Photo a Day

01-27-12

2012-01-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

Anastasia goes when it is a punishment. Bruce refuses to go. But Xander willingly goes with me to the vegetarian/vegan potlucks.

Tonight the shining star in his mind was Debbie’s vegan coconut cupcakes. I, as always, enjoyed tasting a few bites of a huge variety of dishes.

Tonight it was also fun to see Forks Over Knives again, see young Ethan win a door prize, and catch up with friends I don’t get to see with our church change.

“You need to eat another plate of kale salad before you can have a third cupcake, dude.” - Mom

01-26-12

2012-01-26T20:52:00.001-08:00

From the little boy who was reluctant to put his head in the “O” of LOVE to the teen boy who is reluctant to pose for mom before heading out to a school dance.

Still trying to figure out the settings on my camera – I can get good lighting or good expression, it seems, but not both.

It’s almost Friday, right?

01-25-12

2012-01-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

One kid sick, another raiding the pantry for a snack.

Get up early, run around, collapse in bed, repeat. Day 3 of running like a crazy person at work and home, looking forward to a more normal day tomorrow.

“Cereal is not an evening snack.” – ogre mom

01-24-12

2012-01-24T20:16:00.001-08:00

Busy, busy, busy.

Got up way too early to drive way too far. Took a midday break from work to catch up on life a little, but afraid to sit down for fear of falling asleep. Off to a meeting to see what innovative social services are brewing in the community. Not enough time to squeeze in allergy shots. Off to rental association meetings to find out how to turn our uncollected rents and damages to collection.

Busy, adjective: 1. actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime: busy with her work. 2. not at leisure; otherwise engaged: He couldn't see any visitors because he was busy. 3. full of or characterized by activity: a busy life.

01-23-12

2012-01-23T19:50:00.001-08:00

“If you do not have a safe, affordable place to lay your head at night, everything else is off the table.” – Jo Brewer

Bruce has had a heart for affordable housing for a really long time. I didn’t start really pondering and understanding it until we became landlords. The stats are alarming and interesting, but it is more compelling to me to see and hear the individual stories of people who are or have struggled through it. Tonight at the Longview Housing Authority annual meeting and dinner, Bruce presented an award to another person who feels passionately about access to affordable housing, Jo Brewer.

01-22-12

2012-01-22T17:42:00.000-08:00

Today was a Portland shopping day. Gotta love Cascade Station!

Anastasia was looking for jeans and lighting for her bedroom.
Xander was looking for bunk bed options at Ikea.
The kids lobbied for lunch at Red Robin.
Bruce was looking for Michele’s early birthday gift – a new NICE camera!
Michele was looking for something to bring to the potluck at work tomorrow.

Here’s the first photo from the new camera…

01-21-12

2012-01-21T21:18:00.001-08:00

Why do free days go by so much faster than working days?

On weekdays I’m at work over 8 hours, I’m eating super healthy, and sometimes it seems as if time stands still.

On weekends I have more free time and I loosen my eating habits. But I still try to exercise as much or more. A lazy Saturday, but still carved out time to run on treadmill, walk the lake, and walk the treadmill with my book.

01-20-11

2012-01-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

Today was a chili kind of day. Literally and figuratively.

We hosted a chili feed at work to raise money for Relay for Life at work.

And this evening I went scrapbooking with a group of gals, and we had chili and cornbread for dinner.

“Chili represents your three stages of matter: solid, liquid and eventually gas.” - John Goodman as Dan Conner in 'Roseanne'

01-19-12

2012-01-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

Chopping peppers for chili for our Relay for Life fundraiser tomorrow.

Plans tonight:

Shop at produce stand

Take more tylenol to ward off headache
Make chili
Weekly rental market research
Exercise
Blog & e-mail mom
Devotions

Doesn’t leave much time for my January to do list, as January screams by, but somehow found time to semi-aimlessly wander the Internet… Thankful that we have no snow or ice on the streets, power, and things are getting back to normalcy.

“Your food matches your shirt.” – Debbie Kay, as I chomped on snow peas today

01-18-12

2012-01-18T19:30:00.001-08:00

When I woke up at 4:30am, the room seemed brighter than normal. Took a peek out the curtains, and there was a thick blanket of snow. So pretty!

Anastasia doesn’t get up on school days, but she was up bright and early on this no school day… to stockpile snowballs for use against her brother.

Taking bets on what tomorrow will bring. Xander says another no school day, I say two hour delay, and Bruce says back to school as normal. I’ve gotten used to Bruce driving me everywhere, they know him at the security gate at work now.

01-17-11

2012-01-17T18:32:00.000-08:00

We had planned to go to the Rental Property Owners Association dinner meeting tonight, which means heavy food for us and TV dinners for the kids at home. The weather and my debilitating headache killed those plans, so we had a meal slot open.

Pantry and freezer staples to the rescue! I’m not used to eating so much packaged food, but it sure does make calorie counting easier. I decided to treat myself to ¼ cup of Kraft, and the whole grain really does taste different. Drier, so not as cheesy... I tried to eat more snap peas with lemon juice and almonds than anything else.

“Dude, macaroni and cheese is the food of the gods!” – Haley James Scott

01-16-12

2012-01-16T21:08:00.001-08:00

I decided not to get my camera out when the snow started falling thick in the middle of the day. I assumed that was the beginning of a lot more snow again. But Xander is still peeking out the window looking for any snowflakes on the wet streets. He may have to go back to school tomorrow after all!

So I offer chap stick instead. Because I was really wishing I had some at work with me today! If I’m avoiding the coffee calories, I can at least put it on my lips…

01-15-12

2012-01-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

In-laws, tenants, and snow, oh my!

Today didn’t exactly go as planned, but it’s good. No running the lake in snow, so took a morning walk with Bruce instead. Bruce and the kids visited with Grandma & Grandpa while I verified applicant information, then they headed north. No movie and manicure/pedicure tonight, but the inconvenience is worth it to move in a new tenant.

