Looks like we've made it ! ! ! 14 years of marriage.

Micah took me up to Seattle for our anniversary. Micah took me to the yearly boat show up in Seattle because we are both very fond of the water, and anything that might have to do with it. He felt it was a perfect way to celebrate our love and affection for each other and I couldn’t have agreed more. But I have to tell you, we are one funny couple when it comes to traveling. Just keep reading, and you will see.

But first I want to make mention of a conversation Micah and I had because I felt it was something we have learned over our 14 years of marriage that really has changed our view on eachother.

Often times (newly wed, or young) we get into a relationship all gung ho - and thinking that everything will be perfect. And what is not perfect can be changed with time. Well, anyone who has been married for many years can see that this is a fallacy. And what might change, isn't always what one has planned.

Well, just the other day Micah and I were discussing if and what we might want to change about the other person. Little quirks, or annoying traits that we could do without. And after sitting back and thinking about it, it is those small (silly) things that define who Micah and I are. The kind of things that would be missed (no matter how annoying) if he were to ever pass away. For instance, I was thinking about Micah and his trash can issue. Every day he is home, the trashcan will rarely be under the kitchen sink. You would think I would learn this, but still I open the cupboard door and drop garbage in to where the can should be and it falls straight to the ground. I growl, and say "hmmmm.... Micah's home." But the truth is, if I would ever lose Micah - this would be one thing that I would find myself missing. Because it would be a memory of him. And Micah made mention of a few things I do, like I won't switch out a empty toilet paper roll. I'll just grab out a new one and set in on the counter. Which is actually true, silly really.

But the point I am getting too is we decided it was best to keep those things, because that is what made each other unique. What made us feel that our loved one was around, and we would remember those things forever.

Now of course, you are saying to yourself, what the heck does this have to do with the trip to Seattle… well, I’m just about to tell you…. Smiles.

Ok, so anyway…. we are packing for our trip and I notice that Micah has thrown in his work badges. A wierd idiosyncrasy of his. I look at him puzzled “why the heck are you bringing your work badges?”

His lips turn up in a lopsided smile. “Just in case.”

“In case of what?” Silly man. There is not way on earth we will be going to work on OUR vacation. That is out of the question. For heavens sake, I think some people have a security blanket, others have a security account, well he has security badges. Go figure. So of course, at the Inn we had to put those treasured badges in the safe. Too funny. But I guess I have no reason to laugh, cause I had to put my letter (Micah’s writes me one every day) in the safe too. But that was so no one read my personal stuff… which makes more sense. You can’t blame me there.

Ok, so back to our inexperience in traveling. You see, as I grew up and went on vacations – my mother always packed in boxes (she doesn’t do this anymore – but I haven’t moved on quit like she has). The things that didn’t go well in suitcases (hair product, lotions, feminine – blushing – products, ect…) went in the cardboard boxes. Well, talk about stupid. When we pull up to the nice Silver Cloud Inn in Seattle, the valet guy comes up to us to get our keys and stuff. And I’m thinking, ok – I remember this costs like $20 dollars for valet (which is all they offered). So I try to hand the guy twenty dollars and he gets all worked up, “no, no, no” he shakes his head. “What is that for?”

I smile, feeling a bit uneasy from his body language. “The parking?” Or maybe not.

“Oh no, inside. Not here.” He says gruffly before going around to the back of the car to help unload. And man, my heart drops. There are some lovely cardboard boxes in the back and I’m thinking, oh man are we gonna look even sillier. I quickly hurry back, snatch them out, and throw our coats over them. And Micah was no help at all. He was standing there, absolutely as clueless as me.

Next we go inside to check in, and fortunately that went pretty smoothly until we went to elevator and we had to use a key to go up. Well, I kept pressing the button then inserting the key. Apparently this was the wrong order… and another guest gets on and puts his key in before looking at me, smiling, “what level?”

“Six, thank you.” Dang, we are one set of inexperienced travelers.

