The Hunt

It all started with the "6" of us piled in the mini van all bundled up in search of the "perfect" Christmas tree. It was 33 degrees outside and very frosty!!! I thought that since we lived so close to the mountains that it wouldn't be hard to find a u-cut tree farm. Boy was I wrong.

I started the day before looking online for tree farms and found there to be a select few in our area. I took down the addresses and put them in my GPS system. Yes, I have a GPS in my van...when you live where we do, there is no other option. Needless to say, if we didn't have it we would have gotten lost!!!

So we went to the first of three. And what do you know...they are SOLD OUT. How can that be when it was only December 8th? So on to the next one. I am not sure the name of the second tree farm, but I will affectionately call it "The Charlie Brown Tree Farm". We didn't find a tree bigger than Sydney, nor were they full. At this point we have two tired ones and a cranky mom, so I decide to head out on my own at nap time.

I drive 30 minutes and came to a big farm that has a ton of trees and hot cider too. Now they weren't all big and full, but they had a better selection. As I am searching I call my mom threatening to buy a fake tree at Costco. (I may just do it Kelly!!) And right then I see it. The one. It may not be like the White House tree (pictured here) and it may need a little grooming at home, but it was the best one yet. It is now up and decorated to the best of my ability since my mom isn't here to help me. Gosh I liked having my mom so close.

Anyway, I have realized that there are nice trees here...but Oregon has the BEST Christmas trees in the world. So for all my Oregon friends....enjoy your tree, because next year I am coming down to get my tree!!!!

She did it again!!!

Well my friend Christine ran another marathon. Yes, she chose to run 26.2 miles in one day. This time it was the Seattle Marathon. As I was driving her into the city (at 7am) I kept looking at her and asking the same question over and over again..."Are you sure you want to do this again?" And every time she said "Absolutely". It was crazy to see people jogging to the starting line. I am not sure if they were warming up, or just crazy.

So I decided to go to the finish line 45 minutes ahead of when she was to cross the line. I watched people cross the line who either ran the marathon or walked. The walkers started 1 1/2 hours earlier. Some of the ladies that walked the marathon were so excited once they crossed. The tears of joy and accomplishment just poured out of them. So as I sit soaking up all the emotions...Christine stood in front of me saying, "Hello....I am done!!!" I couldn't believe it...she finished 13 minutes faster than her Portland time. I was shocked and mad too. I wasn't able to get the great pictures of her crossing the finish line...but I was able to snap a couple afterwards.

So congrats Christine on a great finish...being able to shed 13 minutes off a marathon time is HUGE!!! A job well done...I am proud of you!!!! No I still don't have the Marathon Bug!!!

Alittle Update

So it has been awhile since my last post. (sorry friends!!) So here are some pictures to sum up the last few weeks. We had Saturday's filled with Nicholas' 3-4yr old soccer games. (he liked the daffadills the best) pumpkin patch family time, Halloween, Whitney's 2nd birthday,and a sunny day in October with the sprinkler and some neighborhood kids. Yes...it was that warm in October. I also had pneumonia and was able to go to Las Vegas with Jake for a business trip. Trying to get better, thanks to my mom for coming up and helping take care of me and the kids. (that includes Jake...hee hee)

I still can't believe my Baby is 2. I keep asking Jake where #5 is and all I get is "Are you kidding me?" I will just love the 4 that I have now.

We have a house full coming for Thanksgiving, 10 adults and 5 kids. Looking forward to it!! I keep looking at my calendar trying to plan my next trip "Home" and see January coming faster than I woud like. So for those of you back "Home", I miss you all a lot and can't wait to see you again. I promise I will be there soon. Thanks for checking in on us. We love you all.

The Marathon Bug...I found a cure!!!

I took my friend down to Portland last weekend so that she could run the Portland marathon. Yes...she chose to run 26.2 miles. There were over 9,000 people there at 6:15 Sunday morning choosing to run 26.2 miles. Have I mentioned that a marathon is 26.2 miles. So as my mom and I rushed to the finish line 4 hours later...I thought how cool is this. I actually got excited for all the people. Seeing an older man slowing running across the finish line while holding onto a younger man made the entire crowd applaud and yell. Watching people one after another cross the finish line with their hands in the air.