Keep warm…

01-14-12

2012-01-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

For a lazy Saturday, I have a lot of photos to choose from. The live mariachi band at Los Rocas was a surprise. And trying to take better photos of our vacant rental unit, some of them with Bruce and I in them. But this still life caught my attention, so here goes. My to do list, an old fashioned tape recorder to practice my Bible memorization, my funky fitness journal, and Xander putting grocery list items on… my used Kleenex…?!?

Life is always an adventure!

01-13-12

2012-01-13T20:29:00.001-08:00

Ah, relaxing on a Friday evening.

Had friends over for dinner tonight, which is always a blessing, but is often hard to get to that place. It is such a blessing to have kids who will entertain the wee ones so the adults can talk.

Breyers vanilla ice cream with homemade apple pie filling and caramel sauce is a blessing too!

01-12-12

2012-01-12T20:52:00.001-08:00

“I love Nutella!” – Xander, the only one in our family not on a New Years healthier kick

Xander announced today, multiple times, that he wants to be an astronaut, superhero, chef, and firefighter. Dream big, little man! He put his chef skills to work this evening making dinner. I didn’t realize it until now, but a vegetarian dinner! You go, little man!

01-11-12

2012-01-11T21:30:00.001-08:00

I could post photos of a wonderful sunrise, a lovely bouquet of flowers, or another coffee date, but decided it would be good to try to keep some focus on actual people. Not happy with the photos, but like the little angel over my shoulder on this one.

“Be an angel to someone else whenever you can, as a way of thanking God for the help your angel has given you.” ~Eileen Elias Freeman

01-10-12

2012-01-10T21:17:00.001-08:00

Work, work, work. Too much overtime makes for a boring week! I think of September as my busy season, but in January every single spreadsheet I touch has to be updated for the new year, and I touch a lot of spreadsheets!

01-09-12

2012-01-09T21:38:00.001-08:00

My motto for this month is no carrots after dinner. I’m hungry tonight, but still not desperate enough to eat more carrots. They are already my 3pm snack. Poor, neglected carrots.

"Large, naked, raw carrots are acceptable as food only to those who live in hutches eagerly awaiting Easter." - Fran Lebowitz

01-08-12

2012-01-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

Narrowed todays photos down to three favorites – Xander throwing a glider at the base of the Astoria Column (since he was yet again too chicken to climb to the top, which the rest of us did twice for exercise), Bruce and the kids at the Shipwreck at Fort Stevens, and this one.

About the ship: Built in 1890, the Peter Iredale (a 2,075 ton 285 foot four-masted steel vessel) ran ashore in1906. Sailing from Salina Cruz, Mexico, the ship was bound for Portland, Oregon with a crew of 27, including two stowaways. High seas and wind drove the ship ashore. No casualties occurred in the accident. There was little damage to the hull, but the ship had listed to the right and become embedded in the sands.

About the girl: Loves posing for photos, especially if they are to be posted on Facebook. Disappointed to not swim at the Astoria aquatics center, but asking for more hiking adventures. Chose a cute local pizza place for dinner with the help of Yelp reviews.

"May God bless you, and may your bones bleach in the sands." - Captain Lawrence's final toast to his ship

01-07-12

2012-01-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

Xander is on a serious Buffalo sauce kick. He goes from thing to thing, and since Christmas he is putting Buffalo sauce on almost everything he eats.

It was kind of a quiet day, but chores are done and Saturday Nite church rocked, so we are ready for an adventure day tomorrow. Decided to head to the coast instead of the snow.

01-06-11

2012-01-06T21:47:00.001-08:00

TGIF!

Bruce got new glasses, I haven’t captured them on the blog yet. He wasn’t thrilled to be my subject, and he’ll probably hate this photo, but the blogger has control…

“Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

01-05-11

2012-01-05T20:19:00.001-08:00

So in our scrapbooking class, it is an assignment to photograph something that represents healthy. A few participants have posted stacked fruit photos, similar to this link. I loved the idea and decided to try it.

I am less than enthused with my attempt. But, at least I have a head start on chopping up my fruit salad for breakfast tomorrow! The layers are: the top of an Anjou pear, kiwi, Gala apple, Meyer lemon, Fuji apple, Cara Cara orange, Asian Pear, and bottom of an Anjou pear. Healthy!

01-04-12

2012-01-04T19:12:00.001-08:00

I wasn’t feeling very good today, thinking an evening of lounging sounded good. Imagine my surprise when I came home to a baby in a baby seat on the couch! It’s Anastasia’s turn to bring home a robot baby for her Personal Choices class. And my can this kid wail! I was torn on sending her off to youth group – it was good to get the child out of our house, but I felt bad about foisting it on to others. Hope we get some sleep tonight…

01-03-12

2012-01-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

End of another quarter, time for Ducky and I review the past three months of reading:

Most Educational: Travelling with Pomegranates by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor
Most Disappointing: The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta
Most fun Christmas chick lit: The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Biggest Surprise: My Antonia by Willa Cather
Most Surprised I Enjoyed It: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Happy reading!

01-02-12

2012-01-02T19:11:00.001-08:00

Must admit that I spent a good chunk of the afternoon playing Bruce’s new Kung Fu game for the xBox Connect. It’s pretty hilarious, and a pretty good work out. The rest of the family can be the bad guys with the controllers, so it kept us amused for quite awhile, taking turns being attacked.

This is just part of how my day didn’t go as planned, but it was a good day. Now back to more normal routines for us all tomorrow.

01-01-12

2012-01-01T19:35:00.000-08:00

Doing something twice in a row constitutes a tradition in our family, so I am starting a tradition of the New Years couch photo.

