a long winter's break....

yes.

I'm more than thankful that I have this week off. Sad that Lee has to go back Monday-Wed. But so glad I'm off.

yes.

The snow is melting. I'm so. stinking. thankful. Jump in the air and click my heels, thankful.

yes.

Due to meltoff, Hope was able to take off on her new, motorized scooter. To say she loves it is the understatement of the year. SHE LOVES, LOVES, LOVES it. :) Her friend next door has a new motorized vespa-like scooter. So they were off!

yes. :)

Here's Hope, taking a break from kicking everyone's tush with the Wii-action. Best gift of the season. Thank you, Santa!

And here we are...in the falling snow on Christmas day. The whole fam-damily. Merry Christmas!

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Christmas makes me say Wii.....

:) I am SO not a gamer. Probably the furthest thing from it. After yesterday, I believe that's all changed.

Santa brought my baby a Wii. :)

And by Santa, I mean Lee. And by baby, I mean Hope. He can be seen above, golfing.

In reality, the gift was for all of us. After 20 rounds of bowling yesterday, I could barely move this morning. Until I saw that Wii remote calling my name. I've tried all the sports except golf. Bowling is my fave. Baseball, I can get down with. Boxing almost did me in.

And we haven't even opened the other Wii games Santa brought. :)

Both of Lee's sisters and fams came to our digs yesterday. It was a Wii Christmas, that's for sure. Everyone arrived, skeptical of the Wii. And left wanting to purchase one. It's that much fun.

Hope and I always make a birthday cake of some sort (for Jesus!). This year, we did a praline pumpkin torte. It was the hit of the evening. :) Always sure-fire. So yummy.

Hope's letter to Santa just blessed my socks off. I think this will be the year we reveal "the truth." We've set it up along the way with the story of St. Nick and Santa being a friend of Jesus. This year was too hard. And too many questions. It's time. Soon, anyhow.

Besides the Wii, I'd say this is was the hit of Hope's holiday. Life-sized Hannah Montana on her bedroom wall. There's actually one more smaller one on another wall - and guitars and "hannah" stickers. Crazy. But our girl was oh-so-happy.

Merry Christmas! Now let the diet begin! :)

let it snow, let it snow...

...let it snow. pooey. Not a huge fan of the snow, I must say. A day of it? I can deal. Two weeks of it? Not so much. I have been working from since last Monday, it seems. I made a break for it on Saturday - while "the gettin' was good." Glad I did. After 10 hours of snow last night, the office was closed until 10 am - and powers that be were encouraging "those that could" to work from home. So, I did.

This is a view of our digs prior to the last 10 hour round of flakes. S'insanity I say. Insanity.


Lee's commuter car (seen in drive) is not running after the cold snap. Poor thing. We've been thankful for the 4wd on two of our rides. My Honda does well in the white stuff too.

I really have nothing great to blog about. Except for my weather-related complaints. ;-( I believe I am fully-recovered from surgery (yay!). Christmas has exploded in our digs. I have the best friends in my neighborhood. Seriously.

Not sure what Christmas day will bring. Everyone is scheduled to land at our house...but the weather is literally everywhere. Blaketing everything. With no end in sight. :)



A little view of our tree. Can't see it - but red and white is the theme. :) Ho-ho-ho. :)

smiles are free

Just when I think this white stuff (snow. ice.) is going to send me screaming for any sunny destination serving drinks with umbrellas, a moment of pure joy comes my way.

Hope: Mom, can you get my sewing kit?
Mom: Sure. What are you making?
Hope: It's a surprise.

(Hope then parks herself in the bonus room, watching Drake and Josh, sewing and being mysterious).

Hope: Mom, my webkinz are getting married. You're invited to the ceremony.

[mom (that's me) views a dauchsund and a cockerspaniel. Cockerspaniel is swathed with lavender fabric. Its face is covered with another fabric - Hannah Montana fabric.]

Hope: This is wiggles and megan. Megan's face is covered. She'll take off the veil after they say, "I do."

[hope cues orange webkinz cat named "Sally" to officiate. we are apparently very progressive in our pastoral views."

Hope (as Sally): Wiggles, do you take Megan in matrimony? If yes, said "I do."

Wiggles: I do.

Hope (as Pastor Sally): Megan, do you take Wiggles in holy macaroni? I mean, matrimony (gales of laughter)?

Megan: Of course!

Hope (as Pastor S): You may kiss one another!

Hope says to Mom: If this were real, their tongues would like each other.

Mom: WHAT?!?!?

Hope: Because they're dogs Mom. That's what dogs do.

Hope sings the bridal march (or whatever that is called) and carries Megan and Wiggles to their honeymoon destination: the red bean bag called Mexico. Where they promptly fell asleep. Whew! Innocence lives. :)

This scene still has me smiling from ear-t0-ear. Not sure what inspired the ceremony. But I sure got a kick and a half out of the entire thing.

