Kurtz Krew

Cabin memories

2010-08-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Wow...is it really August 1st today. Where does time go, truly? We had such a wonderful time at Wallowa Lake this year. Every year our trip is spectacular, but this year was different. We stayed at the cabin at the head of the lake with my Grandmother and Mom. When we got there early Friday evening the cabin was filled to the rafters like it used to be in my memories as a child. Jessica and her little family were there ending their vacation as well as my Aunt Mary and 2 of her handsome grandsons. Our count was 7 adults, 8 kids, and 6 dogs all in a one bedroom cabin...what memories :)

As a young girl, I remember going to the cabin with so much excitement to see cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents! We had to all sleep head to head on the medium sized deck under the stars. How we all fit, I will never know. I quickly learned as an adult, my body is way less forgiving then it was when I was 8 :0) Sleeping on a hard deck in a sleeping bag is definitely in my past.

Look at that face

As I began telling my own boys some of my stories being their age at the cabin, I was truly transported back into my memory remembering some wonderful things. I remember so clearly my Grandfather and how integral he was and still is in my life. He loved the cabin so much. He would wake nearly every day before dawn and go fishing, coming back with a stringer of fish just barely big enough to keep with a content smile on his face. Even fishing, he still managed to come home and fix a full service breakfast including bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, and always cut-up cantaloupe. I can't smell of look at a cantaloupe with out instantly thinking of him. After a hearty breakfast, the open forest, as it was still a forest and not filled in with new homes when I was little, was ours to explore. Off we would go not to return until someone rang the lunch bell.

We were explorers, cowboys and indians, animals, mothers and children all before our time. How wonderful that a place so glorious can bring out the best of imagination. I love that I can still go back as a 33 year old mother (for real this time) and instantly be swept back to the summers of my youth. I was so very blessed to have such a wonderful family~especially grandparents like the ones I have. It makes me smile endlessly to know that my children will have some of that in their memory banks. I am truly blessed to have a little slice of heaven in my life.

Here are pictures of our trip and stay at the cabin. I hope all of you have enjoyed your summer thus far. It isn't over yet, so enjoy and we will see you soon!

Love, Monique, Atticus and Tennyson :)

Uncle Walt taking the boys on a ride


I couldn't help but take 50 pictures. What a gorgeous evening! Not to mention Atticus' first ever solo ride.


T telling Sue one of his tales :)


And Walt!

Atticus caught the rooster...


then T caught the rooster

Cookouts were one of the many highlights down by the river...look at that juicy burger :)


T had his first solo ride as well! First 2-wheel ride!

Getting the fire going

Don't forget the smores

And sparkling lake time! What a water-bug.

Fishing with Dad


Some slow Floating


Look at those mountains

So Summer Begins

2010-06-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Wow...it's almost July! Where does time go. It has been a while since we posted an update, so I apologize. We are all adapting to our new situation very well. Our new little abode in Wilsonville is quaint and adequate. We love having daily access to a swimming pool, park fountains, library, some play with the camera, and use of our bicycles! We run out of time everyday not accomplishing everything we set out to do.

Boys at swimming pool
Today is actually the first in about 10 days where we only have late afternoon appointments so we (at least I am) are going to stretch out on the couch and relax! It helps that our sunny weather turned into 62 degrees and overcast. At least I won't have to fight the weather to keep the boys kind of subdued!

T and Ak on our Mother's Day Hike

We have spent a fun day with Hannah and Noah at the park! Hannah is going to be 1 next month! The boys adore spending time with them and it is fun to see them all growing together!

Noah and T

Hannah bananna

We hope to get more time at the beach this summer as well. I have secretly discovered that loads and loads of sand make for a excellent babysitter! We aren't into building elaborate sand castles yet but filling sand buckets and finding seashells are extremely fun.

So for the rest of the summer we have family picnics, vacation to the cabin, maybe a camping/crabbing trip to the beach, wedding, spending time with the family, and more fun in the sun!

My sister Amanda and I at the beach

I hope that where ever you are, you are enjoying your summer as much as we are. See you all very soon.

Love Monique, Atticus and Tennyson

Spring has Sprung

2010-04-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

Where did March go? We had some sunny days and some not so sunny days! Happy Easter!

Inside Easter Egg Hunt!

Eggs :)

Sandbox fun

Day with T-bug and the Max!

33 Things to Ponder as I Gain Another Grey Hair and Another Year

2010-01-28T19:36:00.000-08:00

On my 33rd birthday, I thought I would enlighten you on the things that I have pondered recently as I light another candle on the cake!