When we finally get to our room, close the door, and get our stuff unloaded, both of us just burst out laughing. It was sooooooo funny. We are so stupid when it comes to traveling. Micah says, “we're gonna have to change this, Emy.”

Boy, do I know. So we decided we are going to be setting up over nighters regularly. Besides the fact, it was so nice for the both of us to just focus on each other.

The first day there, we went over to the boat show and pretty much just looked around at all the neat stuff we would be able to really focus on in the next few days. A browsing, meandering day. We also got on a few nice large boats that were definantly out of our price range, but super cool. They were so nice, that we were required to take off our shoes to get on them. A lot of the large ships there required that. The first thing Micah says to me is, “I’m glad I have clean socks on.” That was the thought that ran through my head too. Smiles. I mean, we are the people that pack in cardboard boxes.

When we got back to the Inn Micah and I headed to the hot tub which was super pleasant because it was on the rooftop, and we were able to look at the sky (no stars in the winter – this is the rainy state) and see the city lights. Pretty awesome view. We were all alone, but kept it PG for the sake of the camera that monitored all the guests actions - Smiles. Truly relaxing, and absolutely focused on one another. It is amazing how you forget to focus like this when you are living everyday life, taking care of kids. Very much a needed vacation.

The second day (Wednesday) we decided to go to Pike Place Market for a few hours before hitting the boat show. It seemed like a great way to pass an hour or two while we waited for the boat show to even open. The Inn provided a free shuttle to anywhere we wanted, so we took that to Pike’s Market and decided that we could walk the mile or two home. No biggie, right. Well, it started to down pour rain (remember, raining state - duh) on the way home. We have no umbrellas, and there is no way to stay covered on the trek back. We also thought, ok, we really don’t know seattle well (and the ride to the place was a bit weird cause the driver was dropping off a few people to different destinations) that we would take the GPS to show us the way home. Well, no signal. Go figure. The whole walk home we laughed, and kept hoping that we were going the right way… because it went on and on and on, like the energizer bunny.

About halfway on the trip, I pulled Micah into a toy store to look around. He asks if there was something I was thinking about getting in there. I say, “yeah, relief from the rain for a sec.” And we had fun playing with a few of the toys. I was most drawn to the puppets, that I felt almost tempted to even buy one. They had a cute turtle guy. Anyhow, we finally made it back to the hotel drenched. We both decided that we should have brought an umbrella. Well, Loe and behold….God turned the light on….right next to the Inn’s doors are umbrellas for the guests to use. DANGIT! Missed that one. Matter of fact, didn’t even notice it until the end of the day. Sigh.
We went upstairs and dried out a bit before heading the boat show. This was the day we decided to go to the Lake to look at the boats, which is ironic – because the day before the sun was all bright and shiny – and today it was raining at least cats… but maybe even dogs rain too. Real smart of us… we go to the inside part of the show in the sunshine (perfect) day. And choose to visit the outside of the show in the rain. I guess we just wanted to feel at home. Geesh.

Pike's Market Street view

Ok, so here is me standing in the undergrounds at Pike Place, by a painting of the tallest man in the world. I am thinking how bored and silly I feel just standing there while Micah is trying to figure out the timer on the camera, so we can get a picture together (thus the expressions on my face). Anyhow, it is amazing how big this guy was compaired to me. I would hate being that huge.
I have to admit though, the underground stores and stuff at Pike’s Place wass actually pretty creepy. It is kinda like how you would imagine a nightmare to be. Very weird stores (with bongs, and antiques, and weird cultural things). A place I would never want to visit alone. One guy came up from the third underground level and says to me, “I wouldn’t go down there if I were you. It’s kinda scary.” Of course we had to go and see for ourselves. Because we're curious individuals, with a curious mind. Most of it was closed down shops, and just pretty quiet and dirty, and all you could hear were your own footsteps. I was ready to head back upstairs before anyone might show up around some dark corner, and kill us (this is where imagination came into play). Not so creepy upstairs in the open space, but still a bit different. Definantly an experience.