As one of my facebook buddies wondered: Future wedding planner?

Hmmm. One can only hope. :)

I love being Hope's mom. :)

k

Christmas Questionnaire

1. Fresh tree or fake? Fresh. Although, those prelit jobs are looking better every year.

2. Favorite ornament? It's a toss between a hand-made ornament of silly snowmen from 1994 with my name and Lee's on it or the ceramic angel ornament my mother in law gave me the same year.

3. Favorite Christmas Song" Breath of heaven. Ave Marie. Baby, It's Cold Outside.

4. Favorite TraditionPicking out a tree. I don't know that we have one. Just doing it together. Watching Lee work hard and chopping it down (smile). Bringing something warm to drink.

5. Favorite Gift Ever Received. Hmm. Lee gave me an engagement ring one year. That probably tops it. And surprising me another year with Barry Manilow tix in Vegas (my fave!).

6. Favorite Christmas Prime rib. Mashed potatoes. Gravy. My Grandma's fried green beans. ANd plenty of dessert.

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie. Butter nut roll cookies. Sugar cookies with frosting. Who am I kidding? I love them all!

8. Favorite Place To Be? With my family. :)

9. Favorite Memory? When my sisters and I were very little girls, Santa came to visit us on Christmas morning at our Mom's house. We didn't really know what to do. I knew it was our neighbor. It was the first year my Mom and Dad were divorced...and I knew my Mom was trying to surprise us. :)

10. Favorite Christmas Movie? I actually love all the holiday flicks, but my favorite is Miracle on 34th Street.

Seven things...

I'm not feeling too bloggy, so I've decided to cheat.

7 things I can do...

1. Counted Cross stitch.
2. A cartwheel. Still. Craziness, I know.
3. Wake up on time without an alarm clock. Every single day.
4. Make almost anyone laugh.
5. Draw snoopy, woodstock and the entire gang.
6. Graphic design. Although, I don't do it much lately.
7. Sing the words to just about every Barry Manilow song.


7 things I can't do...

1. Maintain an organized system for more than one week.
2. Lose weight. Sigh.
3. Go without conversation for very long.
4. Cut up, eat or cook any "meat on the bone." Except turkey. I can eat that.
5. Sing. Well, anyhow.
6. Be late. I think, it's inborne. And rules my brain.
7. Resist chocolate.

7 things I always say...

1. Seriously?
2. "I'm done!"
3. 'Sup buttercup?
4. For the love of Fred...
5. Can you please pick up after yourself?
6. Thank you, Jesus.
7. Let's move, shmoove.

7 things I always eat...

1. Rice cakes with Adam's peanut butter and fruit spread
2. Chicken in some form.
3. Mints. I don't know the brand - but they come in a circle container and are sugah free!
4. Strong coffee with cream. Technically that's not food, but it's life to me.
5. Herbal tea.
6. Too many sweets. sigh.
7. Almonds

7 things you probably don't know about me

1. I wrestle with my past almost every single day of my life.

2. I would like to be a writer. But when I say that, I don't really know what that means. I've had jobs that were primarily "writing." And it drained my brain. I think I would like to write at my leisure. A novel of some sort.

3. I am inspired by great art, phenomenal photography and amazing color combinations.

4. I could not live without music. I love to sing and dance - but do neither in the company of others.

5. At my core, I believe that absolutely anything is possible. Anything can be worked out. And anyone can do just about anything if they put their mind to it and do the work. I really, really do.

6. I have an addition that I am working to overcome (don't worry, it's not substance abuse!).

7. I could spend one month alone, in my house and find perfect peace.

7 things I would do if money were no object:

1. Live someplace sunny and warm.

2. Buy set my Dad/stepMom and my Mom in paid-for homes. Um, separately. Not together. And my FIL and SIL too. I think I'd lump us in there as well.

3. Purchase the biggest Dooney and Bourke bag around. :)

4. Prepay college tuition for Hope. Including master's work.

5. Quit la job and become that writer that lives within.

6. Drink Starbucks every single day (from the store, not my coffee maker).

7. Support needy families. I think this would be first, actually.

7 things I am wishing for this Christmas:

1. Meaningful time with family.
2. That Hope will remember the reason we celebrate (birth of Jesus) and celebrate Him.
3. For the entire family to go to Christmas Eve services.
4. A large amount of weight would miraculously leave my body.
5. Very selfishly, a new cell phone. Although mine works just fine. I reallllyyy want an Iphone.
6. A fresh start.
7. Something unspoken and not meant for the blogwaves. :)

Happy December! :)

santa parade...

:)

my girl cheers in two santa parades...

...and she was awesome! :)

some thankfulness and World AIDS Day....

a little late, but it's still officially thanksgiving weekend. and because i'm feeling so lazy, no caps today. :)

I am thankful for....