I was born to teach.
I have learned a lot from 8 year olds, like cheese doesn't go well on Cheerios (maybe that was from the 4 year old-I don't remember).
Thank goodnes ballot measures 66 & 67 passed!
The best thing I have ever done was have my 2 sons!
Yeah...that rhymes ;)
They will be great human beings!
I wish I could do more for people of Haiti. Money just doesn't seem like enough anymore.
It is truly a gift to be born American, even though I don't always like to admit it.
Politics STINK

I am a hopeless romantic...it gets me into trouble sometimes!
Why do I reread a book 2 or 3 times before I move on to the next?
Could I travel to the 18th Century and handle it?
I could if I was guaranteed to meet my own James Fraser!
God will not give me more than I can handle...I hope;)
There is always a reason. It may not be what I want, but it is what is.
Tent camping with my family, might just be my favorite summer vacation!
I can be technologically savvy.
I love long island iced teas
Should I run a half-marathon this year?
I will travel to Scotland before I turn 40 ("hint hint-Amanda")
Friendship truly is a gift.
So are sisters.
Hmm...what would I do differently if I were 20 again?
I drink an ice cold Coke at 3p.m. everyday.
Gravity really does bite!
They aren't wrinkles, they are laugh lines I tell ya!
I hate house work, especially laundry
Laughter really is the best medicine...so cliche, but so true!
Am I smarter at 33?
I can't believe it is 2010. I always thought it was way too far away to think about.
Where does time really go?
What will the year bring?

Mostly, I think, WOW...I really am another year older! What an Amazning Woman!

Thank you for playing a part in my 33 years of life.

A New School Year

2009-09-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

So September has come again. We all had a great first week of back to school. Atticus is so exceptionally well adjusted. All my fears of enrolling him in the 3rd school in 2 years did not matter to him. He was so excited that his new school is a dual immersion school and he will get to learn spanish. I am very excited for him. Having the awesome experience of being at the same school as he is made me see the amazing growth my first born has made. I can't beleive he is almost 8 and in the second grade. Where does time go? He has been quick to make new friends (not that I am surprised).

Some very excited and ready for school faces!

I was very grateful that Matt could walk them to school on his first day. Tennyson isn't going to go to school this year, but he is very proud of his "pick up his brother" responsibility and takes it very serious. When we ask him at dinner what his favorite part of the day is, he most often replies "picking up Atticus".

As you know I started a new year in a new school and a new grade. I enjoyed getting to know all of my 4 students. I have the largest of 4 2nd grade classes. I am excited to be working with my cooperating teacher, of 2 years ago when I was student teaching, again. My commute is much shorter and the school day hours are better and allow me to be home earlier. I do really miss all the friends I made in Canby. It is nice to know they are just a jump over the Willamette River.

I hope your September is off to a great start. I am thinking of all of you as Summer winds down and Fall begins. I will keep you posted.

All our love,

M, M, A, and T

Family Reunion

2009-08-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

It is nearing the end of August and time for one more hoopla at Wallowa Lake. We went to the lake for a long weekend where we would meet up with many (not all:( ) of the Biamont/Cooper clan. I believe there were over 50 of us all. It was wonderful to see my Grandma smile at the love of family all around her. She is what connects us all. It was amazing to look at pictures of the family over many years. Thank you Grandma for putting those photo albums together. They are now an archive for our family. I of course forgot my camera to the picnic, but I did manage to snap some photos of my cousins and their families at our spaghetti feast!

We all wore ranch hats around the fire and Matt told stories about the history of the ranch and his grandparents!

I am not sure if Papa ever wore this one, but Matt pulled off! :) It was a bit chilly, but I almost preferred it that way. It felt like fall already! It was a nice change from the heat.

Amanda, Micah, and Andy pulled off the crazy look. Amanda chose the Minnie Pearl hat. We just needed a price tag hanging from it! I love the flower Andy, it is your color :)

I am not sure if Matt's stories are 100% accurate, but as someone said, he sure can make up a good one!

We had some good sister time too! Thanks for hanging out, Sis! I have had such a great time this summer living so close to Amanda and Micah. I feel very blessed.

Atticus and Tennyson would make their Great Grandfather proud in these hats. Each one of them looks like him in their own way! Andy is pulling off the german look! As you can see Atticus is ecstatic about me taking more pics!