Hey look, Micah finally got us together after about ten minutes of just standing there. Yippie!

I couldn't resist posing by some of the most famous men (and woman) in movie history. And frankly, my kids could probably name every single one in this photo, including me... smiles.

Wow, Micah really fits in nicely. Frankly, if he were a cutout - he would be the hottest of the bunch.
Micah wanted me to pose by these pingeons. I was almost tempted to reach out and grab one until my imagination started ticking, and I imagince them slamming into my face - funny.

Amongst all of our looking we did however get a few pictures of ourselves. I told Micah we have to take some, to look like we were actually here. Both Micah and I posed by our pigs. Hee hee. His was at Pike Place Market. Mine was at Qwest field. I got the better one. Atleast mine was sporty (a football). I loved my pig, but I had to get my feet muddy to get to him. What one won’t do for love.

Oh, here are us posing on the steps of Qwest field. When I was up there by the signs, I burst out laughing cause when I was pointing in the sky, this old guy kept looking at me, then the sky, then me again. He looked absolutely confused. It cracked me up. We took these on Thursday when the sun decided to show itself again. Here is where the Seattle Seahawks play. I'm not sure why I found this so exciting (I don't care for sports much) but I think it was for the enthusiasm I see my kids show at times because of peer influence. We both wanted to show them we were here.

We had to take this picture because we are both of the fishy (Salmond) breed, and thought it worked perfect. That was before I knew it would look like a fish bouncing on our heads. Laughing

We figured at a boat show, you have to get pictures by boats - so we did. We don't have any real interest in these two boats, they were just close in vicinity. Hee hee.

Now this boat we actually do have an interest in. We love the Sea-Doo because of their features, which I will not bore you with. We are however going to be saving up a down payment to buy
at the next boat show. Micah took a few pictures of us in the boat together, but you really couldn't see us in the boat that good because they were so a close up. When we were walking away I could tell he really wanted to get a better picture of the boat and us, so I told him lets go get in it together and I will have someone take the picture of us. I think it worked out nicely.

At the end of our little geteway we went the movie called The Edge of Darkness. Kind of a darker movie then we would have preferred, we both decided afterwards. But we still had a blast because we were together, and it just added to the wierdness of our whole vacation. I wouldn't change a thing - for the pure sake of memories.

We had so much fun together. I love this man very much, and wouldn't change all the years we have had together. He is a perfect match for me. And happiness is being married to your best friend. Kisses honey. I love you.

Green for GO!!!

Just wanted to make mention of something that I thought was funny. But first, I’m going to have to start from the beginning . . . .

My six year old son, Isaac is above his grade level in school so often times this results in absolute boredom. He isn’t the kind of child to just quietly sit back and enjoy his surroundings with a sort of peace and absorbance. Instead he uses himself to tease and harass his fellow classmates. Girls, specifically. And in his classroom, his teacher tries to manage children’s behavior by giving either a GREEN (Great), YELLOW (warning), or RED (strike out) cards. His teacher sends home the color that Isaac gets everyday (per my request) so I could work with him in mending his behavior.

So here was my plan . . .

Isaac is a video game lover like any little boy his age. And I’m a lover of peace at school. SO when he brings home a GREEN card, he is able to play video games that night. Anything else, and he loses out completely. RED sends him to bed for the evening. And my children know I am serious.

Well, this plan of action has worked wonderfully. He has brought home GREEN after GREEN for the last month. I have been so relieved because I know he is a sweet child and want others to see that as well.

The other day Isaac came up to me with a very serious expression, “mom, I need to talk with you.” He requests.

I immediately stop typing on my computer and turn to look at him, “what is it, sweetie?”

“Can we not do GREEN cards for video games anymore?”

“Uh, no. Of course we gonna keep doing that.” Smiles. I think he is getting tired of not doing as he wishes at school. I could read it in his expression, a sort of way to beg to return to his teasing behavior.

“But why?” he whines.