I wasn’t sure I was going to choose a focus word for 2012, but Ali inspired me, so here goes…

Deeper…
In my walk with God. Continuing to memorize 1 John, improving my prayer life, and submitting to viewing my time as His instead of mine.
In saving money. 2011 was a sad savings year, want to get finances in order before college costs start. Attack food, coffee, and healthcare categories, and try to go all of 2012 without buying non-essential clothing.
In adventure seeking and exploring the Pacific Northwest. More hikes. More daytrips.
In my fitness journey. Move more, eat well. See the scale at my goal weight more often.

12-31-11

2011-12-31T23:29:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! Bruce and I got the kids settled to and from their youth events, then headed to the Country Club for some grown up time.

I gave myself the last day of 2011 as another lay around day to rest up and try to get well so I can start 2012 strong… anything that didn’t get done this year will have to wait awhile, and that’s OK.

Taking stock of the year, my focus word for 2011 has been:

re·fine (re-fine) verb

1. improve or perfect by pruning or polishing.
2. treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition
3. reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities
4. To free from coarse, unsuitable, or immoral characteristics

What went well:
More gains made in nutrition and exercise. Ran a 5K with friends and family.
Family mission trip was all I hoped for and more, as was our family Sabbath.
Huge strides in pruning my schedule, rearranging priorities to capture more peace with my world, and spending more time with God.

Where I fell down:
Health, which impacted energy levels to adventure seek. No climbing of Mt St Helens, no kayak, white water trip, or whale watching, and I still haven’t visited the darn Monarch Statue Garden!
Hobbies took a back seat as I rearranged priorities, although photo classes were plentiful and fulfilling.

12-30-11

2011-12-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

Not feeling good again today, so not wanting to reach very far for a blog photo. A still life sounds perfect.

Here is one of my assignments for my fitness photo class:
"And lastly, take a photo of your shoes. Ideally, take a photo of your fitness shoes. At this stage, you should have at least one pair of walking/cross training/fitness/running shoes in preparation for moving more. Lay them out and take the most artistic shot you can think of."

I’ve decided to do the scrapbook from a couple standpoint, so here are our fitness shoes. Bruce likes everything black, so we shouldn’t be surprised that his workout shoes are black. They match his black workout wear. My super wide feet have made all footwear function over fashion.

I bet I could do more artistic if I felt better. But I kinds like this.

12-29-11

2011-12-29T18:35:00.001-08:00

We had a family outing to Portland today. Xander marched around Ikea getting decorating ideas for the rec room we are going to build in the basement. I stocked up on bread at Dave’s Killer Bread and Bob’s Red Mill. Anastasia sold a bunch of books to Powell’s. Bruce acted as driver, credit card man, and only one smart enough to carry an ID.

12-28-11

2011-12-28T20:34:00.001-08:00

We have searched Seattle for foam art in our coffee.

Turns out we have a great coffee artist at our church café right here in Longview! Monette was at the Electric Bean today, so I asked for a face. My first one, it is so exciting!

She has made some amazing stuff this year. I guess some purists give her a hard time because she doesn’t do the art by pouring the milk, but I love it.

Coffee with Bruce was a nice break from our low-key gray dreary post-Christmas day.

12-27-11

2011-12-27T20:47:00.001-08:00

We opened the remaining gifts under the tree tonight. The kids each got an ornament, Bruce got a load of potato chips, and I got a really really light new paddle for my paddle board. Yee-haw!

Also enjoying the gift of time, with two more vacation days stretching out after reentering the workforce today for a day.

12-26-11

2011-12-26T19:56:00.001-08:00

December 26 after Christmas shopping is one of the highlights of the holiday season for me. My list and store count was less this year, but I invested in some needed storage solutions and also got inspired at Artco to get some craft projects cooking for next year. I’m already 12% done with my 2012 shopping!

And now it’s back to the daily grind. Allergy shots, meal planning, ironing, back to work tomorrow…

12-25-11

2011-12-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

In the spirit of our Christmas card, here is another touching scene I saw on Christmas day after the first were opened and people scattered to enjoy them.

Sam LOVES his new Leapster, and Bruce has loved (and been glued to) his iPhone since day 1.

“Electronics is where the big toy companies need to be. It's get with the program or fall behind.” - Bob Goldsborough

12-24-11

2011-12-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

This seems to be the year of the slinky.

Xander got one on cookie baking day, and has been playing with it constantly. On Christmas Eve Santa brought all of the kids slinkies, and the chaos started again.

Here’s Stacy, now in second grade, enjoying hers. Goes to show that the old ads about a Slinky being “fun for a girl or a boy” are correct.

Rude but humorous quote:
“Some people are like slinkies. They are not really good for anything; however, they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.” ~ Unknown

12-23-11

2011-12-23T17:28:00.000-08:00

Not as much time in the schedule today for crafts, but partially finished another project. I don’t know if I am being too critical or I’ve lost my mojo, but not happy with these either. They seemed so cute before I started, but seem lame now. Oh well, feels good to be working on projects I’ve had in the “Christmas Projects” tote for years. And they fit perfectly in our fireplace built ins!

Anastasia was asking why Mary is always wearing blue. I googled it and got many different answers, but most centered around the color of the sky. I liked the explanation about blue being the color of waiting in the darkness, as she was waiting for the birth.

12-22-11

2011-12-22T20:56:00.001-08:00

Sleeping in. Check. Staying inside all day. Check. Nap. Check. Staying away from sweets. Check. Christmas crafts. Check.

I made these Kissing Balls today, to reemerge as gifts next year… not as happy with them as I could be, but they are fun.

12-21-11

2011-12-21T19:58:00.001-08:00

Both of the kids got haircuts today. Anastasia got her hair thinned out and layered. Having thin hair myself, I can’t imagine not wanting thick hair, but I guess the grass is always greener! And Xander made a drastic move from his long locks to a very short style. I think he looks completely different, I didn't recognize him this evening.

