Lost.

Yesterday was a full day. I had errands to do, my kids went fishing with their grandpa, we had dinner at my parents, and we ended the day helping a friend at her sheep farm. On my way into town we heard a story on the radio about a woman who accidentally threw her wedding ring away in New York City and the city sanitation workers miraculously found it. The kids and I were amazed as I glanced down at my hand and thought about what I would do if that were me.

Late that night, as I was about to settle into bed, I grabbed my left hand and felt a bare ring finger. Cue immediate panic. I summoned the kids and we started a mass search. My rings have been loose lately as I’ve lost a little weight, but not any more weight than I’d lost before (I had to get my rings sized up after having kids, so that tells you I’ve not yet reached a pre-pregnancy weight!). I went to all the places I’d been since being home for the night…feeding sheep, feeding chicks, the car, exercise downstairs, the bathroom. I called Fred Meyer because I’d been to the fitting room and thought maybe it fell off then. I was scouring my brain trying to think of when I last noticed it on. I wasn’t sure, but I had a strong feeling it was at my friend’s farm.

I prayed, asked my husband to pray, asked my parents to pray, asked Facebook to pray. I was sure that God would lead me to it somehow. I truly was sure. God led me to a lost ring one time when I was young, and that was one of my first memories of God answering a prayer that I had prayed. However, even though I knew that God could take care of this, the peace wouldn’t come. Then, a gift! God brought me a memory of sitting at my mom’s kitchen table playing with my rings before dinner. Phew! Thank you, Jesus! It was then that I knew it was either at my house or at the farm, and not at one of the public places I visited earlier in the day. It was enough peace to help me drift off to sleep.

This morning I woke to a text from Jackie (she’s my friend with the farm). She was headed over to the barn to start looking and suggested I hunt down a metal detector. Thanks to facebook, I was able to find one and after some calling and coordinating both the metal detector (my parents were bringing it from the other end of town) and I headed towards the farm an hour later.

My other friend, Beth, and her son were already there helping with farm chores. Within minutes, Beth found my rings!!! The metal detector hadn’t arrived with my parents yet, so I called them and they returned it to its owner. I was crying tears of joy…I was so overwhelmed. God had kept my rings safe and led us right to them!

I wish that was where the story ended.

Because we were there, we went ahead and started helping Jackie with more farm chores. I was constantly aware of my rings. I didn’t want to put them in my pocket for fear of losing them, so I put them back on my finger and tried my best to be constantly conscious of them. I didn’t really do much work while I was there. I mostly talked with Beth, watched the kids work, and responded to countless messages on my phone (so many wonderful people concerned about my rings!). I stayed in one general area and was constantly checking my hand to make sure my rings were still there. Then, I put my phone in my front pocket, pulled out my hand and realized my engagement ring was GONE! Seriously!?!?

I wasn’t too panicked because I hadn’t really gone anywhere. I figured I’d find it right away. We all started looking, and looking, and looking, and looking….and looking! I was dumbfounded and so embarrassed. I had just told Facebookland that my rings were found. We looked for at least 30 minutes before I finally text my parents to bring the metal detector. My mom came and we searched everywhere…MULTIPLE times. I was on my hands and knees in sheep poo! After everyone left, my mom and I and the kids all went to the giant poop pile in the field to search there as well. There was only a very slight chance it could have been in the poop pile that had just been shoveled out of the area I was standing in…but we couldn’t leave without searching. In total, we searched for at least 3 hours.

It didn’t make sense. I had never left that small (enclosed) area of the barn. In the time that I had it on my finger to the time that I realized it was missing was probably less than 5 minutes…but maybe I’m mistaken? I'd venture to say that it literally vanished.

I left the farm feeling quite defeated and sad, but strangely at peace.

I know where my ring is. It’s at a farm where my friend Jackie raises sheep. Jackie needs help because she very recently lost her husband to brain cancer and the farm chores during lambing season are too overwhelming for one person. Jackie lost her husband. I only lost my ring. And in the time that I was there, Jackie never ceased to encourage me and remind me of God’s power and His blessings. She is a blessing.

