{Gracias a Dios}

Amazing

2011-10-25T15:48:00.001-07:00

Know

2011-10-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

I will go before you

and will level the mountains;

I will break down gates of bronze

and cut through bars of iron.

3 I will give you hidden treasures,

riches stored in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the LORD,

the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Isaiah 45:2-3

These days

2011-10-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Fun pictures with the two littles while the big boys are at school. Yes..school. Lot's of changes around here, but good change.

We are decorating for Halloween today- more to come soon.

xo Jolene

Love Remains

2011-09-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Note on this mornings coffee. Through the ashes of destruction; Love remains.

Wear Forgiveness Like a Crown

2011-09-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

Not doing great this week. Choosing daily to accept forgiveness. Trying my hardest to please an audience of one and look past the pain of lost friendships to see hope.

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord who has compassion upon you." Isaiah 54:10

Rebuild

2011-08-31T22:50:00.000-07:00

I am working on unpacking our new home, it's bringing so much emotion to the surface, but giving me a good focus as well. Lot's of memories in these boxes. Good memories.

Rebuilding slowly.

Do you remember the picture wall we finally acomplished at our old house? You know, the one we put up about two weeks before we had to move? Ya, that one. Well, now it's going back up. Aaron doesn't know yet that any and all of our spare time in the evenings will be devoted to this until it's done. ;)

Chicken stock has been bubbling away on the stove. The smell reminds me of fall. Of laughter around the dinner table. Of a big, healing hug. Of nourishing my family with goodness. It reminds me of who I used to be. I want to get back there.

Who knew chicken soup really is good for the soul?

Pictures of home projects tomorrow.

xo, Jo

Remember

2011-08-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

We have had company since Thursday; two different families of dear friends, reminding us of what our normal used to be. Reminding me how to laugh, how to seek, how to have joy. Lot's of 'remember whens.'

Everyone has left now and I'm already forgetting. These feelings; the pain, the heartache, the shame. All back. And all too familiar.

These past days, I felt like I was watching an old home movie of happy and functioning me. I felt hopeful. I smiled. Now the movie is over. The credits have passed and I'm back to facing this dark empty screen by myself wondering how to rewind.

I think...I know that is my problem. I'm just stuck. I need to move forward and don't know how. I'm not who I used to be.

It's an odd feeling being around strangers right now. Going to the grocery store. Getting gas. Teaching classes. Getting a coffee.

I feel like I should have some huge life threatening gash or hemorrhage...something that reflects how I'm feeling inside.

That is the beauty and nightmare of emotional pain. It hurts so badly you feel like you should be on life support. Then, when you want to be anonymous, you can slip on a pair of sunglasses, walk with purpose....and be normal. Happy.

All while being quite the opposite.

I'm back to the simple basics. Reading scripture one verse at a time. Praying that God would teach me to pray again. In some ways meeting God for the first time. Getting to see pieces of His heart I never knew about. Discipline is hard to learn.

As I read back over my posts I think 'Man, what a downer, this isn't fun to read.' I hope I can get back to the beauty, joy, laughter, love and light that God has designed me to be filled with. There are little reminders of this in each day.

Reminders from last week:

(from my phone for now, I have more from my camera)

Naps with an Angel

2011-08-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

This little sweetness makes me smile. Little moments like this remind me of hope.

xo, Jo

Broken

2011-08-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Feeling so broken. Alone. Ashamed. The pain is so physically real that my heart hurts and I can't breathe.

A friend asked me last night 'What is holding you back from giving all of you to God?' My answer was 'I'm not worthy. I don't deserve it.'

She said 'You're right, you don't deserve it. None of us do. And what a perfect time to give yourself to Him. Know Him. Draw close to Him. Study His word.'

God knew what my life would be, the choices I would make, the ways I would suffer, the ways I would hurt others, the things that would bring me joy.

He knew the moment I would turn my back on him and the day that I would come crawling back with my head hung in shame.

He knew it all. And still gave me life. Still died for my sins. All of them.

So where do I start? How do I rebuild? How to I pick up the pieces of this wreckage? And when will this pain stop?

I don't know how to follow anymore.

I could sit and stare for hours right now while my mind replays and remembers. I did this.

There is an empty piece of land here that overlooks the city. No one knows where it is. That's what I tell myself anyway. I've been going there to sit in the quiet.

To breathe. To cry. To be angry. Just to be. The silence is so loud sometimes. I think it's good.

Distraction masks these thoughts and feelings and the silence forces me to face them.

'In repentance and rest you shall be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength.'
Isaiah 30:15

xo, Jo

River Time

2011-08-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Some close friends from our old home made the drive down to see us. They have four lovely kiddos the same ages as ours- such a welcomed distraction right now. I told them my mind is too foggy to make decisions right now, so my girlfriend is taking that on and planning the day.

Today we are going down the river. So much peace on the water.

Two mamas, 8 kiddos...yes 8, all under 10...did I just say peace?

I'm bringing my camera, putting on my river girl shoes and swimming suit and am determined to smile today.. even with this weight and ache that makes me want to crawl into a dark hole. Sunshine and light instead.

Breathe.

Pictures later.

xo, Jo

Struggling

2011-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Have you heard this song? I'm clinging to it right now. I hear the words and want so desperately to believe them. Most of me does. Part of me doesn't want to.

Grace can be painful to recieve.

I am feeling so weak these days. My heart is aching. I'm trying desperately to distract my mind from the pain, but nothing works for long. It comes in waves...about every few minutes.

I know my words are confusing. You're probably wondering what's up. Maybe one day I'll get there and share with you all. For now, I need this space to process. Bear with me.

I took some pictures today, I'll add them tonight.

xo, Jo

Finding me

2011-08-23T22:54:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly starting to come back around. I feel like I'm stuck in the aftermath of a tornado.

Standing in the wreckage. Wanting to rebuild and not a clue of where to start.

I am starting here.

Choosing to focus on the my beautiful babies. On my marriage. On my neglected love for God.

Writing and photography has always been an outlet for me. A way to get these thoughts, dreams, fears and questions out. To focus on beauty and hope.

I've brushed the dust off of this camera and my typing fingers are ready. Little glimpses of me are starting to appear.

More to come tomorrow.

xo, Jo

{Easter} 2011

2011-04-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

Our celebration of our glorious savior- all in pictures.

It has been two months since I last posted on my little blog...so much time, and still no sense of normal in our new town. We are staying with my in laws as we continue to find our home; praying and trudging along, knowing God has the perfect place and trying our hardest to practice patience. He has brought some beautiful souls into our lives and our little family continues to strengthen on this journey together.

So much to be thankful for in the midst of new and unfamiliar experiences. More updates and pictures to come. Love and hugs to all. xo

Life on the farm

2011-02-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

We have really enjoyed being so close to family since our move. A few times a week we visit the farm and Nana and Papa, help with chores, collect eggs, hide in the barn, and enjoy the wide open spaces. Enjoying the simplicity of each day is what it's all about. xo

{this moment}

2011-02-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Two brothers; chatting about the weather. Love it. :-)
Happy Friday!

A day in the life...

2011-02-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

We soaked up the sun...
Found some airplanes...
Learned lessons on safety...
Learned about gravity...
Had lots of PE time...
Enjoyed the beauty all around us...
Really...lots of energy to burn...
All in a day of homeschooling. Learning lessons all around us. Of course we had some math, reading, writing and Bible mixed in, but some of our greatest homeschool days are exploring the world around us.

Just another day in paradise...xo

Anna Banana

2011-02-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

My sweet girl is 4, I can hardly believe it. What an amazing soul she is; thoughtful, observant, sensitive, caring, and hilariously funny. I am so thankful for my one precious girl, what a gift from God she is. xo

Exciting things...

2011-01-31T21:40:00.000-08:00

Exciting things are happening around here, my business is starting to take off! I just got this (among others) photo back from an amazing photographer at House of James. I am taking this new adventure one day at a time and letting the Lord lead...it's SO fun. :-)

I'm trying to finish up some projects for Anna's birthday on Wednesday. Two days until my girl is 4..oh my!

Is anyone sick of seeing cupcakes yet?? ;-)

Fresh this morning...

2011-01-25T09:44:00.001-08:00

I won't always be posting pictures of cupcakes, but I had to share this one with you. The smells in my house this morning are too good not to share. This is Cocah- Coconut cake, filled with coconut cream, topped with coconut buttercream and coconut shavings. If you close your eyes and take a bite, you almost feel like you are on a Hawaiian vacation...minus the sand in uncomfortable places..ah hem.

Happy Tuesday friends!

Projects and Preperations

2011-01-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

Next week, my girl will be 4! I can't believe it. I know it's so cliche to say 'my how the time goes' but it really does. It feels like just yesterday I was holding her sticky, chubby little hands while she learned to take her first steps.

Anna wants a kitty cat birthday this year, kitten decorated cupcakes and all.