Happy holidays and happy hair-days!

12-20-11

2011-12-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

Look what the UPS truck brought tonight! A Christmas present from my mom, from a paddleboard company, in a paddle shaped box!

If it were me accepting the package and it wasn’t for me, I would hurry up and wrap just the logo portion of the box in paper and put it under the tree. But not Bruce. He hates secrets, so he’ll take any excuse to wreck one. “Hey, something came for you and you’ll never guess what it is!”

I was wondering how much sunshine it would take to attempt a winter jaunt… anxious to get back on the board, anxious to catch up on sleep, and anxious to slow down for five days... right after tomorrow!

12-19-11

2011-12-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

The thing about living with Bruce is that plans can change. I planned to take the kids to the mall and wrap gifts tonight, but we delivered food “baskets” to struggling families (the Scion was bursting!) and drove around looking at Christmas lights instead. Merry Happy!

12-18-11

2011-12-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today was cookie baking day! I didn’t keep track of the varieties, or the count, and I didn’t get a photo of the table of finished cookies before we packed them away in tins.

But I did tease Grama about having chocolate all over her face!

We had a good family day, ending with great gifts, plenty of cookies, a long drive home, and worn out bakers and helpers.

12-17-11

2011-12-17T20:50:00.001-08:00

Hey, look, there’s the cute centerpiece at Electric Bean again! This is our home away from home. Anastasia got to help with children’s church while Bruce and I tried to sort out names and faces and Xander took advantage of the wifi looked up cartoons and jokes…

“We spent 3 hours at church! 4:15 to 7:15.” - Xander

12-16-11

2011-12-16T21:07:00.000-08:00

Back at the Electric Bean, our new coffee hangout. Tonight was open mic night. We ended up there sans friends, but it was a nice way to catch up on the past few days and a nice place to land between taxi’ing Anastasia around.

Happy Friday!

12-15-11

2011-12-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

Thursday started my annual two day meeting at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver. We had a packed agenda, more food than anybody needs to consume, and hazelnut flavored coffee creamer!

Christmas cheer is in full swing – all kinds of fun Christmas goodies are popping up on my desk. Today Debbie presented me with a handmade hat that matches my coat – love it!

12-14-11

2011-12-14T21:30:00.001-08:00

This isn’t a very good photo, but it’s the only one I took today, so here it is.

Invited an old friend to coffee tonight. Didn’t realize until later that the coffee house was singing carols tonight. Between the coffee, the music, and the big crowd. the place was buzzing! The TV screens were projecting a warm fire, which was a really nice touch.

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day; their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

12-13-11

2011-12-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

I worked in Cosmopolis today. With our below freezing temps this week, my two hour drive was frosty going over and a gorgeous red sunset coming back.

I was celebrating Christmas and a 20 year service award with my teeny team. Our finance team in Cosi had 27 people 20 years ago, now it has 3. I forgot to take any photos of our “party”, but this display caught my eye. I am always intrigues by the miniature log trucks we have scattered about.

Here's to another 20 years at Weyerheauser... for Polly and for all of the rest of us, perhaps.

12-12-11

2011-12-12T21:20:00.001-08:00

Bruce pointed out that Anastasia has been in the blog a lot lately, and not Xander. OK, so I was trying to make sure she was included, since she is gone so much for activities and her active social life.

Xander, on the other hand, is perfectly happy as a home body. Food, warmth, and endless electronic entertainment abound.

With how frigid it has been, I was thrilled to not have any plans tonight. I’m a home body who seems hell bent on filling up her calendar so she is never home.

“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” ~Jane Austen

12-11-11

2011-12-11T22:52:00.001-08:00

“Anastasia is the one in the fluffy hat” – Sarah Stewart, preschool aged friend

We had an eventful day, but ended with Anastasia's 8pm concert to help entertain the poor souls waiting over 3 hours to walk through the Journey to Bethlehem.

I was expecting to use a photo of Bruce helping with Christmas cards for the blog, but this photo was pretty fun.

When all the dust settled, we had two written cards witht heir envelopes missing and one extra filled out envelope with the card missing. I wonder if anyone will get a card that doesn’t belong to them, or two cards… life is an adventure!

12-10-11

2011-12-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

Some adventures turn out better than others. Today was an adventure I picked - the Dickens Christmas historic home tour in historic Centralia. Sounded like fun, but was a bit of a bust.

The kids did find some fun things (Anastasia tried to take a self portrait in every single mirror and Xander sat in his dream man-cave), but it was crowded, the no photography policy was frustrating, and the houses weren’t very decorated for the holidays. It was well organized, the trolley transport was great, and it was fun to snoop and walk through the houses, but not quite what I was expecting.

But, some family time, some Christmas cheer, and a break from the normal routine.

12-09-11

2011-12-09T21:51:00.001-08:00

Took a half day vacation today to work on Christmas prep, but got very little of that done. Chased tenants, enjoyed leisurely lunch and coffee with Bruce, and ran errands instead. Did remember that I forgot to order a few gifts, so got on amazon.com right quick. And, Fischer family manned the concession stand tonight for the girls’ varsity basketball game. Bruce is in charge of scheduling volunteers, which puts him there a lot, but tonight was my first time. I can think of worse ways to spend an evening.

Happy weekend!

12-08-11

2011-12-08T18:59:00.001-08:00

A timber company needs a live tree in their reception area. So a live tree went up today, decked out in LED lights, candy canes, and red. Lovely…

Disappointed that the Cooking in the Dark seminar I registered for tonight didn’t materialize. Since the 72 hour kit I assembled in April already has expiring packaged food, I was looking forward to some better ideas. Darn…

Thankful for a warm house, a weekend approaching, feeling mostly healthy, and so many other things…

12-07-11

2011-12-07T21:24:00.001-08:00

Skipped the half price cranberry bliss bars at Starbucks today, but went to coffee at ladies night at Electric Bean. Midweek sugar rush.