My husband. Yes, it's true. I have been "down" for the past 2 months. Well, "down" in a semi-down way. Surgery 2 weeks ago put me "completely down." My perfectionistic partner has been a trooper. From dish-duty to Girl Scout escort to "put the lights up on the house" and "go get the Christmas tree by himself" - I am thankful for it all.

My daughter. Her goofy sense of humor, willingness to try anything once and her tender heart. Okay, She also loves animals. While this is not a love I share (at all!), I admire it in my girl. She has been a tremoundous help to me as I've recovered over the past few weeks.

My little sister. We have a history all its own, my sister and I do. From turkey dances to Rogue River rafting fiascos to a giggle-fest a'la telephone, I love this girl. And rely on her for a little sanity. Nuff said.

She is my humor creator. True story.

My inlaws. Lee's sister and Dad are the peeps we spend the majority of our time with. Vacations, holidays and the like. With all of our quirks, we hang in there together. And I will say (because Sandra doesn't read this blog), that I'm not sure what I would do without my chat with Karen, who has become a bit of the glue for our familia. Glue that looks an awful lot like my mother-in-law, whom I miss each and every day. If I had a picture of her scanned, I would def. post. :)

Other important thankful notes? Health. A roof over our heads. Clean water to drink - and running through pipes and faucets. I don't have AIDS. My parents haven't died from AIDS. I will likely never contract HIV. I am not 10 and caring for my 3 younger siblings, like so many kids in Africa, specifically. My daughter will not know that kind of desperation.

Most importantly, I am thankful for the Lord. Who He is in our lives. That He saved me from a life of hopelesness. Or a life of hope in things that fade and fail. And the promise of eternal life that He alone can give.

:) A rambling post that I began last night. And very jaggedly finished this morning. ;)

24 days until Christmas!!! Yeehaw!

kb

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that's my fella....

bellybuttons and ornaments

The past couple of months have been long. And by long I mean 'excruciating."

One of my co-workers blogged about his colonoscopy. I read some of it, thought it was too much info and told him so. After having a procedure of my own, I'm half tempted to share all of the details. I won't. But oh, I am tempted. I wonder why that is? No one is really interested in it. But oh, how we like to share. Wait, the only person who might be interested is one who is about to have a similar procedure.

And I doubt this blog pops up on major medical searches. So you're saved. For now. A wild hair may move me to give every detail at some point. It wouldn't take much, that's for certain. :)

I had surgery about...12 days ago. Recovery has not been without hiccups. Thankfully, I have a job that has allowed me to take extra time off. A daughter who worships me and worries about me and is the best helper a mama could ask for. And a husband, who for all of his words, took on the "other half" of our life in the best way he could while I recuperated. Not that he wasn't salivating over the thought of a vacuum in my hands...sigh.

One of my favorite peeps had her annual ornament party on Saturday. I am not really a girl who enjoys large groups of women. Oh, no. I do not. And I have bypassed my sweet D's soiree simply becuase of the estrogen. This year, I went. And the crowd was half the size. I will say, that a good time was had by all. Namely, me.

Granted, I hadn't left the house in 9 days. A trip to the gas station would have been fun at that point too. (oh, but I kid).

The end of the evening found a group of us forming a not-so-secret sisterhood of women who watch "The Real Housewives" reality show on Bravo. Specifically, the housewives of Atlanta. Or "Hotlanta" as some say (I'm taking a stab that my sweet Jeanette might pray for me over this one. I'll take it, sister). Nine days preceded by a month of pain and days in bed gives a girl a lot of time. I did read some books. I also became addicted to a few new shows. Hotlanta is one of them. Nene is my girl. I am counting the minutes until the reunion show airs in 43 minutes. Oh. yes. I am.

I also watched all six extended version disks in the Lord of the Ring series. I say this with the hope that it somehow balances out my reality tv watching. And by balances, I mean "erases."

Seriously, it was hillarious to discover not just one (camie!) but 2 more (shannon/dana) lovers of the show. It might be a little sad to tell you how long we actually dissected the show. But it was all in good fun. :)

Here are a few pics of our night togethah.

The group of us. Two people are making bunny ears behind my head. Really?

Two of my favoritest girls in the world. Jeanette and baby Shayne (l), whom I do not see enough and our hostess with the mostess (r), ol yella (danielle). These are my truest of peeps. Oh yes, they are. And when a tree falls in the forest .... (ha!)
One of my other most favoritest girls (and I'm using excellent grammar just for her) - Denise (r). We have been through some times together...in fact, I don't think I would have made it through some of those times without her. I do love my Dee-Dee. And her love for books and lending them my way. Um, and lots of other stuff too. :)

This just makes me laugh. Lori and Danielle. These are two crazy girls. Lori and I shared some laughs all night long. Mostly over people dancing in the pits. Ah well, someone's gotta do it. Right, Lori? :)

Danielle grabbed the camera as Camie and I went over-the-top with hysteria over our kindred hotlanta habit. Oh my. I'm so glad I posed with that plate in my hand. Dear Jesus.