So for a moment I thought..."I have been bitten by the marathon bug. I could do this. I have 363 days to train...plenty of time." But then reality hit me in the head and I came to my senses. The car ride home was a really eye opener for me. My friend Christine was achy and not feeling herself. I thought..."who in there right mind would want to run 26.2 miles." Now I will tell you that Christine shaved off 3 minutes from the two previous marathons she had done. So I was totally proud of her for that!!! But as we were driving home (4+ hours because of traffic and rain) she talks about the Seattle marathon she is singed up for at the end of November!!! Are you kidding me??? You have got to be off your rocker!!! But then I remember the faces of those running at the finish line...the look of achievement. The emotion coming out of there eyes and smiles. I was infected by the marathon bug.

But only to be cured of the bug and maintain my cheerleading spot at the end of the race. So no plans to race...maybe walk a half marathon someday.

Just thoughts on church

VS.



I have had three books sitting on my night stand for sometime now and can't seem to find the time to sit and read. Finding time in the morning to do my quiet time has been an even bigger struggle. I can say that at least I am able to download podcasts from my old church. But what has my world come too, if this is how I am fed spiritually. Taking time to put my ipod in my ears while I am vacuuming doesn't really seem all that bad...does it?

I was back home in Oregon this last weekend taking a friend of mine down for the Portland Marathon. (that is a whole another post for later!!) Instead of waiting downtown for 3+ hours on Sunday, I decided to go to church. I was so hoping Pastor Dale would have been back, but no such luck. I did however get to listen to Pastor Greg. He is so good. Just love that guy. And then to top it off Aaron and Courtney sang worship. They were absolutely wonderful together. There was one particular song that they sang during offering that brought tears to my eyes. That morning it hit me....how important going to church really is. The worship and the sermon as a whole is one big piece. You can have a little of one and a lot of the other, but I truly believe they are a package deal.

So we are off to try another church this Sunday. If you think of it pray that we will find the right church for our family. Not only do we have to like it, but the four kids as well. God is good and I know He will show us the right place to get plugged in. I totally have FAITH in that!!!!

Just a Blog Thing!!!

Your Sensitivity Score: 46%

As far as sensitivity goes, you're a lot more in tune than most people. You can't help but be touched by what's around you - good and bad. But when things do get really bad around you, you are strong enough not to break down.

http://blogthings.com/areyouextremelysensitivequiz/">
Are You Extremely Sensitive?

check out the link and let me know how sensitive you are!!!

Thankful Thursday: Friends

I recently got an email from a friend (she will remain anonymous...you know who you are!!!)wondering why she wasn't on my "thankful Thursday" post. After much thought and deliberation, I realized that my friends are very important to me. I am thankful for them and all they do for me. Whether we have been friends since high school, or friends I have been able to meet in the last 6 months. These woman are my sound block when I don't' think anyone else will understand. My friends are the ones that say, "I totally agree with you", or "you have got to be kidding, are you nuts?" Or a friend that helps delivery your 4th child. Or the one that enjoys a visit with a Starbucks cup of coffee...everyday!!! I smile when I think about my friends. Since moving away from most of my pals, it has made realize...I had it pretty good. But I also have been blessed with a wonderful new friend.

God gives us these relationships for a reason. Through all of life's ups and downs and different seasons of our lives...I am thankful for my friends. The ones you can laugh with, cry with, pray with and experience all of God's blessings. I love you guys. You know who you are!!!!

First Day of School

Aren't my kids adorable!!!! They grow up to fast.

So the day finally came!!! Not only was it the first day of school, but it was my birthday. With mixed feelings, I sent my two oldest off on the bus to start the new year in their new school. With the exception of 2 kindergarten kids, we now have 15 kids waiting for the bus at 8am. Yes that's right...8am. They were all so excited to get back to school that I don't think I even got a "Love you mom" from the bus. Oh well, the year has started and we are back into the swing of things.

Fun with Friends

Since moving away from friends and family, we have been able to open up our new house for visits from them all. This visit included Brent, Heather, Lauren and Lydia. We went for a small hike after having a picnic lunch and just enjoyed eachothers company. The next day included a trip to Wild Waves with the big kids and dads; while the moms went shopping and lunch with the younger ones. Thank goodness for pictures. I forget how cute our kids look together!!

A Project Complete

What does Labor day weekend mean??? Well I can tell you it met lots of Labor for us. After three exhausting days we are finally done with our side and back yard. With one big truck load of top soil, 2200 square feet of sod, two in-laws, 4 neighbors and us...it is finally complete. Now I just need to work on my garden.

