I like Spring (although not as much as Autumn). Spring means warmer weather is coming. Warm weather means carpi's and sandals, which means shaving my legs and pedicures. Spring brings beautiful blooms and the smell of fresh cut grass, which means my allergies perk up. Allergies mess up my sleep and make me wish I had stock in Kleenex. But still, I like Spring.
Spring is that wet stepping stone into Summer, which is why I like Spring. Although I wish Summer was longer here in Oregon, I still enjoy the few short months of long days and warm nights. I enjoy the kids home for summer vacation, hosting BBQs for friends, visits to the coast, and yes, even yard work.
I've learned to enjoy yard work because I try to keep on top of the "work" part of it so that I can enjoy the beauty of my yard. Each year we add a little something new to our yard. Last year it was Heather, Heavenly Bamboo, and some Rosemary. This year we plan to add more Heather because it's pretty and adds color even in the Autumn and Winter.
Which brings me to my favorite season (and my least favorite season). Autumn means cozy fires and time with family. It means the kids go back to school (yeah!) and the holidays are coming. But the colors of the foliage is the real reason Autumn is my favorite season.
Of course Winter has to follow Autumn. And who really looks forward to cold, dreary days? It rains all day, unless there's a day or two of snow or ice, and everything in my yard is bare. Which reminds me of a funny little joke:
God was over heard talking to St. Francis:
God: "Frank, you know all about gardens & nature. What in the world is going on down there with those humans? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect, no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracted butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rectangles."
St. Francis: "It's the tribe that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers 'weeds' and went to great extent to kill them and replace them with grass."
God: "Grass? But it's so boring. It's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?"
St. Francis: "Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn."
God: "The Suburbanites must be happy that the spring rains and cool weather make grass grow really fast."
St. Francis: "Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it, sometimes twice a week."
God: "They cut it? Do they then bail it like hay?"
St. Francis: "Not exactly Lord. Most of them rake it up & put it in bags."
God: "They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?"
St. Francis: "No sir. Just the opposite. They pay to throw it away."
God: "Now let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow. And when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?"
St. Francis: "Yes, sir."
God: "These Suburbanites must be relieved when we slow down the growth of plants. That surely saves them a lot of work."
St. Francis: "You aren't going to believe this Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it."
God: "What nonsense! At least they kept the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. It's a natural circle of life."
St. Francis: "You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and have them hauled away."
God: "No! What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and keep the soil moist and loose?"
St. Francis: "After throwing away your leaves, they go out and buy something they call mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves."
God: "And where do they get this mulch?"
St. Francis: "They cut down trees and grind them up."
God: "Enough! I don't want to think about this anymore. Saint Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?
St. Catherine: "Dumb and Dumber, Lord. It's a real stupid movie about..."
God: "Never mind I think I just heard the whole story."
Anyway, Happy Springtime! (Live)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year ~ 2008
'Tis the season for resolutions...if you make them.
First, I must take a look back at 2007. What a year. I'm glad it's over. So much happened last year that I know I won't be able to recall it all right now...but here goes...
It all started with a stomach ache that turned into a trip to the hospital on the morning of December 31, 2006 (New Year's Eve last year). After several miserable hours in the ER, I came back home with meds and canceled our New Year's Eve Party. A week later, I went back to the ER and they finally made the correct diagnosis...surgery to remove my gall bladder Whew! That was only January!
In February I turned 40! Enough said.
(Oh, I also moved Real Estate Companies in February. After several months of looking for a new broker, I went with the most progressive/cutting edge company around, Prudential Northwest Properties.)
Everyone already knows that the RE market went soft last year, but even though work was sparse, I met and helped several great people find wonderful homes. (Here's my plug...I always appreciate your referrals, so send someone my way!)
On with the year.
Brian started a new job/career. Our new church (where we've met lots of new friends)
celebrated it's One Year Anniversary. Our twin daughters turned 16 and got their driver's licenses. And our son turned 13, which made us parents of all teenagers.
Which brings us up to date...even though I'm sure I missed a few happenings.
It's 2008. A time for Resolutions, which I've never made. Maybe it's time to start.
I have several things I'd like to resolve to do or not to do. Here goes...
I want to eat healthier, drink more water & less pop, walk more and spend more time with friends. I want to pray and read my Bible more consistently, and spend more time developing the new friendships I have made with the women at my church. Finally, I want to work on my spending and budget.
What are your 2008 New Year's Resolutions? (Live)
First, I must take a look back at 2007. What a year. I'm glad it's over. So much happened last year that I know I won't be able to recall it all right now...but here goes...