This is probably the single-worse picture of me ever taken - but at the same time, the funniest picture ever. Thank goodness I still have my plate in hand - I could just not get it together. Or get my camera back from Danielle. Who know reality tv could make a girl laugh so stinkin' hard?

And this, I put in because what would an ornament party be without ladies gathering in the kitchen to listen to Danielle's hubby share his adventures of the evening? Real men defintely eat at Olive Garden, Cryin B. They also lock their keys in the car ALL the time. Especially firemen. Seriously, don't even worry yourself about that one. "Hey Nana, this is fireman bryan. Can you come get me?" Oh lawdy. But we do love us some cryin' b and the way he puts up with his wife's many, many, many peepettes. Seriously...an award for Bryan. !!! :)

This might be my goofiest post yet. Or maybe, the most sarcastic. Eh, I bet I can top it.

Here's to Thanksgiving 2008 - minus anything resembling pumpkin! :) Praying the holiday is blessed, loaded with family and memory-making moments! I am looking forward to some more time to heal and maybe put that vacuum in hand that Lee is so longing to see. :)

Aiight? :) kb

recovery...

On all different levels, recovery is work. Whether it be emotional, physical, mental or from surgery...it's work and it looks different for everyone.

I had surgery on Thursday - to fix a troublesome issue that's been with me since Hope was born almost 9 years ago. It began to hurt and affect the way I live (or wasn't living) - so it had to be fixed.

As I've laid in bed, recliners and on couches over the past 3 days, I've realized that good healthy recovery is a choice. I can do all of the things the doctor said not to and ignore his wisdom, and while I'll likely heal, it won't be a "good heal." I'll likely re-injur the wound. Temporary "bandaids" will reside instead of a good, strong scar that can withstand any new trauma or pressure that comes its way. God created the human body to heal.

I think it's true of the heart as well. So many adults are simply kids who need a true recovery. Their wounds have healed to the best of their ability, but true healing, the kind that can only come from a lot of hard work, forgiveness and looking at truth, well, it hasn't come to them yet. They need to take "orders" from the "big doctor in the sky" and make steps toward a full recovery. Most don't. But the choice is there.

Those are my Sunday words. From a girl who is still recovering from surgery. And a few other life experiences. But I'm looking at them. And know that freedom is possible.

"He jests at scars who never felt a wound." ~William Shakespear (Romeo and Juliet)

A scar is a beautiful thing. It represents recovery.

Be blessed!

hmmm....

No catchy title tonight. Just a quick blog-dump.

I'm having a minor surgery in t-minus 2 days. Two more wake ups. For the particular ailment, I am looking forward to being on the other side of the knife (ie healing). I'll be "down" for 3-4 days. I have some books waiting to be read. A few shows to catch up on. And maybe some rest to be had. Lee's a pretty handy guy. I suspect he and Hope will be dining on nachos and pizza and nuggets...but they'll survive.

I've been trying to master the art of the crockpot this past week. Much to the dismay of my family, I haven't quite mastered it. Last week, I discovered the brown rice isn't a good think to crock with. It never really "cooked." But the cream cheese chicken that it basted in was really good. Monday, I struck out again with an attempt at a beef and barley stew. It ended up being a big pot of barley with nuggets of meat and veggies buried inside. The liquid completely disappeared. I fixed it tonight...Hope and I dined on it (and it was good), but Lee took a pass. :)

I'm not giving up. Am looking for a recipe that will be a hit with this family. Lee isn't a picky eater...but he is finicky. And there is a fine-line difference there. He likes pizza, but only a certain brand. He'll eat rice, but only if it's accompanied with a certain sauce. That kind of thing.

I made tomorrow's dinner, tonight. Hope was in heaven b/c it's meatballs (to go with spaghetti). She loves them. Turkey meatballs loaded with shredded veggies and spinach. She doesn't even realize... :) But they are good. Wednesdays are a mad-dash for us. Home from work, change of clothes, gulp some food and off to Awana. :) She loves it. I do too. Lee has an award dinner tomorrow night...so it's just the Hopester and I. Maybe we'll have nachos instead (ha!).

My dear friend Denise (and fellow lover of books) brought some books for my "surgery down time." The Great Divorce by CS Lewis. I'm not sure how I've never read this - I've digested most of his works. I'm excited to read this. I hear it referenced all the time. I think she may have put some Karen Kingsbury in there for me too. Another guilty pleasure. I have 3 books that I have been picking up and putting down in a rotating fashion for far too long.

Boy, I hope I'm not doped up and have my wits about me. I would really love some reading time. :) I have been trying to finish a book called, "Here if you need me" by Kate Braestrup. It's so good.