I love Soule Mama and her fabulous creativity. Some projects I have taken from her books and have going right now are:

A (shabby chic) birthday banner, a birthday crown, and a pretty tablecloth for the party. Because of copyright, I can't post the images, but go to the links and check them out; SO cute!

I'm also working on some projects for my new business, Cocoa. I can't wait to share the new site with you when it's ready. I am making some pretty tablecloths and ruffly borders for the market stand. I love these fabrics by Amy Butler:

I'll start sharing my progress and the many tiny hands that like helping along the way. :)

What are you working on around your home?

{this moment}

2011-01-21T16:31:00.001-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
My first cupcake order went out today; new business up and running soon. Details to come! Happy weekend friends!

Climb

2011-01-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

Today we enjoyed a beautiful hike with my dear childhood friend Julia. It was stunning out! Not a cloud in the sky, gorgeous views as far as the eye could see, and lovely company. The kids did great, it was a very steep hike, and they kept right along. Tyler did lay in the middle of the trail a few times. haha I packed Aiden on my back and he still managed to grab a few sticks to swing around. So much to explore! Gods glorious creation! Breathtaking! Top of the mountain! And this lovely is growing quickly before my eyes. She will be four in less than two weeks.
We are still adjusting in this new place, but God is teaching us daily that He is our home and comfort. And with each day brings more goodness, beauty and surprises. xo

Christmas 2010

2011-01-17T14:18:00.001-08:00

In the midst of our move, we got to enjoy the simplicity of time with family, delicious food, and laughter that filled the air. Just the encouragement and rest we needed to adjust to our new home and community.

What a full year 2010 was- so much change. Through all the change, God remains; He is our constant, steady provider. Welcome 2011 and all the goodness to come!

Look for pictures and stories to come, my typing fingers are ready and my camera is charged!

Still here

2010-12-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a busy month for our little family. Aaron has started his new job at Harry and David and is loving it. The only major requirement was that we moved four hours South to take the position. We left that sweet little house that we loved (and had just moved into), boxes boxes boxes again. The company paid for our move and we even had movers to lift, pack, and drive all of our stuff. What a blessing that was!

We are slowly getting settled into a new community. Change is not easy, but we are excited to see what this new chapter brings. We miss our friends, church, house, community- the familiar. At the same time we are so happy to live near our family.

This past week I took all four kids to Arizona to visit family and oh- the lovely sunshine! Two airplane rides each way and lots of time spent at the Seattle airport; we came away with some pretty funny stories of our adventures. A LOT of people stopped me to say how crazy I was for traveling with four kiddos by myself, but even more stopped me to say that the kids were so good and well behaved. I don't know if those people really know how much those comments meant at just that time. Our village grew ten fold on that trip. :-)

I have pictures to share and even more stories to tell of this past month, but for now, just a quick hello on this little blog- about the only familiar piece of my day right now.

xo, Jolene

{this moment}

2010-12-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Our home December 2010 (I'm wanting to capture the little nooks of this house we love, moving day is coming quickly. T-5 days)

Sweet Independence

2010-12-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

While daddy was packing...

Aiden got into some cupcakes- he plated them on our finest china all by himself, one for each of the kids and licked the frosting off of each of them. He is so cute! Such a busy little boy, and through all of his curiosity he included his brothers and sister.
And as you can imagine, chocolate buttercream makes quite a mess. To the bathtub for this little cutie. As independent as my littlest is, he still loves to snuggle his mama.xoxo (and daddy too :)

{this moment}

2010-11-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

Thankful

2010-11-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

-For my God who loves me unconditionally

-For my healthy, beautiful family

-For a husband that values and respects me, makes me laugh, and loves our children

-For Aaron's new job that begins in a week -For a warm place to sleep, food to eat, water to drink

-For the freedoms of our country. To pray, worship, live, teach, vote, and play without restriction

-For this breath, for this life, for this moment Happy Thanksgiving my friends. Celebrate this day! xo

{this moment}

2010-11-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Blue and White

2010-11-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Last night, Anna Banana and I had a girls night in the city to cheer on my cousin Elizabeth (Miss Bee).She is a senior in highschool this year, oh I can't believe it. She used to be my tiny little cousin that would shove herself into Barbie boxes at Christmas and endure countless hours of me french braiding her hair to practice.

Now she is one stunningly groovy chick that is about to be out on her own. Her volleyball team made it into the state playoffs and lucky for me, it was held in Portland. It was so fun to squeeze out of town family and watch that beauty kill the ball.Anna slept on the way home and I thought about what she would be like at 17. It comes fast..I am cherishing each day with these precious babies of mine. xo

Trick or Treat!

2010-11-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun Halloween this year! We went trick-or-treating at Bridgeport to start off with the madness, it was SO busy, but so fun hanging out with our friends Kitty and Darth (aka Dan and Sarah)and their cute kiddos. After that, we went to our first Halloween costume party. There were so many people and so many great costumes, and...Aaron won best costume! He was Clark Kent/Superman and I have to say, it fit him well. His prize was a lovely bag of potpourri, so really, we both won.

Our kids were skeletons this year, I loved having them all dressed alike. Their little costumes (which were pj's) glowed in the dark which they loved.

After lots of trick or treating, candy, and fun, we headed home to sort the candy- the best part!

And now we begin the sugar detox..;-)

Happy November!

Pumpkins

2010-11-01T07:46:00.001-07:00

Pumkin hunting and carving. We didn't take as many pictures of this as I thought, we have a lot of photos from trick-or-treating and a Halloween party, those will come soon. Happy Monday!

In The Oven

2010-10-28T21:24:00.001-07:00

Cupcakes, oh delicious cupcakes. This is what I do. I wake up at 4 in the morning to bake these little beauties. Red Velvet, Chocolate, Peanut Butter Cup, Cookie Monster, Chocolate Pumpkin, Prailines and Cream, Maple Bacon...the list goes on.

Though this transition from homeschooling my babies to baking outside of the home has not been an easy one, I am thankful that the work that is providing for our family, is work that I enjoy.

There is so much to be thankful for; this job, the way God has uniquely equiped me for this work, the opportunity for Aaron to teach our sweeties, the means to provide for our family, this day, this breath, this life, and most of all , for a God who already has a plan, a design, and a path for each of our lives.

Come on in and have a cupcake or two! :-)

{this moment}

2010-10-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. (from Soule Mama)

Daddy and little helper
Happy Birthday Aaron, I am so blessed by you. I love you . xo

Project: Complete!

2010-10-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ta daaa! Here is our black and white picture wall. I still need to fill the frames, but they are up! Over the next couple of weeks I will be collecting old family photos from both Aaron's and my family, to mix with new ones of our growing babies.
So, first we measured out the perimeter of the rectangle we wanted up on the wall and moved frames around and squished them in to fit, starting like a puzzle with the outside edges first. Next, we used a laser level and taped straight lines to form our rectangle on the wall. We took pictures of the arrangement on the floor and used that as a guide to match it on the wall. Aaron started on the wall the same way we did on the floor, first putting up the frames around the outside edges and then filling in the center. It's not perfect, but we love it and hope to add more to it.

Some new projects coming soon:

-filling the frames with pictures from all generations of our families.
-recovering the church pew (just found some pretty cheap fabric at JoAnn's with a 60% of tag!)
-sewing lots of fun/funky pillows for the pew (I have a lot of old fabrics to go through and be inspired by)

I will take some pictures of our progress. I love house projects, it feels so good to get some done and dream about others for this cozy home of ours.

Progress...

2010-10-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

I didn't anticipate this project taking SO long. All of these frames are new, well...I bought them several months ago and they have been sitting against this wall, anyway, I bought them all at Ikea. The thing about Ikea products is that while they are cheaper in cost, they do usually take some work to put together.

Each one of these frames requires putting together and mounting the hardware on the back before even hanging them. We worked on them all. day. long.With lots of curious little helpers, and still have some to do. I am hoping that we can hang them on the wall today.

Aaron is...excited to be done with this project. I have made an entire list of projects to do around here. :-)

So..progress. Here is a picture of the frames all laid out, this is how they will hang on the wall, what do you think?I think this is going to be my new favorite part of the house once it's done. Okay, back to work!

Project: Something Old

2010-10-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

We recently purchased an old 12 ft church pew for seating in our house. It needs some work, as does the wall it rests on. We have been living in our new house now since the end of July and I am needing some motivation to complete some projects around here to make this house feel more like our own.

First project: hang all the frames on the wall. There are are roughly 35 to hang and fill. (the filling will be another project later this week, but having blank frames staring at me will be motivation enough to print the photos)

Before:I will post the after pictures by this same time tomorrow morning. Off to work! :)

this moment

2010-10-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Comfort in Cupcakes

2010-10-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

These past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions. I'm realizing that as much as I think I like change, it's not exactly where I am naturally comfortable.

Two weeks ago my husband was laid off from his job. We were completely blindsided by the job loss, you always know it's a possibility, but because Aaron is in finance he usually sees it coming. This time, no warning. This has been a huge change for our family, we have been in this place before, but nothing can fully prepare you for such a hit.