Cool as a cucumber! It's a Stetson commercial. If you could only smell him!

I think he is a regular little John Wayne!

My Grandpa would have been very proud of his family. His legacy will live on for many years! I appreciate so much my extended family for making this weekend important and traveling from many different places to meet. I hope that we continue to make a weekend like this a priority! As each generation passes on, it is so important for us to stay connected so that story of us doesn't get lost. Thank you everyone for sharing stories, pictures, and memories! It was such a great weekend.

Now it is time to get back into the school groove! Yikes, how time flies! I am very grateful for a job, but it does require a lot of the new teacher tasks and trainings! Calgon...take me away!

July was jumpin'

2009-08-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, July came and went it seems. Where does the time go? It started by trying to survive the heat wave with lots and lots of water. We had sprinkler fun with Grandma, Uncle Micah, and Noah...

Noah is the bravest!

Who goes in the sprinkler fully clothed? Oh yeah, my mom!

Sprinkler hair! Nice tan lines (hee hee)

Then we decided to go out to Aunt Jessie's and play in the pool with Noah and Penelope (she is the extra large horse....I mean dog in the pool)! It was so hilarious to watch her chase splashing water. She would make splash with her foot and then try and bite it. It was so funny. The boys got in with her and she would chase them in circles nipping at their rears.

"Yum Yum...you taste good!"

"Just checkin if you are alright"

Just horsin around!

The mercury rose above 98 degrees it was time to find water for me. I am such a wimp for heat. I am definitely an 80's girl. We found a perfect spot on the Columbia river where we swam and played in the sand. Sauvie Island is a great place to beat the heat.

Grandpa and Andy make great camels!

The score was T-3 Atticus-2.

T loved laying in the warm sand!

On the hottest day of the year this far, July 29th, little Hannah Grace Barnum was born at 8lbs 11oz. We got to keep Noah for the day!

Proud Daddy and Grandma Marlene

Can't you tell Noah is extatic about being at the hospital welcoming his new sister?

The 30th ended the month with a very bright spot. Mr. Aidan turned 8 and we decided to drive to the Tri-Cities on the 31st to help him celebrate. Atticus and Aidan are like old souls. It took very little time for them to get reaccquainted and be the best of buds. T discovered that Nadia was pretty stinkin cool too! I couldn't seperate them the entire time. I hope they can be life long friends too. It is so amazing to see a new friendships budding. Aidan and Atticus talked about being college roommates at WSU like their beautiful Mothers (if I don't say so myself, tee hee). Let's keep our fingers crossed Mel!

Best Buddies!...Future cougs!

See they were really attached at the hips. Poor Nadia. She was such a great hostess with the mostest! Thanks Nadia.

These are the looks I got when it was time to go. Talk about break your heart. Atticus would like to go live there now.

Now August is here and we are beginning to think about school and how neither one of us (Atticus or I) have read very much...oops! We have a family reunion to look forward to as well as this August marks 16 years of life together for my sweetie and I! That is half of my life for those of who don't remember how long ago that was :)

So until next time, we wish you all a wonderful rest of the summer! Keep in touch.

Love,

M, M, A, and T

Summer fun!

2009-07-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

So summer comes, and I completely fall apart! Sorry for not updating this a long time ago. We have all had so much fun already this summer. It started out with 18 hours of driving all the way to Vista, California to visit some of our favorite peole and see some of our favorite places. Thank you Dan and Lynn for welcoming us into your beautiful home. As Atticus said, "you have the perfect life...a cat, a dog, and a pool!

We also enjoyed seeing Shamu at Sea word...

and building some cool lego cars at legoland (thank you Aunt Lynn for the suggestion!)

Waiting for the Shamu show!

(The DUNE BUGGY)
James... you are the most talked about cousin we have! Thank you for everything this summer. We look forward to the next time we are all together. The boys adore you ;)

Next it was off to the lake (Wallowa Lake) for some fun in the sun, fireworks, and a ranch wedding! We spent 8 days in Allison's lake home! It was absolute bliss. The firework show was one of the best I have ever seen. The full moon was unbelievable as it rose over Mt. Howard...

this picture doesn't do it justice!

Dan was so cool to take us all out on the boat to waterski several times over the week...

I liked this pic...I am getting better (at photography that is)

what a stud-he later got up on only one ski!

Cheese ball!

We hiked to 'Slick Rock'...

We ended the week with beautiful ranch wedding. Ally (cousin) married Daniel in a meadow under Mt. Joseph overlooking the valley. What a perfect place. It was a bit to walk in heels, but wow what a party. It all was amazing and fun!

