....packed back in the antique chests in our house and bins in our garage....Hallelujiah!
That was Michele's favorite song of the season, and I agree, Faith Hill does an amazing job with it. Of course, Christmas is certainly still in my heart, but I'm good with a little break. Of course, I'll be chomping at the bit for the great holiday/vacation that is "Harvest-Football-Halloween-Thanksgiving-Christmas" come September, but in the meantime, a little reality check is oh-so-necessary!
It took me ALL DAY to transition the house back to it's pre-September state. Part of the length of time was a result of trying to re-sort all of the decor and put it back in such a state that it will make sense next year. The older I get, the more I realize the value of jotting notes about things that "I'm sure I'll remember next year, but just in case" - cuz I never remember!
So, come the weekend of Labor Day, don't hesitate to remind me that the big Harvest Sign that sets above the tv, that doesn't fit in any bins- is safely stored behind the craft cabinet in the bonus room.....
Monday, January 05, 2009
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Why Don't We Do This More Often?
You know how there are certain occasions that when you are done with them, you think, "Man, that was fun? Why don't we do that more often?" That's how I feel about today. It was a super fun day in which Brayden and Mikayla got to play with their other cousins - whom they see way too seldom, and yet time is never an issue in terms of their camaraderie and fun. Particularly Mikayla and Andie. There are only 3 months between them, they are exactly the same height, and those two were peas in a pod running around all day today. Of course, us adults love the time together too.
We also were able to get some fantastic pictures today - I think the cat's out of the bag that they will probably turn into calendar presents for everyone at Christmas time next year.
Here are some of those pictures:
Brayden, with the VERY super cool hat he got from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laura.
Mikayla, with Monster blankie, also from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laura- I just wonder if the Monster on this blankie is supposed to stave off all of the monsters that would come get you in the night?!
Also from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laura - a rockin' skateboard, paired with the right kind of pose from our boy.
This is such a classic picture of Leona - so indicative of the pride she has in her family, happiest when she sees them happy....
And, a gorgeous shot of Aunt Laura (Uncle Jeff's wife - Uncle Jeff being John's twin brother)
A little more direct of a shot of Laura, she is such a sweetheart, once again, whenever we're together I always wish it would happen more often....
This is Uncle Jeff. He looks JUST like John, huh? (hee hee!) But for everyone who actually questions if John really DOES have the twin he talks about having, here is proof.....!
This is Alex (Alexandrea), the daughter of Mary Beth and Tom, John's oldest brother. She was born at 28 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 15 ounces. She is a miracle to behold - now healthy as can be at age 11.
And this is Andie (Andrea), Alex's younger sister - the other pea in the pod with Mikayla....
Don't you just love the freckles on those girls.....?
And, on to the entertainment of the day - the Wii - along with the Outdoor Challenge activities, and the Wii Fit board. We were all lining up to give it a try - Jeff even setting up his own Profile (as Charlie Brown). (Surprise, surprise that our 100 mile Ultra Marathon runner's BMI is right on target.....!)
We loved getting Jeff to try the Yoga portion.....
Because then John was able to take the picture, use Photoshop, and turn it into this....
A couple more pictures of us and our nieces:
And, here are a few shots of beautiful Mary Beth, with her beautiful daughters....
Finally, our family portrait! We made three different attempts to get everyone in the shot, and with each attempt, about 6 different poses. It got a little old, so it's only fitting that the one we all liked best was the very last "silly faces" shot.... Everyone agreed the picture captured the spirit of the family....
We also were able to get some fantastic pictures today - I think the cat's out of the bag that they will probably turn into calendar presents for everyone at Christmas time next year.
Here are some of those pictures:
Brayden, with the VERY super cool hat he got from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laura.
Mikayla, with Monster blankie, also from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laura- I just wonder if the Monster on this blankie is supposed to stave off all of the monsters that would come get you in the night?!
Also from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Laura - a rockin' skateboard, paired with the right kind of pose from our boy.
This is such a classic picture of Leona - so indicative of the pride she has in her family, happiest when she sees them happy....
And, a gorgeous shot of Aunt Laura (Uncle Jeff's wife - Uncle Jeff being John's twin brother)
A little more direct of a shot of Laura, she is such a sweetheart, once again, whenever we're together I always wish it would happen more often....
This is Uncle Jeff. He looks JUST like John, huh? (hee hee!) But for everyone who actually questions if John really DOES have the twin he talks about having, here is proof.....!
This is Alex (Alexandrea), the daughter of Mary Beth and Tom, John's oldest brother. She was born at 28 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 15 ounces. She is a miracle to behold - now healthy as can be at age 11.
