Oh, So Pretty!

I know it won't last, I know it's not record amounts - I know it's not even a week day so that it doesn't even mean a delay or day off - but it's just so BEAUTIFUL! And, it makes me so happy. I heard rain all night long, but then at about 6, it occurred to me that it was eerily quiet outside...... Maybe, just maybe....... Sure enough, along with the paper out front was snowfall. YIPPEE!(I knew there was a reason we haven't taken down the Christmas lights yet!)

"The Good, the Bad, and the Guilty"

So, here you go - a look at the dirtiest, foulest, most malevolent group of outlaws you've ever seen - each of them filled with enough lies, deceit, and treachery to take out the town judge:



I won't tell you "who did it" - that just wouldn't be fun if you ever choose to play this game, but rest assured, everyone had motives, and certainly not all was what it seemed to be upon first introductions.

With that said, I can't recommend enough these sorts of games for a guaranteed good time. The only catch is that you have to limit it to 8 people, which is always a bummer as we have such fun people in our lives that we would have loved to include. As I said before, John and I have thoroughly enjoyed doing these in the past, and for years have suggested others give it a try. Nobody took our bait, though, so we decided to host again, and share the love of the game with a bunch of murder mystery rookies.

This time, though, we might have chosen our friends too well as they blew us away with their costumes and performances - making my "Helena Handcart" impersonation look downright shabby. Hats off to Lisa and Nancy for going "over the top" with their get-ups. And, as for the most exceptional use of props - the award would go to my hubby: "Chief Passing Wind" - He rented the costume and even found a "fartinator" that uses a remote control to emit the sounds of unfortunate "passing gas" accidents. I didn't even know he had it, and the first time he used it was when we were ready to take a group picture and even I was impressed with his talent of choosing just the right moment to "toot". I eventually caught on knowing that even someone as well-practiced at this bodily function couldn't time it that perfectly. What a gas!!!!!

Fun, fun, fun - if you ever get a chance to do one of these - don't pass it up!

Preparing for a Murder.....

Tonight, we'll be attending a dinner party (technically hosting it) - supposedly there will be 9 of us, but I have a sneaky suspicion some one WILL NOT make it to dinner, and will be found dead (the person who is supposed to be hosting....). At least that's how these things have worked in the past......

I'm very, very excited - this is probably the 5th Murder Mystery party I've been a part of, and perhaps the 4th one I've been a part of putting on. Tonight, I'm Helena Handcart - mother of 13 dead sons....., I'll let you know if I end up being the killer. None of us will actually know until the end of the game.

Here's a picture of how the table in our bonus room looks like - it was fun to see that it is actually possible to host a group of 8 for a sit down dinner - however, a bit expensive in that we had to rent the chairs and linens.....

Happy Birthday My Love!

It's John's 39th today. The last birthday for this decade........sigh. Actually, he's the guy that's wanted to be 40 for as long as I've known him - excited for the grey hair and to be old and wise..... He's accomplished it all, I'd say!

Here's some pics of us at Red Robin tonite. Unfortunately the mascot was there, so poor Steph felt a little terrorized (she has a phobia of people in costumes....), but the rest of us had a great time. If only one picture is up when you post, 3 more should eventually show up, but John's camera phone isn't quick to cooperate and my headache is demanding me to lay down.

In the meantime, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE - you are more than I could have ever dreamed of!

A Couple of Questions 97

Martin Luther King Day - at our house that means kids that stayed up near midnight, because Michele and the cousins didn't arrive until after 8pm and they had to make up for lost time. Today will be lots of Wii playing, book-reading, bill paying, and as little exposure to the sub-freezing temperatures as possible.

1. How are you doing with 2008 so far? How's January treating you - any success stories of new ambitions for the year that you feel like sharing?

2. How can I be praying for you?

Amy's Birthday Weekend in Black Butte

Because Lisa S. is such a wonderful person and blesses us with a girls' get-away in January - and because Amy turned 40 at the end of December - the girls thought we could use these as good excuses to splurge a bit and have a spa day.

The cabin is in Black Butte, so the spa choice was the new Shibui Spa, part of the Five Pines Resort at the border of Sisters. Here's a picture of Lisa Q. standing in front of the beautiful building.