I’ve been avoiding the Civic Circle since they screwed it up so bad, but I decided to go that way tonight, and I do enjoy the Christmas decorations. It feels like driving through Zoolights.

“Tis the season to sip coffee and enjoy the lights. Check.

12-06-11

2011-12-06T20:10:00.001-08:00

I read Phil’s blog entry about minimalist Christmas decorations.

I would not call us over the top by any means, but we do have plenty of Christmas decorations. Last year I got this grouping of angels on the day after Christmas for a great deal. Not having any space downstairs, they are adorning our bedroom with Christmas cheer.

To Phil’s point, are all the decorations and fussing keeping our focus from preparing our hearts and minds for the birth of Jesus? Probably. This year will be a bit odd, focusing on family time instead of church traditions.

12-05-11

2011-12-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

Ho, ho, ho, Santa’s workshop is a wreck! Cards half written, awaiting newsletter to stuff. Missing addresses to gather to finish that task. Gifts wrapped but not “prettified”. Many more to wrap, only 2 complete enough to be under the tree. Needed allergy meds almost buried.

At the allergy clinic the shot nurses were discussing waiting to shop until the last minute, adding undue stress. I can’t imagine putting off all the wrapping to the end. I like to do a little bit at a time. And the local Christmas radio station is a nice touch to drown out the kids TV and video games noise.

12-04-11

2011-12-04T19:48:00.001-08:00

Master landlord changed out 8 locks today. We also did a Wal-mart run to stock up on the essentials – shower curtains, toilet paper holders, cutting boards. Hopefully we’ll have a new tenant soon.

Pretty quiet day. Collected some leaves for the garden, wrote some Christmas cards, wrapped some gifts, watched a movie… Think I’m ready for the hectic pace of another Monday right around the corner.

12-03-11

2011-12-03T21:35:00.000-08:00

Today was an Anastasia day.

It started with her and I getting up early (for a Saturday) and helping out at the Weyerhaeuser Christmas party. It was a carnival theme and we were keepers of the bean bag toss. Stamp their card, toss the bean bags, pick a prize… so many entertaining kiddos.

And our evening plans centered around Anastasia marching in the Christmas parade. We had to engineer a parking spot that would give us access to the parade and church right after, since the parade route cuts through the center of town. Anastasia ended up carrying the band sign. It was very cold and crowded, so we walked the route in search of Anastasia then headed indoors.

Thinking tomorrow will be a sit on the couch day…

12-02-11

2011-12-02T20:47:00.001-08:00

We were actually all together tonight, for dinner, trimming the tree, and Open Mic Night at the Electric Bean.

It’s fun to remember the ornaments as we unpack them and decide whether they go on the front or back of the tree. Conversation drifted to Maine (we have a tradition of getting ornaments when we travel) and ended with us flipping through our honeymoon album with Xander.

“The perfect Christmas tree? All Christmas trees are perfect!” - Charles N. Barnard

12-01-11

2011-12-01T20:44:00.001-08:00

Happy December!

Our tree has been up for over a week now, but still no ornaments. The Fisher’s haven’t been home together long enough to do it, even if anyone was particularly motivated.

We (mostly Bruce) were dealing with landlord “stuff” today. I’m so thankful of all the peace, hope, joy, and stability in our lives. We are blessed.

11-30-11

2011-11-30T21:30:00.001-08:00

Look who got new spectacles today. She likes the purple hearts on the side.

Hope she wears them more than the last pair. And Xander doesn’t even recall that he owns reading glasses… They don’t listen when I tell them that they can wear them some now or all the time very soon.

“Don't call the world dirty because you forgot to clean your glasses” – Aaron Hill

11-29-11

2011-11-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

About half of the songs on K-LOVE today were Christmas songs. Our first Christmas card was waiting for us in the mail. I need to start wrapping gifts that need to be shipped. Wondering about scheduling cookie baking day. Our Christmas newsletter is written and the photos arrived today.

The season is upon us! Kristin and I had coffee together tonight, and we joked how we won’t be able to sit on the couch sipping cocoa on the couch until we’re about 80. I’m determined to have more time to be than do during the Advent season… one of these years!

“Come, they told me, pa ra pa pum pum.
A newborn king to see, pa ra pa pum bum.

Our finest gifts we bring, pa ra pa pum pum.

And said to give a king, pa ra pa pum pum.” – Little Drummer Boy, best Christmas song ever

11-28-11

2011-11-28T20:48:00.001-08:00

Bruce was kind enough to wander around the house clicking prospective blog photos for me tonight. I’m vain enough to choose a photo of myself.

It reminds me of my eye doctor appointment this afternoon. First off, when I stop moving for a few minutes, realizing how weary my body is. Second off, how yucky it feels to flunk eye tests. They had to do the glaucoma air puff over and over and over, and they couldn’t use my peripheral vision test results. Third, yet another medical anomaly detected, yay…

"What the eye does not admire the heart does not desire." Proverb

11-27-11

2011-11-28T20:06:00.001-08:00

Our day started with worship with 13 other Christians in a tiny tiny capital hill church and another round of Spam sliders, and ended with a long car ride home.

In between we celebrated another Thanksgiving meal. Xander was so great playing with his little cousins (Sam and Kayla pictured here). I love how they say his name as if they have a mouth full of marbles.

11-26-11

2011-11-28T19:55:00.001-08:00

So who would have thought that I would feel really conspicuous in a red coat in downtown Seattle?!? As we started paying more attention, we realized that the city is a sea of black clothing.

“Nice coat, little miss red riding hood.” - street person trying to strike up a conversation.

Today we took the bus from our Queen Anne hotel to downtown, and slowly made our way back on foot, ending with a self tour of the new Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation complex. Next year it will be fun to explore the still-under-construction visitors center.