It all started with a stomach ache that turned into a trip to the hospital on the morning of December 31, 2006 (New Year's Eve last year). After several miserable hours in the ER, I came back home with meds and canceled our New Year's Eve Party. A week later, I went back to the ER and they finally made the correct diagnosis...surgery to remove my gall bladder Whew! That was only January!
In February I turned 40! Enough said.
(Oh, I also moved Real Estate Companies in February. After several months of looking for a new broker, I went with the most progressive/cutting edge company around, Prudential Northwest Properties.)
Everyone already knows that the RE market went soft last year, but even though work was sparse, I met and helped several great people find wonderful homes. (Here's my plug...I always appreciate your referrals, so send someone my way!)
On with the year.
Brian started a new job/career. Our new church (where we've met lots of new friends)
celebrated it's One Year Anniversary. Our twin daughters turned 16 and got their driver's licenses. And our son turned 13, which made us parents of all teenagers.Which brings us up to date...even though I'm sure I missed a few happenings.
It's 2008. A time for Resolutions, which I've never made. Maybe it's time to start.
I have several things I'd like to resolve to do or not to do. Here goes...
I want to eat healthier, drink more water & less pop, walk more and spend more time with friends. I want to pray and read my Bible more consistently, and spend more time developing the new friendships I have made with the women at my church. Finally, I want to work on my spending and budget.
What are your 2008 New Year's Resolutions? (Live)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Nubbin
We got our Christmas tree on Saturday. The kids picked it out and named it "Nu
bbin" because of the new little nubs on it's branches. Brandon cut it down and we brought him home. He is a little on the small side, but still a wonderful addition to the family.
I readied the room and found the perfect place to put our little Nubbin. Last year our living room seemed crowded so I wanted to rearrange the furniture to give Nubbin plenty of room to stretch out his branches without feeling cramped. I even unloaded a book case and move it to the hallway.
The room was ready for Nubbin. Brian put him in the stand, which was almost too big for the trunk but means we will be watering him less. After bringing him inside and placing him in the designated place, we soon realized that Nubbin was a runt, a late bloomer (which might be why a tree has new growth in December), and much smaller that we originally thought.
As we contemplated how to decorate Nubbin, I thought about past Christmas trees we have decorated. The last few years we have had a "travel" tree with all of the ornaments we have collected during our travels. Then there was the "santa" tree and the "snowman" tree. We have so many ornaments! Last year I bought new boxes and organized all the ornaments. I even separated out all the kid's ornaments and made each of them an ornament box. How fun it will be when they someday decorate their own trees with all the ornaments that have been given to them during Christmases past.
This year we couldn't decide how to decorate our tree. Nubbin was too small to hold all the ornaments of any one theme, so we decided to do something new. We decided to make all our ornaments. Yep...we decided to get creative with the glue gun. (Even the boys are getting into it!) This will be a project that lasts until Christmas or until we tire of burning ourselves with the hot glue. We set up a crafting station in the garage on the ping pong table. It is nice to be able to leave all the pom poms, popsicle sticks and googly eyes out and ready for someone who gets the itch to create.
Nubbin isn't glamorous. He isn't perfect. But he holds the evidence of the time we are spending together as a family this holiday season. I believe this will be one of our most memorable Christmases...and we will surely get some good laughs for years to come as we reminisce about Nubbin. (Laugh)
bbin" because of the new little nubs on it's branches. Brandon cut it down and we brought him home. He is a little on the small side, but still a wonderful addition to the family.I readied the room and found the perfect place to put our little Nubbin. Last year our living room seemed crowded so I wanted to rearrange the furniture to give Nubbin plenty of room to stretch out his branches without feeling cramped. I even unloaded a book case and move it to the hallway.
The room was ready for Nubbin. Brian put him in the stand, which was almost too big for the trunk but means we will be watering him less. After bringing him inside and placing him in the designated place, we soon realized that Nubbin was a runt, a late bloomer (which might be why a tree has new growth in December), and much smaller that we originally thought.
As we contemplated how to decorate Nubbin, I thought about past Christmas trees we have decorated. The last few years we have had a "travel" tree with all of the ornaments we have collected during our travels. Then there was the "santa" tree and the "snowman" tree. We have so many ornaments! Last year I bought new boxes and organized all the ornaments. I even separated out all the kid's ornaments and made each of them an ornament box. How fun it will be when they someday decorate their own trees with all the ornaments that have been given to them during Christmases past.