We arrived first as we were the only two ladies to show up Saturday morning vs. Friday. (John was at a leadership retreat and Dennis is already busy in tax season so we didn't feel like it would be appropriate to leave a day early). That gave us the opportunity to lounge in the hot tub section of the spa for about 45 minutes before it became VERY obvious that all of these ladies had invaded the establishment (they are a little giggly and loud):


After the most aggressive massage I've ever had (when this gal says "deep tissue" she means it - she was determined to work every knot out - and given the state of my upper back muscles - this is not an easy accomplishment) - we relaxed and socialized a bit before all heading off for Mexican fare-

Including a birthday song to Miss Amy:


We ended up bypassing the Lodge Lounge this time and relaxed back at the cabin for the rest of the evening. We watched "Waitress" (a very good chick-flick) and watched the snow fall amidst conversations of politics, child-rearing, and finances.....

The evening eventually ended by almost the entire crew taking some sort of sleeping aid (primarily Ambien) to get to sleep (myself excluded, fortunately I'm not to that spot yet....) and then deciding to get back up and play a little bit of cards. What a crack-up of practically "stoned/drunk" women, laughing at anything that moved and particularly each other as they succumbed to the sleep-aids effects........

I'm so thankful for this January get-away - it is a good refresher to my soul and makes me especially grateful for this wonderful group of women that have blessed my life. I'm hoping that next year Michele will be able to make it again (not the greatest timing this year because of the deadline with their house) and perhaps will get Susan and Stephie over there too!

Mikayla's Cheerleading Adventure

G-O D-U-C-K-S!!!!!!!
That's what this little girl was chanting in her very special opportunity to take part in the Duck Cheer Clinic. Because our buddies Travis - and especially Stephie- love our little girl so much, Mikayla was able to attend this event while Mom took a selfish day off at the spa in Central Oregon. (See next post - it wasn't entirely selfish!)

The Whites escorted both Mikayla and Christina to Mac Court where Stephie willingly waited throughout the clinic, watching and clicking pictures as the girls learned routine moves from the Duck Cheerleaders.

Stephie reported that it was a very special time for her, and the performance that Mikayla was a part of during half-time of the Womens' Basketball game was especially wonderful. Mark and Jackson and Brayden were also in attendance to support the enthusiastic cheerers.

Prior to the event, on Friday night, I had fun braiding strands of Mikayla's hair to see if it would turn out pretty and wavy--- It kind of turned out..... Don't think I'll go to all the effort again though....



Thanks again Mark, Travis and especially Stephie - you are awesome!

From the Bookshelf: "The Restorer's Son"

I'm starting a new recurring post about the books I'm reading. Unlike many of my blog-buddies, I do not consume books nearly as fast as my counter-parts. And, almost all of the books I'll be listing will be fiction. But, if it's just for my sake to help me remember, "Have I read this or not?", I'm going to give a quick, "Here's my thoughts" on some of the more noteworthy books I'm reading. (And maybe, just maybe I'll pull some of you into the "darkside" of the fun of Christian fiction fantasy or sci-fi! - hee-hee)

TITLE: The Restorer's Son, 2nd of The Sword of Lyric Series
AUTHOR: Sharon Hinck
GENRE: Christian fiction-fantasy
HERE'S MY THOUGHTS: This series is written in first person, which is something that's usually caused me to bypass books in the past. However, this second book flips between two people (as identified at the start of each chapter), which makes it quite interesting. The first book of the series was the story of the "average soccer mom" who stumbles upon a "portal" in her attic and is transported to a world similar to ours where she becomes a "restorer" (warrior/leader) to the people. This book continues on that story line.
INSIGHTS I'VE GAINED: That God has a plan for everything, but sometimes it makes no sense at all to us. All things can be used for His glory. He longs for an intimate relationship with us - that we would simply trust Him - yield and surrender.

Remembering Douglas V. Olds

Yesterday, Michele, Ellie, Mikayla and I traveled to Bend for the funeral of Doug Olds - the man that was married to my Grandmother for 35 years, and one of the 3 grandfathers I was blessed to have growing up.

He died on January 10th, at home, in the presence of his daughter and my grandmother, at the age of nearly 91. He lived a very long and rich life - to be sure.

Mom did a wonderful job putting together the above posters (she's been with my grandmother (her mom) since Saturday) - celebrating his life. (I suppose it would be an inappropriate to remind the readers that pictures taken of me in the past are reflective of fashion styles at the time, and should not be used to judge me......) I think the picture of the wedding of him and my grandmother is especially beautiful - made even more so by the knowledge that that was the same day that my mom and dad found out they were expecting us.

