The Flying Pizza Meme has struck!

I tried to duck, but the flying pizza meme hit me right in the face! Brenda
over at Rocking Chairs and Rainbows tagged me for the infamous
Pizza Box meme! Why is called the Pizza box meme? It's a little game that another fellow blogger, Code Yellow Mom
found on the box of pizza!
But, having done three memes now...where exactly did this "meme" word come from? My non-blogging friends keep asking! And I still don't know!
Anyway, these questions are kind of interesting, I thought, so here goes...

What was your favorite thing about being a kid?
I loved playing dolls, Barbies and doll house. Yet, I also loved building bike ramps in the back of the neighborhood with the boys! I was an only child growing up, so playmates and my own imagination were important to me. Oh, and TV.

What was your favorite subject in school?
Reading, reading, reading.
And recess. One winter, the huge puddle on the playground froze over and we all went "skating" on it...with our shoes. And the teachers let us!

Who was your best friend when you were 10?
I was in "best friend" transition that year. In third grade, it was a toss between Kellie McCurdy and Mavis Lamb. (Don't you love those names?) We got to pick electives at our school in third grade and Mavis and I did a dance routine class. I still remember how fun it was, memorizing steps to "Cherokee People" and if I hear that song today, it all brings it back.

If you could be any animal what would you be?
I think any kind of bird would be nice...but an eagle would be the best, I'm sure.

What would you change about your school, occupation, life right now?
That's a hard one. I love so many things about my life...but I'd probably do it with more organization, and with more joy and peace. And I would like to have a couple more close friends in my life...you know, the ones that you can call on the phone on a bad day and just say, "Ahhhh."

What's your favorite color?
Blue

What's your favorite type of crust and favorite topping on a pizza?
Fluffy, not crisp. Sausage, mushroom, olives with extra cheese, please.

Well....I'm just not going to tag anyone. So there! I just don't know who's done this one and who hasn't...but if you would like to do this, please do...and let me know, so I can read your answers!

WW...My oldest at 2

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*Also... take a peek at the Carnival of the Vanities...Lil Duck is hosting again and one of my recent posts is part of the entries. :)
Lil Duck Duck Carnival

Nana

It's been a few days since my last post...but after the Yard-Sale-Gone-Bad, I need a little time to recover! I think I almost have, now...thank you for all of your kind words- they helped ease the pain...and help me prepare for the upcoming yard sale with...
The mother who wouldn't sell anything...
(Just kidding, Mom!)
Seriously, I wanted to share a couple photos with you, if you don't mind. I have always been facinated with old photos- not just my family history photos, but other people's too! So hope some of you feel the same way...

Some of you know that I have mentioned being a part of the The Sandwich Generation in which I told of how the women in my family have tended to have their children later in life. My mother's mother, whom I called "Nana", had other grandchildren before I came along, but by the time I entered the scene, she was very ancient, indeed. I know to children, all senior citizens can seem older than the hills but believe me...she truly was ancient!

I wish I could have known her...really known her. But as I entered grade school, not only had her body become feeble, but her mind, as well. Most of my memories of Nana consisted of my tagging along with my mom to visit her in the nursing home. The dreadful smell would assault me and the sights of some of the ailing residents were disturbing to my young, sentsitive eyes. Sometimes, on a good day, Nana would would remember us...other times, she would talk in hazy riddles or ask us where her husband was.

Even I knew she didn't mean my grandfather, but her first husband, who had died in an epidemic in the 19-teens. That was the man whom she really loved. She had a small son when her beloved passed away, but my spunky grandmother went to work and raised him the best she could..until she met someone else she was willing to marry. The story goes that she looked considerably young for her age and deceived her new beau into thinking she was much younger than her 37 years. (He was only 25). They had two daughters, the first whom was my mother. And sadly, their marriage was marked with dissention and turmoil. My grandmother was a Christian and a true lady- and she certainly did not believe in divorce...but divorce happened, nonetheless.

So now, she was a single mother again. And her son became a sort of surrogate father to her two girls. He was twelve years older then my mom and both she and her sister adored him. And my spunky grandmother survived.

My mother tells me that for such a tiny little woman, she could surprise people with just how fiesty she could be- especially when it came to sticking up for right- or for the honor of her own loved ones. But in spite of this, she would sometimes cry when she became extremely angry...a trait, I might add, which has been passed down to her daughter- and to me!

There are so many stories about Nana...and I try to picture them all, even though the person I knew personally was only a shell of who she really had been.
Now, my own mother is approaching 80. And though there are times I know she wishes she was younger in order to enjoy her granddaughters in a more active way...I am still thankful she is alive and as healthy as she is- both physically and mentally. I'm happy that she can still read them stories and sprinkle them with gems of wisdom like only grandmas can. And that my daughters can witness, first-hand, the real person that she is, and enjoy her.

Nana passed away when I was 19. She had hung on until she finally was released from this earth and went home to be with the Lord at the age of 93.
And these days, I like to think of my grandmother not as the ancient, nursing home-ridden lady who only remembered her past but not her present... but as that young, fiesty, warm-hearted woman that I know from family stories, who loved her children fiercely and saw so many changes throughout her life and century.

Because I think she'll be the person that I meet in heaven one day.

*Picture 1...as a young woman
*Picture 2...with her little boy, my dear Uncle Les
*Picture 3...Nana holds me as a baby

**Edited to add...be sure to check out some of the photo details...like the high-button shoes in the photo with her son (1920)...and the beautiful classic pink car behind my grandmother and me. (I'd think I'd love to have that car now!)