This year we couldn't decide how to decorate our tree. Nubbin was too small to hold all the ornaments of any one theme, so we decided to do something new. We decided to make all our ornaments. Yep...we decided to get creative with the glue gun. (Even the boys are getting into it!) This will be a project that lasts until Christmas or until we tire of burning ourselves with the hot glue. We set up a crafting station in the garage on the ping pong table. It is nice to be able to leave all the pom poms, popsicle sticks and googly eyes out and ready for someone who gets the itch to create.Nubbin isn't glamorous. He isn't perfect. But he holds the evidence of the time we are spending together as a family this holiday season. I believe this will be one of our most memorable Christmases...and we will surely get some good laughs for years to come as we reminisce about Nubbin. (Laugh)
Friday, November 23, 2007
Black Friday
Thanks to my "friend" Michelle, my kids got the idea to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Thanks to their dad, my kids found out the outlet store opened at 12:01am.
So, at 11:15 on Thanksgiving night, we all piled into the car (with friends, Mark and Laurie) to experience the madness. It was crazy! We effortlessly took the back way into the outlet mall, but saw never- ending headlights on the freeway both directions. Passengers were getting out of their cars on the freeway, walking to the mall, and standing in parking spaces to save spots. The outlet was packed. Luckily, we didn't need anything bad enough to stand in the hour long lines.
After about an hour we headed back home. Cars were parked on the sides of the road almost a mile away. One truck we saw was a little too far in the ditch and one of his tires was actually off the ground. (I wished I could have stuck around to see how that turned out.) Neighbor, Kyndra, said she was one of those on the freeway waiting to get to the outlet for over 2 hours...madness!
A quick trip home and back into bed...for two hours. Yep, the kids wanted to go back out and hit the sales. So being the good mom that I am, blurry-eyed I drove them to 5 more stores. We were back home and in bed by 9:30am and slept until 3pm.
But it was all worth it. We saved at least forty bucks! Thanks Michelle! (Live)
So, at 11:15 on Thanksgiving night, we all piled into the car (with friends, Mark and Laurie) to experience the madness. It was crazy! We effortlessly took the back way into the outlet mall, but saw never- ending headlights on the freeway both directions. Passengers were getting out of their cars on the freeway, walking to the mall, and standing in parking spaces to save spots. The outlet was packed. Luckily, we didn't need anything bad enough to stand in the hour long lines.
After about an hour we headed back home. Cars were parked on the sides of the road almost a mile away. One truck we saw was a little too far in the ditch and one of his tires was actually off the ground. (I wished I could have stuck around to see how that turned out.) Neighbor, Kyndra, said she was one of those on the freeway waiting to get to the outlet for over 2 hours...madness!
A quick trip home and back into bed...for two hours. Yep, the kids wanted to go back out and hit the sales. So being the good mom that I am, blurry-eyed I drove them to 5 more stores. We were back home and in bed by 9:30am and slept until 3pm.
But it was all worth it. We saved at least forty bucks! Thanks Michelle! (Live)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Counting My Blessings
Today is Thanksgiving. My gut is stuffed, I've visited with family and friends. I've organized my Black Friday shopping list, and I've watched Christmas Vacation (a family tradition on Thanksgiving night to kick off the Season of Christmas). What better time than now to recall all the many things in my life that I thank God for. Since there are too many to write in one blog post, I will attempt to scratch the surface of all that He has blessed me with.
Above all, I am thankful that God has given me a Savior. I am thankful for His patience and forgiveness and unconditional love. And that He gave me Brian, my husband, who taught me what patience, forgiveness, and unconditional love means.
I'm thankful for...
And of course, I'm thankful for best friends and Thursday nights.
What are you thankful for? (Love)
Above all, I am thankful that God has given me a Savior. I am thankful for His patience and forgiveness and unconditional love. And that He gave me Brian, my husband, who taught me what patience, forgiveness, and unconditional love means.
I'm thankful for...
- My kids and their unconditional love...they teach me how to be a mom everyday
- My parents, for staying married through all the difficulties and challenges in their life
- Brian's mom, Penny, for teaching me to dote on my husband and kids
- Brian's dad, Larry, for teaching me to be encouraging and proud of my kids
- Larry's wife, Carolyn, for teaching my kids (and me) to be excited about and find adventure in everything
- My friends, for their laughter, love, acceptance, advice, shoulders, and so much more
- Leslie, for listening to my parenting advice (solicited or not)
- Michelle, for being a role model and older Christian influence/friend to my daughters
- Laurie, for being the big sister I never had
It seems to go on and on...I'm thankful that...
- I have a church family and a place to worship and learn more about God freely and openly
- My kids, husband, and I will live eternally together in Heaven. whoo hoo!
- My kids love to serve others
- I have a warm bed to sleep in at night and a warm hubby to put my cold feet on
- My daughters can drive themselves (and sometime their brother) to all their extra curricular activities
- I can pray for God's protection around my kids instead of worrying about them when they are driving to all their extra curricular activities
And I'm thankful for the little things too, like...
