Here are just a few pictures of Sydney and Whitney playing in the snow. It is nice to live only 45 minutes away from a ski area. We haven't gotten the kids up on skies yet...but for now the playing and sledding is cheaper and the whole family can have fun.

Lights in Seattle

Well it is over due, but since I now have a few moments to post and have finally download pictures here are a few from a family outing we did in December with the kids. It is a botanical gargen in Bellevue. They take millions of lights and make it look like a real garden in the summer time. There was acutally a pond and lily pads with frogs in it made out of these lights. It may not be the zoo lights, but we will take it.Let me tell you that this was Jake's idea and he had planned the whole thing. Way to go Dad!!

Oh What a Beauty

My little Whitney decided she didn't want to wait to try on her new swimsuit. So instead she went downstairs took off her clothes and put on the new suit. As I am walking down the stairs, I hear her say..."Looky mom, I am beautiful". As a mom I couldn't pass up the picture opportunity. So here is the Bathing Beauty. Look out super models...Whitney is coming.

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!!!