I also have plans to watch some movies that we own, but I have yet to watch. Wanna know what they are? The Devil Wears Prada (i know, i know), Stranger than Fiction, Nacho Libre and Lord of the Rings 1, 2 and however many others there are. I'm not much of a movie-watcher - but I am determined to finish watch these. I was "down for the count" over the weekend and brought out "The Devil Wears Prada" - but got caught up in those housewives of Atlanta on Bravo. It was like a train wreck that I just couldn't look away from. Those girls are NUTS. And addicting.

So that's it from here. Spaghetti and homemade meatballs tomorrow night. Surgery Thursday morning. And prayerfully, a speedy and painless (smile) recovery.

If you know me much, you'll know that I am less concerned about the surgery and highly concerned about the IV going into my hand. Oh, how squeamish I am. Needles are not my friend. My hands hurt thinking about it. Bleh! Somewhere, Katie is laughing.

David Cook - Dare You to Move by Switchfoot

No reason. Just my favorite Idol winner. He's so cute. :)

my husband...

was off work today. Meaning, he took a day off. I volunteer in Hope's class on Mondays. And work from home before and after. Arrived back home after class duty to one shining and spotless home. The smell of stainless steel polish and Pledge were mingling with the smell of my crockpot chicken. Somewhere, June Cleaver was gleaming. And my hubby was obsessing. I followed the sent of Pledge. Wondering what if he wanted a little lunch. I was certain he'd worked up an appetite. What with all the cleaning. And obsessing. But alas, what I got was this:

"Kris, can you cook a lunch that doesn't require using the stove, oven or microwave? I'm good. I had some popcorn earlier"

Seriously. Stainless steal may be the death of me. And the catalyst for therapy for Lee.

I did make lunch on the stove. Carefully. He disappeared to another room. It was too much for him, I think.

I went upstairs to my office and heard a noise. A continual noise. I called for Lee and heard a muffled answer. He was outside on the front porch, touching up the paint around the door. The brush hitting the wood was my "continual noise." Swish. Shwep. Shwep. Swish.

As I retreated to the only messy spot in the house (ie my desk), I did feel compelled to tidy it up. A little. I brought down a few coffee cups. Enough for Mr. Tidybritches to give me a shake of the head and the unspoken, "If you'd just bring them down after you're done, things would always be clean." But I know if it sits long enough, eventually, my Mr. OCD will eventually do it for me.

Welcome to life at 111 Crazy Street. In McCrazyville, USA. The cleanest house on the block.

oye.

Lazy Saturdays are the best...

especially when it's raining. That's how I feel today, anyhow.


Our Halloween was fun - and uneventful, for the most part. If you know me a little bit, you'll know that I'm not a fan of Halloween. No particular reason. I'm not a makeup pro, so the whole costume gig, is more frustrating than fun. I don't like to be scared, so the horror aspect of it bites for me. Like I said, the reasoning isn't really there - just not my favorite holiday.

Hope loves to dress up. And she likes candy. So it's a fun time for her. And Lee loves to chaperone she and her friends through miles and miles of candyville, so it was a good night. I stayed home and handed out goodies to a lot of "kids" who looked old enough to be paying a mortgage, if not in college. Crazy.

I do, however, enjoy the haul of candied loot Hope brings home. She's not a chocolate lover (can you imagine?) - so most of that stuff makes it my way. Although, I'm trying to be good.



About a month ago, I "did a little something" while helping my fella move some treadmills. Long story short and a bucket of vagueness to boot, I am going to need surgery. I thought I could put it off for a month or so - but it looks like the sooner they can get me in, the better. Which kind of bites. Am hoping it will be the laproscopic version vs. the "whole enchilada." I'll know more on Tuesday. I am enjoying my lighter workload around the house and Lee's willingness to shoulder some things he doesn't normally, but I'd rather be healthy and not need the surgery, truthfully.

Hope has a cold. I told a friend of mine that I was going to blog about her brand-new nebulizer, but I don't have a pic to share. Hope was in the throes of an asthmatic moment yesterday morning, so we fired up her nebulizer (that hadn't been needed for 6 months). It sounded like a really sad volkswagon bus. By noon, I had a very slim and sleek new neb for my little one. It was like ditching an old 1980s cell phone and using an iPhone. :)



That's really it from here. Doing a little work over the weekend, anticipating some time out for surgery and hoping it happens sooner, than later.

:) Later mcgaters. k


See, Halloween just isn't my thing.

Break Through The Chains

a slightly brighter view...

The past few weeks have been torturous. Privately, anyhow. Work is good. Hope is good. I have a roof over my head, a car to drive the byways and clean water to drink. But privately, I've been trudging through a little mud. Mud from my past. And now that I've typed that, mud isn't a good word to use. It's just thick. And I've avoided it - or didn't recognize it, for a very, very long time.

Today, I find myself feeling a little more free. I've created a compartment, moved some things there and find my heart with a little more room to breathe. I opened up a bit, received some forgiveness. I guess I feel more "whole." Some longings and regrets that may always live, but they don't have to rule me today.