The verse that has been playing over and over in my head today…

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

I’m praying for the good. Maybe my ring has been hidden from me until God’s decides the time is right? You see, my God likes all the glory…and when my ring has been found, I’m gonna gladly give Him what He wants.

To be continued…

Father's Day Bowling

We didn't have anything planned for Father's Day this year.  My parents were in Massachusetts for my Dad's pilot simulator training, so celebrating with them wasn't an option.  At the last minute we got a call from my Bro-in-law asking if we wanted to go bowling after church.  So, we made a day of it and invited Chris and Tonya too!  The kids were pretty excited to see Faith (Chris and Tonya had JUST gotten back from the long drive to California to pick her up the night before!) and Forrest.  Us moms played with the babies and the dads bowled with the kids.  After a couple of games, Elise, Synnove, Evie, and I headed to Astoria High School to watch Heidi's dance recital.

I love this picture.  I asked the kids to say "cheese"...and Faith put her arms up...lol!

Forrest wasn't happy he had to smile for the camera...so he didn't :)

The kids played in their own lane, while the guys played in another.  Of course, Chris Bigelow won.

We had pizza delivered to the alley...I made the Dads pose :)

Some December Photos

Patty and Steve's Christmas Party, December 10th:

Santa and Mrs. Claus gave out small gifts to each kid and asked each of them to make sure to make their Christmas lists. Both of my kids were very excited to see Santa this year!

Soren's Preschool Christmas Program, December 15th:

Soren and Kendall were Mary and Joseph, and JR was the innkeeper. Kendall was nervous and sort of forgot what to do after walking down the aisle and seeing all the people...but that's OK. It was very cute and Soren sang all the songs and did all the hand motions (a huge improvement from last year!)

Kendall refused to hold the "baby Jesus" in rehearsal because it wasn't HER baby. Her mom had to bring one from home...ha ha!

Trip to "You Paint It!" in Seaside, December 16th:

I rarely get to spend time with my good friend Tonya and her darling daughters. Faith (her stepdaughter) was only going to be in town for the month of December, so we made sure to set a date. It was Tonya's idea to go to "You Paint It!" I had been wanting to take the kids, so it was the perfect outing.

Synnove picked a peace sign mug (she's really into peace signs lately) and Soren picked a "transformer" (robot). He wanted to make it look like "Optimus Prime...like the one Uncle Chris has," and he gave it to Chris for his birthday (Dec. 26th). I think he really loved it :)

Soren was very concentrated in his efforts...and did his very best. Synnove's ended up taking quite a long time because of all the colors and things she wanted to do. I helped her quite a bit to get her moving.

Tonya helped Faith make a coffee thermos for daddy for Christmas.

And Miss Avyrie was a perfect peach the entire time! Ooo...I just LOVE this face!

One Month Ago Today...

...My dear friends Tonya and Chris welcomed Avyrie Noelle to their little family! Tonya was a week overdue, but it was nice that she waited until just AFTER our camping trip :) Tonya had the EASIEST birth considering it was her first child. I'm so happy for them.


We tried to come and visit before the actual birth, but Avyrie was just too quick! Synnove and I visited a few hours after she arrived and then visited again the next day. I couldn't get Synnove to hold her, but Soren was willing....

Congratulations Chirs, Tonya, and Little Faith! You and Avyrie are equally blessed to have each other :)

Sarah Got Married!

On May 7th one of my dearest friends, Sarah, got married. She had waited a long time for this day to come, and it was so exciting to see her so incredibly happy. She got married at the Edgefield Hotel (one of the many beautiful McMenamins sites) in a sweet little ceremony followed by wonderful food, drinks, and dancing. The ceremony had some classic "Sarah" touches including a beautifully subtle Lord of the Rings processional, and a Star Wars "Imperial March" recessional. Haha! She's such a nerd...and that's part of why I love her so much! The reception was donned with Japanese flair including paper cranes and pink cherry blossoms. Sarah has been on two English-teaching stints in Japan over the years and has always loved Eastern culture. Her and K.C. honeymooned in Egypt. I can't wait to hear all about it :)

K.C. took this photo of Me, Sarah, and Natalie...and it's the only photo I got!