At the service the chaplain used 4 words to describe Doug - I'll try to give an example of each -

GENTLE: This is a word I especially recognize. I never saw him anything but gentle. They've always had German Shepherds as pets - one special dog at a time and his love for them epitomized this adjective.

HUMOR: The hospice worker shared this one, "When visiting with Doug he exclaimed, 'I really don't like being old, but I guess I better live with it as it IS my last name'"

HUMBLE: With this description came some facts I never knew. Apparently Doug was a search and rescue pilot in World War 2 who saved many lives. Though he was willing to share stories of this experience, it was never in an attempt to make himself sound like the hero. He also wore a watch all of his life that was given to him by the parents of a boy who's life he saved from drowning. His biggest ambition was to "walk in his father's footsteps" - the man he considered a true hero. His father was the superintendent of public schools and later, that is, indeed, what Doug became. He touched countless numbers of children's lives throughout his career.

LOVING: Evidenced most especially in the very special relationship he and my grandmother shared for their 35 years of marriage. In visiting with the chaplain, he described Grandmother as "She's not just a good wife - she's wonderful". They had a very endearing marriage - with lots of adventures traveling around the country, co-owning a nursery together, managing the 6 acres of property they have in Bend, hiking around the high desert, and loving God together.

As you can imagine, my grandmother is lost in grief right now at the prospect of losing her life-mate. Please be in prayer for her strength and peace, as she adjusts to life with just the memories and not him by her side.

Behold, Sunshine!

It makes me want to sing praise songs...

(And, by the way, my son insisted he was NOT cold, even though the sight of him in this picture chills me- my thermostat is set so different than both of my kids.... I just don't get it)

The Story of "Shay"

My mother-in-law emailed this to me, and although I think I've heard it before, it was touching enough to want to pass on to all of you:

At a fund-raising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled
children, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that
would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school
and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: 'When not interfered
with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with
perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do.
He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural
order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, physically
and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize
true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people
treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew
were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?'
Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like
Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were
allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and
some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on
a team shirt. His Father watched with a small tear in his eye and warmth
in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but
was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a
glove and played in th e right field. Even though no hits came his way,
he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field,
grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In
the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two
outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and
Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win
the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a
hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the
bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that
the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life,
moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least
make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed .
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly
towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a
slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and
could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have
been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head,
out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams
started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!' Never in his life
had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered
down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!' Catching his breath,
Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to
the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right
fielder had the ball ... the smallest guy on their team who now had his
first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball
to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's
intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over
the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the
runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him
by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to
third! Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators,
were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!' Shay ran to
home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the
grand slam and won the game for his team.

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face,
'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity
into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

Deep Thoughts from "Riverdance"

Man, just did a Pilates DVD at home. It was the first time I've done a general Pilates routine - I tried an ab-focused one ONCE, so hard I didn't even feel like it was worth trying again because I'm physically so far from doing any of the moves. This one was certainly more do-able, but my core is well, rotten. I've always had weak abdominal muscles (in comparison) and I'm sure if I were to fix some of this, my neck tension would be helped. But, it is a humbling task. I've got a plan on doing it twice a week, so hopefully, we'll see some improvement. Just had to add this meaningless footnote.....

Last Wednesday, John and I went to see the Farewell Tour of "Riverdance". We got tickets a while ago, on a random night, so that we could sit very close. It was worth it, we could see the sweat beads on their faces.

It was a spectacular show that didn't disappoint, but a couple of things really stood out at me-

1. What a difference a smile makes.
The beginning performance has the whole troupe straight-faced, looking very intense. While their moves were extremely impressive, I found myself not very happy watching them, thinking them all very stuck-up and too serious about something that should be bringing joy to their lives (I didn't know at that point if the whole performance would be like this). I looked around the troupe for someone who looked less intimidating than others just to make myself feel more comfortable.

The next time they came out, their faces all lit up. They smiled, hooped and hollered for each other, and seemed to be having the time of their lives. Where as before, I only wanted to watch the person I thought could "maybe be approachable", this performance I smiled thinking they all seemed like they'd be eager to be my friends were I to ask.