I'm being vague. And that's on purpose.

The past weekend was beautiful. I love the sun. We took some of Hope's friends and saw HSM3. That's High School Musical 3 for those of you without kids under 10. :) Lee and Hope took off on Saturday morning for a community service project (ie badge-earner). Gave me some time to work off some of my new-found "freedom" in the form of a cleaning binge. You know the job is well-done when the perfectionist in your life is impressed.

We did a little pumpkin carving, some teriyaki eating (yum!), reality-tv catching up and slept in. Which in our world, means 7:30 am. Lee surprised me with pancakes in bed on Sunday...which save the moments I am sick, might be a first? Hmmm. :)

Hope wanted to hang back in her pajamas and watch a movie with her Daddy on Sunday, so I ventured to church on my lonesome. I was okay with it, truthfully. I felt the need for some emotional purging, so I headed to Puyallup Foursquare for service (vs. going to church at my little Enumclaw church). No reason, except that P4S's worship absolutely rocks. I knew I could enter in (and out) anonymously. Marc Wymore led worship - and he simply rocks. I've posted a video of a song he wrote via you tube, on the post above (or below?). "Break these Chains." Take a listen. He's awesome.

Anyhow..shed some tears, move and groove without a lot of questions - and was left alone.Which is why I went there. I wish Hope liked their kid's program...because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the atmosphere at that church. The kid's program at our church in Enumclaw is smaller-scale, more hands-on bible learning and Hope loves it. And that, friends who have wondered and ask, is why I switched.


I'm rambling. A little therapy for me, I suppose.


And finally, after a doc appt this morning, it looks like surgery is in my future. Bleh. I don't feel like sharing on the blogwaves...just say, it shall be not a lot of fun. That's for certain. I'll know more next week.

Off to enjoy the remainder of this sunny day! :)

good things today

I'm having an emotional day. For so many reasons. Not all bad. Just emotional. But here are some good things - and I'm reminding myself right now.

1. I think the heart does go on.

2. Sunshine is the most beautiful medicine - today, albeit cold outside, is no exception.

3. Trader Joe's is hands-down my favorite grocery store. I'm enjoying some white bean and basil hummus today along with a little trail mix called "tempting." And it is.

4. I am growing. Through some pretty sharp growing pains. Recognizing some long-ago losses. Dealing with the delayed pain of the loss. Picking myself up, dusting off my heart and believing that I will be okay.

5. Jesus still loves me. Amazingly, but He does.

6. We are going to see High School Musical 3 tonight. yesss...... :)

Since I began this blog, hours have passed. A friend brought me the gift of a few chapters from a meaningful (and suprisingly appropriate) book she is reading. I enjoyed a very light lunchtime conversation with peeps I rarely see. And I just enjoyed a homemade banana muffin.

Things are looking up. :)

quote for the day

"The symptoms and the illness are not the same thing. The illness exists long before the symptoms. Rather than being the illness, the symptoms are the beginning of its cures. The fact that they are unwanted makes them all the more a phenomenon of grace - a gift of God, a message from the unconscious, if you will, to initiate self-examination and repair."

M. Scott Peck
The Road Less Traveled

a little boredom blogging...

I'm not really bored. Just blogging about some boring things. Or less than exciting. But here it is. :)

Hope and I made banana muffins tonight. They were VERY good.Very, very good.

Hope's cheesy grin. Holding her freshly baked muffins. Again, so yummy. :)

Facebook. I spend far too much time on this. Even in the middle of muffin baking.

My cup of freshly brewed tea. Pomegranite Green Tea. Mmmmmm. :)
We were also watching Hannah Montana while Facebooking and baking (and eating) banana muffins.
Hope picked up the camera this morning. Kind of a goofy pose on my part..but there you have it.

My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

poignant. :)

remembering a great man

Earl Cumpston, Jr.

10/11/38 - 9/11/08

I attended a memorial service for Earl Cumpston today. He was a big ol' teddy bear, in my book. I confess that it's been a few years since I saw him live and in person. But he is permanently imprinted on my heart. And Lee's. And what looked to be about 200 other folks in attendance today.

Earl's wife MariKay (MK) has been my email and prayer buddy for years. She calls me sleeves (don't ask) and makes a mean chicken stuffing casserole. She and Earl were part of a small group with Lee and I 11-ish years ago. They cared for us and loved us through some crazy days surrounding the death of Lee's mom. And now, she and I are facebook friends. We keep a lively conversation going through that crazy social network at least once a week. Usually on politics. Or Joe Biden's use of botox. Or the possibility of a translator for some of my lingo. :)

The most amazing thing about today was the obvious legacy Earl left. His two kids, his friends, his family, his wife, the cowboys he served....and me. The words spoken by their pastor confirmed what I know to be true: Earl loved people. And he loved them well. He had a heart to help - and he was flat-out lovable. When I say he was a teddy bear, I'm not kidding. I'm honored to have known such a man. And have pondered the question all day long: We're only given a short time on this planet. What are we doing with our lives? How am I touching others? And what kind of legacy am I leaving. Am I living like Earl? Can I live like that?

