The Ketchum - Williamson Family!

Mariner's Game 2010

2010-09-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

Uncle Richard, Aunt Terrie, Darryle and me at the game

Darryle and I at the Mariner's game last weekend

Our Camping Trip -- Lake Easton July 2010

2010-08-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

2009-01-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

Look - I think that the boys in the family are both as crazy as each other! How does that saying go....." Look mom... No Hands?" As you can see we all had a great time and really enjoyed the snow... We like to drive to the mountains to get it... and hope that it stays there... lol When we got home... it was snowing at home to... :(I hope that it rains tomorrow!!!) I love the snow angels the kids made -- had to take the picture -- it also shows slightly how deep it was...

Some mountain snow fun!!!

2009-01-04T20:26:00.000-08:00

We had a great time playing in the snow... look at how silly we are in these few posts! The snow was deep! They had groomed the sledding hill, but we only could get down the hill on the left side... All of the effort to get to the right side... no such luck! We had lots of fun!

Our new tent trailer

2009-01-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

We are very excited about our new tent trailer - (July 08) We were able to use this three times this year and are excited for the many camping adventure that we have planned this coming summer of '09!!!

Hannah's Baptism

2009-01-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

Here is Hannah before she was baptised - She was so excited for this day!

Here is Hannah with myself and her dad Chris.

Here is Grandpa Tame with Hannah and her dad, Chris.

Here are some more pictures from her baptism.

Left: Grandpa and Grandma Mcginnis with Austin & Hannah with Hannah. Right: Grandma and Grandpa Downing with Hannah.

Left: Uncle Bob and Aun Karen with Hannah Right: Hannah at dinner with her friend Hannah and Step mom Rosina.

OUR TREE

2008-12-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

2008-12-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pics of Christmas morning--

Here is Austin -- just chillin

Here is Austin with his new Ipod that Santa sent

Here is Hannah with her new Ipod and a little helper.....

Here is Austin and me snuggling!

Hannah and Austin Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T19:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the kids on Christmas morning! Aren't they so cute!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMIL TO YOURS........

Hi All - I know that I am not the best at this blogging thing and even worse about keeping this up to date - but I try and I guess that is what counts... : ) Here are some pictures that I wanted to share with you all from our Christmas morning. It was a great blessing to have me dad in town from Denver, CO this year.

This picture is right after the kids woke up - Hannah is dead tired still...

Hannah's Christmas Concert 2008

2008-12-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Hanah and Mom at her School Holiday Concert -- I hope you enjoy!!

Here is Hannah and her friend Leah!

Here are a couple of Hannah in action at her concert...
I hope that you have enjoyed ....

AUSTIN

2008-12-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a current picture of Austin. He is growing like a weed and I can not believe that he is already 11. He is very active and is a sweetheart!

HANNAH

2008-12-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

This is a current picture of Hannah. She is growing up so fast! This picture was just taken the end of November. I love her dimples!!!

Hannah's Cheer 2008

2008-10-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Hannah is cheering for the Lake Stevens Huskies Team. She is loving it and has tons of fun while cheering... Here are a few pics that I have taken this year.

This is one of my favorites!!

The Squad getting ready for the players to return from half-time. Hannah is the one that has her hand on her head.

Silly Girl --

The girls having a fun time --

Vegas

2008-10-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

GIRLS VEGAS TRIP

Hi all - Sorry for the long time with out a post. I will have more to come when I am at home so then I can add the kids - We are running around busy busy with Austin's football and Hannah's cheerleading - through all of this caos, I was able to have a long weekend with my sister-in-laws, mother-in-law, a few of Darryle's aunts and a couple for girlfriends. We went to Vegas. We had a great time. The weather was hot, but great, considering we left right as it started to rain (beautiful Seatle weather) Here are a few pics from the trip... to the above is a picture of the poor man that is taking all of our luggage to the limo that the 9 of us rode in.

Here is the picture - minus Melissa at the Excaliber where we stayed... Melissa was already checking in and missed the picture. From left to right - Bobbie, Darryle's Mom, A friend of Darryle's aunts, Shannon - a friend of the family, me, Terri - Darryle's Aunt, Carol - Darryle's Older Sister, Lissa - Darryle's Aunt, sitting - Mary - A friend of the family.

When we got to our room the safe in the room would not work correctly so we called the service man to help us... and had to have a picture with him and all of us youngsters...

This was our last night there... We were at the Paris here... It was a fun time with the girls... can not wait to go back with Darryle and be able to see even more... It was a great three days.

Below are just a few of the pics I took while there...

PARIS...

BELLAGIO...