Yard Sales and Marriage...like Oil and Water

In the interest of perhaps helping a few others along the way, I'm going to be brutally honest.
You know the old saying... never do a home renovation without expecting to pay for marriage counseling afterwards? Well, the same can be said for having yard sales. Or...at least having them with a certain guy whom will remain nameless (but suffice it to say that he's kinda' cute, loves Fox News, and shares my last name.)

This un-named man... normally a mild-mannered gentleman by week-day... turns into ...

THE GUY WHO WOULD SELL EVERYTHING!!!

You can run...you can hide...but still he'll seep into the smallest crevices of your home and garage... finding those precious keepsakes, tossing them onto the driveway...slapping those price tags on. He may say he is merely putting them out for your approval, as he superglues the "Make Offer" sign on your box of elegant Christmas dishes...but don't be fooled.


OK...maybe I'm exaggerating just a tad. But let me also suggest humbly to my readers (all eight of you) that something sinister comes over my beloved whenever we are having a yard sale. And the syndrome is growing progressively worse.

It wasn't always this way. There was a time, long, long ago...two newlyweds would have a little harmless yard sale at their Virginia apartment...sit side by side...read...laugh...just generally hoop it up and get along like lovebirds.
Nobody knows quite what happened, but somehow along the way, the happy yard sale hormone began leaving his brain. Today, I knew he has run out.

Well, I do have to be honest. Maybe...just maybe mind you...we both got up on rather the wrong side of the bed this morning. Maybe the high humidity in our usually cool northwest caused the flair of tempers.
(Personally, I think it's because he swore off all coffee last year. But that's a whole 'nuther post.)

And granted, having a few things in storage, hanging from the rafters, and up in the make-shift attic might make him a little anxious to be rid of some stuff. Believe me, I want to unclutter as much as the next gal...but, with within reason. My reason.

Alright, so I inherited the "keep" gene from my dear mother. But only- like- half of her gene. Whenever I do yard sales with my mom, who wants to sell her house and move closer...well, the shoe is on the other foot. In her eyes, I turn into...

THE DAUGHTER WHO WOULD SELL EVERYTHING (...so she can move out, sell her place, and live the remainder of her years contentedly near her granddaughers without paying for storage, I tell ya!.)

I knew you all would appreciate this sort of public service announcement, however.
If your normally stable marriage displays any of the following yard sale symptoms, beware:

*When discussing the possible price of various items, whether the hide-a-bed or vaccuum, all of his answers to you are $1.

*Normally sweet and kind, hubby suddenly uses sarcasm for no apparent reason about breakfast and marking pens. (Don't ask.)

*You resort to bringing up the dreaded "broken-motorcyle-taking-up-residence-for-11-years" subject with equal sarcasm. Not good.

*You write a post about it all...start to feel guilty about it...consider deleting it. Then realize that it's just Yard Sale Syndrome and your husband will get a good laugh about it all when he turns back into Clark Kent.


So, now that I've totally vented over my poor, defenseless hubby... let me assure you that I still love him dearly. My husband can be one of the sweetest guys to ever walk the planet. (Just read any of my previous posts!)
And I know what you're thinking... it's not fair to give my side of our little yard-sale-gone-bad without letting him have his say. But I'm hoping those of you that either know me- or are getting to know me- will understand that this is all said with humor and love.
And I do have to admit...in day to day life, I am not always the perfect saint. (No, it's true! I know it's hard to believe, but just trust me on this!)

And at the end of the day, all will be fine. Because if we can't laugh about these little things, then those "little things" can fester and build. Like something that's been in your fridge too long. (Not that I know anything about that.)

So, in order to preserve loving harmony in our relationship, I have decided to no longer do yard sales with my beloved. As with anything in life, you just have to know your limitations. What pitfalls to avoid in the future.
And guess what? The financial success of our yard sale was just plain sad. And I know it was because with all the bickering, God just couldn't really put His blessing on our endeavor. I know others may have other theological opinions on such things, but I really believe this.

On the lighter side, my husband just called. (Yes, he went to go work on his brother's car and to take the girls to McDonald's.
(To quote The Odd Couple openning..."This request came from his wife.")

And I have to say...just being away from the yard sale and having his mechanical therapy has given him back his sweet Clark Kent voice. I kinda' like him again.

And he is so secure that I actually have his blessing to post this. Maybe's he's OK with me revealing that we don't have the perfect family 365 days out of the year- that even wonderful husbands and wives don't always act so... wonderful. (Or maybe is going to start his own blog and is just planning his evil response...)

Actually, we both kind of knew when we spoke on the phone just now that all is forgiven.
And that's one of the very good things about our marriage...even when one of us- or both- are being rather jerky, we can forgive each other, learn something, and go on.

Oh, we still can be like lovebirds and enjoy togetherness...but from now on, I'm solo-ing in my career as a yard sale mama. And I think my sweet husband is just plain fine with that idea. Well, more like... relieved.

Perhaps, estatic might be more accurate.

So there you have it. The whole sorted details. I hope you learn from our mistakes and heed the warnings a bit better than we did. At least we learned something...better late than never!

(And if anyone wants a broken motorcyle, just let me know. It doesn't run...but it's kind of pretty, really blue and...well....BIG.)

These Fleeting Days...

I just wanted to share some pictures I took on Wednesday....more specifically, No-TV Wednesday.