Six

She's my big helper, she's already growing out of the clothes I bought her in the fall, she's got 2-3 loose teeth, she loves to read to me, she can ride her bike like a pro, and she just turned SIX!

In the last few months Synnove has turned into quite the school girl. She seems to do well with her "studies" and often comes home to tell me about what she's learned. It's weird for me to have a daughter in school for six hours each day. I know that her innocence will start to deteriorate, and the thought makes me sad. I'm looking forward to Soren going to kindergarten so that I can help out in the classroom and be a part of their school lives. So far, Synnove has done well and has made good friends. I pray this continues.

ANYway, Synnove had her big party on the 23rd (actual birthday is the 27th) because Adam was going to be leaving for Georgia the next weekend. As usual, we had lots of guests and had a great time. I served tacos and the yummiest red velvet cupcakes anyone has ever eaten!! I took a week-long break on my diet for those babies! I surprised Synnove with her very own cake (she thought she was getting a cupcake and didn't know how the candles would fit) and she very timidly blew out her candles. She was shy and nervous to open her gifts in front of the guests, but so excited that she didn't even eat lunch.


On her actual birthday, Grandma surprised her by coming over to give her a sewing lesson. She actually got her little toy sewing machine over a year ago at Christmas, but I told her she had to save it till she was six. Quite frankly, I'm a novice sew-er and I wasn't keen on teaching her how to do it and was happy my mom volunteered. Synnove had been talking about it for weeks because she knew that her sixth birthday was coming soon. Synnove was elated when Grandma pulled into the driveway and told her to get her sewing machine out. Synnove thoroughly enjoyed herself and did very well with her stitching. Their time was cut short when we got word that Great Grandma had just passed.


On the weekend after her birthday, I planned to have a few of Synnove's friends over for a "glorified playdate." Synnove didn't know her friends were coming until the last minute, and it was fun to surprise her. That morning, Synnove had a slight stuffy nose and her eye was red. I thought that maybe she was just really tired from spending late evenings at Grandma Barb's house. We had gone to bed very late the last few nights and Synnove slept in till 10:30 that morning! Unfortunately, the "pinkness" wasn't going away. About an hour before her friends were set to come over, I started to panic that she had pink-eye, so I told her she had to wear a gauze patch. She endured it without complaining the entire time, and even wore it that night when we were at Grandma Barb's that evening. Her eye stayed a bit pink for about 2-3 days.

Jena, Brooke, Synnove, Emily, and Grace

I told the parents "no gifts"...but some parents just don't listen :)

My 30th Birthday Surprises

As most of you all know, I turned 30 last month...September 17th, to be exact. It was a pretty uneventful birthday filled with yummy chocolate cake, a heap of Facebook greetings, and a whopper of a migraine. I was feeling a bit better by evening, so Adam took the kids into town to pick up some take-out Fultano's Pizza (my request). The kids gave me a camera strap slipcover that I LOVE, and Adam said that his gift to me was on it's way via USPS. As usual, I had told him not to get me anything big, and I was perfectly happy to spend a quiet evening at home with my family. The next day was going to be busy, as I was helping out at Tonya and Chris's wedding! So, really, celebrating my birthday was not number one on my priority list.

Camera strap cover (an Etsy.com find)

Little did I know...Adam had a few surprises in store.

The next week I was looking forward to getting a phone call from my dear friend and former roommate Sarah. I hadn't talked to her in ages (at least a YEAR), and she had just gotten engaged and I wanted to hear all the details. She called. We talked. Then, the subject of getting together came up. For over a year now, my roommates and I have been trying to find a weekend to spend together, and it just hasn't happened. In August we were seriously considering September, and as September started coming to an end, I decided "enough is enough!" Sarah suggested the first weekend in October would be good and I told her I would ask Natalie. Mandy, our non-roommate friend wasn't going to be able to make it because another of our college friends was getting married.