New York - New York!

EXCALIBER - OUR HOTEL

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo for the Annual Mom and Me @ the Zoo. Here are a few pics from the event... I was not very well, but was happy to be there with the kids.. Austin and Hannah were dying to become a "spider" for a moment....they are funny spiders...I love the sayings under them!

After the zoo, since we were in Seattle and it was Mother's Day weekend, we also stopped by my Grandma Tame's Grave. I should have gotten some flowers - but hind site is 20/20. Here is a picture of the kids by the grave site.

It is important that the kids know where their grandparents as they were not here to meet them in person, however I can only think the fun that they were having with Grandma and Grandpa before they came to our family. :)

Tulip Festival 2008 - Mt. Vernon, WA

2008-05-22T20:11:00.001-07:00

Here is one of my favorite pics of the kids --recently during the Tulip Festival in Mt.Vernon, WA. It was COLD for April - but at least it was not raining... We had a good time and that is what matters!

Here is a picture of me and Hannah. This picture is at Rosengarden Tulip Fields.

Here is a picture of the boys - Darryle and Austin tip-toeing through the tulips... This is at Tulip Town USA Fields. The weather had been so cold that the tulips had not quite opened and we went the second week of the festival... Where is Spring???

Long time no update...

2008-05-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hi All - It has been a while since I have updated my blog, and I thought that it would be a good time to do so. I feel as though I get older the time just never stops and the next thing you know, a year or more had passed. We get so caught up in our daily routines that we forget to stop and smell the flowers! I hope that those who are stopping by are doing well, feeling happy and enjoying life with those they love. I am so thankful for my friends and family! I look back over the years and realize how many things I have taken for granted and wish I had not. As I look ahead in my life I find that the smallest things mean the most! I love the time that I get to spend with Darryle and the kids! I am so lucky to have the best man in the world as my husband! We are such good friends and have so much fun together! I am so grateful for my chillins - Austin and Hannah - they are such a blessing and I am so thankful to have the experience being a mom~ especially to two outstanding, smart, Witty, ball of energy, and loving children that they are!

At this point in my life I am coming to the realization that there are so many small things that have been overlooked! The long car rides are so much fun - and not too expensive... other than GAS! Great company, loads of beautiful scenery - what a beautiful world we live in-, wonderful music, nice strolls on the beach, in the mountains, in the city, where ever... there are many small details in every place that we visit... be it the super market, the park, the beach, downtown, the mall... I am again just very thankful... for everything... but most importantly - my family: Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, in-laws, cousins, etc. I am a very lucky person.

I have recently started a new job with PREMERA, and interestingly ... Be it SAD... I am on the "older" realm these days and can see how others can be so hurtful, naive, unprofessional, and lack kouth. It has really opened my eyes to what I may have taken for granted and looked over many different times in my life - therefore the reason to reflect on my life today.

Hannah is going to be getting baptized here this coming August and we are going to go dress shopping so that she can be my little angel for that day and be BEAUTIFUL - although she already is.

Austin and Hannah are getting ready for Summer! Only a few more weeks of school and then they will be out. It is hard to believe that Austin is going to be in 5th grade this year and Hannah in 3rd. My babies are growing up WAY to fast! Tomorrow they will be graduated form High School - just like that! I am looking forward to all of the eventful journeys they will embark on throughout their teenage years... ( I say that now.... I may regret it later... )

Darryle is doing well - just working away. he loves what he does and is also very grateful for the position that has become available to him through his line of business.

The dogs are doing well, they are always so funny... that is one very good thing about a PUG... They do the silliest things!!!!

Well I hope all is well with you and your families! I will do my best to continue to update this blog ...more frequently than before.

Love to all,

Brittany

A Poem to Remember!

2007-11-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

SAND AND STONE

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT. DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD ANARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROMTHE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE:

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE ".

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM,

"AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"

THE FRIEND REPLIED "WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY. BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONEWHERE NO WINDCAN EVER ERASE IT."

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON, AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM, A DAY TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.

Volunteer with the American Cancer Soceity - I can so I WILL!

2007-11-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

I am going to work on getting more information about getting more involved with the Americal cancer society. I am going to see what they have available within my area to volunteer. I am also going to get more information about the Relay for Life! For more information within your area here is the web address: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

Positive thinking brightens the day!

2007-11-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day, however even good days can have a damper. Work was good. Training is going well. I will be happy when I can take what I have learned and put it to use. I spoke with my Biological father - Greg and he gave me the news today that he has stage 4 cancer. I can not tell you what the name of it is - since I do not remember the name because I did not write it down. When I find out - I will update and let you all know.