I should confess something...early in the summer, I posted that we were enjoying some lazy days...sort of trying to capture the essence of the season without all the hurry and all the agendas. Hmmm. Although my motives were pure, we had less of those "carefree" summer days than I had hoped for. In other words...my plans for being unplanned didn't work out quite as well as I...well...planned.

However... we actually did get some summer days sprinkled throughout the season where there was nothing pressing on the calendar and errands could wait. And some of these times happened on No-TV Wednesday.

My girls don't even complain anymore about not being able to turn on the TV on these designated days. They just confirm with me that is, indeed, said-day...then go about finding their own fun.

This Wednesday, I have to say that we did have a few things on our calendar...but in those free hours in-between, we just "hung out". In the process, I was observing my children a bit. They are growing up so fast....and so many of us have poignantly pointed out this fact as fellow bloggers sent off their little ones to Kindergarten...or watched their eldest go off to college...or get married.
Mine are shooting up faster than lightening....so you can imagine just how warm inside I felt as I watched them still playing dolls together. I took delight in the fact that they were both still little girl enough to enjoy this simple pleasure...and do it together. In fact, I wanted to capture the moment in my hand and hold it so tightly...knowing childhood is way too fleeting.

So, we enjoyed those moments this week...with dolls and dishes sprawled all out over the blanket and grass and as they pushed dollies on the swings and drank water from their play cups. And enjoyed those simple childlike pleasures as summer passes slowly into fall.


"We have these moments to hold in our hands and to touch, as they flow through our fingers like sand. Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come...but we have these moments right now." ~ The Gaithers

A Novel Idea for a Meme!

I was just tagged by
Brenda
(This is a book meme, started by a new blogger, Violet Voices.)

Here's my question:
If you could write a novel about any subject, what would it be? (Just the subject - don't give away your plot idea!)


Since I have always, always loved writing this is a topic right up my alley! I actually do sort of have a "novel in the works" but I won't give away that subject. I'll try to think of a new one...

I've got it! Perhaps this would be a snipit...

The woman lay on the warm sands of Waikiki, enjoying the sound of the waves just a few feet away. She thought about this long-awaited honeymoon that she and her husband were finally on, after ten long years. She felt so completely blessed.
Suddenly, she could fight the urge no longer! With quick movements, she was suddenly off of her secure beach towel and walking into the gentle surf. Further...further...did she dare go all the way into the ocean?

Back on the Oregon beaches, she could never be so bold. The water was like ice and the rip tides, cruel and tricky. But here...here, others frolicked in the warm ocean- old and young alike.

The tropical water danced around her legs, beckoning her to venture further. She could not ignore their pleas any longer, and as the gentle waves hit her shoulders, she suddenly felt like a young girl, splashing freely in the waves.
She saw her husband capture the moment with his camera, and saw him grin at seeing this side of her - this side of complete, childlike joy.


I guess I kinda' gave away my plot idea afterall...and the novel would be based on true events! What do you think? Does it have a chance?

I'm supposed to tag 5 others, but am not sure who's already been tagged or not. So I'm going to cheat and tag only 3 ....but the other two will be any of those reading that want to do this!
I tag
Glass Half Full

Callapidder Days

Grandmothersmusings-(my mom)

...and anyone else!

Wordless Wednesday.."Just trying to help!"

Miss Whiny, 2006

My four year old cuddle-bug has become Miss Whiny, U.S.A. Oh, she's always been a runner-up in the pageant, but this month, I've officially crowned her the shining queen.

The other night, she fussed so much in the bath that her whine-voice refused to leave for the rest of the evening. Not getting her big, fluffy marshmellow which I promised for good bath behavior sent her even more over the edge. For the rest of the evening, the whines and hysteria were the background noise as I tried to dry and brush her hair (remember this POST....?)
and they continued to serenade us as we readied for bed. Every few seconds, the cries were punctuated with, "I wanna marshmellow! Pleeeeeese can I have a marshmellow?"
Now, I'm not a heartless mama, but really, I just believe that when I warned her that if her behavior continued, she would lose on said-marshmellow...well, I just gotta' follow through! Believe me, my life would have been sooooo much easier if I would have given in!
She would beg, plead and wail..."I just got to ask you something!"
"Yes, I'm listening..."
"Oh, Pleee-eeease can I have a marshmellow?"

After about the 20th time of saying she just had to ask me something, I would then ask,
"Is this question going to be if you can have a marshmellow?"
She would slowly nod her head in defeat. Followed by an answer in the negative.
Followed by more wails.

This morning, there are no hysterics, but there is still that decidedly tone of "whine" to the voice. The kind that makes your muscles tense, your ears ring, and your mouth start to twitch as the listener.
"Where's my cup of milk? It was right here! Mommmm-mmmy!"

Believe me, I have tried all the great mommy lines.
"I cannot hear you when you speak like that."
"Please speak in a big-girl voice."
or the ever-popular,
"No marshmellows until you graduate from medical school!"

Yes, sometimes those actually do the trick. But other times there is no such luck.
Please, tell me I am not alone! Tell me there are other contestants in this lovely little pagentry of the Whines! Because some days I am wanting to put in some earrplugs and just go soak in Calgon for a few hours.

But then, just as I am about to head for the hills, she says, as she did just now while I was typing...
"Mommy?"
"Yes?"
"I love you, Mommy."


About my Children... (tagged!)

I was tagged for this by
Jeannine

Thanks, Jeannine! :) Who can resist a post where we talk about our children?