Good questions, eh?

Earl, you are remembered. You are loved. And you lived well. I'm wondering if what Pastor Scott said is true. Are you dancing? Because I'd like to see a little of that.

:)

Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion Live in Memphis

Love this song. Love Celine. :)

Thirty six facts....

1. What time is it?

9:35 pm. Bedtime, really. But I'm spending (wasting?) time on my friend. The computer

2. What is your sign and your birthday?

Leo. The Lion.

3. What type was your first car?

A baby blue rabbit. I think it was a 1974? Back then, it was kind of hip-ish. :)

4. Name four jobs you've had in your life?

Chicken Slinger at the KFC (indeed)
Customer Service Porfessional and la Pay-n-Save
Marketing Assistant at Engineering Firm
Marketing Assistant at Engineering Firm (true story, I did this twice)

5. If you could have any job, what would it be?

For real? I'd like to be a stay at home Mom. I'm not sure I'd love, love, love it. But the life of a working Mom is no cake-walk. If we're pretending, I'd enjoy life as a personal assistant. To say, my Matthew Maconaughey. Yes, he is mine. That boy, is beautiful.

6. What are you most afraid of? most things that crawl. or slither. or fly.

7. What is the last movie you saw in a theater?

Ummmm....Kung Fu Panda, I think. Free showing last month. Next show I will be seeing? High School Musical 3. Yes. :)

8. What are four movies you would watch over and over?

Up Close and Personal (Robert Redford; Michell Pfeiffer)
The Mirror Has Two Faces (alltime fave)
The Ya-Ya Sisterhood
The Wedding Planner (my matthew)

9. Place of birth? Heidelberg, Germany

10. How Many places have you lived? Too many to count.

11. What are four places you have been on vacation?
Lost Wages (Las Vegas)
Grand Canyon
Mazatlan, MX
Peoria, AZ

12. What are four places you would rather be right now?
A loaded questions right now. I will just say...some place sunny. And stress free. With poolside service.

13. What are the best places you have ever been?

Chicago.
Hawaii.
The ocean. Wa/Or.

14. What are four websites you visit daily?
facebook.com
cnn.com
msn.com
king5.com

15. What are four of your favorite foods?
Indian
Thai
Chocolate
Cake (sad, I know)

16. What's your favorite new food?

Hmm...herbal tea isn't really a food, but it's definitely my new thing. :)

17. Which do you prefer, ketchup or mustard?

Neither, truthfully. Mustard, if I have to pick.

18. Which do you prefer, hamburgers or hotdogs?

Depends on my mood. I like them both.

19. Do you eat the stems of broccoli?

Most of the time. Unless they are "monster stems."

20. Favorite Drink?

Iced americano with cream. Or just coffee with cream.

22. What's your natural hair color?

I don't do the hair foil/dye thing yet. But it's coming. For now, brown.

23. Ever been toilet paper rolling?

A bajillion years ago.

24. Ever love someone so much it made you cry?

Yes. Many, many moons ago.

25. Favorite CD?CD's? CDs? How about on my Ipod? Right now, I've been digging some Sting...and Celine Dion.

26. Favorite day of the week?

Friday. And all weekend days. :)

27. Favorite Restaurant?

Depends on my mood. I love the Thai Kitchen in Bellevue. YUM. :) I'm not much of a "fine diner" - but Lawry's Steakhouse (in Chicago) is my pick of the decade. Incredible. :)

28. Favorite Flower?

Tulips.

29. Favorite sport to watch?

Live and in person? Baseball. In person? Running. Biking. Gymnastics. The Olympics!!! :) I am not a football watcher. As much as I've tried, and as often as my husband has wished it so. I just can't get into it.

30. Disney or Warner Brothers?

Zero opinion.

31. Favorite fast food restaurant?

Taco Bell, I suppose.

32. What color is your bedroom carpet?

Track-house beige.

33. Before this email, from whom did you get your last e-mail?

The Mom of one of hope's friends

34. What do you do most often when you are bored?

Um, how about this? Or watch mindless tv. Like now.

35. Bedtime?

If I'm being disciplined, 9 pm. Undisciplined? 11 pm.

36. What four still-airing TV shows do you love to watch?

House
Biggest Loser
Lipstick Jungle
The Hills

:)

...the heart will go on...

Love can touch us once

and last for a lifetime

and never let go til we're gone.

Love was when I loved you

One true time, I hold you

In my life, we'll always go on.

That's sort of privately poignant for me right now. Ahhhh, the titanic song. I suppose I've never listened to it very clearly. I've been crooning to Celine all weekend on my iPod. Why?