We walked Pike Place Market, Westlake Center, took in a movie (I’m embarrassed to say which one), and we ate our way through lunch, Starbucks, and a cupcake bakery. LOVE Seattle.

11-24-11

2011-11-28T19:44:00.001-08:00

Here’s Bruce at Kiki Tap & Eatery on our Hip on the Hill culinary tour. I think of this as a yummy beef salad, but a true foodie would call it a beef in a cognac reduction Asian fusion small plate. What a great way to experience a place – trying out local eateries in a fun educational environment. Our tour guide Ezra covered architecture, music, coffee, and historical info. Food stops included coffee cupping and salted caramels, Barfi (Indian milk fudge) and chai tea (I like it!), spam sliders (I like this too!), pesto pizza, and frozen custard. Thumbs up!

We also got stuck weaving through the southcenter mall parking lot (to point and laugh at Black Friday shoppers, but jokes on us), drove by two of our prior residences, encountered Occupy Seattle movements, and laughed our heads off at Chopstix dueling piano bar.

11-23-11

2011-11-28T19:28:00.001-08:00

Gobble, gobble! Bring on the cranberry sauce!

This photo seems fitting, because Xander has a knack for always being first in line at the buffet table, and Aunt Mo is always a blur of activity all day. I tried to start dishes while she was still eating, but nothing gets by her.

I always enjoy the calm quiet family time with the McNeil’s. This year we felt the absence of several, but Skype sessions brought smiles.

“The average American will consume more than 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day alone.” -Caloric Control Council.

11-23-11

2011-11-23T21:41:00.001-08:00

Right back to the sugar!

No sugar November 1st through 22nd, lost 7.5 pounds to be in better shape going into the holiday eating season.

What I craved most was mochas and DQ brownie earthquake sundaes, so I indulged in both today. Yum!

Happy eating…

11-22-11

2011-11-22T20:52:00.001-08:00

Happy vacation! I woke up this morning thinking I won’t have to set an alarm clock for five days!

Tonight was the high school band and orchestra concert. I enjoyed the eight minute long Indian song they played at the end and impromptu happy birthday for Mr. Klander was fun too. Where’s Waldo, can you find Anastasia peeking out?

Shhh, don’t tell, but our house is already decorated for Christmas. Our neighbor came over singing Christmas carols this evening.

11-21-11

2011-11-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

Can you tell that my arms are swollen up? Big goose eggs where my allergy shots went wrong. Drat, that means more (smaller dose) shots in my future. Add to this a two and a half hour visit to the allergist, and Xander and I have accumulated seven new prescriptions. Hopefully this huge investment of time and money will start to pay off.

11-20-11

2011-11-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

Baby it’s cold outside!

We left the house briefly midday for a mini adventure. We checked out a new restaurant & arcade in town, Minus Town. I felt funny ordering the Fatty Patty with a garden patty, and it struck to my ribs for hours, but it’s better than some fast food places. Then we went to Rainier for a one mile hike and geocaching trip. I foudn this one, but only because I was first on the scene. The trail was so full of leaves that it was hard to make out the route.

When the sun is shining I feel like I should be outside, but today I didn’t want to be out for very long!

11-19-11

2011-11-19T21:07:00.000-08:00

I was going through 2011 photos today for a project I’m working on.

I realized that I’ve taken a lot of really fun photos this year.

I also realized that I’ve taken a lot of lame photos this month. I guess as I’ve been focusing on other things, my blog photo and photo taking in general have taken a back seat.

I also realized that I am seeing a lot more gray in Bruce’s hair. LOL!

11-18-11

2011-11-18T21:40:00.001-08:00

TGIF!

Last weekend Xander and I sat together to see Footloose in the movie theater. Tonight Xander and I sat together to watch the play Grease in the high school theater. It was a fun production, even if I’m not familiar with the storyline.

Ready for a weekend of R&R!

11-17-11

2011-11-17T21:05:00.001-08:00

One of the things that dawned on me at my last women’s retreat is that I need to relentlessly pursue simplicity.

I’ve touched everything in my craft room, trying to be honest with myself on whether I would really ever use it or not, and cleared out a bunch of stuff. I’m prepping Craigslist and e-bay ads to see if I can get a little bit of cash back on the bigger ticket items.

One of the things I have decided to part with is the heart chunk characters I painted in the early 90’s. I never change them for the seasons, they collect dust, and it’s just more stuff to manage, as much as I do like them. I can’t quite bring myself to throw them in the Goodwill box, but don’t think they are really worth anything either.

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” - Hans Hofman

11-16-11

2011-11-16T19:49:00.001-08:00

I drove through town today at the start of a wind storm, and it looked like it was snowing yellow leaves. Everything was covered with a blanket of leaves, and they were coming down fast. It was so cool, but knew it would be hard ot capture on film. That’s my wanna-be photo of the day.

A few years ago we were running Anastasia downtown a few nights a week to the ballet studio. Now we are running the taxi service back to the same stomping grounds, but this time for driving school. A motorcyclist came and spoke to her class tonight.

“Never lend your car to anyone to whom you have given birth.” ~Erma Bombeck

11-15-11

2011-11-15T16:46:00.001-08:00

Ah, another half day vacation… only about 42 hours left to use or lose by year end.

Half days let me take my morning at a more leisurely pace, but it’s not enough time to feel the pressure of needing to accomplish anything – it’s perfect. Bruce and I walked the lake and got some funny looks as we tried to click photos of us and the lovely yellow trees.

It would sure be easier to avoid sugar if there weren’t Krispy Kreme donuts in the lunchroom and two-for-one Starbucks offers in my in-box!

11-14-11

2011-11-14T18:41:00.000-08:00

This is my new alarm clock. It’s a very late birthday gift; I found a great deal on ebay. It has nature sounds, aromatherapy beads, and progressive lightening and darkening of the room. I don’t like the smell and noise, just the light. I hav eit turned sideways so I don' t have to look at the time.