So here goes...

About My Children...

Name three things about each of my children:

My seven year old sweetie-girl~~~

1) She is very observant, bright, and with a keen memory for facts. (Ok, so I'm packing several qualities into my first number, but hey!) She constantly amazed me this last year as we home schooled for the first time by the way she learned and absorbed so much! And in Awana, she memorized an incredible amount of Bible verses, especially for only being in first grade. Needless to say, her daddy and I were pretty proud!

2) She can be a little stubborn and emotional at times (can't imagine where she gets it!) but each year she outgrows it just a little bit more, thankfully.
(However...puberty should be interesting...)

3) She is always honest with me. Sometimes when she and her sister are squabbling, she will tattle on her. And as I address the issue with sister, she will usually pipe up with a confession of egging her on.
I SO appreciate this quality and hope that even when she's older, she won't be afraid of telling me the whole truth.


My Four Year old Cherub~~~

1) She is extremely sensitive (again, just not sure where she ever got this from!) ;)
When I have to correct her, I have to do it in a much gentler way than I do with my oldest. I've tried the same "voice" with her and she always dissolves into tears. But still, she is disciplined. Just more...sensitively!

2) Like her older sister, she is blessed with a incredible memory. In fact, she recently has bemoaned the fact that "she remembers everything". I never knew this was considered a hardship, but apparently it is.
"Mommy, do you feel sorry for me? I'm poor. I remember everything."
But other times, it's cause for gloating.
"I remember we got that book from the library already. See, Mommy? I told you I remember everything!"

3) She has such a tender heart. Her daddy and I started the tradition with the girls early-on to say a little prayer whenever we heard a siren. Now, she is the very first to exclaim, "PRAY!" In fact, even if she hears it while playing with other kids, and no one starts praying at her announcement, she will start praying, herself.
"Dear Jesus, Please help whoever's in trouble. And help them to know You. Amen."

I so hope she keeps this heart for prayer all the days of her life.

As with all of you who are parents, I could go on and on...it was hard to limit this to just three items! And even though this evening was a particularly frustrating time with them, I love them dearly and am so thankful the privilege of being their mom.


OK... beside all of you who are reading who want to do this,
I tag...Amy at Contemplations Amid Chaos
Mississippi Girl
and...
Poptart Mom

Growing Pains

My seven year old had a bittersweet milestone just a few minutes ago. Well, maybe more bitter than sweet to her tender mind.

On the way home from the park, we stopped at our local Fred Meyer's. (To those not in the northwest U.S., that is big chain of stores selling groceries, clothes, you name it!) They offer, free of charge, to allow your children to play in an open room, called Playland, complete with playhouse and videos. My girls have adored going in there while I shop, even if it's only for 20 mintues.

As I came to the window to pick them up, I noticed the woman in charge filling out a certificate of some sort. Uh-oh.

"She's graduating," she informed me. Somehow, I instinctively knew that the little coloring book, cookie coupon, and certificate was not going to ease the pain which I could see coming. When the girls came over and my daughter was handed the goodies, at first she smiled.
And then the truth sank in. And both our hearts sank with it.

I tried to talk about it all as positively as I could to her, but as we reached the car, she couldn't hold in the tears in any longer. And you know what? I wanted to cry with her. Oh, I did a pretty good job at hiding my emotions in an attempt at cheering her...I explained the benefits of being to able do all the big girl things first before her younger sister...the big kid rides that she'll get to go on first and how she can ride her bike now without training wheels.
(Even her four year old sister tried to comfort her. She actually told her that she was proud of her!)

But she informed when we arrived home,
"This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life."

A little dramatic? Perhaps. She has been a bit of a little drama princess from day one. However, she said this with such a serious tone that I didn't feel any inclination to laugh at her statement, even on the inside...it only made me want to hug her to myself. Hug her for a long time and not let go.

I guess today I am not only feeling sad for what she is going through, but also, it seems I am suffering a little growing pains myself. My little girl is growing up.

Just like so many posts were written recently by other moms sending thier little ones off to Kindergarten, this incident seemed to hit me in much the same way. I know maybe it seems silly to compare being too big to enter Playland to a Kindergarten send-off...but nevertheless, that is how both mother and daughter are feeling today.

But the things I told her on the drive home are all true, I know they are. There are exciting things ahead for her, and privaliges to being the oldest child.
Each year brings new adventures...new abilities...new wisdom. That can be said for all of us.

But still, it's bittersweet.... this business of growing up. For both of us.









(Pictures taken today at the duck park)

13 Years Ago Yesterday...

Yesterday marked the 13th anniversary of the day my husband and I met. We often like to commemorate this day, just as we do our wedding anniversary...se started it when back when were dating and somehow never got out of the habit!

Like with many marriages of ten years and more, we have been through so much together, both good and bad...Sad times, scary times, and just plain frustrating times.

I'll be honest...my husband and I are both stubborn people by nature and perhaps a little moody on occasion.

And though we have these... well, little relationial challenges... we also have a deep love for one another and at the core, a strong devotion. He is always there for me and I know that God brought us together on that day, 13 years ago. I hope to never take God's gift to us for granted.

Someday I might tell the story of how it all happened. This morning, however, I just want to list 13 of the reasons that I love and appreciate him...

1) He loves me.

2) He is completely commited to our marriage.

3) He is a loving daddy to our girls.

4) He is extremely responsible, yet...

5) He can enjoy childlike fun!