Two weeks before Aaron was laid off, I started working about 9 hours at a cupcake shop. I would go in early in the mornings before my family was awake and bake cupcakes and muffins and scones. Something I have always loved to do. It was a fun way for me to have a small contribution to our savings and indulge my creative side. This job is such a blessing, little did I know that it would be helping us to pay our bills and fill in the gaps that unemployment leaves.

For now, I am the bread winner...cupcake winner? My boss has been so accommodating to our family. I am working half time right now and in one week it will be full time. I am learning that Gods provisions are not always easy, a blessing, but not easy. In a matter of days I went from full time homeschooling, stay at home mama of four to working full time outside of the home. I am so thankful that Aaron has this time with the kids, he has taken over as their teacher and organizer of our household. He does an amazing job juggling this while searching for a job.

I am praying daily for a grateful heart. We have a warm home, beds to sleep in, food to eat, lights on, water to drink...but it's change. It's been a big change and this mama is missing her babies and the normalcy of life that I had just a few weeks ago. God is teaching me so many valuable lessons through this. The obedience of prayer and trust for the unknown; struggles I admit I have. This will be a journey for our family, one that will strengthen our foundation. It will take a little help from this village and our obedience and dependence on our Shepherd. Though it has been difficult, to say the least, I am thankful for the opportunity of absolute dependence on Christ. Shouldn't it be this way all the time?

I will post some pictures of my cupcakes, scones, and muffins...these little gems that bring some comfort to our family.

Alaska Lovin'

2010-09-27T08:37:00.001-07:00

Last week I got to fly (all by myself!) to Alaska to see my beautiful sister and niece. My brother in law was out of town for a long weekend, so we got to have some lovely girl time!

We went on hikes, walked around the lake, ate fresh salmon, went out for brunch, had delicious coffee, went to an Asian fish market, searched for Beluga's, laughed, talked, loved, dreamed, planned, listened to bedtime stories in french and my little sister sing my niece to sleep and held that precious baby.

Karyn speaks in French to Ada about 99.9% of the time; so of course, my job as auntie is to translate. Ada heard the French version, then the English version, and then I taught her some Spanish. haha I wonder if she will come up with her own language combining them all. Hmm...

It was such a wonderful visit, my heart is still smiling.
I can't wait to see my little Alaska's again! xo

While the husbands are away...

2010-09-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

the ladies will play.....with hops?
Our awesome home brewing husbands were given free organic hops from a friend in Washington. They worked hard at deflowering them to dry and store, but didn't quite finish this time consuming task. So, one day last week, the ladies and kiddos got together while the guys were working and secretly got to work. Though we still didn't finish them all, we made quite a dent in the pile of beautiful vines and our husbands were so excited! It's the little things that show so much love!

Happy brewing to them and happy (safe) drinking to you. Come sample some brew!

Slainte!

Cleats and Slippers

2010-09-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

We have started some fun new activities around here!

CLEATS!
Tyler has started soccer again and is our little soccer super star! He is a ball of energy and can run for days. I love his smile- it is so contagious! Cutest superfans!

SLIPPERS!
Miss Anna Banana has started ballet and tap. It is absolutely precious to watch my little ballerina dance and twirl around.

Sweet big brothers supporting their sister, they are so encouraging to her and watch her every move.

Lots of fall fun!

Around the Sun

2010-09-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

A little over a week ago we celebrated Ryan turning 7! What an amazing boy he is. So patient, kind, thoughtful, sweet and helpful. I love having him around and he always has an encouraging word or thoughtful thing to say. Our lives were changed forever the day he was born, and we can't imagine it any other way. xo
We started the morning off with our birthday tradition of a pancake per year. Ryan had a stack of 7 and ate them all! He wanted peanut butter and jelly pancakes (homemade pancakes, layered with peanut butter, and marionberry syrup) and banana blueberry salad with yogurt.Ryan planned our menu for the day:
Breakfast- Peanut butter and jelly pancakes and fruit salad
Lunch- Chicken Pesto Pasta (with homemade basil walnut pesto and tomatoes) and garlic bread
Dinner- Black bean, sweet potatoes, quinoa burritos with guacamole
and instead of cake he requested a strawberry tart with custard (a family recipe). That boy has good taste!Life is such a gift!

On the night before school...

2010-09-06T21:18:00.000-07:00

...we celebrate; a new year of learning, laughing, working, loving, and exploring. And the best part? I get to keep all of these little lovies at home and we can do all of this together!

We have an exciting year ahead! I can't believe I have a 2nd grader, Kindergartner, Pre schooler, and a toddling little monkey. My how time flies!

Our back to school dinner party:Slainte! Oh the chocolate smiles!
On the menu:
White chili with chicken
Homemade cornbread, Irish butter, and honey
Fresh raw milk
Molten Lava cakes with ganache, strawberries, and peppermint whipped cream (not pictured...they gobbled it up before I could grab my camera)

My hope for this year is to learn right along with my kids,to savor each day, to see the world through their eyes (especially in those hard moments), to answer with love, to get dirty exploring, and to laugh laugh laugh. Cheers to that!

I am excited to blog more and share our journey with you.

Off to bed, tomorrow is almost here! xo

Boxes

2010-08-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a month we have had. It has been full! We have been moving, just across town, but moving. We have had the most amazing help from friends who helped make it all possible, we will never be able to thank them enough. We LOVE our new home and are enjoying each day settling in. Finding the fun at our garage sale. :-)
Break/lunch time on moving day.

It feels like the 'box' stage is never ending, but we are getting there. In the mean time, we are finding lots of games to play in, around, inside of, and under boxes. Oh the boxes!

I will post more pictures soon and a video tour of our new place. :-)

Seattle's Best

2010-07-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we drove to Seattle to celebrate Chase's birthday. We brought homebrew as a gift (which was a hit) and enjoyed the time with our best friends.

The Guys (missing a few)- (left to right) Aaron, Tyler, Chase, Josh, and Edgar. These guys were all on the same floor freshman year of college, they have been best friends ever since. We've celebrated holidays, birthdays, marriages, births, birthdays, and everything in between together. Our kids call them their Uncles and that's just what they are. Together through it all- everyone should be blessed with friends like these. Simply amazing. (Some of) The Ladies- Rachel, Jessie, Me, and Kim. Rachel and Jessie also went to George Fox with the guys, Kim and I just married into the gang. :-)One of my dearest friends, Kim. Such a beauty!Rachel and Anna Banana

What a beautiful weekend celebrating with our family of friends. xo

Aiden's 1st birthday!

2010-06-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

On May 23rd we celebrated Aiden's 1st birthday! I can't believe how this year has flown by. He is such a sweet baby, always smiling, always exploring. He loves to follow his siblings around and loves to snuggle. I am so in love with this little boy. xoxoAaron's parents came to celebrate with us.

We had all of Aiden's favorites: Penne with homemade red sauce w/sausage, focaccia, lemon broccoli, and chocolate cake with strawberries and whipped cream. I have to say, that boy has good taste. :-) Oh, birthday fun! What a fun boy! xoxo

A picture is worth...

2010-06-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

Silo

2010-05-31T17:12:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we traveled down to Southern Oregon to visit THE FARM. We all chipped in to help build the new silo for the organic pig feed. It was A LOT of work, but such a rewarding experience. We worked from 10 am until about 8pm: hammering, lifting, thinking...working together. We finished the day with a home grown meal of pork chops, tomato cucumber salad, slow cooked baked beans, blackberry shortcake. It was awesome!

My best friend from childhood, Julia, came with her boyfriend Julian, Aaron's parents also helped- it was a group effort. I loved working with everyone together, such a beautiful picture of community. And the silo is finished! :-)

Check out Obrien's Family Farm for pasture raised pork- it is out of this world!

Mmm, summer is here!

Science is yummy!

2010-05-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

For science yesterday we explored the wonders of vinegar and baking soda, it never gets old and is always fun! We started with a hypothesis and picture, then the careful pouring, and laughter soon followed. The kids loved the fizzy bubbles, not so much the smell though.

Could vinegar and baking soda taste yummy? Let's eat some!

Ewww! No Mommy!

Are you sure?....

That vinegar and baking soda turned into delicious chocolate cake, topped with raspberry sauce, chocolate sauce, and fresh mint. Mmm! Science IS yummy! Sweet Aiden agreed... I love homeschooling these beautiful babies of mine, especially on chocolate cake days. ;-)

Swagger Wagon

2010-05-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

I thought this would make you laugh, my sister shared this with me and I thought it was hilarious! We don't have a minivan, but I know that day is on the horizon.

Happy weekend friends!
Jolene

Chicken Soup for the Soul

2010-04-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

We had a much needed quiet week around here, these days are ended perfectly with slow cooked, full of love chicken soup.

Lets Talk Stock:
1 whole free range, organic chicken (including neck,liver and heart)
1 whole onion (leave the outside yellow skin and roots on)
2 whole carrots (sometimes I add one whole apple cut in half to add some sweetness)
2 whole celery stalks
1 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar
Black Peppercorns
Sea Salt

Rinse the chicken and put it in a large stock pot. Cover with filtered water. Cut the onion in half with skin on and plop it in the water. Really, go ahead, it's good, and EASY! The outer shell of the onion gives the stock beautiful color.