That evening, I got a message from Nattie saying that she could make it. I was stoked!! I was texting both Sarah and Nat at the same time getting all the details worked out. I knew that Adam would be fine with it, but I finally asked..."hey honey, is it OK if I have some friends over for the first weekend in October?" Strangely, he responded..."what friends?" Long, sad story short, Adam had already asked them to come for that weekend for a birthday surprise! I was still VERY surprised and VERY touched that Adam would go to such lengths to make my birthday special. I couldn't believe I had unintentionally ruined it...I mean, really...I talk to Sarah once a year!!


The next weekend (September 25th-26th), we got in our car accident. We didn't go to church that Sunday because...well, we didn't feel up to it. Sunday evening my family showed up with pizza, salad, and cake. I thought they were there to cheer us up from the accident, but instead they were there because Adam had asked them to a few weeks prior. Because my birthday weekend was full of wedding and headache, he wanted to give me a surprise mini-party!

Adam was kinda bummed that my gift hadn't arrived in the mail yet. It actually got sent registered mail and was delivered to the post office. I picked it up the next week. Unfortunately, it was packaged in a bag sent from Great Britain and I could totally guess what it was. I was impressed he remembered the hint I gave him a few months prior! I couldn't wait to open it, as it was still going to be a surprise because I didn't know what design he picked. When he finally came home from work I ripped it open to find he'd picked one I loved! He bought me a Golla DSLR camera bag with a design only available overseas. I love it, love it, LOVE it! Super sturdy, durable, well-made, comfortable, and stylish. It's even got a zipper wallet compartment in the front so I can use it as my purse for travel! Plus, the inside is PINK!

Later that week we all got a bad cold. Mom had wanted to take me shopping for some new jeans for my birthday and we were having a hard time finding a day to do it. That Friday, though I was feeling miserable, was the only day that seemed to work. So, when Mom got off work, we packed up the kids and headed to Tanasbourne. We actually had a really nice time. Surprisingly enough, I found some pants that fit (among other things)! We ate at the Macaroni Grill and headed home late. Funny story...we got "accidentally" pulled over on the way home by the same cop that handled our car accident the weekend prior. I think he was a little embarrassed that he pulled over the wrong car. Still, the flashing blue and red was enough to get us worked up for the rest of the ride home.

The next day my roomies were coming! Adam had to go out of town to take care of some things, so the kids and I were left without a vehicle. We had the Montero, but because we forfeited Soren's car seat in the accident we couldn't take the kids (the boosters don't work in the Montero). Sarah and Nattie arrived around noon and the kids were in our faces for the rest of the day. They love guests and always want to be the center of attention...so, they were. I was bummed that Adam didn't come home earlier...and we didn't get to leave the house to have dinner till almost 7:00. Because it was late, the girls and I opted to not take the long drive into town, and instead have dinner at "The Logger." They found it quaint, to say the least...not to mention, it was homecoming night and all the kids were gussied up for a nice dinner at, none other than..."The Logger!" *sigh* The girls now want to make it a tradition...lol!

Me, Nattie, Sarah

We arrived back home to find an empty house. Part of the birthday surprise that I didn't know about was that Adam planned to take the kids and spend the night at my parents house. It was nice to stay up late and not have to worry about waking the kids with our laughter. We had a blast! Truly...it was just like old times.

In conclusion, my 30th birthday was flat-out awesome! Thanks to everyone, especially my sweetheart, for making this milestone a celebration to remember fondly.

Afternoon at the Salisbury's

So, the next few blogs will be me trying to catch up from the last couple of weeks. I've finally found some patience to deal with my large file sizes! Ha ha!

On Thursday, the 12th, I met up with my friend Melody and her 3 darling boys at Tracy's parents house. Tracy is my MK director and good friend (if I haven't mentioned that before) and we spend quite a bit of time together. Tracy and her son Kevin are actually living with her parents, Dave and Shari Salisbury. The Salisbury's and Melody's parents are old friends. ANYway...just trying to share the link we all have.

Melody and her husband moved to Kansas last year for work/school and they happened to be in town for a few weeks. I love getting together with Melody, and her boys are so lovable! It was a chilly morning when we arrived. Tracy made coffee and tea and we visited (or at least tried to) while all 5 boys and Synnove played. We ate quesadillas and sugar snap peas for lunch as the sun started to peak through. Sure, there were a few squabbles and tears, but I know the kids enjoyed their visit.