6) He doesn't mind spending time with our kids alone and giving me little breaks!


7) He is incredibly intellegent and bright.


8) He has a poetic and artistic side (he was an art major and graphic designer)



9) He's one young-looking, handsome guy, who's always been able to make my heart beat a little faster!

10) He is a very, very hard worker.

11) He'll sit through many a romantic movie with me.

12) He's not afraid to say that he's sorry.

13) And most of all... he loves the Lord with all of his heart.

Happy Anniversary of the day we met,
Honey!


*By the way...he surprised me with roses last night! Did I not say he was quite a guy?

Weekend in the Wilderness

I'm sitting here with my cup of caffeine jolt this morning and my sore, rubbery legs. We had quite the adventure this weekend! First of all, thank you for all the well-wishes (especially since you know that tent camping isn't usually my speciality.)

You know that famous quote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Well, that might be a slight exageration on both sides, but it did have a little bit of the good, bad and ugly. But all in all, if I were to pick an adjective, it would really lean more on the positive...such as beautiful, fun, exciting, adventurous. And yes...tiring.


Lil Cherub helps by carrying load on her trike In case you're curious about "where"...the camping trip was near Estacada, Oregon. It was incredibly large and gorgeous state park which none of us had ever been to before, so it was fun to discover it! In fact, it is amazing how so many of us can side-step such wonderful destinations so close to our own hometowns. Like the people you hear about that live next to the Grand Canyon but never go.

Once we arrived, we staked out our little claim of land in the designated area and pitched our tent...and what was nice was that it wasn't in the usual camping area, but the day area, so that it all seemed a little more rustic.

The organizers couldn't have been more friendly and both hubby and I were extremely impressed with the fellow campers. They all were such mannerly polite folks, either young families or quiet adults and it was a true pleasure camping with all of them. (We have some rowdy neighbors living near us, so it was so refreshing!)


There were crafts for the kids, a demo on how make fire rubbing those two sticks together, and on Sunday, a couple fun games- one where the kids got to pretend to be salmon swimming through all the obsticals...they had a blast!

Oh- and sleeping in the tent was wonderful. Nice and warm and comfortable on our little mattresses as the crickets sang around us.

There were no showers, however. NO SHOWERS. But we did our best to clean up, deciding to not worry too much about perfect hygene and just be stinky pioneers.

Before leaving the park, we sat down at the picnic table and read one of the stories from our girls' children's Bible. We then thanked the Lord for this beauty all around us that He created. Since we weren't going to church that day, it was our little family devotion out in the open air. Although it lasted only ten minutes, I was hoping to instill the importance of remembering to honor God no matter where we are...but it blessed me, too.

Afterwards, we rode our bikes do the river where a few of our fellow campers were already enjoying wading around and catching crawdads. It was so beautiful there and the water felt so nice and cool to our overheated feet! Already the temperatures were climbing to 90. Finally we tore ourselves away and headed to our next destination- Mt. Hood! Notice chipmunk peeking on railing

I had only been there in the height of snow season, so this was a new experience for me...and it was incredible. The scenery that unfolded before us was wonderful...and when we reached Lake Trillium, the sight before us simply took our breath away. My words can not aptly describe it, so hopefully the pictures will give you some sense of the beauty. But even these probably can't truly capture it!
And the butterflies! I had never seen such a large population of butterflies in all my life, fluttering through the air and landing in clumps on the shore.

We spent the remainder of the day wading in the water and hiking through the scenic trails surrounding the lake.

So...where's the bad stuff I eluded to earlier in my post? It was in there, sprinkled throughout the weekend. One or two misunderstandings between my husband and I (all was forgiven)... a slight burnt finger as my seven year old touched her hot marshmellow with tears following... and towards the end of our hike around the lake, the girls began running and my four year old fell and got new owie on top of her old owie...resulting in MAJOR tears...had to clean up owie, followed by such shrieks that all of the wildlife ran for higher ground.

As our weekend began to come to a close and we headed back down the mountain, though, we talked about our good and bad experiences and we all agreed that the good seemed to outweigh the bad, as we each named our favorite times. The little adventures we did, the hurdles we overcame, and the astounding natural beauty we encountered all served to give us an incredible weekend experience that we all will probably remember for years to come.

I know that I will.

Mommy goes...Camping!

I'm popping in to say that we are about to embark on a little weekend camping trip in the morning! Yes...camping...ME! (See This post )

But this time, it is just our little family (not to imply that I don't like camping with extended family of course- I just mean, it's well- more simpler, I guess. Hey-I know a few of my family are reading this, even if they are lurkers!)
It's not at the frigid coast, and it's for only one night. In fact...the whole crazy scheme was actually my idea!

I signed up through a local state park, and it's partly sponsered by a camping gear shop. Up to ten families can sign up, and borrow at no charge whatever equipment they need. A whole meal is provided...and the whole trip is all for about $15 and the price of gas (which will be twice as much, I realize, since the actual camping spot is 45 minutes away!) But not bad for a weekend away, right?
I figured I could rough it for one short night at these prices! So look out s'mores, here we come!

And Sunday, after we pack up, we plan on stopping at Mt. Hood, which I'm really excited about! I've never been up there in the summertime, so this will be a first for the girls and I. (Hubby's been years ago.)

So...to make a short story long (as usual) I will be absent from blogland for the duration...which may be a good thing, since my addiction has been oh-so-consuming of late! But I will be back in a couple days to see all the incredible stuff you blog friends have posted while I was away...(no pressure though!)