It made me realize how significant my body language is when I am in group settings. I was once accused by someone of being stand-offish, which I never would have guessed, but then, later thinking about it, on Sundays after church (where this person came to this conclusion), I'm often hungry, ready to leave with the kids, thinking about the list a mile long I have to do when I get home, and ready to get my "social butterfly" husband out of the lobby. Yeah, maybe my facial expression hasn't exuded "come meet me". Gotta work on that.

2. There's probably a special gift we all have that makes us elite at something.
It's a little humbling to watch performers who are at the top of their game do so much and think, "yeah, I can't even raise my torso off the ground while my legs are mid-air in a Pilates move". Some of the stuff they do has no context of difficulty to me, but I can recognize that it is amazing. I've never tried to tap, but based on the applause, when you do repetitive tapping moves in increasing speed and frequency, that's pretty amazing. I've never tried, so I have no idea how hard it is. The same goes for the fiddler that was awesome. I've tried singing before, so I KNOW I could never hit the soprano range that the soloist does - wow.

I've often thought that if I were in a beauty pageant (hypothetical folks - refer to above abdominal passage to know why this belly won't be in an evening gown competition, much less bathing suit!), what would be the talent I would bring to the table. I've got nothing. Let's see, How to be super organized for Christmas? The best looking Daytimer competition? I've got what it takes to organize a group camp-out competition? Who to turn to for keys to navigate Disneyland? Yeah, those are really gonna wow the judges. Much less, I'm not the BEST at any of those, perhaps I might have a leg up on some of them compared to my immediate friends, but not really, not if they cared enough to try.

But, I am sure my kids would say they would choose no one else for their mom. (Yes, I've asked, even when they are angry with me, they'd still pick me). And, I'm pretty sure I've got the inside scoop on John. No other girlfriend can understand Michele like I do. I'm certainly not going to win competitions for these things, but somehow, I really do think they qualify me as elite in something.

3. Talent combined in harmony is much better than talent in opposition.
In reading the program I found out that these dancers have been doing this since they were 3 or 4. They have competed in countless Irish Dance competitions world-wide and each have been awarded many accolades along the way. They made it clear that these performers probably knew each other for a long time because they've been going against each other for the top awards at these events. Now, they are together - rooting each other on for a common goal. Not working against each other, not striving to be number one, but making the whole show, company, experience - number one.

I don't think I need to water down that idea by making real life applications. I think there's plenty to be seen wherever we turn, in the church, in our friendships - anything where competition or jealousy, or envy could rise up. But, bring us all towards a common goal........ now, that's a unifier.....

There you go - deep thoughts from "Riverdance". I think I'm off to take some Advil for my already sore muscles.......

My "Little Seth's" Wedding

First of all, I'm extremely relieved as Mikayla just brought over her "reading homework" and successfully navigated a very simple story (Tig is it. Tig tags doll....). She did it. I think we can say she is a reader now, even if it serves her interest better to pretend she isn't so we'll read for her. Yeah Mikayla! Thanks for helping me cross off (at least for now) one of the items on my worry list.

Second of all, big apologies for the quality of these pics. The first one was taken on John's i-phone and the others were taken with a friends' camera that doesn't handle dark situations very well. But, she caught some great moments, and they are worth recording.

Last Saturday night we attended Seth and Jana's wedding. Who is Seth? Well, this AGES me big time, but he was a student in the years I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Actually, I taught 6th, 7th, and then 6th again, but he volunteered to be my student helper when he was an 8th grader (graded papers for me), and let me just say it feels like yesterday that I was handing him the yellow assignment sheets to check into the gradebook.

Seth was the sweetest kid, and hasn't changed a bit. His father is a pastor at our church and after Seth graduated, he worked at Target so we would run into him often. Mikayla loved seeing him as he would flirt with her and spin her around.

Over the last year or so, I've noticed him attending church with a pretty girl, and finally got the scoop. I was thrilled to hear about their engagement and was determined to attend the wedding. He was one of my all-time favorite kids- I had to witness his huge jump into being a full-on adult.

There's another guy in these pictures and his name is Hunter. He happens to be the boyfriend of the girl that took these pictures (though, clearly, Mikayla is hoping to give her a run for her money). And that girl happens to be Jeanenne who is the daughter of our collegiate pastor, Corey, the man, more or less responsible for bringing John and I together (also the one who married us). So, if Corey thought Hunter was good enough for his daughter (intern with the high school ministry, program staff at Camp Harlow), I felt I could trust him with my kiddos too. He absolutely "made" the reception for them - particularly Mikayla. It was all very precious.