Melody with her oldest, Justus.

Tracy, trying to get a smile out of Synnove with a kiss...it sorta worked :)
6 little blondies: Justus, Benjamin, Soren, Kevin, Synnove, and Gabriel

The kids spent most of their time on the trampoline. I actually got quite a few funny pictures! My new camera takes great action shots!

At the end of our visit, each kid took a turn down the hill with the power wheels (dead battery). They all got a bit kick out of that little thrill.

Friends and Bees

Last week my friend Margo was in town. She doesn't come into town very often...so I get to see her about once a year. Fortunately, she was able to get together on Monday (my ONLY free day!). Synnove, who remembers her girls, Abby and Norah, was excited to have visitors. And thank goodness Soren is well-adjusted to being the only boy, because that situation seems to happen often.

As usual, Margo and I chatted while the kids played. We had few meltdowns, and only a smidge of whine (pretty good if you ask me). Abby, Margo's oldest, is quite the "pretender" and got the kids together to create a party with snacks and games for Margo and I. We played "toss the plum" and "find the plum" and had a mini scavenger hunt.

Self-portrait

Toeheads =)

Later that day, Adam planned on spraying the massive yellow-jacket hive above our garage. We only discovered it a couple of weeks ago and were shocked at the size!! I wish I would have had my camera out when Adam went on the roof to spray it. Adam didn't want to get stung so he put on a white "Hazmat-type" suit (something he inherited from his old job), two pairs of gloves, and a motorcycle helmet with a full face cover. OH MY GOODNESS it was HILARIOUS! He looked like an under-puffed astronaut. He didn't kill all the bees with the 2 cans of spray so he's gonna have to go up there again. Maybe I'll get a picture next time!!??

Creation Northwest 2010

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend Creation Northwest with Weesie and the Wilson's. Originally, mom was gonna go, but she very nicely offered me her ticket. I even tired to arrange for Adam to go too, but he really wanted to just stay home and hang out with the kids because he's been so busy lately. So, Elise and I headed up Friday at around 1:00. The Wilson's had been camped there since Tuesday, but Elise and I were only free for the weekend.

It's been a while since I've been to any kind of concert. I think the last concert I went to was at some punk/rock festival where Nickelback played....sometime back when Adam and I were engaged. I like concerts, but usually don't like the spend the money to go to them. Although, I really enjoyed going to Jesus Northwest back in the 90s. I think I went in 1991 and 1997 (it's last year). ANYway, when Creation was "created" back in 1998 I was kinda bummed because it was clear over at the Gorge, where it's really hot and quite a far drive. I always thought it'd be fun to go, but the opportunity never came around. This year was the first year it was going to be in Enumclaw, WA. Enumclaw is a lot closer than the Gorge, and certainly a lot cooler! The Wilson's go every year, and this year they had two extra tickets...woo hoo!

We went. It was a blast. I wanna go again.

I just took my iPhone as my camera and left Adam the regular camera because I knew he was going to take the kids on many adventures while I was gone. Needless to say, the pictures I took are terrible...but, you get the idea.

Elise, Chris, and I waiting in the "mosh pit" for Toby Mac's concert to start. It was a fun concert! I saw Toby back in 1991 when DC Talk was just starting out. I was even in the same room with the entire band, but was too chicken to get their autographs.

Throughout the days of the festival, youth leaders could go to a sort of "v.i.p." area to talk to the different artists. Doug and Sherry had a couple of leader passes, so Elise and I went with them to see Superchick talk...they were so down to earth and hilarious!
We also went to see the lead singer of Skillet chat with folks...he was funny too. One of the questions somebody asked was "what's it like being on tour with your wife and kids?" He responded..."we're like the Osbournes....but we're saved!" Ha ha! Guess you had to be there...

Below is Superchick

Doug and Sherry waiting for Tenth Avenue North to play...

I put this picture in for Doug...he thought he was being so funny...