I'll let you know how it goes, maybe with even a picture or two to share. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend, whether it's spent curled up at home with a good book or out hiking the mountain while simutaniously swatting away pesky "skeeters"...

God bless and I'll "see" you soon!

Good to the last drop

Today, I have a special little date with my girls planned.

They finished their library-sponsered summer reading program and yesterday received their certificates, free books, and...Starbucks cards! Yes, no need to adjust your glasses- you read that right! My little girls each received a free Starbucks card!
Because or our tight monthly budget this summer, I have had to give up my weekly trip to Coffee People, so when I saw their little cards, I began drooling like a Pavlov dog. On closer examination, I realized that each one was good for a blended, NON-caffeinated drink. Still, Starbucks is doing their duty by teaching children the value of a good Starbuck's drink by luring them- I mean- introducing them- at the very earliest age. My seven year old insisted on putting it in her little purse so she could feel like a lady. Hmmm....not sure how I feel about this yet! Still, it's hard to look a gift horse in the mouth. And I don't mean to sound ungrateful to Starbucks...it's just a little...well, strange.
However, far it be for me to turn down any kind of free coffee drink, no-sirree! I do have hubby's blessing (well, permission might be more accurate) to take the girls to Starbucks and have my own coffee drink with them. We will have our little ladies time this morning to celebrate all of the books we read. .. our little splurge, and then I must go back to keeping away from all of those terrible, tempting coffee shops that seem to call out my name as I innocently do my errands.

Even the ones that pass out gift cards to reward unsuspecting little future cappuccino sippers.

A post worth reading...

I just read a very touching post by Ginger. I am always blessed when I visit her site, but this post was especially wonderful. Please check it out! (I'm just starting to learn the linking thing, so hope it works!)

Joyful Woman

I'll be back to write my own post a little later.
Blessings!


WW...Coming Home

Wordless Wednesday...

Life Meme...tagged!

Kailani from The Pink Diary tagged me for this little meme (sorry I'm late, Kailani!), so here goes...

My Life Meme

childhood ambition . . . to be a teacher, a writer, a wife and mother
fondest memory . . . my wedding day
soundtrack . . . Sleepless in Seattle
retreat . . . Maui
wildest dream . . . to be a famous novelist, perhaps with a few acres of land...oh- and living in Maui
proudest moment . . . whenever my girls show kindness to others
biggest challenge . . . being a good wife and mom...and finding time to write in-between!
alarm clock . . . I usually just wake right up...though if we don't have plans, it can vary between 7 am and 9am!
perfect day . . . a day with family when we're all getting along perfectly...in Maui
first job . . . babsitting for a neighbor
indulgence . . . one of those specialty mochas at Coffee People
last purchase . . . some little shorts and shirts for the girls at a yard sale on Saturday- in good condition- for .25! Woohoo!
favorite movie . . . It's a Wonderful Life (and lots and lots of others!)
inspiration . . . my mom, my husband and daughters...favorite writers (like Robin Jones Gunn) and anyone who serves the Lord unselfishly is my inspiration
biggest regret . . . not hiring a videographer at my wedding (we had two people who were both going to have camcorders there...BOTH forgot!)
rather be . . .um...let's see... in Maui!...but hey, I'm going in a few months- yay!
looking forward to . . . Ok, um...MAUI! ;) But to say something- anything else- I'll also add that I'm looking forward to getting a new puppy when we get back.
irrational fear . . . spiders
3 people i'd invite to dinner .... After reading the book, Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory, in which he writes a fictional account of someone who is invited to dinner with the Lord Jesus, of course, words cannot express how much I would love to choose having dinner with my Lord!

But I'll choose three mortals here: Peter, the Apostle..... (do they have to be on earth right now?) ... Laura Ingalls Wilder....movie actor, James Stewart
For extra credit, I'll throw in three more who are currently alive: Thomas Kinkade,...author, Robin Jones Gunn....and Andy Griffith. (That would be an interesting dinnertime conversation.)

This was fun... so I tag....

my mom (grandmothersmusings)
Kim (across the board)
Laura (lines...in pleasent places)
and YOU!

Dairyland

I was going to write about this anyway...and realized how it tied into the Monday Memories theme. I'll update shortly with the link to other Monday Memories posts...


We discovered it two or three years ago.

Alpenrose, which was a famous Portland area dairy, had a special little western town with all sorts of wonderful, amazing things. My husband had actually been coming to Alpenrose since he was a kid and they use to have a fireworks display from the grounds. Growing up farther away, I had only been there once... and now there seemed to be even more to see, especially now that we had little ones in tow... Dairyville's western town had all of the following:

*A storybook lane An very old opera house (upon entering, you could sit in the grand theater and watch old cartoons (the ones I remembered from my preschool days...like "Sinbad the *Sailor" and "Popeye"!)
*A building housing minature trains, all run by volunteer train enthusiasts
*The old ice cream shoppe (with Alpenrose's own signature icecream flavors)
*A barn full of ponies, horses, goats and pigs.
*And a lot, lot more!

Every Sunday, we discovered, was free children's day! We couldn't believe that something so old-fashioned and wonderful- and free!- would still exist. As we entered the gates, we could go into a special ticket area in the western town and get free passes for lemonade, one licorice, one pony ride where the hitched ponies went around in a circle (this was the highlight for our girls as you can imagine!) and one pony-drawn mini-stagecoach ride. Oh- and a balloon!