Snap both carrots and both celery sticks in half with your bare hands. You are so strong! Dump those in there too. Now, add about 1 1/2 TBS. of salt and about 1 1/2 TBS of peppercorns. These are not exact measurements, add more to taste. Add the vinegar- you won't even taste it in the final product, but it helps draw out all of the delicious nutrients from the bones.

Bring the stock to a boil and let simmer on medium. After 2 hours or so, remove chicken from stock. Once it's cool enough to touch, pull all of the meat off of the bones, shred or cube it, and store it in the refrigerator. Put all of the bones and cartilage back into the stock and allow it to slow cook for 24-36 hours. You can put this all in your crock pot if that feels more comfortable to you to leave overnight. I use a large stock pot and let it simmer uncovered on the stove, adding filtered water when needed.

After the stock has slow cooked and is a deep, rich amber color, pour through a fine mesh strainer, allow to cool and freeze in food grade containers. This is a delicious, rich, nutrient packed stock that warms the soul. After you make your own, you will never want to buy it again. Stock up your freezer with this homemade stock!

**I also use this same recipe for beef stock, of course I use organic, free range beef bones...smarty pants. The only other thing I change is the cooking time, I let beef stock cook for 48-72 hours.

Now for the Soup:
This stock can be used in so many ways, but our favorite is chicken soup with homemade noodles or dumplings. I usually add 4-6 carrots, 4-6 celery stalks, 1 whole onion- all chopped, reserved shredded chicken, and fresh chopped parsley (both added toward the end) salt, pepper and dumplings. (** for these I make a batch of Great Grandma Wade's biscuits and drop the dough into the soup, cover tightly with lid and let steam for 12 minutes- no peeking!! If you follow this rule, you will have light fluffy dumplings to go with your delicious chicken soup.

I also use this stock as a base for chicken tortilla soup, beef stroganoff, for rice, in enchiladas...the list goes on.

Let me know when you make it, I know you will love it!

Batter Up

2010-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Baseball has begun! We are two games into the season already; Ryan is on the A's this year and doing great. It is so much fun cheering him on with the rest of the family by my side. He gives a really cute thumbs up from short stop. :-) More pictures to come!

Ada Belle

2010-04-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

Miss Ada Belle; my precious niece!

Kisses from Nana...

Sleeping with Daddy...

Nursing with Mama- love this.

My beautiful sister Karyn, Ada, and proud Auntie.

Oh, I am in love!

My little baby doesn't look so little anymore...sigh.

Fun time with Nana.

Snuggly sleep...

Proud Papa

What an awesome dad, scrubbing the diapers with a smile.

What a special trip! I am missing Alaska, missing that sweet baby smell, staring at my lovely sister and holding that precious niece of mine. Welcome to the world Miss Ada Belle! xoxo

Sir Tyler

2010-04-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

Five years old! Can you believe it? Today we celebrated five precious years of Tyler's life. He planned our menu for the day, starting with our birthday tradition of one pancake per year. Tyler had a stack of five and ate them all! Homemade fried rice for lunch, and homemade sausage and olive pizza for dinner. We enjoyed the sun, enjoyed each other, and I reminisced about the day that brown eyed boy was born. Oh, sweet, silly Tyler. He has the most contagious laughter and hilarious sense of humor...

Just over a year

Same funny boy, 5 years old

"Mommy, take a picture of my super hero move!"
I love that boy! Happy Birthday to my cute little Sir Tyler! xoxo

On this day...

2010-04-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

We celebrate a very special gift...

Lovely Anna
Cutie Tyler
Wearing my glasses- so cute.
Oh my goodness, this little hunk of love is so kissable! Precious in his fancies.
Handsome Ryan
Tyler playing with his new paddle ball. I love this picture of playtime in dress clothes.
Easter lunch with friends- delicious food! Free range pork butchered just weeks ago from my parents farm.
A fun new game! Which hard boiled egg will break.
My loves

We celebrate the gift of true sacrifice; the gift of eternal life.

He is Risen and I am so thankful! Happy Easter sweet friends! xo

~Jolene

Roots~ Part 2

2010-03-15T19:00:00.001-07:00

What's a post without pictures?

My 18th birthday

Graduation

Squeezing into my wedding dress- 6 months pregnant

We did it! We're married!

Welcome to the world sweet Ryan!

I love that face!

Precious

Our little family

I love that I got to share this part of our life with you, thank you for reading, and thank you for all of the sweet comments, you all made my heart happy. xo

~Jolene

Roots

2010-03-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

**This was not easy to write, sorry my words and thoughts are all jumbled. Not all of this will make sense.

I was 17, and a senior in high school; I loved chasing boys (one in particular), going to football games, playing sports, clothes, friends, you know...teenager stuff. I was invincible, my head was in the clouds, and my biggest concern was a math test. I really didn't like math.

I was in love with a boy. This boy was different from the others--I didn't like him at first. He teased me and made my face turn all shades of red, he made me laugh when I wanted to look tough, and he wrote me beautiful love notes when I was 'already dating someone thank you very much.' My heart skipped a beat when I saw him and I knew I was crazy about this boy. By the time my senior year began, we had been dating for a year. He, being a year older, left and went to college. We kept in touch, and by 'keeping in touch' I mean we talked 3-4 times a day (long distance..sorry mom), sent letters, sent emails, and he made frequent trips on the Grayhound back home to see me. We talked and talked, sharing our dreams for the future, planning a wedding for one day. Aside from not getting to see each other every waking second of every single day, things were going great.

Just after Christmas break, I started feeling different. I couldn't put my finger on it, but just felt off. I had always had crazy irregular menstrual cycles (I feel like a 5th grade health teacher when I say it like that...I had whack periods) and assumed that was the culprit. I was looking forward and planning my future, college, that boy, moving, a wedding...then it all came to an abrupt halt.

I was at school and felt awful. The minute the bell rang to end the day, I made a beeline to see my mom at work. I didn't know what to say, I didn't know how to act, I didn't even know how to construct a sentence to describe this hunch that I had. I was nervous, my hands were sweating, my armpits were burning, I thought I might throw up...thank you overactive nervous system. My mom took one look at me and said "What's wrong?" I started crying and said "I don't know!"...silence..."Are you pregnant?" (how do moms know everything?) The tears unleashed and I said "I don't know!!" We made it to the truck. Silence. We drove in to town. Silence. We pulled into a Rite Aid parking lot, parked the truck, turned off the engine and my mom quietly said "I'll be right back." I cried and cried as I sat in the truck waiting. The silence was deafening. I had no idea what was going to happen, and naive, 17 year old me kept thinking "Man, I am so going to get grounded."

My mom returned with a small brown paper bag. In it was, in fact, a pregnancy test. I hopped out of the truck and my mom asked if I wanted her to come with me. I said 'no thank you' and made the trek into the movie theater. I was relieved to find the bathroom empty. My hands were numb, my heart was racing; I fumbled through the directions and peed on the stick. I sat and waited....for....a ...long...time. I picked up the stick, and there was my answer--I was pregnant, 17, and sitting by myself in the bathroom of a movie theater. It's amazing how, at times,you can feel calm in the middle of an emotional storm. I slowly walked back to the truck, pregnancy test in hand, and climbed in. With tears in her eyes, my mom asked, "So, what did it say?"

"I'm pregnant..." The tears poured, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't look at my mom. I remember saying "Why?! How could this happen to me?! What do I do?!" My mom was quiet, and then when I had calmed down she softly and so beautifully said, "Well, we are going to have this baby." She smiled at me and started the engine. Silence. We drove home. The whole time thinking--thinking about that boy and what he would say. Would he run? Would he hang up on me? Would I be on my own to raise this baby?

I called him. I distinctly remember how cheerful he was when he answered. I couldn't hold my shaking voice together, and finally blurted out the words "I'm pregnant..." Silence. And then he said matter of factly "Well, we will just have to move our wedding up then, how fast can we plan one?" We laughed and cried together on the phone, and made plans for him to come see me that weekend. He was amazing. He was so loving, so kind, so strong and steady. That was the strength I needed to hear, those were the words I played over in my mind as I broke the news to my little sister, to my step dad, to my dad and grandparents. The reactions were not all as easy or gentle as my mom's had been, but I had the support of those closest to me and that's all I needed.

I waited to tell my friends at school. It was so hard to bear that secret; walking around knowing that I was different, that I had changed, but no one else knew. The morning (actually all day and night) sickness started and it was getting harder and harder to hide my secret. My friends and teachers didn't understand why I was running out of the classroom so often. The rumors started and that was the beginning of my hell. Some friends stayed, my very closest friends judged me, some turned their backs on me, people just watched when I would walk down the hall. The fake smile that I once gave to others was now the cold look I received. Little miss popular became the school's whore. Through all of this, I bonded with the sweet baby I was carrying. I knew that no matter what happened, we would be together.