Oh, one more thing - beginning right before the wedding and lasting through most of the reception, it snowed here in the valley - it was so pretty seeing it come down through the top ceiling windows at Harlow - glistening through the outside lamps. That's the sort of thing you could never plan for your wedding here, I think it was a special gift only God could bring to their wedding.....

A Couple of Questions 96

I feel so loved by my blog-friends (who qualify as friends minus the "blog" title, but that sounded cuter)! Thank you for the wise wisdom and words of support. I spoke to someone today who is struggling in concern for her child (nothing life-threatening or rebellion), but it really helped put things in perspective. Problems will come and we'll have to deal once they arrive, and I think for at least the folks that respond to this blog, we all know our own children better than anyone else to make the best decisions for them. Regarding future goals for my daily activities, I am confident if it is beyond what I am currently doing, God will make that abundantly clear. Now, I just need to work on my attitude!

1. What does the first half hour after you wake up generally look like/include (I'm referring to weekdays)?

2. What new item from the holidays has gotten the most use in your family?

Wide Open Spaces

While at a wedding reception on Saturday (this will become a post soon, I'm awaiting pictures to be emailed), someone at our table asked me after recognizing Mikayla's age, "So, next year, when she and Brayden are both at school for the full day, what will you be doing with all your time?" This is not the first time I've been asked this question, nor do I think it will be the last. And, I gotta say, I really, really don't like that question.

Throw that little gem with the recognition that it's January - and I will admit, I'm floundering a bit. I'm not in a funk, I'm not depressed, my body is not doing any kooky things at the moment (outside of the norms I'm used to), but I feel agoraphobic - that would be the fear of open spaces. No, it has nothing to do with the tree being taken out of the house so now there's room, it's more the fear of the open spaces all over my calendar.

From late May through the beginning of January my life gets pretty darn busy. I go, go, go and plan, plan, plan for the next thing coming up. Those are my hey-day days, what I love most in a calendar year. But, now, I've got things coming up to look forward to, for sure, but nothing consuming (unlike the start of school or Christmas). So, it gives me lots of time to think - and lately, worry.

Is my daughter going to be where she needs to be (i.e. reading) for first grade?
Will she make friends, and more specifically, the friends I like, in first grade?
How will she feel about leaving me all day?
How will I feel about her leaving me all day?
Will I be devastated next September?
How fast would I opt for homeschool just to avoid those above feelings?
Is Brayden's current "apathy" for school going to be a bad thing when things get even tougher?
Why haven't I been working with him on his handwriting more?
Why haven't I been working with both of them on reading more?
Will Brayden continue to keep the great choices of friends he's had so far?
How long will my kids long "just to be with us" over any other activity?
Are they going to resent that I don't pretend/play with them more?
What will my heart do if they ever show signs of not caring/loving us anymore (i.e. rebelling)?*

And, that's just about my kids. Obviously, you can see that guilt plays a big part in a lot of these thoughts. Then, throw in the expectation that I do something worthwhile with my "extra time" and me not feeling particularly led to do anything but finally catch up with my laundry and have a clean house and time for daily exercise - that just leads to more worthless feelings.

I know that this is where God wants me, to take the time to seek Him and rest in what He would have me do vs. what is listed in my Daytimer. So, I don't see all this as a bad thing, but it isn't very comfortable. Like I said, I'm a bit out of sorts, and currently, a little edgy and self-centered as a result. (I'm sure my friends have noticed....).

So, there you go, that's where I'm at. Tomorrow, Brayden finally heads back to school, Mikayla will have her first "long-lunch" day since break, and I'll have some more time to reflect. Perhaps, tomorrow, I'll make the right choices, trust the Lord with my worries, and choose to be others-centered vs. all about me. Or, maybe not. By the looks of the calendar, it appears I've got plenty of time to keep trying......