Greg's doctor told him today that he has anywhere from 8 months, to 2 years to live and that the type of cancer that he has is not heriditary (sp?) but from smoking for over 30 years. Greg quit smoking in June of 1998, however it is very possible that the damage was already done during the time that he was still smoking. He will start Radiation here within the next few weeks and then have chemo treatment after the radiation. He has two cancerous tumors on his brain, lungs, and kidney's and one tumor on his side and one on his liver. I will keep you posted on how things are progressing as I get more information.

Greg is in our prayers! This journey is not going to be easy - but we have been told time and time again that the many miracles happen every day! You never will know when it is your turn for the miracle this time! Our Heavenly Father knows who we are and how he can help us. We are his children - no matter what religion we are - Our Heavenly Father loves us all the same!

Greg - There are many of us cheering for your recovery - You are NOT alone!

I want to again let all of my Friends and Family know how thankful I am to have you all in my life!

You will never know when you will have the opportunity to touch a strangers life... even with a smile! Smile every day... You will be happier and brighten another's day with your "bright" smile!

Good Night All!

Brittany

Raising Boys!

2007-11-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

Raising Boys

I scrub the wall of fingerprints,
Pick up the mounds of clothes.
I sweep the dirt that shoes track in-
Wish I could use a hose!
Meals are served from dawn to dark,
Dirty dishes crowd the sink.
Just when they're washed and put away-
Everyone wants a drink!
The washer pulls the dirty grime
From pants worn thin and patched.
They look so very neat and clean-
Yuck, look what the pockets hatched!
Broken bones and bloody knees,
I should have been a nurse.
I take it all in shaky stride-
Just grateful it's not worse!
Screams and shouts and arguments
Test the keeping of my cool.
They left the neighbor's faucet on-
See their new front yard pool!
A soothing bath is ecstasy,
A reward at the end of my rope.
Raising boys isn't really bad-
But first I must wash the soap!
A rose can say I Love You,
Orchids can enthrall;
But a weed bouquet in a chubby fist,
Oh my, that says it all!

...Roberta I. Teague

Ashlyn's family!

2007-10-31T22:46:00.001-07:00

The Lewis Family

Left to Right: Trevor, Trenton, Ashlyn, (Front) Tanner and Karsten

Greatful for my family!

2007-10-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

As I am sitting here reading posts of family members, I think to myself how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family. I am very thankful for the relationship that I have with each of my siblings, my parents, my children, cusins, friends and my husband.

I am so thankful to have a husband that loves me and supports me in everything that I do. A husband that is my best friend and who is not afraid to talk things out when need be. I am thankful that our interests are similar and that family is very important to him.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have the blessing of a stable, good job and one that is close to home.

I am thankful for EVERY waking moment with my kids.... although I wish that those moments were more than they are... My kids are one of the most important things in my life... I love them with all of my heart and am very thankful that I have been chosen to be their mom. I thank heavenly father for the blessing of children!

I am thankful for the siblings that I have - how could I have had a more pleasurable childhood without them! I am thankful for the time that I have with them now that we are all grown up... and how rewarding it is to watch my siblings grow and build their families! I love being an AUNTIE! just wish I lived closer to the nephews (and someday a niece or two or more) so that I could spoil them ... and have a good time with them!

I am thankful for a mother who loves her family! I am thankful for the relationship that I have with her.

I am thankful for a mom that gave birth to me - Jo, One that cares about me but was not able to raise me, however has had the ability to rebuild the relationship later in life and become a great friend to me and my family. What a great attribute! -Thank you!

I am thankful for my dad... a great man and one who I adore! ( what daughter does not adore their daddy?)

There are many many other things that I am grateful for however I do not have enough time to type them all out.

To all of those who I have not had a moment to write about yet... please know that you are thought of and cared for and most importantly - thankful you are in my life!

As the days go by I will do my best to post entries as I can.