School drug on. Aaron, that boy I was crazy about, called me all the time. He tried to come home from school almost every other weekend. He was supportive and wonderful, along with my mom, step dad, and sweet little sister; I had the best support I could have ever asked for. I needed it, not only to make it through each day of school, but to soon face harsh words of judgement.

I had a very private, special relationship with God. He was mine and I loved that no one in the world knew what I told him. I didn't regularly attend church, but didn't (and still don't) believe that you had to be a part of a church body to have a precious relationship with Christ. Aaron's family attended a small baptist church, and many of the people that attended went to my school. Some of the parents worked at my high school and I had known them since grade school. This connection made what happened next heart shattering. Aaron and I received a letter in the mail from the Mom's In Touch group from Aaron's church, which is a group of moms that meet to pray for their children. To our shock, the letter was not one of support or love, but instead one of cold, hard judgement. The letter said that 'Aaron and I would be going to hell for our sins. The only thing to do was to have an abortion.' The letter was ugly. Defeating.
**Not all 'Mom's In Touch groups are this way, and not all of the women in this particular group were a part of this letter.
I have to be honest and say that after this letter, I wanted nothing to do with organized religion, ever again...little did I know, God had a big plan for us and somehow, all of this brokenness and hurt would become beauty.

We pushed on. On May 31st I turned 18, on June 5th I graduated high school, and on June 7th Aaron and I got married. What a week!! We moved in with Aaron's parents for the summer and then moved up to Portland so Aaron could finish college. We had our own sweet place and were so in love. On September 9th 2003, we had a boy. A beautiful boy, Ryan. I fell in love all over again. He was perfect!

The years that followed brought so much healing, strengthening, and beauty. There have been hard times and struggles, but God has carried us when we felt we couldn't go on. He is our rock, our redeemer, our love, our father. We have now found a church that we call home, friends that have welcomed us with no judgement, and the constant support of our family.

I am now 24. I have four absolutely precious children and a husband, soul mate and best friend (celebrating 7 years of marriage this year!) I look back and wouldn't change any part of our past, as it has shaped who we are now and who we will grow to be.

God has breathed so much beauty into brokenness and I am thankful for each day of this life.

Riddle me this

2010-03-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

What is itchy, miserable, painful, and red all over?

Me with adult chicken pox.

Last Monday I came down with a fever, body aches, stomach stuff...the list goes on. I thought for sure it was the stomach flu or maybe that I ate something bad. After two days of the symptoms getting worse and not better...the infamous red spots started to appear. I had been exposed to the virus as a child, but never got it. I thought for sure that I was immune. Guess not.

I am now on day six and feeling worse by the hour it seems. I will spare you the gruesome details of this illness, but needless to say, I will be taking a break from this space until I can drink without heavy anti nausea and move my joints without truckloads of ibuprofen.

Anna and Tyler got it as well. Ryan and Tyler have had the vaccine (which is only 70% effective) and Tyler still got it...three to be exact. He is fine now. Anna is on the upswing of hers and poor sweet Aiden will be getting it within the week.

Aaron is a real life superhero. He loves me so much and the way he takes care of me and the kids is so selfless, kind, and precious.

Healthy thoughts!

I can do this, I can do this, I can do this....

Flying High

2010-02-26T17:23:00.000-08:00

I love the laughter that fills the house when Daddy is home, what a joyous sound!

Have a fabulous weekend with your loved ones!

Ready to go?

2010-02-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

Nets...check! Boots...check! Buckets...check! Off to catch frogs! We went to Champoeg State Park today to play with the frogs and be near the river. I love walking on the quiet trails, just listening. Listening to my children run and laugh, to the sweet baby blowing bubbles on my back, to the woodpeckers, frogs, and birds, to the river, to the wind- all of it.

Oh I love this picture of Aiden, I just happened to catch him on film as he was making this face. Sweet little kissy cheeks..9 months old already!

We went with my friend and her cutie son Nolan, here are their funny faces. Gotta love those!

What a beautiful day! Our bodies are happy with all the fresh air and sun we soaked in. Now my four sweet babes are sound asleep and tucked in their beds, dreaming about dinosaurs, astronauts, snakes, birds, and frogs. It has been a great week; learning, laughing, catching, running, chasing, and most of all, loving.

Dinosaurs and Astronauts, Oh My!

2010-02-24T13:38:00.000-08:00

The rain has returned to water all of the beautiful flowers that will soon arrive. Thankfully, finding indoor activities is always easy around here; we are surrounded by so many great resources. Yesterday we packed a lunch and headed out to OMSI to visit dinosaurs and astronauts. Quite a combination!

We are enjoying our days of homeschooling. Who knew learning could be so much fun? Today we are enjoying a slower day at home after all of our adventures. The laundry has to get done sometime I suppose and that is an adventure in itself! :-)

Storming the Castle

2010-02-22T23:37:00.000-08:00

Today we ventured out to Tilikum for a day of exploring, catching newts and hiking. Another stunning day in Oregon; the sun was out, birds were chirping, an osprey was fishing just overhead, and there wasn't a cloud covering the beautiful blue sky. Perfect.

Off to conquer the world. A boy and his net.

Doesn't he look like a kitten batting at little fish in a bowl? So curious.

Careful patience until the end.

'Quickmud.' Not sand, mud. It swallowed little shoes and stuck to tiny toes and fingers.

Now that is a sign of a fun day!

When everyone was tired, cold and wet, I stripped the kids down and piled them in to a warm car. There was so much laughter on our drive back home, a naked car ride will do that to you. I of course had to be dressed, I was the driver you know. Warm baths, cozy clean clothes, and a day of precious memories exploring.

It doesn't get much better than that!

Your Hands

2010-02-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

I can't get enough of this song- Your Hands

This is JJ Heller, a beautiful artist with an amazing voice. She sings and her husband plays the guitar with her. I had the privilege of listening to them sing on Wednesday at George Fox, it was absolutely beautiful. I love her voice and music. Before I went in to the service, I was waiting for a friend, with the kids alone in the lobby. She and her husband came over and said hi to me and the kids and were SO sweet. Very gentle smiles, sweet people. Check out her site here.

Happy Friday to you dear friends!

Ashes, Sunshine, and Snakes

2010-02-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

We are absolutely loving this glorious sunshine in the Pacific Northwest, usually during this time of the year we are experiencing a lot of rain and some occasional snow, but, this is Oregon and you never know what weather you are going to get. Love it!

Yesterday, we started our day with an Ash Wednesday service at George Fox. It was beautiful. The service ended with the opportunity to have ashes marked across your forehead (to sum it up- an outward symbol of repentance as we enter into Lent). Before we went, I explained to the kids what Ash Wednesday meant, what it meant to have the ashes on your forehead and if they wanted to do it they could, but did not have to. I was overcome with emotion as I watched my two older boys walk right up to have the ashes put on them, and then afterward to hear in their own words what that meant to them was precious. So much wisdom in these young souls.

After we were done with the service, we went to the Tualatin Wildlife Refuge. What better way to end Ash Wednesday than enveloped in the beauty of God's creation? Or any day for that matter. It was SO beautiful out! We packed a picnic lunch and ate looking out over the river, the clean fresh air filled our lungs and brought color to our cheeks. It was so refreshing!

" We found something!! Mommy come look!!!"
" Snakes!! We found snakes!!!" ".....Oh...that's great...!"

"Ryan, our snakes are friends!"
This is my nervous hurryandtakethatpicturenowsoicanmove smile. I was very close to that snake. Now my eyes are watering, my armpits are burning, I'm sweating, Aiden is squirming, and Anna is asking "Mama are you okay? Do you love snakes?" This is about where I needed a little paper bag to breath in. I tried to keep my cool because I want my kids to enjoy animals of all kinds without taking on the fears of their Mama, but wow, I wanted to run screaming. So after 30 minutes (!!!) or so I said "Okay, let's say goodbye to the snakes, they need to go back to their home..." and we were off on our hike back to the car.....

...with some very worn out and content kiddos. Oh what a day, it was so much fun (snakes included). Another day of living the dream with this precious family of mine. It makes my heart happy!

All You Need Is Love

2010-02-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful weekend full of love love love! Here are a few pictures (with our new camera, yay!) of happenings around our home.

We are off to the beach tomorrow to spend some time in the sand, can't wait! There is so much in this life to be thankful for. As we celebrate love and loved ones, this verse reminds me that LOVE is what it's all about!

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

Happy Hearts Day to you! xoxo

Butterflies, Flowers and Sweet Goodness

2010-02-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated Anna's 3rd birthday! We had a butterfly/princess/flower party- so sweet. Anna was so excited to have her friends come over to celebrate with her. I can't believe my girl is 3!

We had lavender lemonade, peanut butter and honey heart sandwiches, carrots, and carrot cake. Mmmm! A very full fun day celebrating the life of one very special little girl. Happy Birthday Anna Banana!

On the day you were born...

