About



I am Melissa. I am in my early 30's and live in the Pacific Northwest with my dear husband, Rob, and two cute boys, Chandler (6) and Lincoln (3).

I love to knit, crochet, sew, take photos, watch sports (hate soccer), read books (Twilight, Harry Potter and Millennium Series are the recent favorites), politics (hard core Republican/a "crazy" Tea Party Member).

I love to sing, and I do semi-professionally in Portland's Singing Christmas Tree. I've done it 9 years and in 2011, it will be my 10th season! I love it and the fellowship it brings. I've met some amazing people in the TREE choir. They have helped me through many trials in my life (especially when my Dad passed away in 2006).  I am also active in our church (Lutheran).

Rob is in his 4th year of school for Electronic Engineering Technology/Electrical Engineering. He goes to school at night and also works full time at Intel as a Manufacturing Tech in the D1D Fab at Ronler Acres. He just began in May, and is working on finishing school and planning on going into Graduate school in 2012. I work as a Webmaster and work with Retail level promotions for the family business. It's fun and works well with the mommy schedule.

Chandler had surgery on June 7, 2010 for a Tethered Spinal Cord at Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital. His surgeon, Dr. Monica Wheby, was able to cut the tether and he was able to go home the next day. As a form of physical therapy he is in Taekwondo at Family Kicks Martial Arts. When he began in July, about 1 month post-op, he had awful balance, his gait was awkward, he couldn't bunny hop. Now 14+months later, his range of motion in his legs has improved dramatically, he can bunny hop and jump, he can balance on 1 leg for 5+seconds, and his run is faster and less spastic looking. He's now officially a Green belt and in the juniors level. He could have his black belt in 2-3 years! Wow! Master Null has really been a true blessing for Chandler and our family! And even better, I have joined him, and am a Green Belt as well. Chandler is in 1st grade and loves school.

Lincoln is very different from Chandler (don't they always say that?), and is very active. He climbs up things, is much more rougher, has a thick skull (yes, we do know this), and is a lover! He's a late talker, just like big brother, and is in speech therapy as well. He's not nearly as severe as Chandler (who has Apraxia of Speech), but we started ST early with Linc, just in case. He's in preschool now and is just beginning his run as a Tiny Tiger at Family Kicks as well! 3 of us in Taekwondo!

For Me, this blog began as random musings, and such of the family, but it will take a new meaning as a way for me to loose the 150 lb that I need to loose. Doing Weight Watchers/Calorie Counting and exercising are the ways I am tackling the goal. Starting weight: 331.2 on January 3, 2011. After 9 months, I have lost 40 lb, with a goal to hit 50 lb at 11 months into the journey. A third of the way there. :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog, please follow my journey, it will help keep me accountable! :)