Bentley & Lilly

2007-10-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

Bentley and Lilly

This is Bentley, one of our beloved PUGS! Bentley is the first PUG that Darryle and I purchased. I must say that Bentley is the best behaved dog (most of the time) that I have ever owned. He is a big baby as you see below... He likes to be held like a baby. He is a cuddle bug. He loves attention!(like who doesn't like attention from mom and dad) He surely keeps us laughing and smiling from the silly things that he does - although I can not say that his partner in crime does not help that "silly disposition" at all... : ) Bentley will be 3 on June 10, 2008

This is Lilly, out little puppy, well not so much

although she has never quite grown out of the

puppy look... She is funny all day long. She has some spunk... she bunces off the walls most of the time... seriously! She will lick you over and over again.. and golly does she make you laugh. She will roll on her back and play with her toys all by herself. You gotta see it... it is too funny! Lilly will be 2 on November 13, 2007. We ended up getting Lilly so that Bentley would have a companion. We at times have regrets, but none large enough to want to send her to another home.... that would be unfair to Bentley. They are best of friends and play very well together. I love my PUGS and honestly think that they are one of the best pets to have! ( that may be slightly biast.. LOL)

Here is Bentley and Lilly at Cannon Beach with myself during my honeymoon in March 2007

Here is another pic of the pugs on our honeymoon after being on the beach! What great "rain" Jackets! Not sure where they will blend in with that PINK coat? But it was worth a try... and ohhh too cute to pass up! I love dressing them up... although D does not let me do that all so much.. : )

My New Hair Do!

2007-10-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

Here is my new hair-do! Just me being SILLY - as usual!

Brittany's Birthday Dinner @ Palasades

2007-10-18T17:44:00.001-07:00

This year Darryle and I went to Palisades in Seattle for my birthday dinner. The atmosphere was wonderful. We went to an early dinner and had some wonderful food! I can not wait to go back again. The view was great, the weather was perfect and my company was just splendid - my hubby! We had a very nice evening! I would highly recommend Palisades to those who want to have a romantic, and highly recommended menu!

First day of School

2007-10-18T17:29:00.001-07:00

Austin and Hannah here getting ready to leave for school. I feel very lucky to be able to be there to take my kids to school each year! Austin is in 4th grade this year and Hannah is in 2nd grade. Austin's teacher is Ms. Washo and Hannah's teacher is Mrs. Schaffler. They are very excited to begin the school year!

Downing Family Reunion

2007-10-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

This year we had a grand time at Mom's house for the Downing Family Reunion. The best was that all of my brothers and sisters were ALL there. It has been a very long time since we were all together at one time. We had great weather and Mom had a great agenda for the days that we were there. I hope to have another one next year too! Here are a few pictures of the reunion from July 2007

This is one of my favorites! Trenton is copying Trevor... It is sooo cute. What fun it was to be together as a family...

Here is Ashlyn and I "trying" to get this 1000 piece puzzle... and yes we were finally... we were sucessful.. and then it was rolled up and in 1000 pieces... again... on accident... LOL but we had a great time doing it! What a great family activity...

Camping Memorial Day 2007

2007-10-14T18:41:00.001-07:00

We went camping over the Memorial day weekend 2007 at Lake Wenatchee State Park. my dad was in town and came up to camp with us for a couple of days. We sure had a good time playing games, raosting marshmellows, and going hiking. Here are a few pictures of our adventure. We can not wait for the camping season to arrive again. What a glorious world we live in with nature that is so beautiful - and we have the ability to E-N-J-O-Y it. Camping allows all to have a good time... yes even in a tent.. we kinda cheat. When my dad say our bed... he said wow it is a tent hotel... this is because we have a queen cot with a blow up matress... it is very nice... I sure enjoy not sleeping on the ground anymore - but our family does love the outdoors! What fun memories we continue to make as a family. I feel very blessed to have the ability to provide this for my kids... and enjoy spending this precious time as a family!

On our hike I had the kids climb this tree. It was a lot of fun and we had a good hike!

Hannah's Cheer - Go Hawks!

2007-10-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Hannah decided this year that she wanted to support the local football association a tad differently than her parents. When looking for something for Hannah to be involved in this fall, we were able to locate the Lake Steven Cheer Association. Hannah was put on a brand new team that was established within the football association. The Lake Steven's Hawks. Her squad has 9 girls on it. As the season started they had the local cheer leaders from Lake Stevens High School, come and teach the girls some of the ceers that they do at the high school games. It is so much fun to be involved and watch these girls ages 5-10 learn new cheers, work together as a team and learn to complete the moves together. They have also learned that when you make a commitment to a team you stick with it and you support your team each week... The girls make posters for the football players to run through after Half time, and hand out a goody nad to the players the last practice before the games each week. As you can see from the pictures below Hannah is sure enjoying the events of the season!

Austin's Football Team - Lake Stevens Rams

2007-10-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Austinjust started playing football this year. He has had a great time with the team that he is on. He has been playing the line - and is learning the ropes of the game. It has been a fun time watching him learn how to play the game, be a team mate and be able to control his anger. This has been a real blessing for him. He is enjoying all of the practices and the games. It is amazing how time flies when you are raising kids! Here are some other added pictures of Austin playing football this season!