More Snow?

OK - We are not even loading a photo of the overnight snow this time... but be totally couldn't believe it! It was so awesome to have Dusty and Jedd visit this weekend - we enjoyed Brad Root's new restaurant "Lapella", which means "from the fire" in Native American lingo... they have a wood fired oven and cuisine to die for! Kevie and Jedd enjoyed rotisserie prime rib and mmm, mmm was a common sound from them. Kolton had lamb - his plate was the only one licked clean... guess he liked it A LOT!! The conversations never stopped... Next time we are going to Big Al's bowling where we hope to kick Uncle Jedd's butt. Not likely since "he" brings his own bowling ball... aahchemmm (that's a Dad-ism sound, Dusty knows what I'm sayin' here). I think we could have spent several days and never run out of things to say and do... Kolton is slammed with finals. We are so proud of his diligent work ethic. We never have to ask him to do his home work or to study... He is really working on the art of "and then some". He is responsible, trustworthy, loving, ........ "and then some". He is totally loving Camas High School and Kevin and I are grateful God led us to where we are. He seems to be bent toward technology and engineering... The Koop-man, what can I say - he's good at everything he does. I can't say he loves his new role as "public school student" but he's doing great non-the-less. He doesn't seem to be very challenged, so I have happily taken on the role of "mean mom" by requiring he do "extra work", correcting any papers and discussing the correct answer, doing internet research on his science and social studies topics (with rewards if he does it on his own with me there)... OK, I'm not that mean! I don't mean he has to do this all the time - but he is learning a little extra by doing it sometimes. His artistic abilities continue to wow us! He has painted several more paintings and the colors, & ideas are so genuine and original. We love the fact that he doesn't need to follow anyone else's lead and he likes the sound of his own drum. Every child should live in their own skin with the confidence he has... Sweet Valley Wines continues to do very well (with some growing pains) and we quickly sold out of our Vognier. All of our labels are selling and the juice for the next bottling smells,tastes and looks so amazing!! Truly the best one yet in my opinion! Josh has done a great job - we couldn't be more proud! As far as the growing plans - your prayers are much appreciated as we consider the finances and the room for more growth. We want to make the right choices - and of course "I" being the heal - want to "lead with revenue", but it's hard to slow down sometimes... Kevin has been amazing with his diligence in commercial land development. Even with the economy being a turd and banks going tit's up around here - he has continued to maintain his projects and the people that call him make us want to pinch ourselves (people that are famous, insanely successful, and filthy rich) for the fact that they are call him to make an appointment with him. Way to go Kevo!! You wow me!!! and I am so proud - so are the boys. Kooper prays every night for Daddy's projects to sell or be built. And me... oh boy - Here's the funny thing; The market is suck, financing is elite only, and yet I never get to stop... I grew my business this year by taking on and building a Real Estate Team - "in a down market"... One thing I have learned and plan to take advantage of: you can make money when the market is going up, and you can make money when the market is going down... The wage is in the "movement", the dept accumulates in the stagnant. It's hard to work 5-7 days a week with crazy, never ending hours... The Realtors around me all say we have never worked so hard for so little. Well to all of them - I refuse to participate! The market is the market! People purchased homes at 12% interest in the 80's and 90's and thought they got good deal... a spoiled and glutinous generation is just going to have work and save then spend! What a concept. And no stones can be cast from these hands by the way. My latest news... I was awarded a fully paid scholarship to Orlando, FL in February for the Keller Williams Realty Family Reunion (2/19 to 2/26)! Talk about shocking. I wasn't going to go because of the expense - and of course if I'm going to spend money on a trip - I want Kevin and the boys to go with me. Well my peers in Real Estate thought differently, my broker Patti Siebold (the highest earning Realtor on the West Coast and my personal coach - she only takes 1 Realtor per year!) and they decided to award me based on work ethic, drive, community spirit, & selflessness... OK stop laughing! The funny thing is - I never even started out wanting to do this gig - But now I love it, I truly just want to serve people and I can't seem stop the growth. I was telling Dusty the other day that it was out of control, with two admin. assistants, and 4 buyers agents... How did that happen? And how do you balance loving your work and wanting to go home, and being tired... ahhhh. And thanks MOM - for coming in and helping out with "stuff" - the girls have loved your help and it feels good for them to feel like they are caught up because of what you do! And it's nice to have you around! Now for Florida - Holy Crap!! I just wish my guys were with me to see it! Well maybe not Kooper who was just there last spring without ME! hahaha Cassie pup is so sweet and she has wiggled her way into our hearts! We are totally sickening with the prissy dog thing. Koop came home today with a fir lined pink jacket for her. Eye role please! The kitties follow her around and want to be wherever she is. She loves to chase them around! Later, HD

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