2010-02-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

On the day you were born...we waited, laughed, and cried as our hearts grew bigger with love for you, our precious little girl. I couldn't take my eyes off of you, I was completely oblivious to the world around me, so content to sit and watch, hold and smell. To soak in your beauty. The angels danced in Heaven and God celebrated with us, what a miracle you are my dear sweet Anna. Happy 3 years Blue Eyes! xo

Friday Fun- Aviation Museum

2010-01-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

Today we went out to the Aviation Museum in McMinnville, we had a blast! We explored the space museum, experienced a simulated rocket launch, landed a jet, flew in a plane, touched (oops) a rocket- who knew you could have so much fun at a museum! It truly is a treasure here in the Willamette Valley. Ryan landing a jet.
Tyler and best friend Malachi in the cockpit.
Anna, Malachi, Esther, Tyler in flight seats watching a movie.
Ryan, Corban, and Caleb practicing their flying skills.
Tyler and Anna on the airplane ride, they are so cute!
Ryan and Malachi flying.
Anna flying her own plane the 2nd time around. You go girl!
Aiden and Tyler in the plane, maybe next year Taters.
Aiden, my sweet little kissy cheeks enjoying the playground outside of the aviation museum.

My personal favorite was the 'Black Bird' SR71, the fastest jet in the world. (that the American people know of) It can fly from the west coast to the east coast in 1 hour, pretty sweet! I was really excited to find out that they are also building a water park and lodge at the museum to open in the summer of 2011. Fun fun!

A wonderful end to the week: great friends, great kiddos, laughter, learning, and a small glimpse at the amazing work of our Creator. It doesn't get much better than that! Happy weekend, friends!

Bubbly Brewing

2010-01-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome website/blog: http://redhillsbrewery.com/
My husband (Aaron Brown) Dan Foster, Kent Moore and Matt Cummings are in the beginning stages of starting a brewery. Great group of guys and close friends. Living the dream!

"Red Hills Brewing Company is a collection of four close friends who love God, their wives and children and yes, beer. We are homebrewers with a passion for the taste of grain, smell of hops and time spent together creating malty happiness. Our brewing company grows a little every time we get together and brew. We make small changes and try to keep our costs low, brewing mostly in 10 gallon batches. Some time back we made the jump to All Grain brewing (brewing with grain only, no extract, just like the big dogs) and it hooked us all big time. Our goal is simple: Learn more about this marvelous craft and try our darnedest to make tasty beer. We dream of growing larger, to one day brew a barrel of beer (31 gallons) and then… who knows. You just might find yourself with a six-pack of Red Hills in your cart as you push up to the checkout stand."

Here is a recent video of their last brew day.

Slainte!

The Gift of Sight

2010-01-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

About a week ago we took Tyler in to the eye Dr. after noticing he was having some trouble seeing from a distance. Sure enough, the Dr. found that Tyler has an astigmatism, and were told "his cornea are shaped like footballs."

Yesterday we picked up Tyler's glasses and our sweet boy can see! It has been absolutely precious watching Tyler see things for the first time. I had tears in my eyes the whole way home from getting his glasses as I listened to him say "I can see those tall trees!" "I can see the snowy mountains!" What a miracle it is to see the beauty around us, I am so thankful that this precious boy gets to experience it in a whole new way. Praise God!

I am also so thankful for the access to great Dr.'s!

Help For Haiti

2010-01-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

My heart is absolutely breaking for the people of Haiti right now. I can't even fathom searching through ruble to find my children or to be stuck under a building screaming for help and no one can help me. Many of us can't relate to what the Haitian people are experiencing right now. What we can do, and are called to do is help. You may feel powerless or hopeless because you can't be there physically helping (I know I do) but we can help. Every little bit helps.

I urge you to help in any way. Find a charity that you trust and give whatever you can.
Here are just a few:

Compassion
Red Cross (donate money, donate blood, donate your time)
World Vision
Samaritan's Purse
Medical Teams International
Search for more
These photos are graphic, but real.

You can text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross efforts in Haiti. Be aware that this $10 will show up on your mobile bill.

If you are unable to give financially at this time, prayer is equally as important. Please pray for the people of Haiti, for the families, for those that have died, for those alive and fighting to live, for the decisions and relief plan that the government will have to make,for the missionaries living and working there, for the relief that is there serving, for the people left behind...for it all.

Thank you, friends.

Looking Back...

2009-12-31T20:32:00.000-08:00

Looking back on 2009...

We laughed...

We loved...

There was a marriage...

And a beautiful beautiful birth...

Sacred goodbyes...

And we enjoyed the earth...

What a blessed year it has been, we wouldn't trade any experience lived in 2009. All of it has a purpose. And now, to look forward to the year to come. What will 2010 hold for this precious family? Wait and see...

Happy New Year dear friends!

God With Us

2009-12-29T20:42:00.001-08:00

For Christmas this year we headed south to Grants Pass. My sister and brother in-law flew in from snowy Alaska I finally got to hug and kiss my sister and talk to my precious little niece (due on April 7th) Karyn has the cutest little tummy. :)

Decorating

Holding

Hanging

Playing (poor Ryan got sick on our trip down, he spent a lot of time resting and playing cards. He beat the pants off of everyone in 'Uno' and 'Go Fish')

Loving

Competing (seriously, Ryan is a card shark!)

Savoring (Chicago pizza from Giordano's was frozen and shipped to the farm..oh deary me it is heaven covered in tomato sauce)
Eating (oh, the cheese!)
Laughing

Wearing (hello blue eyes)

Gassing (....eww really? yes really!)

Sniffing (....yes still)

Holding

Smiling

Serving

Enjoying

Concentrating (precious little kissy cheeks)

Wonderful memories of celebrating Christ together, who gave the greatest present of all, his precious son. When I think of the birth of Jesus, I think about my own children. I wonder if Mary ever called Jesus 'Kissy Cheeks'....I'm sure in her own way she did.:) I am so thankful that God limited himself by coming to earth in the form of man, that he loved us so much, he gave his only son as a sacrifice. Thank you my precious Lord for your unconditional love.

Te echo de menos la gente bonita de Nicaragua. Estoy soñando con el día en que se reunirá de nuevo. Feliz Navidad!

Love is...

2009-12-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

I love these precious children. I am amazed daily that God loves and trusts me enough with these sweet people. What a gift!
And him...oh, my kissy cheeks. So sweet.
And the man I love, he makes me laugh and smile all the time. What a good sport! He let my sister, mom, and I dress him up in a pretty apron while he baked all the cookies for my sisters wedding. lol If you know Aaron, you know this picture was hard for him to take as he is always smiling! :)
Have a beautiful weekend my friends! xo

Tiny Pieces

2009-12-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

This morning for Bible study I had planned on bringing some delicious baked oatmeal for our brunch. Mouth watering aromas wafted through our home all morning as I got the kids dressed and ready to go.

First batch done and the kids were happily eating. Second batch done and cooling on the stove. I ran upstairs to curl my hair. Yes! We were on time and I still had a few minutes to curl my hair! Uh huh, oh yeah (insert happy dance) I was almost finished and I hear a huge crack, shatter, and POOF followed by "Mommy! COME LOOK! That was AWESOME!" To my horror, my lovely delicious oatmeal had exploded all over. Yep. Not an exaggeration..it literally exploded all over. The stove, the kitchen floor, the sink, the first batch of oatmeal, the kitchen table, the carpet...everywhere. Okay not here, it didn't quite make it to the car. This was just added for dramatic effect, but you get the picture! EVERYWHERE!! The kids stood there looking between me and the oatmeal. I really wanted to yell some choice words (why do those always pop in my head?!) but I didn't...it wasn't in our curriculum for the day. ;) (lame joke I know...it's my homeschooling humor) Anyway, I decided to leave it. Ryan couldn't believe I was just going to leave the mess everywhere. As we all sat together putting on our shoes sweet little Tyler praised God, thanking him that none of us were hurt. I am learning everyday from these precious children.

We showed up at Bible study late and empty handed... (a dear friend reminded me that I was not empty handed, I had my sweet children with me- thank you for that) but at least my hair was curled! *eye roll* My friends made me laugh, I ate delicious food, and together we sang our praises to God. I came home to the mess...still there, no cute little leprechauns to clean while I was away. They must have been busy. So, instead, we made the mess into a home school science lesson. We learned that the Pyrex dish, which was set on a still hot burner, caused thermal shock. "Stress produced in a body or in a material as a result of undergoing a sudden change in temperature." It was a pretty impactful lesson!

And now...to clean the mess of a beautiful day! All in a day of homeschooling these four beautiful children! xo

**No children, beta fish, or ants were harmed in this 'experiment' ;)

Thankfulness

2009-12-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

Here are our Thanksgiving pictures, almost in time for Christmas. :) We made an unexpected trip down to the farm to have Thanksgiving with my parents. There is so much to be thankful for in our daily life. Food, clean water, shelter, warmth, family, friends, and a loving Father who sacrificed his only son so that we may live.