Back to setting the alarm for Monday morning. But not tomorrow, because I have the morning off! (Then it will go off really early Wed & Thurs.) Bliss would be never needing to set an alarm clock, but given reality, I like my new one.

“Morning comes whether you set the alarm or not.” – Ursula K LeGuin

11-13-11

2011-11-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

Now that we’ve been attending church Saturday nights and the weather has turned nasty, Sundays seem to turn into lazy days. Not that I’m complaining, I don’t seem to want to accomplish much.

Low light photo in the movie theater. I prefer to watch movies at home rather than in the theater, but I gave up my Netflix subscription and we have vouchers for free movie tickets, so I decided it would be fun to see the remade Footloose on the big screen.

I give the non-reclining chairs and tempting candy a thumbs down, but the movie a thumbs up. It was fun talking to Xander afterwards about all the similarities and differences from the first version.

11-12-11

2011-11-12T21:42:00.001-08:00

I looked a lot of photos today (uploading & ordering pics for scrapbooking projects), but didn’t take many.

Hard to decide what to do with the rare gift of a day with no plans.
Our heat pump decided to make the most terrible noise… service call Monday, neighbors hating us until then.
We decided it was too wet and cold to play with pups at the pound today.
Meal decisions seem to be a big deal on the weekend – Azteca and pizza delivery today.
Xander decided that ordering a coffee drink with cayenne in it at Worship Cafe was a bad idea.

Anastasia got to drive in Drivers Ed this morning. And, her voice is gone form being sick, so she is using her phone to type us notes.

11-11-11

2011-11-11T21:15:00.001-08:00

Happy Veterans Day! Happy 11.11.11! Happy Friday!

We ended up at Electric Bean for a benefit concert. I’m not sure why the band thinks louder is better, but it was interesting, and the guys got in a few games of chess. EB was giving free coffee drinks to veterans, cool beans!

"Numbers that are already significant to us, such as calendar dates that also coincidentally fall into an obvious pattern, become doubly significant," Lenzi said. "11/11/11 is another example of people doing what people are cognitively prone to do: find significance."

11-10-11

2011-11-10T21:45:00.000-08:00

An evening of just hanging out for a change. I can take my cue from the kids, they have hanging out down to a science.

I watched a fairly good Christian flick called Grace card while I gave myself a mani and pedi. And did more on-line Christmas shopping.

See’s has orange cranberry truffles, doesn’t’ that sound good? A lot of things sound good – I am almost halfway through my self imposed denial of most things yummy.

11-09-11

2011-11-09T20:20:00.001-08:00

Shame on me for not shopping locally, but hurray for me for keeping postal workers employed!

Three packages arrived just today, a result of last weekend’s on-line shopping spree. I want to turn on Christmas music and start wrapping the gifts, but that needs to wait for a few more weeks.

Happy shopping and shipping!

11-08-11

2011-11-08T22:14:00.001-08:00

Not very inspired to do my blog tonight. Ran around and got stuff done in the early evening, but then felt pretty uninspired to do anything.

Spent some time hanging out with Bruce looking at election results and talking about upcoming plans. He snapped this photo of me right after that.

We were discussing whether our family really needed the new Call of Duty game. My view is that the guys waste too much time on video games. Bruce’s view is that the only point of time is to waste it.

11-07-11

2011-11-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

We found out at 5:15pm tonight that there is a swimming awards ceremony tonight. Her coach thanked me for being gracious about the late notice, but I’m not sure if it was a backhanded comment, LOL!

Anastasia got her varsity letter, recognition for balancing a sport with a 4.0, and a speech form her coach about having lots of potential but also lots of distractions, and being a poster child freshman of the ups and downs of the first year of high school. We also got a spreadsheet of all her competition times for the season, which is much appreciated.

Dodged more sweets, made it through another Monday.

Photo explained: Anastasia hugging her coach as she got her letter, because “hand shakes are for buys.”

11-06-11

2011-11-06T20:07:00.001-08:00

Our dining room table has been transformed into shoebox central.

We shopped Target, Big Lots & the Dollar Store together today, then stuffed them this evening. Anastasia and I each did four boxes, and the guys teamed up to fill four. We all stayed very close to budget and found fun and different things for the kids. The guys did so well on budget that they will need to do another shopping trip to get the boxes fuller.

I’ve loved supporting Operation Christmas Child since the kids have been toddlers, through three different churches. This year we prepaid the shipping on-line to get barcodes to track where our boxes go.

11-05-11

2011-11-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

Tolo: a less formal dance sponsored by a high school in which female students invite male students.

In other parts it is called a Sadie Hawkins Dance, which Anastasia thinks is a better name. She also thinks that dressing as an occupation is “lame” and tried to make Princess an occupation so she could wear a formal gown.

A small group of students came over for a Hobo dinner at our house before heading to the dance. Cameron was Clark Kent, Anastasia was a super hero, and Sloane and Rex were very sharp looking wait staff.

11-04-11

2011-11-04T21:48:00.001-07:00

Bruce is acting like he’s been pent up all week and now he wants to be out and about this weekend.

I have had an incredibly long work week, am not particularly enjoying my low calorie existence, and would like to lay low this weekend.

It was hard to go to craft night at church tonight feeling so worn out. I feel blessed for going, but maybe I should have stayed home and sent Bruce out to party!

11-03-11

2011-11-03T19:45:00.001-07:00

Not sure why this Gollum hat lives in the kitchen nook instead of in the Halloween costume bin. Mom made it for Xander years ago.

This morning when I was eating breakfast, Bruce came into the nook to say good morning and he popped the hat on his head. An hour later, as I was out the door to work, he was still wearing it. For no apparent reason.

It’s fun living with a goofball. And having my blog photo first thing in the morning!