“Cause it works.”

“Well how long do I have to do it?”

“Forever.”

“ALL of first grade?”

“Yep.”

“AND second grade?”

“Probably.”

“When I’m a dad?”

I grinned at him, “if you still need a GREEN card when you’re a dad to choose good behavior, then you can do it then as well.”

He sighed, “yeah, I might.” He says before he turns away , shoulders slumped and walks out of the kitchen.

Not more then five minutes later he comes running in, with tears running down his face. “Mom, I think Levi needs to be given a RED card.” He yelps.

I had to laugh. You always can count on ideas spilling from Isaac’s lips. And some of them are pretty good ideas as well. I might just have to instill the colored cards after all. Always room for improvement.

Christmas, A Claus for Celebration . . .

I am an absolute lover of Christmas and have raised children who see my joy and find the same kind of excitement during the holiday season. This year was no different, and I found myself completely engrossed in spending time around my family and enjoying the things I love. This was however, the first year that we would not be having any family visiting us from out of town… and I at first wasn’t sure how I felt about this. As time went on, I realized I as a little excitement about not having pressure to impress or run the holiday as I think it should be for others. This year I was going to go about it from one minute to the next. Totally a spur of the moment kind of a holiday.

The day before Christmas Eve, Micah and I went over to Famous Dave's (a restaurant) and bought a hundred dollars of meat to have for Christmas Eve dinner. I decided that this year I didn’t want to cook, I truly wanted to just have a laid back few days.

It worked out wonderfully. On Christmas Eve we put the meat in our food warmer dishes, and had a hot meal anytime of the day and evening we wanted. We pretty much just munched throughout the entire evening. My favorite way to enjoy food. And it was HOT the entire time. That was really nice.

On the Eve before Christmas, we invited Jeremiah and Kirsten’s family over to enjoy their company, along with their kids. We opened family exchange gifts and our pajamas.
We really just spent a lot of time talking and laughing.

Posing, and laughing.

Lazarus

Ariella (Jeremiah & Kirsten's)

Arianna

Kirsten

Elizabeth (Jeremiah & Kirsten's)

Melany (Jeremiah & Kirsten's)

Jeremiah (Micah's brother)

Me (Emily) & Isaac

Levi

Micah

I loved my pj’s. I have wanted footsie pajamas since I was a kid, but have been too big (overweight) in the past to get any. This year, I decided (despite my imperfections) to go ahead and buy some. I loved the Grinch ones. The movie is a classic that I HAD to watch every year. And in the mornings, the similarities between me and the Grinch are almost a complete match… hee hee hee. I’m not a morning kind of gal… unless it is Christmas… smiles.

And I have to admit, Micah’s smurf boxer’s would have been a second running for best pj’s… hee hee. I gotta love my papa smurf.

This year for Christmas, Santa went all out bringing the kids loads and loads of gifts. My mom and dad use to say that Santa’s sleigh broke down out our house. Well, I would have to say that his sleigh, and the backup sleigh broke down at our house. So here is a basic list of the main items everyone got for the special day.

Lazarus and Levi got tons and tons of Star Wars Lego’s. They spent hours quietly building in their bedroom. This process actually lasted for days, because there were tons of stuff to build. They also received Halo Lego's to add to their collection.

Isaac got Star Wars action figures, and and AT-TE (all terrain tactical enforcer) vehicle. This was huge, and cooler then I thought it was gonna be. It lights up and makes different noises. And I happen to love toys that make noises. You’ll catch me in a toy section pushing and setting off all the toys that have noises with them. I just can’t help myself. He was completely excited and engrossed with his toys. He did also get a few Lego's to go along with it, which made him feel like he could play along with his older brothers.

Arianna got herself a load of Fur Real Friends. In a nut shell, she got stuffed cats that meow and move when you pet or walk by them. They are very cute. I find myself (again another noise toy that tempts me) petting them or holding them to see how they act. She also received her MP3 player that she has been asking for for over two years.