We were truly inspired with the help from our neighbors. I don't think it all would have gotten done if it hadn't been for them. And of course my in-laws....what can I say, I am truly blessed with wonderful in-laws. Now we just wait a week or so and then it is playtime! No more dirt coming into the house, or mud pies being made right out side my back door. I just love grass!!!

Thankful Thursday

I have been visiting some blogs lately that have really shown how thankful they are of not only life in general, but thankful and speaking such kind words about their husbands. (thanks Tami) So I felt compelled this morning to let you all know what I am thankful for.

My husband

He is everything to me. He is a man of God, my friend, lover, husband, brother, son. He works so hard so that I can stay home and raise our four children. Since moving from our family and friends we have had to rely more on God and eachother. It is amazing to think back when we were moving, so many wise adults (those older than me) told us that we would grow closer to eachother and most importantly to God. We still haven't found a church home, but that doesn't mean God is out of our lives.
With that said....I love you Jake and am thankful for YOU!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Home sick!!!!!!

Friends and Family

Here are just a few pictures of family and friends that have come to visit us. We are so blessed to have them and enjoy the time they come up to see us!!!

Busy as a bee

So I feel like I have been so out of touch with the whole blogging world. With summer almost over, birthdays, vacations, friends visiting us, and me being sick for almost 2 1/2 weeks....I just haven't found the time to spend on the computer.

As I look at our family calendar it seems to be filled up until the first day of school. How do we get so busy? We have learned that with moving comes much filled weekends with friends coming to visit from our home town, and parents wanting in on the grandkid action. I haven't kept up on our reading schedule I had for the kids. Hopefully a sprint through August will help keep their minds fresh for school.

We finally got Nick's cast off on August 2nd. I was a little worried about the whole saw thing. But once again he proved to be brave and I was not. He has been on his bike ever since we got home, plus we got a hot tub 2 weeks ago and he has wanted to dive right in. So needless to say he has been in it everyday. I am a little nervous with all the activities he is doing, but he is happy and no sign of any permit problems.

I will promise to be better about updating. I know I love to read all of my friends blogs and stay up to date of the activities. Hope you are all having a great summer!!!

Our First Break!

Just back from the ER







Showing off the new cast


Well I knew that we would have to deal with a broken bone at some time. With four kids the odds are pretty good. I just wasn't prepared for it now.

Nicholas was riding his big boy bike outside in the cul de sac and I had asked him to turn around and start heading up our driveway. As he proceeded to sharply turn around he fall off on his right arm. Now I must tell you that he has fallen many times on the bike and popped right back up. However, this time he just cried. The mother in me told the eldest boy Matthew, to retrieve his brother and bring him to me on the grass. I knew all he needed was a little mommy TLC.




As he was walking the crying didn't slow down, or even lower in volume. I decided to "check" all body parts, even the one that he was holding onto for dear life. I carried him in the house to calm him down and give him some water. The crying elevated, and swelling occurred.


Now I don't have a clue at this point where the nearest hospital/ER is since we just moved here. So after the decision was made, I proceeded to call three neighbors to get directions to the ER.




After 2 hours, 3 x-rays, a split and 3 stickers, we found out he has fractured (broken) his forearm bones. Luckily it was a clean break and no need for surgery or pins.




We went today to get the awesome blue cast. I didn't realize they have 20+ colors to choose from; even glow in the dark green.





I am not looking forward to the next 4 weeks of keeping a 3 year out of the water, dirt, bike, playstructure and slip in slide. So I am off to put the kids to bed and hope that nobody gets hurt tomorrow.

4th of July

Hope you all had a great 4th of July!!!

I've been tagged

So I am new to this whole tagging thing and thought this one I could do. So here are 8 things you didn't know about me...


1. I do not like being away from my home. Sounds generic, but I am a true home body and love the feel I get when I enter my own house.

2. I was adopted at 3 months old. I was a Christmas present to my parents.

3. I secretly want a 5th child. Someday I know God will either fill that void with either another child or something else.

4. I haven't read an entire book since our trip to Mexico in 2004. I have two different books I have started reading, but haven't had the time to finish. I am tired and ready for bed once all the kids are in bed.

5. I love gardening. I started my very first garden and am now an expert. Yeah right!!! I love the thought of eating something we grew ourselves.