Did I mention Celine Dion was on the weekend docket? Last night. And she was AMAZING. Seriously, amazing. A belated birthday gift from my dear friend, Shelly. I have to say that my entire Saturday just might be the best day I have had in a very long time. AND, the belated birthday evening - might just have been the best. ever. (no one be offended if you've done something lovely for my birthday. I'm talking ... the past five years-ish). Although, Shelly and I ventured to Portland in one day, just to see Barry Manilow last year as another belated birthday celebration. It was phenomenal as well.

Shelly's sister, Charlene, joined us for dinner at El Gaucho in Tacoma. Or TA-co-MA, as pronounced by Celine. I wonder if she wondered where in the heck she was - in the land of the dome and all things hilltop. ? :)

Anyhow...dinner was unbelievable. One of those places where the meal comes in courses. Charlene ordered something called a "berrytini" - after one taste of hers, I quickly ordered one as well. It was my first martini, ever. And it was gorgeous. Mmmmm!

After a wonderful dinner, we were seranaded by the piano in the lounge below - and a group of women belting out Celine tunes one after the other. It was so fun. Charlene grabbed the chef and had a few pics taken of us with him (because we loved the food -and the bananas foster so very much). Photos coming. :)

We made it up to our seats with a moment to spare. An impressionist named Gordy something performed for us. He was hillarious. And I think, he's from Vegas. Gordy Brown, I think. Celine came to the stage through the crowd. Shelly wasn't much for her dialogue, but I adore Ms. Dion, so I was happy to hear her share a little as well as croon.

An amazing show. After-show traffic? Ugly. But gave Shelly and I a chance to visit whilst ignoring the red lights, not-so-nice policemen and navigate through closed roads and unknown streets. ;)

Overall? I think that was my very best birthday ever. Seriously. :)


Crazy self-portrait while waiting for Charlene and Shelly a few blocks from the Dome. :) Not a great shot, but you get the picture. Have green tea, will travel. :) Photos: camera phone.

...back on the road again...

We did it. Very impromptu, but we did it. Lee mentioned hitting the trail last night. I gained concensus from Ginger and Liz, so off we went. Liz and I did the car drop at 6:30 this morning and managed to "get going" by about 7:20 am. Lee and Hope were behind us a bit, but managed to catch up. Quickly. And pass us. Whatever.

We had many laughs on that crazy trail. I think we were all glad to have gotten up BEFORE the birds (and the sun) and put 7.5 miles under our respective belts. Although, the older I get, the more I enjoy staying in bed. Oye.

Highlights of the morning include discussion of a potential girls' trip to Vegas (Oct. of 2009, ladies?), multiple notations on the complete lack of bathrooms on the Buckley/Orting trail, the discovery of many foot long worms that nearly sent my gag reflex into action, many sporty fisherman that Liz eyed carefully (and noted the presence or lack of a wedding band!), and some unbelievably large mushrooms (see photo). Worms and mushrooms on steroids? Only in the country. :) No photos of the worms. Seriously. Crawly things and myself don't mix.

We ended our exercise with a caffeine break at the Orting Starbucks. Ahhhh. Please forgive the not-so-great quality of the pics. My little Krzr phone/camera captures the action, but that's about it.

Hope catchs up to us on her bike - with Lee jogging up the rear. Have I mentioned that they are competitive? And quick. :)

Liz and Ginger. Discussing which one of them are going to take me out of the picture. My camera phone wasn't welcome this morning. I think Liz may have paid me back. I'm waiting to see what appears on her Facebook page.

Self-portrait. Me, Liz and Ginger. Blurriness reflects how we were feeling, moments after our walk began.Here they are passing us. Was surprised they hung at our pace for as long as they did. We had some laughs with them too. Mostly at Lee's expense.
Here's my guy. Ready for trail action. If I could jog as fast as he walks, life would be, well, much quicker!The reward of the morning's effort. My iced americano completely hit the spot.
Lee and Hope relax at Starbuck's.
Ginger and Liz. Wondering if they're going to have to help me put the camera down once and for all.
Hope was willing to pose with her mama. :) Good times and a good morning with our peeps! :) I'm preparing for my Celine Dion concert tonight (yay!)...and am listening to my husband's iPod right now. How many men do you know that have Mariah Carey, Whitesnake and Luther Vandross on their playlist? Just sayin'. :)

a concert can sure take you back...

We had some fun in September! Lee bought tickets (earlier in the summer) to go see Journey, Cheap Trick and Heart. We grabbed Ginger and Shane and enjoyed a pretty amazing concert. Cheap Trick was okay. Heart was amazing. Journey sounded good as well, considering they're on their 2nd singer since Steve left. The new guys SOUNDS just like him...but he LOOKS, um, completely different. :) Here are some shots from our evening, compliments of Ginger's iPhone.