And this is Andie (Andrea), Alex's younger sister - the other pea in the pod with Mikayla....
Don't you just love the freckles on those girls.....?
And, on to the entertainment of the day - the Wii - along with the Outdoor Challenge activities, and the Wii Fit board. We were all lining up to give it a try - Jeff even setting up his own Profile (as Charlie Brown). (Surprise, surprise that our 100 mile Ultra Marathon runner's BMI is right on target.....!)
We loved getting Jeff to try the Yoga portion.....
Because then John was able to take the picture, use Photoshop, and turn it into this....
A couple more pictures of us and our nieces:
And, here are a few shots of beautiful Mary Beth, with her beautiful daughters....
Finally, our family portrait! We made three different attempts to get everyone in the shot, and with each attempt, about 6 different poses. It got a little old, so it's only fitting that the one we all liked best was the very last "silly faces" shot.... Everyone agreed the picture captured the spirit of the family....
Friday, January 02, 2009
Another Email to Michele....
....This time regarding fitness....
We all parted ways yesterday, after returning from Sunriver just in time for the Rose Bowl. (Go Pac-10, 5 and 0!) Already, I'm missing Michele, particularly when we engage in fun things like tonite as evidenced by the email I wrote to her which pretty much sums up what I've been up to....
Hey there,
We watched Utah beat Alabama tonite in the Sugar Bowl and then brought out the Wii fit board from where it was safely seated on the top rack in the garage waiting for John to wrap it for me for Sunriver.... At first, we let Travis and the kids play on it as you have to set it up and get your BMI (thankfully it doesn't tell you your weight unless you request it) and then it tells you your fitness age based on balance exercises and BMI and real age. Of COURSE, Travis was right where he was supposed to be. It has all sorts of fun activities you do with balance - ski jump, tight rope, skiing. However, some of them won't work unless it's set for your weight - like the tight rope or ski jump.
So, when Travis decided to go play Tiger Woods with John in the other room, I hopped on and set it up for me. Good news, my BMI was "normal" - but just BARELY - right on the edge. Bad news - my Wii Fit age is "47". Kind of sad when it does a balance evaluation and when it's over, asks if you trip when you walk..... That's not a good sign!
Anywho.... It is a lot of fun. I realized I can hula hoop in virtual reality (having never been able to accomplish that goal in real life) - and were I ever to do a tightrope walk, I'd have the best success of making it across and even jumping over an object out of the lot of us. Good times.
All's to say, this little activity is making more enthusiastic about this lousy month - combine that with the Outdoor Challenge and new songs I downloaded for the Dance Factory DDR game* and perhaps getting back into a fitness routine won't be so awful...
*(I-tunes has a over a hundred different "I-Fitness Albums" that are set to faster pace beats - most of the songs I didn't recognize, but I game up with enough for a little bit more fun....they have several Christmas versions, so next year WILL be a hoot!!!) -
Can't wait to play all of this with you, but I'll have to leave the room when you set your BMI up - you can actually set up a password.... My pride and jealousy can only tolerate so much.....
Love ya,
Stephers
We all parted ways yesterday, after returning from Sunriver just in time for the Rose Bowl. (Go Pac-10, 5 and 0!) Already, I'm missing Michele, particularly when we engage in fun things like tonite as evidenced by the email I wrote to her which pretty much sums up what I've been up to....
Hey there,
We watched Utah beat Alabama tonite in the Sugar Bowl and then brought out the Wii fit board from where it was safely seated on the top rack in the garage waiting for John to wrap it for me for Sunriver.... At first, we let Travis and the kids play on it as you have to set it up and get your BMI (thankfully it doesn't tell you your weight unless you request it) and then it tells you your fitness age based on balance exercises and BMI and real age. Of COURSE, Travis was right where he was supposed to be. It has all sorts of fun activities you do with balance - ski jump, tight rope, skiing. However, some of them won't work unless it's set for your weight - like the tight rope or ski jump.
So, when Travis decided to go play Tiger Woods with John in the other room, I hopped on and set it up for me. Good news, my BMI was "normal" - but just BARELY - right on the edge. Bad news - my Wii Fit age is "47". Kind of sad when it does a balance evaluation and when it's over, asks if you trip when you walk..... That's not a good sign!
Anywho.... It is a lot of fun. I realized I can hula hoop in virtual reality (having never been able to accomplish that goal in real life) - and were I ever to do a tightrope walk, I'd have the best success of making it across and even jumping over an object out of the lot of us. Good times.
All's to say, this little activity is making more enthusiastic about this lousy month - combine that with the Outdoor Challenge and new songs I downloaded for the Dance Factory DDR game* and perhaps getting back into a fitness routine won't be so awful...