Life on the farm is simple, beautiful, peaceful, and full of laughter. Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving at Walnut Acres.

Stuffing that home grown bird, mmmm.

The cutest walnut crackers

Oh the games...

Cozy by the fire with Papa

Chasing the three Irish pigs around the walnut trees, a Thanksgiving tradition

Sweet sleeping Aiden with that handsome guy I LOVE

Me and kissy cheeks xo

The feast

I am looking forward to Christmas on the farm!

**Miss Anna wasn't in many pictures...I can assure you she was there. :)

In Christ Alone

2009-12-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite song. It speaks so much truth to my heart and soul.

"In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depth of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my all in all,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand."

Blessings to you, and happy Saturday!

Home

2009-12-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

In loving memory of Yvonne Cadd Everly,

September 16, 1956- December 7, 2009.

Sweet Yvonne, you precious woman, you are home and whole again. Free of pain and free of cancer, full of eternal life. I am so thankful to have known you, to have learned from you. Your gentle smile and sweet spirit will go on in the lives of so many. Rest in heavenly peace.

Kindness

2009-12-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

-Mother Teresa

The Girl Effect

2009-12-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

Change

2009-12-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

*These are thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head, I like the thought of journaling, but never seem to sit down to write. So I am using this space to write out my thoughts. This is where I'm at...

Do you ever feel an unsettling feeling? You know that change, big change is coming, but you are completely in the dark to what that may be. I've been feeling that way for the last few months. Those of you who know me well are probably rolling your eyes and thinking 'Oh Lord,what is she going to do now?' Some may chalk it up to be that I'm a crazy hormonal nursing mama of four...that may be true, that I am impulsive...that may be true, that I'm not a content person...that may be true as well, but not for reasons that you may think. I do not feel content, living my privileged American life while a great number of the worlds population are going to bed hungry, cold, without a home, without clean water, without health care, used, beaten, sold...the list goes on. If I'm cold I flip a switch and the heat comes on, if I thirst I turn on the faucet and can drink clean water to my hearts content, if I'm hungry I open the fridge and eat until I am stuffed, if I'm feeling lazy I can go through a drive through and have a hot meal within minutes, when I am sick I can go to the store and buy medicine, if I need to get to the store, I hop in my car (that if sold could feed a village for a year) and am there within minutes.

Learn to do right. Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17 As a follower of Jesus, as a mother, as a human being...this verse makes me called to change. To do what I can to make a difference. Yes, I do want to change the world. Yes, I know we live in brokenness and it won't be fixed until Jesus comes back, but until that day comes whether it's tomorrow, next month, in ten years, in a thousand years, I want to be actively seeking Gods peace and justice, being his hands and feet here on earth, serving Him through helping His people.

There is a very real part of me that wants to stuff this uneasiness down, go buy an extra large coffee and forget that I feel this way. To save up and buy the dream house, to go to the fancy stores and buy the trendiest clothes, to taste the finest cuisine, to decorate my house to perfection, but what purpose would this serve? Surely this would not be growing the fruits of the spirit in my life. But what does? Should I sell our possessions and move to Africa? Central America? Be a missionary? What do I want to be doing when Jesus comes back? Who am I serving? Am I being obedient? Oh the questions.

Yes, change is coming. Maybe next week, maybe in a year, but it is coming.... I can feel it.

Forgiveness With a Side of Tuna

2009-10-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today has been A Terrible. Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day! (who knows this book?)

Ohh, it has been a hard Mama day today. One of those days where it feels like everything goes wrong. I woke up with the bright idea of taking everyone on their first outing in two weeks (two weeks of the swine flu).

Where you ask?

Somewhere fun for the kids? No. A nice drive in the country to admire the fall beauty? Nope.

We went to Target..dun, dun, dun. It gave everyone the 'I wants'...those tend to sneak up on you without the least bit of warning. We didn't find what we were there for, but instead lots of SUPER BUSY people, coughing and sneezing, GERMS, and mom's with one happily sleeping or cooing child that give you the 'I can't believe you have four kids and you actually take them places' look.

We left. And where did we go next? Good guess, yes, you are right we should have gone home, but instead to Fred Meyer. Isles and isles full of things to touch, more SUPER BUSY people hustling and bustling to finish VERY IMPORTANT business, and a clean up on isle 10. We didn't make it to the bathroom in time. By then, we had crying, fighting, I want..., grumbling, and pouting. To the car and home we go, screaming, crying, fighting, hungry, and tired with urine soaked tights. We got home and finally made it inside the house, and I broke. Any patience that was dangling from a thread snapped. 'Everyone upstairs, to your rooms! No more whining, crying, yelling, fighting, or arguing! GO!!!' The kids marched up the stairs crying.

Yuck, huh? I know.

I went out to the garage to pull out a roast, I dropped the large frozen roast on my bare foot and muttered some really not nice words. OUCH! After lunch was made I called everyone back downstairs to the table and before we ate we prayed.

In front of my kids whom I had just yelled at, I asked God to forgive me. For losing my patience, for yelling at my beautiful children, for not using kind words, for being a grump. The tears came. The kids just watched me. I apologized and asked for their forgiveness and they all gave me the sweetest hugs and 'I love yous' And there at my sticky dining table, eating tuna sandwiches, with a throbbing foot, I saw the most beautiful God given grace and forgiveness. Absolute beauty.

Isn't it amazing how God can use some not so fun experiences to show us grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness? And isn't it just like God to use a child to teach us? So much to learn from these precious little people.

And now, what once was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, is a glimpse of God's unconditional love, and beautiful heart. A day to remember if you ask me.

Pumpkins

2009-10-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

We finally have pumpkins! I have to say these four are my favorite pumpkins! :)

I will have some fun (surprise) pictures coming this weekend...you won't believe your eyes! Any guesses?

Birthday Time

2009-10-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

This week we celebrated Aaron's birthday...his 26th to be exact. Unfortunately our family all had the swine flu this week, yes really, so the celebrations consisted of homemade chicken soup, pumpkin pies, essential oils, rest, Tylenol, water, Popsicles, and more rest. Everyone is still recovering, but feeling much better, and our family had a fun time celebrating the best husband and dad there is. Aiden is a great helper. :)

My handsome husband!

Happy happy Birthday, Aaron! I love you! xo

Catching Up- Summer to Fall

2009-10-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Fall has come! My favorite season of the year, it is SO beautiful here in Oregon.

My goal is to start blogging every other day. :) Be back soon!

Birthday Boy!

2009-09-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

My sweet boy Ryan is already 6! I can't believe it! Wednesday the 9th was his actual birthday. By his request we had: white chocolate chip pancakes (I gave him a stack of six to eat :) for lunch, quesadillas, and for dinner hot dogs and Root Beer floats.

(bare with me, my camera is going out so all the photos are dark)

This year he wanted a Seattle Seahawks Football Birthday, it was so fun! We set up at a nearby park and had hot wings, carrot sticks, celery sticks, chips, Root Beer, licorice, and cake.

Great friends taking a tough football picture. :)

Playing ball, I love that Anna was out there playing with all the boys. :)

Ohhh, sweet baby Ryan. He still has those cheeks and that precious smile. He is such a fun kid and I love spending my days with him. Happy Birthday, Ryan! I love you! xoxo ~Mama

The 11th Day

2009-09-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Remembering...

Labor Day

2009-09-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day and hello there! I've been MIA ,but I have returned. So much to catch up on, but lets start with this weekend.

We had a great weekend with friends and family starting with an end of the summer bbq on Saturday night. Our friends made wonderful fillet minon, we brought twice baked potato casserole, another family brought awesome guacamole, chips and salsa, and another family made bananas foster...and great drinks. Mmmm mmm! Between our four families we have eleven kiddos, and they all play well together. What a great end to the summer!

Yesterday Aaron's parents drove in for a one night stop en route to Europe. Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland- amazing, so happy for them. While they were here we celebrated Ryan's birthday (Sept. 9th) I can't believe he will be six already. I made roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, and apple crisp to celebrate. Sunday chicken dinners are so comforting!
This morning I made french toast with a lemon blueberry sauce and sausage- oh sausage, yum! While we are on the subject of food, let's pause from the weekends happenings for a short story...

During the week I bustle around this little town collecting only the freshest, organic, local, free range meats, cheeses, eggs, raw milk, freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, fairly traded every ones happy healthy and content foods. I make our bread for goodness sake, and try my hardest to avoid fast food (umm, Burgerville, you are not classified as 'fast food.')

Now, I love my in-laws dearly, they love my kids with every inch of their hearts and are teary eyed just watching them play, BUT they like to take them to McDonald's to play and eat when they come and today was no exception. Guess what my soon to be six year old declared as we arrived to the golden arches?

"Mommy, I want McDonald's to be our home!"

Me: *gasp* *horrified expression*

"but...um...I would want it filled with only healthy food.." *careful smile*

Wow...one day...just wait.....(I can't even finish my sentence. Picture the curator of the museum in Night at the Museum. The snooty, greased hair and bow tie guy. Yes, that's him. Insert the awkward expression and trailing words...now.)

