiny,

because some things just go and happen,

and some things you make to be.

I really love you son

and that's what these words are for,

a chance to have my say to you,

a chance to even up the score.

I love you very much,

and I'm very proud of you,

I'm proud of who you are,

I'm proud of what you do.

You've had your challenges in life,

but you rise to the occasion, each and every time,

just one of the reasons for my pride,

just one of the reasons for this rhyme.

Although you're not the greatest driver,

you've already wrecked two cars (what the heck).

Really, I'm just glad that you weren't hurt,

even though I'm now a nervous wreck !

I've watched and loved you as you've grown,

from a baby to a fine young man,

sometimes we wandered off the track,

but believe me, there was always a plan !

We have such a close relationship,

although at times you can choose to unload,

but it's OK, I understand,

you're just dealing with another kink in the road.

You've hit a lot of obstacles in life,

every time you've something good it seems to just fall apart,

but I'm proud of the way that you handle it,

it's really inspiring to know you have such heart.

Because life is a journey,

you can never get too comfortable in just one place,

you need to find yourself within,

and then you can find your own inner space.

So, I just want you to be happy,

you mean so very much to me,

just remember that I love you,

and some things you make to be.

Am I dreaming.....

I just about have the entire house organized and I am still in complete Aaugh every time I wake up in the morning. I am waiting for a new memory card then I will post pictures.

My birthday was on Monday and Joe's parents came over to give me a present (how sweet are they?) Carol bought me a beautiful throw blanket for the couch which has inspired my new colors for the family room. Purple and Chocolate brown. The entire house is painted a brownish mauve color and the blanket just popped with color. I am on a hunt for throw pillows to match my new blanket.

We just got our new fridge delivered yesterday and with the exception of all our window treatments, we feel settled. Tonight I am having my first guest over. My friend Janene is 20 weeks prego and I am cooking dinner for her and giving her the tour.

The kids have been so wonderful and responsible for there individual space. It is so great to see them so proud of there new home. I am leaving this Sunday for Vermont for my work training and Joe will be joining me next Wednesday to join me for a company Christmas party. We are staying an extra night so we can explore Vermont all day together on Saturday.

After the last couple of years of what seemed like a real living hell, I feel as though I have gone to heaven these last few months. It's so exciting that what ever happens in life good or bad we have the ability to change and re-invent ourselves.

I have to give some credit first of all to the most wonderful supportive man I have ever known. Joe is the most amazing person and I am so lucky to have him in my life and my children's life.


2nd about a year ago (when I was at an all time low) I was stuck in an airport, I had read all my Star(gossipy) magazines and was browsing for a book to read. The Secret just kept popping out for me so I purchased it and read the entire book on my 5 hour delay. WOW the power of positive thinking and the laws of attraction.

I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes with you."Close your eyes and visualize having what you already want - and the feeling of having it already." This has stuck in my mind and Joe's mind since I told him and together we have spoke about and visioned what we want our life to be.

Some days seem harder to visualize than others, but also in the book it states "An affirmative thought is 100 times more powerful than a negative one" I really have to learn a new way of thinking and responding to everything in my life.. I am a work in process but happy to absorb this new found freedom of a life I always knew I wanted but could never quite achieve until now.