*(I-tunes has a over a hundred different "I-Fitness Albums" that are set to faster pace beats - most of the songs I didn't recognize, but I game up with enough for a little bit more fun....they have several Christmas versions, so next year WILL be a hoot!!!) -
Can't wait to play all of this with you, but I'll have to leave the room when you set your BMI up - you can actually set up a password.... My pride and jealousy can only tolerate so much.....
Love ya,
Stephers
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Nine Positive Things About January
I'm not much of a New Year's Resolution person - it's more of a re-start opportunity to return to the habits that are much more positive for me. In light of that, and this being the least desirable month of the year for me, I'm going to list nine positive things about January - nine, in honor of 2009.
1. Now that January is here, I don't need to dread its arrival anymore. (Seriously, anticipation plays a huge part in my life, and kind of like the rain returning after the gorgeous snow, sometimes it's better just to get it over with).
2. Each day that passes brings us more sunlight. It might not look like it here in Oregon, with every day in the 10-day forecast indicating showers/rain, but I'm believing it is actually happening.
3. (Shoot, I'm only at three, and already struggling....) I will undoubtedly feel better about myself by the end of the month than I will at the beginning. Generally, the end of August and the end of December find me at my heaviest weight, and though I haven't checked the scales to make sure of this, I'm pretty certain this year is no exception. Getting back to the gym and eating better will have me feeling so much healthier.
4. Because January is so cold, there is ample clothing opportunities to hide the reality expressed in Point #3. Love those puffy vests.....
5. Oh, silly me, one of the best parts of January, and I nearly forgot - new TV!!!! American Idol, Kyle XY, The Bachelor (yes, hate to admit I follow that, but I saw just enough of last season's to really like the guy they are bringing back), new episodes of Chuck, and FINALLY, Lost....
6. New activities happening at our church. Our new pastor has some very exciting plans he's unfolding this month.....
7. An opportunity (and it's about time) to start whittling down our budget, and tightening our belt. It won't be exactly fun for our family, but will be a very positive thing for John and I to do together, as well as for our kids to learn better financial management in action.
8. John turning 40! He's VERY EXCITED about this (REALLY!) - as long as I've known him, he's wanted to be older, have some grey, etc. Now, he's getting that wish. He wants a big party... (not sure how that works with Point #7, but I'm thankful that Nancy's husband, Randy, also turns 40 this month so we can plan a party together....)
9. Everything slows down. Gotta say, this isn't a "happy" thing for me, but is a necessary growth period for my faith.. I'm not nearly as good of a listener to God's still, small voice when I'm running at 100mph during the busy times (which often equates to the "fun times" from June through December). But, it's time to start listening, and adjusting - and now's a great time for that to happen.
1. Now that January is here, I don't need to dread its arrival anymore. (Seriously, anticipation plays a huge part in my life, and kind of like the rain returning after the gorgeous snow, sometimes it's better just to get it over with).
2. Each day that passes brings us more sunlight. It might not look like it here in Oregon, with every day in the 10-day forecast indicating showers/rain, but I'm believing it is actually happening.
3. (Shoot, I'm only at three, and already struggling....) I will undoubtedly feel better about myself by the end of the month than I will at the beginning. Generally, the end of August and the end of December find me at my heaviest weight, and though I haven't checked the scales to make sure of this, I'm pretty certain this year is no exception. Getting back to the gym and eating better will have me feeling so much healthier.
4. Because January is so cold, there is ample clothing opportunities to hide the reality expressed in Point #3. Love those puffy vests.....
5. Oh, silly me, one of the best parts of January, and I nearly forgot - new TV!!!! American Idol, Kyle XY, The Bachelor (yes, hate to admit I follow that, but I saw just enough of last season's to really like the guy they are bringing back), new episodes of Chuck, and FINALLY, Lost....
6. New activities happening at our church. Our new pastor has some very exciting plans he's unfolding this month.....
7. An opportunity (and it's about time) to start whittling down our budget, and tightening our belt. It won't be exactly fun for our family, but will be a very positive thing for John and I to do together, as well as for our kids to learn better financial management in action.
8. John turning 40! He's VERY EXCITED about this (REALLY!) - as long as I've known him, he's wanted to be older, have some grey, etc. Now, he's getting that wish. He wants a big party... (not sure how that works with Point #7, but I'm thankful that Nancy's husband, Randy, also turns 40 this month so we can plan a party together....)