Good health, clean water, a warm shower, electronics, warm slippers, a cozy fire, coffee, Diet Pepsi, riesling, Italian food (esp pizza), Mexican food, and CHOCOLATE!
And of course, I'm thankful for best friends and Thursday nights.
What are you thankful for? (Love)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Embarrasing My Kids
I had the privilege of hanging out with my teenage daughters, Ashley and Nicole, this weekend at The Revolve Tour - http://revolvetour.com/ (a Christian conference for teen girls). 
Speakers talked to the girls about topics relative to their lives and bands rocked the house. LOUD NOISES!
My girls were very excited to see Hawk Nelson in concert, along with some other bands. One of those bands was KJ-52 ...Christian rappers! (I'll get to them in a minute.) Of course I had no idea who any of these bands were, except for Hawk Nelson who I've heard only because I'm a good mom and let my kids choose the radio station in the car...oh, and my daughter, Nicole, has a t-shirt that says "Hawk Nelson is my best friend"....which confused me and made me think Hawk was a guy not a band. Evs.
So back to KJ-52, the rappers. I had no idea what any of the words were in any of the songs that they sang. Not that I didn't know the vocab, my ears just could not make out any of the words they were singing. So they taught some rapper moves, which I tried. I was trying to be a "good" mom and pretend that the music wasn't too loud...because if it's too loud, you're too old...so, I'm cool and I learned the moves, all the while they snickered at me. So far they were not too embarrassed. Afterall, we were in a suite at the Rose Garden and there were only three other's there besides us and Michelle (who gave us the tickets..thanks Michelle).
Okay, so the weekend went well. I got to spend time with my girls (and my friend). They got to hear some great advise from the speakers, hear/see some "great" bands, and even get autographs from all four of the guys in Hawk Nelson. (Even though I may have been the oldest one in the room, I too got a photo autographed for my son, Brandon...how cool am I?)
Sunday comes and I'm hanging out with some college students at church (okay, not really hanging out, just standing near them) when I tell them about the cool new moves I learned from KJ-52 (I was name-dropping), and then I demonstrate the moves...and from across the room I feel waves of embarrassment. I look over and sure enough, my daughters are watching me, no, more like glaring at me. They don't think I'm cool. They think I'm old. And I don't really know how to do the moves. And I should never do that again...especially in front of them. And if they could make me disappear, they would. Now, they didn't have to say a word. It was the looks on their faces that revealed their thoughts. I smiled and waved at them, content in the fact that they were sufficiently embarrassed.
Hand Hugs! (Laugh)
Speakers talked to the girls about topics relative to their lives and bands rocked the house. LOUD NOISES!My girls were very excited to see Hawk Nelson in concert, along with some other bands. One of those bands was KJ-52 ...Christian rappers! (I'll get to them in a minute.) Of course I had no idea who any of these bands were, except for Hawk Nelson who I've heard only because I'm a good mom and let my kids choose the radio station in the car...oh, and my daughter, Nicole, has a t-shirt that says "Hawk Nelson is my best friend"....which confused me and made me think Hawk was a guy not a band. Evs.
So back to KJ-52, the rappers. I had no idea what any of the words were in any of the songs that they sang. Not that I didn't know the vocab, my ears just could not make out any of the words they were singing. So they taught some rapper moves, which I tried. I was trying to be a "good" mom and pretend that the music wasn't too loud...because if it's too loud, you're too old...so, I'm cool and I learned the moves, all the while they snickered at me. So far they were not too embarrassed. Afterall, we were in a suite at the Rose Garden and there were only three other's there besides us and Michelle (who gave us the tickets..thanks Michelle).
Okay, so the weekend went well. I got to spend time with my girls (and my friend). They got to hear some great advise from the speakers, hear/see some "great" bands, and even get autographs from all four of the guys in Hawk Nelson. (Even though I may have been the oldest one in the room, I too got a photo autographed for my son, Brandon...how cool am I?)
Sunday comes and I'm hanging out with some college students at church (okay, not really hanging out, just standing near them) when I tell them about the cool new moves I learned from KJ-52 (I was name-dropping), and then I demonstrate the moves...and from across the room I feel waves of embarrassment. I look over and sure enough, my daughters are watching me, no, more like glaring at me. They don't think I'm cool. They think I'm old. And I don't really know how to do the moves. And I should never do that again...especially in front of them. And if they could make me disappear, they would. Now, they didn't have to say a word. It was the looks on their faces that revealed their thoughts. I smiled and waved at them, content in the fact that they were sufficiently embarrassed.
Hand Hugs! (Laugh)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
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