6. I would love to change cars every 2 years. Since growing up with a car dealer for a dad...I have had the opportunity to try different cars. I am my husbands worst nightmare!!!

7. I do not like cooking everyday. I like cooking occasionally, especially for parties, but to think of things everyday for every meal, I could do with out that.

8. I still have my little blankie since I was little girl. I have it underneath our bed. No I don't sleep with it anymore, but I haven't had the heart to throw it away.


So those are my things...since I only know a few of you blogging girls I have no one to tag. So it stops with me. Sorry girls!!!

A Heavy Heart

Just recently a 7 year old little girl Rachel passed away of cancer, specifically Ewing Sarcoma http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/rachelhansen/. I have been following her caring bridge website for a year now and even though she lives in Minnesota I feel that I have known her and her family all my life. I also know of a little boy Joshua who has had this same cancer, but thankfully he has been cancer free for 1 1/2 years.

Rachel's mom is a strong Christian woman who believed with her heart that there was going to be an Earthly Healing of Rachel. They had been through so much, and yet at the end of every entry ' whether a good day or bad,she thanked God for improvements of Rachel and that Satan wouldn't get his hold on Rachel. I recently read a journal entry about Rachel seeing angels. Rachel has been telling her mom that angels have been watching her and protecting her. She said that there are always angels around and she could actually see them all. Her mom wasn't real sure if she was pulling her leg or not, but soon finds out that Rachel is very specific in her thoughts.

So why am I writing a downer of a post...well for you to remember that angels are always around protecting us and keeping us company. We may not see them, but as my pastor would say...Faith is not seeing, but believing. I truly believe this and thank God everyday for the beautiful children I have and their health too!

Take a moment today to say a little prayer for Rachel's family and also...

Love deeply…Hug often…Speak kindly…Forgive quickly…Love deeply (quote from Joshua's mom)

Viva Las Vegas

Well it has been awhile since I was last able to update the blog. But with the recent trip to Las Vegas, I felt compelled to share our amazing trip.

Jake and I decided to spend our 10 year anniversary at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. We were able to go for 4 days and 3 nights. We went to see two shows, Jay Leno and Danny Gans. I have to say the Danny Gans is AWESOME. Jake and I were laughing so hard my makeup was running. We did run into one celebrity. Yes, David Hasselhoff was having a good time in Vegas. He obviously believes in the slogan "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas".

We didn't gamble much, I however did the penny slots and won $10. I had only been playing for 5 minutes and used only $1. Not bad I say. We really aren't big gamblers anyway, so walking around and seeing the other hotels was more fun to us. And the pool of course!! It was 99 degrees the whole time we were there. We were able to start our summer tans early. Thank goodness we didn't burn. We used lots of sunscreen.

The first night we got there was the best night of all. Jake had made reservations for us at a nice place at the Bellagio. As we were waiting for the appetizer the waiter brought us two glasses of champagne. As we sat there looking outside I realized there was something in the bottom of my glass. I looked up at Jake and he had this sheepish grin. And then all of a sudden I realize it is a ring at the bottom and Jake is walking over to my side to the table. And just like he did December 1996, he got down on one knee and proposed all over again. And the funny thing is that he was just as nervous that night as he was 11+ years ago. It was a wonderful evening and made me think how lucky we are to be married 10years with 4 beautiful and healthy kids. God has blessed us in so many ways. And now a new house with a wonderful neighborhood. What could a girl ask for???

The Weekend in a Nutshell

Sydney and Matthew enjoying a ride with daddy



Well the "tackle" that I had planned on doing (the craft room) ended up taking a backseat to many other projects. With a new house it seems that there is more to do than what I can handle in a short amount of time. Thank goodness for my blogger friend Tami in her acceptance of not doing her "tackle it Tuesday". I have to give myself some GRACE when I am not able to get one thing done, but many others are done. (thanks Tami)

With that said here is the retaining wall we tackled this weekend. I didn't realize how many rocks we have here. So instead of hand digging (which we did for half of a day) we decided to rent an excavator. Oh how the kids enjoyed riding it with daddy. While that was being done I decided to put in a fountain in the front yard. But with the weather I haven't been able to totally complete it. So for now I will stay inside and try and "tackle" the craft room this week and hope that the job will get done by next week.

Before and after of the first retaining wall

My own little project still in the works but sounds great!!