9. Everything slows down. Gotta say, this isn't a "happy" thing for me, but is a necessary growth period for my faith.. I'm not nearly as good of a listener to God's still, small voice when I'm running at 100mph during the busy times (which often equates to the "fun times" from June through December). But, it's time to start listening, and adjusting - and now's a great time for that to happen.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Crooked River Dinner Train
How did you ring in 2009? Me, I went to bed around 10pm with a migraine.... man, I need my mom's therapeutic work in a big way!
However, prior to that headache getting too out of control, the Whites, kids and us celebrated New Years' Eve on the Crooked River Dinner Train. Originally, the Schillings had planned on leaving in the afternoon, hence our exclusion of them, but it turned out that Michael wasn't able to return until around 8pm, so they ended up spending the night.
There were two dining cars, with white lights dangling all over the windows. It was very festive....
Stephie, as I've noted before, has quite an aversion to people in costume - or even in character, so she was a little interested in what was on the "spirits" menu before our journey began....
This guy is "Little Joe Younger" - a character lacking in intelligence and good teeth - Brayden got a kick out of him....
Mikayla posed with "Jesse James" - his character owned the dining train.
"Prairie Rose" (on the left) had quite the thing for "Rimrock the Kid" - part of the drama that they acted out for our entertainment.
This little lady was "Frankie James" - who claimed she could have any man she wanted - Stephie, beware!
Overall, it was a really nice evening - we had fun. I could have handled it being an hour shorter, I think I'm done with train ride excursions for a while (these things all sound so ideal in July when I'm considering them, but when the evening comes and I'd rather sit around with a Wii tournament.....). Apparently, the Dinner Train is changing ownership, so it's possible that this train run could have been the last in its current format. Knowing that, it made it even more special. If it does continue, I'd highly recommend it - particularly the "Murder Mystery" versions.....
However, prior to that headache getting too out of control, the Whites, kids and us celebrated New Years' Eve on the Crooked River Dinner Train. Originally, the Schillings had planned on leaving in the afternoon, hence our exclusion of them, but it turned out that Michael wasn't able to return until around 8pm, so they ended up spending the night.
There were two dining cars, with white lights dangling all over the windows. It was very festive....
Stephie, as I've noted before, has quite an aversion to people in costume - or even in character, so she was a little interested in what was on the "spirits" menu before our journey began....
This guy is "Little Joe Younger" - a character lacking in intelligence and good teeth - Brayden got a kick out of him....
Mikayla posed with "Jesse James" - his character owned the dining train.
"Prairie Rose" (on the left) had quite the thing for "Rimrock the Kid" - part of the drama that they acted out for our entertainment.
This little lady was "Frankie James" - who claimed she could have any man she wanted - Stephie, beware!
Overall, it was a really nice evening - we had fun. I could have handled it being an hour shorter, I think I'm done with train ride excursions for a while (these things all sound so ideal in July when I'm considering them, but when the evening comes and I'd rather sit around with a Wii tournament.....). Apparently, the Dinner Train is changing ownership, so it's possible that this train run could have been the last in its current format. Knowing that, it made it even more special. If it does continue, I'd highly recommend it - particularly the "Murder Mystery" versions.....
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Slip-Sledding Away!
Lots and lots of pictures - and I'm uploading them and typing this so I don't have to be quite so stressed watching the game - ahhhhh - what a shoot-out!
One of my favorite pics of Travis and Stephie -
And, not such a bad one of the two of us - I think my honey looks especially "smart-looking" in this shot!
I love this look on Sydney's face- the object in her sights is an ice-encased stocking cap that had been abandoned on the sledding hill....
Here's a grand look from the top - not a huge, scary route, but because of the ice and number of people, full of plenty of bumps - chiropractors must make so much money off of this course!
We all thought this was a beautiful shot of Bogey-
Michele was such a sport today - she was one of the few adults brave enough (and without a chronic neck issue!) to continue going down again and again-
We were trying so hard to get Syd's attention for this shot, and instead she gave John a kiss -even better!
I thought this was a good "capture the feel" shot of John sharing his pics with Chele as I took one of them and Bogey and Travis in the background.
Stephie's run down the hill was a little less than successful, but I sure admire her positive attitude!
And Michele looked to be having perhaps just a little fun- note the progression of her and Ellie down the hill together - and in the end, Ellie was still smiling.... (and of course, so was Michele!)
Woah, Nati - are your steering this thing?!
If these boys were just a little older (and not so daring...) we could have left them there all day - they were having SO much fun-
How blessed we are to have built-in best friends with these cousins....
(By the way, Michael had to return home for the past couple of days to complete a very important year-end project (work) - we plan on seeing his full smile tomorrow as we root for the Beavers in their bowl game!)
One of my favorite pics of Travis and Stephie -
And, not such a bad one of the two of us - I think my honey looks especially "smart-looking" in this shot!