And ME, let’s talk about me… because I was super excited and surprised by the gifts my husband bought me. He took Arianna out to Macey’s and had her help choose out Christmas for me. He bought me perfume (Light Blue – which when I wear everyone says I smell wonderful) and a collections of super cute shirts. He has super good taste. Matter of fact, when I wear the clothes he chose for me to work I get compliments. One guy said, “whoever bought that for you must really love you.” I thought that was cute, and super nice. Anyhow, after I had opened all my gifts Micah just kind of looks at me and gives me that smile that says “I’m one up on you.”

I look at him, and say “What? Is there something I’m missing in the boxes?”

“Not in the boxes.”

And in the corner of my eye I can see Anna practically jumping out of her seat, giggling. Wanting to point, but daddy made her promise to not hint at all.

Finally he says, “the tree, honey.”

And in the tree set perfectly on a branch is a box wrapped beautiful, calling my name. He hands it to me, and when I open it I see a beautiful jewelry set he purchased for me. It is our birthstones, and had hearts on it. Very appropriate for us, because I love him so much. Thanks sweetie.

I also have to tell you about Micah’s gifts, because it was so opposite of my own. AND don’t any of you think that I bought these for me, because if you know Micah you would know these are things that HE truly wanted and asked for. Silly man.

Here is what I got him…

Hand towels (white) – because bleach is his favorite thing to wash with. If it can’t be bleached, then he don’t want it for dishes. End of story… hee hee hee.
Wash clothes (white)
Wooden hangers
Shredder (crosscut)
Garbage can – only my man would ask for this. HEE HEE

The funny thing about this story is I went to Fred Meyer and gathered up all of his gifts. When I went through the checkout line, the checker nicely asks “so you cleaning to get ready for Christmas?”

I shook my head, “No, this is Christmas.”

Her lips twist in a confused look.

I added, “this is all my husband wants for Christmas.”

She starts to laugh. “I wish I had a husband like yours.”

I had to share her amusement. I chuckled. The truth is, I love that about Micah. Practical til the very end. What a cutie.

After opening all gifts, everyone just kind of did their own thing and loved just being in the company of each other. Arianna listened to her music. Daddy put together his closet, helped the kids, and did house work (he is so domestic in a great way). Boys put together their Lego's and Isaac sprawled out on the family room floor playing with his action figures.
I put on my slippers, settled in a chair, and red a book. The entire day. It was beautiful, and wonderful, and relaxing. I wouldn’t change a thing if I were to do it all over again.
So there is only one thing left to say.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A whole month went by with the holidays, before I realized I didn't make any mention of my sweet Levi's Birthday. I think it is because we just had tons of fun just laying back and relaxing. This holiday was one of the most relaxing for me and my family, and it was well needed. With both Micah and I juggling two full time jobs and family of six, sometimes it seems we are running around in circles. But then again, I'm not alone in this world. It seems most of us are playing with the same game pieces.

ANYHOW . . .

I want to talk about all the great qualities that Levi has, because he has many. He is a super sweet child. From the moment he entered this world he often times has been found with a smile on his face. He can light up a room with it. He is definantly a child who also knows what he wants, which often times guides him to being a little bossy (just like his mother) when it comes to group situations. BUT honestly, I see this as a quality. He knows what he wants, and is willing to voice it. All of us need to know how use our talents and qualities, and I know someday he will be strong in his beliefs and work towards what he wants because of this attribute he carries.

He also is like many of the Salmond clan, in that his artistic abilities very strong. He loves art, and will hibernate in his room for hours getting lost in the worlds he creates on paper. I absolutely think he has the ability to go far with his talents, and believe if that is what he wants he will get it.

He is such a sweet child, and I often times wish more of the family were able to be around him to enjoy his goofy yet cocky personality. He certainly has a way of talking ones ear off, and yet making them stay interested long enough to put that ear back on. He never tires of people, of laughter, and of trying new things. For this, he is always a great addition to any company. Love you, Levi.