That pretty much catches us up. Now we are home doing swim lessons, soccer camp, and many other park tours! I hope all of you are enjoying your summer!

They call it sunshine!

2009-05-17T18:59:00.001-07:00

It's back! The sunshine made it back from the dark and wet place. What a weekend here in Portland. Today is the second 80+ day in a row, with a chance of 5 more 70+ days! Woo Hoo!

The skinny, pale brothers are enjoying a little vitamin D!

Both boys thought it was cold..."BRR"

Tennyson enjoyed it a little longer!

Today is one of those days I sit and think about all the things I am so grateful for. My family first and foremost. My children surprise me every day with their intelligence, humor and love. I admire both boys so much for all the things they have taught me.

My Atticus who is a wise old soul teaches me about patience and knowlege. He takes time to stop and smell the roses. I appreciate that about him so much. He makes me a better mom because of his inquiry. The other day riding in the car, he got so excited in the back seat and said "Mom, look I have nature on my arm", pointing to a tiny little moth perched on his wrist. He is truly the only 7 year old I know who prefers to get up before the sun each day and watch the discovery channel. He is my little scientist.

Atticus and I at his first grade "Mother's Day Tea"

Then there is my little Tennyson. He is so full of energy and tenacity. He wakes up in the morning bright blue-eyed and very bushy tailed. He greets me with a "good moning momma" missing the "rr" sound. I can't wait to look into his bright blue eyes and ask him how he slept. He wakes up every day ready to take on what ever comes his way. No matter how many times he falls down, he always gets back up and puts a smile on his face. His knees may be completely black and blue, but it does not slow him down the slightest. He makes me stronger! I am so blessed to have two beautiful and completely different boys!

Then there is my sister, Amanda. I love her so much! She is so amazingly smart, beautiful and strong. I never imagined having such a wonderful relationship with her. She teaches me to stay positive and roll with the punches. I am so lucky to live only 1.6 miles from her. It is literally running distance away!

Today is a day when I think about all the gifts in my life. My family (both here and in memory), friends, and the sunshine. Thank you to all of you who have helped shape my life! I am truly grateful! Have a great week everyone!

Monique

Lego fun

2009-05-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Building lego structures is now in our top 5 favorite things to do. Last Sunday the boys decided to sort and seperate all the thousands of legos we own. We have 3 huge boxes, so you can imagine the task was quite large.

There were boxes for the red ones, orange ones, blue, etc. There was even a specialty piece box for all the wheels, and fancy connector pieces.

Then they decided on what they would build. You probably guessed it knowing Atticus, but they built a crabbing boat equipped with a mobile crane, multiple crab pots and even holding tanks in the ship's hull. He really thought of everything. Good thing Matt enjoys legos. I would have lasted a total of 20 minutes.

Pretty Proud

T was in charge of the crane!

They call her the "Northwestern II"

Very proud Captain and Deck Boss (can you guess who is who?)

Education Disaster is My Misfortune

2009-05-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

As you know, school districts all over the nation, particularly in Oregon, are facing a significant loss of state funding. With the ongoing decline of state revenues, K-12 school districts are facing even greater reductions than predicted. I knew that the situation was doom and gloom, but the eternal positivity I had, led me to think I would be spared. I was very wrong. Yesterday I received notice that I would be laid off after this school year. This of course is devastating to me as I feel I have found my purpose and passion. We also made the very personal decision to enroll Atticus in school in Canby as we could have only assumed I would spend many years teaching at Knight Elementary in Canby.

Although these are going to be difficult days, and this layoff is extremely frightening and worrisome, I know that there is hope. There is a slight chance I will be recalled. If not I know that when the economy is back on it's feet, there will be a position for me somewhere. So for now we will take each day as it comes. I appreciate all the support and well wishes! Knowing that I have friends and family like you, makes this horrible situation bearable!

I am looking forward to a summer with the family. It will be great to be home with the boys. If I don't have a teaching job by August, then I will substitute next year hoping that I will be able to supplement the income I will be missing. I hope that perhaps we will get to see each and everyone of you this summer with all the festivities we have planned (wedding, reunion, vacation)! See you then!

Love, Monique

These are some pretty fantastic first graders!

Spring is here!

2009-04-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

Found One!

Had to add these. I told them to look up so I could see their faces and the little ones both looked up:) How funny!

Some were harder than others...

