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This was a kid I lugged around on my hip—I was 16 when Zach was born, so I thought of him as my baby too.  He was the cutest, cutest little boy, soft blond curls and a devilish smile.  At age 5 he’d perfected the Zackie Special–a rice cake with a slice of cheese, toasted to sheer perfection–and he was always happy to make one for you.  The first time he met Philip, (Zach was maybe four) his first comment was “Nice khaki shorts”  – I’m not sure Philip even knew khaki was a color, to him they were likely tan shorts… but hey, it felt good to be complimented : )

Well, little Zackie has grown up, WAAAAY up to nearly 6′3,  graduated from UW, and has perfected many more culinary masterpieces. He’s no longer that sweet little boy, now he’s a sweet young man. A sweet man who has met a very sweet woman.  And in June they will become a sweet family with her son Keevan.  That’s a lot of sweetness.  I am so proud of him.  I think I need to make a Zackie special for lunch…

I have met some of the sweetest people in my career. Take the McCann family–not only are they all completely adorable, but they are mega smilers. I like smiling, in fact along with Buddy the Elf, it’s my favorite. You simply feel good when you smile, am I right or what?
It’s a very subtle, but powerful statement having your family photo on the wall. Something you see every single day…who you are connected to, who has your back and who will love you just because. It’s so important to reinforce that, every single day. Because frankly, our days here, together as a family, are limited. We need to treat them as treasured time. Starting right now. Sending hugs and hallahs out… Make this a year to count. Cortney

20 years ago today, Philip, Austin and I gathered in front of a cozy fire in our home in the south Capitol neighborhood. Snow had been falling most of the day, and a glowing, silent landscape had emerged. My sister Melissa and Philip’s good friend Scott stood as witnesses for us, as we fumbled our way through a ceremony. The snow had prevented the officiant from making it to our home, and so we were on our own. We smiled, laughed and raised our champagne glasses, toasting one another. We then headed out into the still evening for a walk through the wintery scene, our first walk as a “married” couple and family. We began our relationship as friends, and it soon blossomed into something more, and before we knew it, we were young parents full of hope and feeling we could conquer the world. And so, 20 years later, we still feel like those young parents, full of hope. Only now it is tempered by the sweet contentment of the many memories we have shared, but still full of hope for many more to come. I am so grateful to have a partner who is not only my friend, but who is truly my biggest fan and supporter. I love you Philip, and I love the life we have created together. Happy Anniversary…

Thanksgiving Day started off with a light breakfast of buttermilk, pumpkin and pecan waffles, mango/orange juice and REAL maple syrup. Emmett assisted in the preparation of roasted brussel sprouts and candied yams/sweet potatoes. We headed over to Grampa & Nana Kelleys for a lunch at 1:00. We chose to forego dessert since dinner (Thanksgiving Dinner #2) was just a few hours later… Heading back to West Oly, we gathered at Grampa and Gramma Greens for another wonderful meal. Thanks to Megan for the wonderful bacon wrapped dates. Dad made both a turkey and ham… it’s just too difficult to choose, plus he was feeding a small army!  The evening wound down with satiated boys, snuggled on the couch, the blue light of their gameboys illuminating glazed eyes. I love Thanksgiving–the gathering of family and friends without all the over-hyped commercialism of Christmas… Today, I think I will just eat a banana…