Then, if that's not all...the famous clown, Rusty Nails (who is now in his 70's and a wonderful Christian who use to have his own Tv show, by the way) performs on the little old stage in the center of the "town". Yes...all of this for free! It was only on Sundays from June- September...but at Christmastime Santa came.

And it was all wonderfully free... wonderfully sweet... wonderfully old-fashioned.

Yesterday afternoon, we all eagerly packed into the car, our girls excited especially excited for the pony rides. They each even brought their stuffed horseys, which they had named after the ponies they had ridden their first summer there. We arrived...to see one other lone family wandering about and almost everything closed up. Were we early?

As we strolled through, we saw that the storybook lane was still open...the trains were still running...the ice cream shoppe where you can buy a bowlful for $1.50 was still open.

But the barn shudders were all closed and locked. There were no older folks voluntarily handing out free passes....no lemonade, no ponies, not even the old opera house welcomed us to sit down amongst the ornate furnishings and enjoy a cartoon.
Our spirits fell...those of our girls, but also of my husband and I. Was this the end of an era? Of our little family tradition? I went inside the ice cream shoppe and spoke to the older gentleman behind the counter. He was one of the train club members who had been apart of Alpenrose for many years and he began to tell me the very sad tale of how the remaining dairy family decided to stop the little stage show, close the theater doors, and empty it's barn of the little animals. The family fun Sunday was indeed over, until further notice.

The gentleman's eyes told of his sadness...and his own shock of learning all of this just two weeks before it was to open. And he told of the all-too familiar story of liability suits, which caused the pony rides to come to end. The woman who owned the ponies, he said, had been in tears at the news of her not being able to return. Apparently, it had given her great joy to see the look of wonder on little children's faces as they road the gentle ponies. And all of the volunteers who came faithfully each Sunday did so because they loved to see the delighted little ones scamper through the town with their balloons and laugh at Rusty Nails.

Although my four year old had been talking for days about her upcoming pony ride, the girls took it a little better than I expected. No tears...but their sad faces mirrored our own as we made the drive back home in the summer heat. My husband wisely said that we should be grateful for the times we had to enjoy it. And yes, that's very true. We have some great times there, and I wouldn't be surprised if my girls have dim memories of it which they can carry into adulthood.

But yet, I'm still feeling a little sad this morning. Sad for ourselves... for the many families just like us....for those that didn't even have a chance to discover it... and for the little community of volunteers that had given so much of themselves there for so many years. I guess, most of all, for I am sad for this ending to something so charming and wholesome, which speaks to me of yesteryear.

I'm going to compose a letter to Alpenrose. But I doubt it wil make a difference....what can mere human emotions do to compete with liability issues and such? But it will serve as a catharsis for me- and in a roundabout way, for my family. And I'll get out the pictures, look them over with fondness, and perhaps make some long-overdue scrapbooking pages. And of course...write down my feelings and share all of this with you...today.
Thank you for allowing me to mourn just a little bit our family's special place. And the end of an era.

Pictures taken last summer. Rusty Nails entertains all the kids- mine stand with hubby on the porch toward the left.

A Road Trip Down Memory Lane

Some of our good friends are driving down to southern California at this very moment...and it made me remember the excitement I had when I took that same trip with my own family growing up.

I was fourteen...still very much a kid for my age and very- very- excited about my first trip to southern California where the palm trees waited to greet me. And better, still- I had always wanted to go to Disneyland! I was a teen now, but better late than never!

My dad had a grandson (from a previous marriage) who was then eleven. Since I was an only child, he had become like a brother to me and we actually got along exceptionally well. I was so excited that we were taking him with us, since the ten-day adventure would be all that more fun with someone else coming along.

Getting up at 5 am never felt so exilerating! (Probably not since then, either!)
An hour of driving brought us to his house in Eugene, and he eagerly hopped in with his stuff. ...And we were off!

We did the journey from Oregon to L.A. in two legs, stopping somewhere near Eurkea, CA. My nephew and I spent countless hours playing hangman with pencil and paper, making up songs, talking, and plucking plums and peaches from the ice chest my parents had packed. (Gotta have fresh fruits on those road trips to prevent those...digestive problems!)

I still remember waking up all together in our little motel room the first morning, after an evening of watching "Alice" the night before from my sleeping bag on the floor. (Does anyone remember that show?)

Then, we were off again! Sort of. Hmmm... what's that? Something's not quite right with the car, Dad?

The next thing we knew, we were spending a good part of one of our vacation days in the air conditioned car repair shop in lovely downtown Eureka. Fortuately, we didn't let it dampen our spirits too much, and finally, back on the road, we eagerly awaited the next adventure.

The whole memory of this trip is sprinkled with visiting relatives I didn't know I had...seeing new and exciting places...and spending some incredible times with my family.
We walked the Hollywood Walk of Fame...watched whales and dolphins frolic at Sea World....climbed The Swiss Family Robinson treehouse. My parents surprised me with wanting to stand in line not once- but twice- to splash down the waterfall ride at Knotts Berry Farm! My dad was not exactly a young and active kind of guy, you understand...he enjoyed reclining in his favorite easy-chair in the evenings. You can imagine how tickled I was to see him enjoying this kid-like adventure with as much zest as I did! Who knew?

When I look back at what made this trip so special, of course it was partly due to all the exciting places that we saw...and yes, even at age 14, Disneyland was just as charming as I had always dreamed it would be.