And....SKILLET! It was a killer concert...lots of fire, smoke, and fireworks. This is a shot I took from the back as the concert was starting. Elise and I couldn't stand to sit in the back any longer, so we ran up to the pit to rock out with the rest of the panheads.

The Past Week

You know you're life is busy when you have to check your calendar to see what you did the day before. We're having lots of fun in this semi-beautiful weather, and have been taking advantage of every day.

Last Saturday we invited Chris, Tonya, Faith, Elise, and Chris over for a little BBQ. Chris B. ended up not being able to come, but we had fun anyway. As usual, the kids were overjoyed to have a friend to play with. The kids played outside for a while until dinner, then they had a bath together and watched a movie downstairs while the rest of us visited and watched a movie upstairs.

 

On Sunday we all went to church for the first time in a while. No, we haven't been playing hooky...but have been either sick, out of town, or camping for the last two months. We took separate cars to church as I had a baby shower to attend, and Adam and the kids were gonna go island fishing with Dad. The weather wasn't the greatest, but they caught enough sun to put on their swimsuits for a while. However, they didn't manage to catch a keeper.

On Monday Synnove had Grace over to play in the afternoon and then Adam and the kids went to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner. I had to stay home because I had an appointment with a gal at our house. I had arranged for the kids to stay the night at Grandma and Grandpa's because I had a dentist appointment the next day and would have brought the kids over the next morning anyway. Adam came home with flowers that evening...thanks honey :)

Tuesday was Adam and I's 8th wedding anniversary. I opted to skip my MK meeting so I could spend some time at home. After my dentist appointment I stopped at the store to get some stuff for dinner and then picked up the kids. They had spent the morning picking berries, fixing the sprinkler system, and going to DQ (go figure). That night Adam and I mowed the lawn, split wood, and stacked it. Nothing like quality outdoor family time on our anniversary!

Wednesday I had planned a playdate with Jenna and JR. I was really looking forward to visiting with Cassie and letting the kids play! That morning Soren woke up not feeling good. I passed it off as morning hunger/gas (he's been having issues with that lately). He's not much of a breakfast eater, so when he willingly ate some Wheat Thins I figured he was fine. He threw them up 20 minutes later. I cancelled our playdate and we watched TV and movies on the couch all day. It was a beautiful day too! Synnove was bummed that her buddy was sick, but found things to do on her own. Soren got sicker as the day progressed and was throwing up green by midnight. He was such a trooper though...I don't think he complained once, and only cried when he accidentally hit his lip with his heavy tractor toy. He slept on the couch that night and woke with an appetite on Thursday morning. Thank you Jesus!

Yesterday we got our driveway sealed. There was much debate between Adam and I on whether or not we should pay to have it done. We have a fairly large driveway (roughly 4500-5000 square feet) and it is (was) covered in moss. We decided that it was going to be a fairly large undertaking for us to try to do it on our own, and much more headache than the savings would be worth. With all their big machines and expertise, the driveway was cleaned and sealed in 3 1/2 hours. It looks beautiful!

Adam came home fairly early last night so that I could race to Gearhart for a little MK party. He spent the evening with the kids going on a hike in search for treasures. The came home with a handful of elk teeth. I made it home in time to find Adam splitting more wood and the kids climbing trees. Even after being sick the day before, Soren was back to his old self.

And, tonight, Adam and I are going on a date for our anniversary! The kids don't know it yet, but Fi Fi is coming over to babysit. I love that when Adam and I decide we need a night out, the kids are happy to see us go so that they can play with one of their favorite cousins ;)

Fox Friends

For the last couple of weeks, Adam has been working non-stop for the annual mill shut-down. It's always hard when he's gone. He leaves before I get up and gets home just as the kids are going to bed...7 days a week. During these times I really try to fill our days with lots of things to do. Fortunately, the weather has been the best it's been all year! Synnove's preschool has also been keeping busy with lots of field trips and activities. Anyway, we sort of had a blip in our week when Synnove caught a nasty cough and we had to cancel some plans. However, at the last minute, my dear friend Mandy asked me when I would be free for a visit! We planned for Saturday. Even better...my dear friend Natalie was going to be able to tag along! I was soooo excited!