I love this look on Sydney's face- the object in her sights is an ice-encased stocking cap that had been abandoned on the sledding hill....
Here's a grand look from the top - not a huge, scary route, but because of the ice and number of people, full of plenty of bumps - chiropractors must make so much money off of this course!
We all thought this was a beautiful shot of Bogey-
Michele was such a sport today - she was one of the few adults brave enough (and without a chronic neck issue!) to continue going down again and again-
We were trying so hard to get Syd's attention for this shot, and instead she gave John a kiss -even better!
I thought this was a good "capture the feel" shot of John sharing his pics with Chele as I took one of them and Bogey and Travis in the background.
Stephie's run down the hill was a little less than successful, but I sure admire her positive attitude!
And Michele looked to be having perhaps just a little fun- note the progression of her and Ellie down the hill together - and in the end, Ellie was still smiling.... (and of course, so was Michele!)
Woah, Nati - are your steering this thing?!
If these boys were just a little older (and not so daring...) we could have left them there all day - they were having SO much fun-
How blessed we are to have built-in best friends with these cousins....
(By the way, Michael had to return home for the past couple of days to complete a very important year-end project (work) - we plan on seeing his full smile tomorrow as we root for the Beavers in their bowl game!)
Happy 7th Birthday, Mikayla!
My daughter can NOT be seven already. I'm very disturbed by this.... But, despite all of my objections, it appears to have happened irregardless. Sigh....
So here's a pic of Mikayla with one of her favorite desserts: Peach Kuchen, which she used to call "Pizza Kuchen"...
And, one of the best smiles I've seen on Ellie - apparently giving Mikayla a picture for her birthday.
I say "apparently" because I wasn't around to note the details of what transpired on the "day" of Mikayla's birthday - I was previously occupied at Sage Springs Spa. This is an annual indulgence that we can only justify by giving gift card Christmas presents to each other, and spending at least 6 hours at the location, despite our services only lasting around an hour. We start out in the hot tub for a couple of hours, move on to the Tranquility Room chairs to eat our pre-packed lunch, and finally, get called in for our services. This year, I was only semi-conscious through my "Back Nirvana" service - at one point I woke myself up with a snort - how embarassing!
While we were away, I guess the kids were all rather angelic - as evidenced by the halos over the top of their heads.....
And, I guess, life was made even a bit easier by how consumed they all were with their DS games - you gotta love "Littlest Pet Shop" on the DS.....
The activity of choice for Mikayla's birthday evening was to go see "Marley and Me". I was having fun testing my new camera in the theater. As for the movie - quite the tearjerker, and very moving. I thought Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston did a fantastic job. Needless to say, we all looked like we had allergies when we walked out of the theater (not the kids, we'd braced them), and gave all of our dogs big ol' hugs when we returned to the house.
In a few moments, we'll all don our snow gear as it is time to get these kids out and burning a little energy. The snow is reasonably fresh, the temperature is just around freezing, and more than likely every other family in Sunriver will be thinking the same thing. But, it kind of needs to happen.......
So here's a pic of Mikayla with one of her favorite desserts: Peach Kuchen, which she used to call "Pizza Kuchen"...
And, one of the best smiles I've seen on Ellie - apparently giving Mikayla a picture for her birthday.
I say "apparently" because I wasn't around to note the details of what transpired on the "day" of Mikayla's birthday - I was previously occupied at Sage Springs Spa. This is an annual indulgence that we can only justify by giving gift card Christmas presents to each other, and spending at least 6 hours at the location, despite our services only lasting around an hour. We start out in the hot tub for a couple of hours, move on to the Tranquility Room chairs to eat our pre-packed lunch, and finally, get called in for our services. This year, I was only semi-conscious through my "Back Nirvana" service - at one point I woke myself up with a snort - how embarassing!
While we were away, I guess the kids were all rather angelic - as evidenced by the halos over the top of their heads.....
And, I guess, life was made even a bit easier by how consumed they all were with their DS games - you gotta love "Littlest Pet Shop" on the DS.....
The activity of choice for Mikayla's birthday evening was to go see "Marley and Me". I was having fun testing my new camera in the theater. As for the movie - quite the tearjerker, and very moving. I thought Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston did a fantastic job. Needless to say, we all looked like we had allergies when we walked out of the theater (not the kids, we'd braced them), and gave all of our dogs big ol' hugs when we returned to the house.
In a few moments, we'll all don our snow gear as it is time to get these kids out and burning a little energy. The snow is reasonably fresh, the temperature is just around freezing, and more than likely every other family in Sunriver will be thinking the same thing. But, it kind of needs to happen.......
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