Our new family member

Well we finally have our very first pet. Since our little Whitney is allergic to dogs and Jake is allergic to cats, we decided on a guinea pig. The kids have decided on naming her Sparkle. I wanted Fluffy....but what do I know. She is cute and furry, with a sweet temperament. She isn't so sure about us though. She likes to be held and enjoys eating oranges.

Some may say I am crazy...but how could I say NO to four beautiful kids??? We always need more to love and feed, right??

A New Year

I was recently reminded by a good friend (HEATHER) that I have not been posting enough on my blog. So as I sit here thinking about what to write, I ponder the New Year ahead and look back at all the blessings and changes that have occured in 2007.

Since coming back from visiting my HOMETOWN I was able to remember the love I recieved from so many wonderful friends. Sitting in church listening to my favorite Pastor, he brought up the fact that we all have had things in the past year that have challenged us. Whether it is death in the family, sickness, new babies being born, or even small changes...we need to look to Him for direction and strength. How we react to the changes can affect the whole outcome. Our move was one of the hardest things this year for me. Going HOME to visit opened my eyes to that. But it also makes me realize that God has a plan for our family here...right now. As we start attending a new church semi-permanently, I must open my heart to what will come my way. I know my heart will be filled and I will be more at peace .

We need to ask ourselves....What will I do differently this year to strength and build my faith in Jesus Christ?

I hope that your New Year has started off with a bang and you are able to look to the Father for guidance when any challenges come your way. I know I will!!!!

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!!!!