Can't fool me...

"Can I pick it up"

Spring is officially here now that Easter has come and gone. Thank you so much to my wonderful sister Amanda for once again providing a perfect holiday feast. The bunny cake was as yummy as it was pretty to look at. The boys had so much fun hunting for eggs and all the regular festivities that have become tradition. It was so great seeing Noah get into the hunt this year. Those giant blue eyes are to die for! It is so fun to watch the boys get to play and do things together as cousins. That is completely wierd to say. We (the three of us) have always been the cousins. Next year we will have another cousin, Hannah or Wyatt? Happy Easter...Happy Spring!

Meeting the newest Japanese, French, Canadian ADORABLE member of our family

2009-04-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

Sophia Yuki born January 7, 2009

We were so excited to have been surprised by Stephane and Naoko this weekend and their new bundle of joy. Sophia Yuki is just over 3 months old and incredibly beautiful. She has big dark beautiful eyes and inquisitively expressive eyebrows. She is a perfect blend of her beautiful Japanese mother and incredibly intelligent French Canadian father! We were sad to learn that they will be going back to Ottawa in June. It is incredibly important to live somewhere we feel safe and really enjoy so it easy to understand! Maybe we can get to Ottawa now! We will miss you all when you go! Yeah for Skype.

"Going on a bear hunt"

2009-03-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Elephant Car Wash

Going on a camel ride?

For spring break this year we decided to go somewhere instead of doing the local thing. It has been a while since we have taken a little family trip so it was about time. We decided to go down to Roseburg Oregon where there is a little sanctuary called Wildlife Safari which turned out to be quite amazing. As we entered the main gate I kept thinking I hope this is worth it! It definitely was. We got to encounter many different animals that I have never seen in a natural (Oregon) habitat without bars and fences. The White rhino was right on the road and was so completely amazing. I had never seen one before! Wow. The giraffe was just roaming free and actually passed our car with in arms reach of Atticus! The tiger was amazing. I never have looked into the eyes of the awesome cat. Beautiful is all I can say!

We all had a great time and quickly remembered how great it is to be together doing something we all enjoy (especially the zoologist of the group)!

Moved and Settled In!

2009-03-28T10:55:00.001-07:00

Well I got the blog up and running but have failed to maintain it...Sorry:(

We are now into our new little townhouse in Beaverton and are getting used to all the changes. Mainly no yard, but we have been working very hard to find some great parks and space to play. It is so nice that Amanda and Micah (sister and brother-in-law) are so close with a small yard. The boys absolutely love going over and playing wii or doing some gardening on the spot.

Spring break is here and we have had such a wonderful time together as a family. We started the week off by touring many of the Goodwill stores in our area looking for reading books. Atticus found the most treasure. He loves reading nonfiction books particularly about sharks and other ocean creatures (maybe a marine biologist on the way :). He amazes me everyday how much he is growing both physically and intellectually. Matt and I often sit and say wow, is that Atticus making those connections. It makes me feel so proud, but very old :)

Tennyson is also growing like a giant weed. He also amazes me with his amazing personality. I have never seen someone so jam packed with emotion, intelligence, and laughter all at the same time. He is such an amazing little boy and has truly given me a completely different experience as a mother. I love him so much for the challenge, love, and fun I am posed with every waking hour with him.

FYI: our new address (yes, yet another one)
17484 SW Chris St
Beaverton, OR 97007
Same phone numbers
Matt: 503-260-6553
Monique: 503-880-2417

Here it goes Mel.....

2009-02-07T21:09:00.000-08:00

Well I promised my amazing friend I would have this up and running by spring break. See what you do to me Melanie? You aren't even 100 miles away and I am here blogging!! You inspire me so much!! It was so great to see you and Tony... and the kids, wow! They are so completely incredible. I may not be good at this blogging thing, but if it gets me closer to you guys, I am going to try!

We are getting ready for yet another move. We are looking forward to purging some unneeded things and starting afresh:) I am so excited and overwhelmed with emotion to know Atticus will be going to school with me every day. I am going to be a school-mom again.

Tennyson is enjoying preschool so much. He is known as the "T-bug". Everytime he sees a T on a paper or in a word, he tells me that it is his name...T-Bug! I love the the 3's. I miss Atticus being 3! There is excitement and wonder if everything around us.

Yesterday was my Grandpa's birthday. I am so blessed to have loved and been loved by such an incredible man. I miss you and think of you everyday!

I promise to leave comments if you do!

Monique