They arrived before noon. I cooked up some fajitas and we ate strawberry shortcake for dessert. The kids we very happy to have guests, and, as usual, tried to steal their attention every moment they could. Synnove was especially excited to see "Matalie," who she fell in love with when Nat came for a visit over a year ago. The kids were very good though, and even gave us a show at the end of their visit, complete with singing and dancing. Mandy and Natalie didn't leave till almost 9! It was great!! I hadn't seen Mandy since I was pregnant with Soren 4 years ago!

I had to ask Synnove to snap a photo...not too shabby...

Notice Snow White's slipper?

Thanks for coming girls! Love and miss you both :)

Looks Like I Need a New Camera

Sorry for my lack of posts this month. I'm having a hard time finding a moment to get on the computer these days...it's only going to get worse with summer fast approaching. Still, 3 measly posts for the month is just not acceptable! I wish I had some fabulous pictures or a wonderful story to tell, but the month is just jumbled in my head. I find myself asking..."what on earth did we do this month?" Well, we did a lot....but I don't have much to show for it.

The weather this month has been quite confusing. Typical for spring, I suppose...but there were a couple of days near the beginning of the month that were just plain crazy. Freezing temperatures and massive amounts of hail...


At the end of March, Stephanie and Wesley welcomed Brielle Grace(I think that's how you spell it) to the world...3 weeks early! We ran into them at Elise's coffee shop one day, and Tayanah got to show off "her baby."

I had the pleasure of traveling to good ol' GFU to see Henry compete in the Mr. Bruin competition on the 16th. No, he didn't win, but it was a great night of hilarity and fun!

Adam has been spending much of his spare time down in the shop working on his Montero. In fact, he's playing with Bondo and sanding equipment as I type. He hopes to have it all painted by the time we go camping Memorial weekend. I hope he gets it done soon because Adam driving the F250 to work every day is costing us! He's got most of the interior all painted and put back together, and he's been switching parts from rig to rig. I'm looking forward to seeing it done. I think it'll look nice. Anyway, the kids spend a lot of time hanging out in the shop with their daddy. Fortunately, Adam doesn't seem to mind TOO much. They've got a large TV down there where they watch movies. They've been finding all kinds of things to do down there, including setting up Adam's old tent, and creating "shop creatures" with the glue gun. The kids picked out the materials and Adam put them together. They're pretty creative, if you ask me =)

Last weekend Elise, Adam, and I went to the annual "Crab, Seafood, and Wine Festival" at the fairgrounds. I hadn't been since high school...back when it was more fun for kids. I couldn't believe the amount of people that were there! We parked in Astoria and took the shuttle there because there wasn't enough parking at the fairgrounds. We met up with Chris and Tonya and shoved our way through the crowds. It was fun running into old friends.

Now, if you haven't noticed, nearly every one of these pictures is just plain awful. Even the ones from previous posts are cloudy, fuzzy, blurry, etc. My camera has been experiencing a variety of malfunctions recently and I can't even get it to take a picture half the time. It is my dream to one day purchase a fancy camera and learn how to take fabulous pictures...but budget and time are a couple of serious obstacles I have to overcome first. Until then, I'm going to be shopping for another pocket-sized automatic flasheroo type....preferably one that takes regular batteries. Suggestions???

Surprise! Adam's 30!

Adam's thirtieth birthday had been on my mind for quite some time. I wanted to do something special, but I was having a hard time finding the time to plan anything. So, at the last minute, I decided to throw a small surprise party with just close family and friends. Fortunately, most everyone was going to be able to come! I spent all of last week planning, cleaning the house, and avoiding spilling the beans to Synnove (she just can't keep a secret). I actually had a very close call when I mentioned the party to some customers during one of my MK deliveries. Synnove got so excited and asked about the party. With some last minute clever thinking, I managed to avoid disaster and Synnove remained somewhat clueless. Phew!