* Last night (when Mikayla laid down next to me, willing to watch a sci-fi show just to be next to me) I asked Mikayla if she would ever get a tattoo or shave her hair off or turn it blue. She made it clear she'd do none of the above, except she hesitated on the tattoo - she told me she'd tell me if she got one. "What?!!" I responded with alarm. Then she went on to explain that she'd tell me if she put one of the "Duck tattoos" on her face ----- "Oh, honey, that's not what I'm talking about!", and I proceeded to explain what a real tattoo was and she was mortified. I then asked if she'd ever tell me she hates me and never wants to be around me - She once again, assured me, "No way!". But, just in case, I made her "pinky-swear". So, now I don't need to worry - she pinky-swore, so it's all good.

All Gone....

Down went the Christmas decor..... we're back to a more spacious living room which is nice - and things are a bit more organized after it all, but I gotta say, today took a long time. It was nice to do it on a weekend so that I could kind of putz around and not have to rush to get it down in time to pick kids up from school, etc.

The kids were good sports about putting away the bonus room tree, and thanks to John being here, I was able to get away for a bit to Michael's and Home Depot so I could replace the plants that died from the time they were moved since September (when the Harvest Decor went up). Speaking of that, I found myself already wishing for that time again as I put the Harvest stuff back in its original bins (it gets put where the Christmas stuff comes from so everything has to play musical chairs when the seasons are over). Eight more months and we'll start all over....

A Riley Christmas on January 5th

So, it's finally time to officially take down the Christmas decor. Mikayla was very displeased with this idea when I mentioned that the tree was tilting, but no matter, it would come down tomorrow. I don't know how long she really thought we'd keep it up. I think it's time for her to stop listening to Dolly Parton's "Hard Candy Christmas" as well (and yes, I know the story behind the song, but thankfully, she doesn't - she just likes it an awful lot and requests it every time we get in the car).

At around 10 am, the Riley side of the family started arriving. Leona, Jeff (beloved sis-in-law Laura had to work=( ), Tom, Mary Beth, Alex, and Andie. We had a casual afternoon with Chili and cornbread and opened lots of presents.

I think what delights me most about these gatherings is how instantly the cousins click with each other. Andie and Mikayla are only months apart in age, and Brayden and Alex are only a grade apart. They have really begun to pair up in their play, which I think is a sweet deal given how much the kids all appreciate their own playmates every now and then. John did an awesome job capturing some of the fun they had with these pictures:





This last picture was a random present I decided to put together for Jeff. I had made Laura some Russian Tea as a "third gift" and wanted to do something equivalent for Jeff. What he talks about loving the most seems to be ice cream, so I thought maybe something to do with that. I couldn't very well wrap up a gallon of ice cream and leave it under the tree, so we decided to make an ice cream treat and then John had a good time with Photo Shop putting this little picture together for him to open up in a gift bag. Their's obviously some "inside jokes" regarding the wording on it, but once again, props for John in his worthy efforts here:


Thanks family for a wonderful afternoon!

Ikea Overload

Last weekend, we thought that while we were in Portland, we'd "stop by" Ikea. I've never been there, apparently John already has - it was the running joke about which old girlfriend he'd done that with.... (we realized later it was with a very, very, very, very, very, very, good buddy up in Seattle, Tim Dodd).

Just driving up to the place - it's HUGE!!!! John dropped us off in front while he parked, and as we were waiting in the lobby Mikayla expressed how sick she was feeling. As soon as John arrived, he took her back outside and she threw up about 4 times. Apparently, she was feeling as overwhelmed by the whole adventure as we were. (or else, more likely, car sick).

I was dealing with a "nightime cold medicine" hangover - not a good thing when you have to be on your game when shopping there. John was a little off as well - just not a good combination. We came in looking for a storage unit to hold the video game stuff we've accumulated - we walked out spending $4.78 on a glass jar and cutting board.

Not to say that place isn't incredible in it's own way. If you are organized, know exactly what you want, and have the time to really focus - I bet you could outfit a house very economically and tastefully from Ikea. They have done some improvements from their more modern designs to complement a more antique look - but as for us, last Sunday, it just wasn't to be.

Any Ikea experiences you'd like to share?

A Couple of Questions 95

HAPPY 2008 EVERYONE! I was going to change blog sites with the start of this year, but frankly, I'm not one for change, and simple seems to be working for me. So, there you go.

I hope last night was a fun one for folks. We ended up watching "The Holiday" which I'd never seen - very cute movie, a perfect choice for the evening, particularly since it was just the girls watching it.

1. How did you ring in 2008?

2. What are your ambitions for 2008 and how do you plan to implement them - or see them happen?