11-02-11

2011-11-02T21:18:00.001-07:00

The past few months have not been good for eating well and exercising hard. Not feeling great, I started telling myself I deserved to take a break from working out and eat more fattening foods. My ‘healthy during the week and sweets on the weekends’ routine flew out the window.

Some reports say the average person gains five to ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years. Many reports say it is only one pound, but that it is a pound that never goes away. Regardless, I face a ton of temptations during the holiday season, so I want to be fit and light on the scale going into it.

So, this week it is back to an hour of exercise a day, half of it intense, high nutrition/low calorie foods, and no sweets. Not even on the weekends. Until Thanksgiving.

I miss my mochas, but I really do like kale chips.

11-01-11

2011-11-02T18:38:00.001-07:00

November 1st marks one year of occupancy for one of our tenants! Woo-hoo!

Considering we’ve had five tenants who have left before a year (three of them under six months!), seems like there should be fireworks going off or something, but it was a pretty run-of-the-mill dreary wintery day.

It seems a long time in coming to have stable tenants, but considering that we are only 19 months into this land lording adventure, I guess it's not so bad.

10-31-11

2011-10-31T19:37:00.001-07:00

Notes to self: Next year, order way more rubber ducks. Not sure how I only ended up with 80 this year, turned out the lights before 7:30! And, try to find a costume that doesn’t involve a wig. After all day and evening, I was more than ready to get our of my Siren costume.

Note to neighbors: My kids are out there with friends. They are the annoying older kids with lame costumes and a big pack of friends. Almost as annoying as the parents packing around a baby & expecting candy. Go easy, we all have to grow up too fast.

10-30-11

2011-10-30T18:03:00.001-07:00

More extended family time, stock up on fruits and veggies at the produce stand, normal Sunday chores, baking hazelnut cranberry bread, quick paddle board trip, short rest, and evening church sums up my day. I could use more hours, but that is more than I expected.

We sure go through a lot more dishes with 8 people instead of 4! Lots of mugs of hot water, soup bowls at every meal, and too many loads of dishes for Anastasia to keep up with. We played a few rounds of Sequence when Xander wasn’t successful in roping more of us into playing/learning chess.

10-29-11

2011-10-30T17:55:00.001-07:00

Here we are, four generations at the Rutherglen Mansion for Murder at the Mansion. We haven’t been able to see G&G in ages, and it’s been much longer than that that they’ve been down to Longview, so it was fun to have everyone come back to town for dinner theater at Mom & Jerry’s favorite local B&B.

Since I knew more about murder mysteries this time around, it was fun to try harder to piece together the mystery, but I still got it wrong since the character I questioned led me astray. Fun evening.

10-28-11

2011-10-28T17:43:00.001-07:00

My first visit to a few operations in Oregon, since I concentrate on Washington. I loved the sign on a mirror at the Griggs office. Safety is such a huge focus for us at Weyerhaeuser, and this is a great reminder message. The background stuff is fun too- the signature cream building with green trim, scattered outbuildings, white supervisor pick-up trucks, a crew bus… Willamette Valley sunshine!!! This office came complete with office dog and “home cooked” lunch. TGIF!

10-27-11

2011-10-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

A long day with a big inviting bed at the end of it.

Woke up before the alarm, left the house before 6am. Destination: Aberdeen. Wait, wait, wait, rush out the door. Destination: Eugene Oregon. We shaved 30 minutes off the estimated travel time, but still not enough time to stop for lunch. Less waiting and less rushing once we arrived safely.

An exercise in patience and dealing with the consequences of poor planning.

10-26-11

2011-10-26T21:21:00.001-07:00

Not my most interesting blog shot, but it’s getting late and I need to go to bed.

I head out tomorrow morning at 6am for a whirlwind trip through Washington and Oregon performing training sessions.

Briefcase, In Focus projector, bigger purse with water and snacks, and a small overnight bag. Check. I think I’m as ready as I can be. Now just to see how it plays out.

10-25-11

2011-10-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Guess who got her permit today? She even got to drive around a parking lot. I don't have a photo for the blog, because I'm keeping my distance...

Shopping for Halloween dresses is more my speed. That's where we headed after swim practice, where the girls worked together to stretch out a swim cap to an incredible size...

10-24-11

2011-10-24T19:17:00.001-07:00

Not sure when our dining room table became computer central. Bruce moved his computer out in the front room to change out the hard drive. Jerry and Anastasia have matching portable netbooks.

“Computing is not about computers any more. It is about living.” ~Nicholas Negroponte

10-23-11

2011-10-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

“Pray about going home. Be ready for the chaos and expect to step back into your role.” – Andrea, speaker

There is something about Sunday, even in the early morning, where the energy level shifts and we all start thinking about home and our afternoon re-entry back into every day life.

10-22-11

2011-10-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Retreats carve out environments for growth. A lot has happened in this past year, and things are still in transition. The journey to be more like Christ will continue until I doe, but this weekend I put a spotlight on a few specific areas I want to work on, to accelerate my growth.

I also like to carve out time to move my bones a bit. We joined the hike during free time. There were a lot of camera clicks during the hike, and this isn’t the best shot, but I really like how it captures the fall colors and our togetherness.

10-21-11

2011-10-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Some weekends are appreciated so much more than others. I slipped out a few hours early, after a grueling week, to head to Cascades Camp to attend a women’s retreat. The topic this weekend? The virtues of Christ and participating with God in the process of renovating our soul. Our gift in our rooms area great tangible reminder of the virtues and the goal.

10-20-11

2011-10-20T20:42:00.001-07:00

Football, football, football. On the screen, on the field, on the shirt. Xander is counting down how many hours of real football he has left – one practice and one game. He had a team dinner tonight (five pieces of pizza, but no crust) and got his team T-shirt tonight. Even once the season is over, I’m sure there will be plenty of pick-up and X-box games.