Anyway, the plan was for everyone to be at my house before 1:00...just in time for Adam and I to get home from church. Murphy's Law kicked in at the last minute, and church didn't end until 1:00! I was already cranky with a throbbing headache, and to make matters worse, Adam told the kids that we could go see the elk after church. Ugh...I wanted to scream..."can't we just go home!!!" Adam even wanted to go to my parents' house after church to pick something up! Thankfully, he seemed OK with my emphatic "no, I'll pick it up tomorrow" response. I avoided every urge of frustration and just played it cool. I knew he might want to go out to eat after church, so I made up a fake plan the night before to go out on a birthday date that afternoon while Heidi watched the kids. I even pretended to look up movie times on my phone on the way home from church...when, actually, I was texting my family to start up the BBQ.

I was so happy to see that Adam was truly surprised when we pulled up the driveway. We ate burgers, visited, and watched Adam open some awesome gifts. Afterwards, we lit up 30 candles on the cake (homemade by Jeb!) and sang rather quickly as the wax oozed onto the frosting.

Always gotta have the kid photo-op

We finally got to meet Chris's darling girlfriend, Lindsey! Jeb and Chris are two of Adam's closest friends, and I was so happy they made the effort to come out!

Soren felt the need to help daddy with his gifts.
There were so many candles...small coals flew onto my shirt as he blew them out!

I didn't know how I was going to get a cake to the party seeing as I was going to be gone for the wedding for most of the weekend. I had arranged all the food...but I hadn't figured out the cake until Jeb offered to bring it! Hooray! My problems were solved and everything was arranged. It was a great surprise.

Sweet Nuptials

About a month ago, while attending Hannah's bridal shower, I was asked if I would be willing to come early to the wedding to help with makeup. Of course, I was all for it and made plans to do so. Mom, Elise, and I were going to go up a day early to visit with the family (whom we don't see enough of) and go to the rehearsal. Elise ended up getting sick, so Mom and I headed down to Oregon City on Friday by ourselves. Long story short....we got lost...Facebook for iPhone saved us.

We stayed late chatting and finally got to the hotel at around 11. We got up early the next morning and headed to the church. Everything was well organized and we were on a tight schedule to get everything done. I was told I was going to be helping just 3 or 4 people with makeup. By the time I was done, I had made up 7 faces. All seemed happy with the results, and I was happy to do it. Just being present in the bridal party room is always a fun privilege.

Dad, Adam, and the kids arrived a bit before the ceremony so that they could get a good seat and I could fix Synnove's hair. The kids looked so cute in their Easter outfits. I just couldn't resist saving them till Easter!!


The couple (Hannah and Zachary) broke tradition to get photos taken before the ceremony. I wanted to stay and watch the photos, but Mom and I had to rush back to the hotel before lunch to check out and get our dresses on. When we got back, I did MORE makeup! The girls were all so sweet. I wish I had taken some pictures of them, but I was too busy to pick up the camera.


The ceremony was perfect. Hannah and Zach actually had their first kiss when the pastor announced "you may now kiss the bride." It was QUITE the kiss. I can hardly imagine how incredibly special that must have been for them. Hannah could barely stand after the 5-10 second kiss...she was so weak in the knees!

The reception was filled with good food and fun. One of Hannah's bridesmaids actually made the cake (it was soooo good!), and Hannah and Zach managed to make quite a mess with that first slice. They were so taken with one another....so in love, and having so much fun. Their first dance was a joy to watch...as they both know how to dance. Afterwards, Tim got to dance with his little girl...literally. I think he must tower at least 2 feet above her!

It was getting late and the kids were getting antsy so we headed out to the car. On our way, we caught a glimpse of the getaway car! They had plans to stay in Portland a couple of nights before heading to Hawaii for 10 days!

For those that don't know, Hannah Roach, and her family, are good friends of our family from a loooong time ago. Her Dad, Tim, was my Caravan's (kind of like girl/boy scouts at chruch) leader and took me to my first DC Talk concert at Jesus Northwest back when I was in like 6th grade. Kelli, Hannah's mom, taught me how to tole paint. Tim, Kelli, Hannah, Caleb, and Bethany moved to Tillamook something like 17 or 18 years ago, though they still remain our dear friends.