Today after lunch :) Aaron enjoyed brewing beer with some great friends while our kiddos rested. I made chicken and dumplings for dinner and we ate some of the scrumptious tomatoes and cucumbers from our garden. I love the harvest months!

Homeschooling starts next week, and after tomorrow we will be all ready for it!

Now, to end this beautiful weekend and wonderful summer, I must go finish off the apple crisp with my handsome husband.

WELCOME FALL! Ohh, how I LOVE the fall! Cozy up tonight!

Coming Soon!

2009-08-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad blogger mama lately...hmmm, a great mama and a silent blogger, that sounds better. I have so much to write about: rafting, camping, boating, swimming, playing, gardening, cooking, FOOD and...homeschooling. I know, I am also a fickle mama. We are homeschooling! Yippee!

So many things to look forward to on this quiet little blog.

Coming soon...lots of pictures and updates.

Really soon. :)

Beautiful Bride

2009-08-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

Finally! Here are the pictures from Karyn's wedding so many of you have been asking for. She is absolutely gorgeous!

What a stunning picture. Karyn's tattoo says 'Love conquers all' she had it done in France this year.

My beautiful kids! The three girls. My Mama, Karyn and I.
What an amazing day! To see all of the wedding pictures you can visit Karyn's smugmug page here.

Not For Sale

2009-08-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

My trip to Nicaragua earlier this year has been on my mind so much lately. The people, hope, happiness, poverty, family. I have such great memories from the trip, but also so many that made me question my purpose, my future and how I am called to serve God and other people. One passion that God stirred in my heart on that trip was to end human trafficking and slavery. That 'stirring' was one of the hardest experiences I have been faced with, seeing the sex trade happening in front of my face left me feeling helpless, hopeless, and at the same time ready for battle. Ready to fight the darkness for the Light, ready to kick down brothel doors and carry precious little ones out.

A few weeks ago my close friend Nicole called (she was also on the trip with me as well as her sister Deana) and said that the three of us had been invited to work at the Global Forum on Human Trafficking put on by the 'Not For Sale' campaign. It is a campaign to re-abolish slavery and end human trafficking. Currently there are more than 27 million slaves in the world today, half of those are children, 80% are women. Learn more about Not For Sale here. Leading experts from around the world will come together to speak on subjects such as:

Innovative Models of Survivor Care
Monitoring Supply Chains
Undermining Trafficking Rings
Transitioning Justice Systems
Enhancing Justice and Refining Prosecution
Philanthropic Engagement in Abolitionist Work

In October, Aaron and I (and Aiden, my sweet nursing babe) will be flying to San Diego for this conference along with our close friends. I am eager to learn more about this campaign, hear about the work abolitionists have already been doing to end human trafficking, and see how our family can be a part of what's to come. I am hoping to bring a part of this back to our church to teach others and motivate the community to do something about slavery. It's happening all around us, here in the U.S, in our own backyards and we can stop it.

I am proud to be a modern day abolitionist. Will you join me?

Life in Pictures

2009-07-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Where oh where does time go during the summer? It seems to fly by! Here are the last two weeks in pictures: fireworks, beach babies, drive-ins, and smores.

Life

beautiful.

Raspberries and Sunshine

2009-06-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful sunny day in the Pacific Northwest, perfect for picking some delicious raspberries. Smith Berry Barn is a great place to get berries- organic practices and no spray! Soon black raspberries, marion berries and boysenberries will be ready, I can almost taste the jam and smell the pies! The kids all helped...or they were until they were mesmerized by the giant slugs they found, Anna was happy eating all the berries she could, and Aiden was soundly sleeping.

Here is Anna resting on Daddy's head. The raspberry bushes were so tall that all I could see down the rows was Anna's strawberry blonde hair blowing in the wind and her little head bouncing with every step. It was so cute.

I LOVE this picture of Anna picking berries with her little toes pointed. So sweet.

Ryan and Tyler watching the slugs they found.

Sweet summer days...

Precious Baby

2009-06-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

Aiden is five weeks old, what a precious baby he is.

Don't you want to want to kiss those cheeks?

And snuggle him?

Oh, big yawn. Don't you want to smell his head and soak in that sweet baby smell?

Oh! And those toes...ten tiny perfect little toes.

I love this little boy!

What's For Dinner?

2009-06-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Four thirty rolled around and I still didn't know what I was going to make for dinner tonight. I looked through the fridge and started piecing together a Greek pasta dish. It ended up being delicious and everyone gobbled it up. The inspiration all started with Adelles Organic chicken, spinach, and feta sausage. I could eat the whole package by myself, but I decided to share.
-olive oil
-Irish butter...trust me
-spinach and feta sausage
-garlic..lots of garlic
-red peppers
-grape tomatoes
-Kalamata olives
-lemon
-feta cheese
-linguine or any pasta

Serve with lemon, cucumbers, and warm pita bread.

It was a yummy, fresh, summery meal that I plan on making A LOT. The only hang up is that I don't have a name for this dish, and since this nursing mama of four has a brain that checks out at 6 pm, I need help.

Any ideas on a wildly exciting name?

Alaska Or Bust

2009-06-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

We spent most of last week in Grants Pass for my sister Karyn's wedding. It was SO gorgeous! The perfect backyard wedding, the most beautiful bride, an awesome groom, friends, family, the Rogue River, and great food. I couldn't bear to take my eyes off of my beautiful sister or to leave her side long enough to grab my camera, so I don't have any pictures. I will have to wait until the wedding pictures start circulating to post them. I WILL get them on here soon though, you have to see the beauty I got to experience last week. Zac (Karyn's HUSBAND...wow!) was hired at an accounting firm in Anchorage, Alaska...you know, the state close to Russia that seems SO far away? :) So they stopped by to stay the night and give lots of hugs and kisses on their way up to the snowy state. We had Shrimp Scampi over pasta, asparagus, freshly made crusty french bread, three different kinds of cheeses with fruit, and homemade Mojitos with rum that I brought back from Nicaragua...they were SO good.

My beautiful sister, great food, my sweet family, laughter, tears, good drinks, memories remembered, memories made, pictures, hugs, kisses, and chocolate ice cream...yes, it was a great evening.

They left this morning after coffee and bagels. My little sister and best friend, all grown up, married and on her way to a new life as a wife and one day a mother. So much excitement to look forward to. I was soaked with tears as we said goodbye and once I couldn't see the U-haul any longer I made my way back into the house and into Aaron's arms for a good cry, and thank goodness we didn't eat all the chocolate ice cream last night!!

Travel Mercies sweet Karyn, I love you. xoxo ~Sissy

Strawberries

2009-06-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of weeks we have been busy picking, preserving and eating strawberries. The first time we picked two weeks ago, we got 31 lbs of Hoods and the second time we picked 19lbs of Benton's. The kids did a great job picking...and eating. :) Aaron and I canned two batches of strawberry jam and froze the rest for smoothies for the winter. A little taste of sunshine for those chilly months ahead.

Look at these cute strawberry kids! :)

Ryan picking as many berries at one time as he can. :)
Tyler eating the sweet berries.
Sweet berry baby, Aiden fast asleep. :)
"Mama, look at all the berries I got!"
Our kids and Sarah's two kids. Sally was already heading back to the van. What a beautiful view!
Beautiful strawberry girl Anna. She was a great helper and LOVED eating the strawberries! Strawberries: one of the many blessings that comes with summer. Next up, raspberry jam! Mmmm!

Happy 6 Years!

2009-06-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

Today Aaron and I are celebrating our 6th anniversary! I can't believe how fast it has gone by and how many fun memories we have together. God has blessed us both with our soul mate, He strengthens us each day, and His word is our foundation. I am more in love with Aaron today than the day we said 'I do'. :)

June 7th, 2003.

June 7th, 2009. Here we are today...

Ummmm........
Hmmm....

Oh dear....lol

My sweet boys.

My beautiful, goofy, hilarious family.

Life is good! :) Look how far we've come...

Graduation

2009-06-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

On Monday night we celebrated Ryan's graduation from Teacher Loekie's class. It was so cute! The kids all wore little caps and gowns, I didn't even know they made them that small! All 15 kids in his class went through their morning routine, every child had a job. They sang songs, went through the days of the week and the date, and Ryan stood up in front of everyone and read a short story in the microphone. He was AWESOME! When he was done he went back to his seat and gave Aaron and I a sweet thumbs up from the stage. :) There was a cookie party afterward, and then we went home and had Rt. Beer floats for a second dessert to celebrate. Hurray for all three of these graduates!! Auntie Karyn graduated from Pacific University the weekend before, soon to be Uncle Zac graduated from Linfield the day before, and Ryan graduated to Kindergarten! Great job!

It was such a fun evening, so full of celebrations and new beginnings. My sister and soon to be brother-in-law came, and Bobo and Gong Gong (Aaron's parents) came. Ryan was SO excited to have the support of family. Thank you for coming! :) I am so glad I have time before another graduation, they can be quite emotional. :)