But it was more than that. So much more. It was the mutually shared experiences with my family. It was finding ways for my nephew and I to entertain ourselves for hours in the car as we saw the landscapes change before our very eyes.
It was writing in our journals and singing.
It was learning that when snags hit your plans, you don't let it ruin your whole trip.
It was seeing my parents in a brand new light as they let go of some of their responsibilites and found the fun in life again.
It was spending uninterrupted time enjoying each other as family.

My husband and I want to take our own children to Disneyland sometime in the next two years. And call us crazy, but we'll probably do a road trip. (My husband has never even been to Disneyland himself so I am almost as excited for him as for my children!)
And you know what? If we still don't have one of those pull-down TVs in the van by then to keep the kids quiet, that's perfectly fine with me.
What- am I saying TVs in the car are wrong? (This coming from the TV generation poster child?!) No...they do have thier place, especially with young children. Even my hubby would love to invest in it for long drives. But let's just say that I'm willing to risk it if we don't have one by then. I think their experiences, their memories will be even more fulfilling without it.
They might even have to resort to doing all the fun little things I did on the long car ride down...or simply, sleepily, gaze out the window at the moving scenery.

Perhaps they'll have their own memories to share when they grow up...of the time their family took a road trip to southern California. The time we all spent uninterrupted time enjoying new and exciting places...together.

No-TV Wednesday

Last summer, inspired by a new friend's experience, we decided to try something new at our house....No TV for one day a week!

No Backyardians...now Wonderpets...no videos of any kind. No HGTV for me... no news shows for my hubby...no unwinding a bit with our TV in bed. (How would we ever get to sleep?)
Somehow, we made it through each and every Friday. In fact, it was a resounding success! So much so, that I decided that as soon as June rolled around again, we'd start over- kind of make it our summer tradition.

Well, I was a little late getting back to it, I'm sorry to say. But last week we finally resumed our little plan -only I re-named it "No-TV Wednesday."

Before I expound on this idea a bit more, let me first say this is no small undertaking for someone like me. Why? Because I could have been the poster child for the TV Generation of the 70's.

In fact, I still have my little diary that my mom gave me when I was seven or eight (the same age that my oldest child is now.) There are several pages devoted to my all-time favorite shows, scribbled in my second grade hand, listing each program right down to their time slot which I had so wonderfully memorized. And here's something even more shocking... I STILL have some of them memorized!
Why, who can forget eating a bowl of ice cream on Friday nights at 8pm, watching a never-before-seen episode of The Brady Bunch? And then there was That Girl, starring Marlo Thomas (Tuesday nights, 8 pm, I believe...). I wanted to be her when I grew up- complete with huge eye lashes. And of coure, the ever-popular "My Three Sons" with the tapping sneakers in the intro. (Tuesdays? Or was it Thursdays?) This was the stuff life was made of!

Anyone under 39 and a half is probably shaking their heads in confusion, but trust me...these were all blockbuster nights in the early in the early 1970's- especially around my house.
You see, I was an only child and though I played with friends, had sleep-overs, and enjoyed books and playing doll house by myself, I still ended up watching a lot of TV during my growing up years and beyond. It was like a very good friend. And sometimes, unfortuantely, an enemy. My parents had it on every night like millions of other Americans, and I sometimes watched things that I didn't like just because "they were on"...or worse yet, watched things that I probably shouldn't have.

As I look upon my old diary, it's pretty amusing...but would I really want my own seven year old's diary to be all about her favorite TV shows...or about her life. Hmmm.

My husband, on the other hand, had a period of time growing up when television was banned. These are what I refer to as "the lost years." When I fondly quote a famous line from the era ("A little song, a little dance, a little selzer down your pants..."), or recall a famous commercial (Let's get Mikey- he eats anything!") he just stares blankly. Poor guy... so clueless....so deprived.

He does now, however, love unwinding with the news and history channels after work...and especially at bedtime. He sets the timer and blissfully falls asleep as if it were a lullaby. And as with many married folks, this is also now my habit. So when we have to go to bed with dark and quiet...it's just...weird! Do other people really do that?

So....now that you know a little of our background, you can see why choosing of our own (Okay-- MY own will) to keep the TV off one day every week is a huge deal.

But a funny thing happens whenever Wednesday rolls around... we have to look for other forms of amusement! Isn't that amazing?

My children will, depending on their moods:
1) play with their actual toys (astounding concept, isn't it!)
2) find yet even more toys they forgot about at the bottom of their toy boxes
3) play outside
4) draw pictures
5) look at books
6) build a fort with chairs and blankets in the livingroom
7) play one of their many board games
8) make a puppet show
9) listen to a story in tape
10) do countless other things that make childhood so much fun

Is there ever a bit of revolt- does whininess ever rear it's ugly head? Once in awhile...and sometimes even among the kids! ;)
It is a bit of a sacrifice for all of us, I cannot lie. But overall, the experiment that turned into a family tradition has been beneficial for us all. To not rely on television- even good television- for survival and happiness is a great practice.

Lest you think that on "normal" days I perhaps park the girls in front of the TV all day, have no fear...we have limits on the rest of the days, too! But it's good to know that we are able to not only function but actually enjoy the day without even one little click of the remote. Amazing.

So...I guess this is my own first version of Works for Me Wednesday. Because No-TV Wednesday works for us.

Now I'm thinking I should give myself a No-Computer Monday. (shudder!) OK...perhaps I need to give that a lot of thought before doing something quite so radical...

Who can name the popular TV show that I quoted from?