tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37046310923148645402024-03-13T14:52:11.574-07:00The Goose and the BearJessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-3069778756322700552013-11-25T16:47:00.001-08:002013-11-25T16:47:01.534-08:00we're still hereSo, I used to occasionally write and take photos, and post them all to this thing called a blog. I still read lots of them, so that means blogging is still a thing people do. I have been doing lots of social media stalking which has left me feeling a little drained and wiped out. It's like I've been so busy following other people's lives/adventures/ideas I've forgotten to live my own. Well, maybe not quite like that, but it's been a slow season for me and mine. After a busy and wonderful summer we settled into the routine of school and both kids being out of the house for a good part of the day. It's been a transition for all of us to say the least, and more words on this subject will hopefully be coming, as it has prompted some soul-searching (with a side of angst and some mild depression) on my part. But the kids are loving school and I love their teachers and how excited they are to be learning so all is well there.<br />
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I'll ease back into this blogging thing with a mostly pictures post of our latest weekend jaunt. All four of us here are introverts and bookish homebodies meaning you will usually find us all piled in bed at home devouring books and keeping warm (have I mentioned it's been COLD here?). But every once in a while it's nice to get out and explore.We decided to take a picnic to Cathedral Park in north Portland and had a wonderful afternoon playing and spending time together. And of course taking some photos to document it - hooray for leaving the house!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FA0_44f050c/UpPsrSoMxPI/AAAAAAAACLk/z05S51ZOfpY/s1600/cathedral+park3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FA0_44f050c/UpPsrSoMxPI/AAAAAAAACLk/z05S51ZOfpY/s640/cathedral+park3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need to start a tumblr called "soccer everywhere." Cause that ball is with us ALL THE TIME. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSv6Rnizy-0/UpPsq0htjJI/AAAAAAAACLg/NRr177F3wdw/s1600/cathedral+park5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSv6Rnizy-0/UpPsq0htjJI/AAAAAAAACLg/NRr177F3wdw/s400/cathedral+park5.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tlW469H-HgY/UpPs5xvP91I/AAAAAAAACL4/Zf04btKZxWw/s1600/cathedral+park8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tlW469H-HgY/UpPs5xvP91I/AAAAAAAACL4/Zf04btKZxWw/s400/cathedral+park8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maryn took these. I so love this guy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's us totally nailing that camera on a timer without a tripod thing. Yeah, we ARE that cool. </td></tr>
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<br />Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-14695665627735001032013-02-14T13:36:00.001-08:002013-02-14T13:36:54.887-08:00Matters of the Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We celebrated Lucy's 5th Happy Heart Day this year on January 29th. It has been five whole years since her broken little heart was sewn back together, and we are still so grateful! <a href="http://thegooseandthebear.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-of-happy-hearts.html">The last time I wrote about happy heart day</a> was in 2011 and I found myself wondering if it was something we would continue to celebrate. Well, I'm here to report that while the affair is not quite so grand, we do indeed still commemorate the day. Now that Lucy is old enough to ask questions about her scar and remember her experiences of yearly cardiology checkups, this day is a way for us to make it something special instead of scary or sad. Among her friends her scar is unique, but it makes her a survivor and is something to be proud of and celebrate. We've decided to make a little tradition of celebrating with heart shaped cookies or cupcakes, a heart pizza, and other heart shaped foods (this year it was watermelon cut out with heart cookie cutters). Yay for Happy Heart Day!<br />
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These next photos are from last years celebration...I just love traditions :)<br />
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Also from last year: we celebrated a wonderful cardiology checkup with a day off of school and jump time at Sky High trampolines!<br />
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This year both kids participated in Jump Rope for Heart at school and are raising money for the American Heart Association. You can still donate until tomorrow (February 15th) by following either of the links below. Thank you to all the friends and family who have donated so far! And Happy Valentines Day!!!<br />
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<a href="http://jumpwsa.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1036367&supId=375966126"><span id="personalUrl">Maryn</span></a><br />
<a href="http://jumpwsa.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1036367&supId=376364923">Lucy</a><br />
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<br />Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-1626311088070779362013-01-29T09:08:00.003-08:002013-01-29T09:08:53.920-08:00More Southern California sun<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCZ5JS8cycc/UQgBKmLPomI/AAAAAAAACE0/LHZpyuhLgK8/s1600/IMG_8397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The rest of our trip was spent visiting family and friends in the South Bay area. We enjoyed <a href="http://remembrancecommunity.org/">church</a> with Tom and Britt followed by dinner and watching the kids play at my Grandma's house. It was so special for me to see my kids enjoying the same fun that my cousins and I did as kids at my Grandparents' house. With an air hockey and pool table and literally hundreds (maybe thousands!) of family photos lining the walls, you could stay and Grandma's forever and never be bored. And of course she had the cookie jar stocked just for us :) We took a walk the next morning up the hill near her house and saw amazing views of L.A. to our right and San Pedro/Long Beach behind us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can kind of spot downtown L.A. between the tree and the bushes - lots of tall buildings clustered together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grandma and Lucy being silly!</td></tr>
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I also got some special time looking through old photos with my Grandma and hearing stories of her many adventures over her nearly 80 years of life (don't worry, Grandma, no one looking at these photos would guess your age!). After breakfast we embarked on a little drive around Palos Verdes with stops at the Wayfarer's Chapel and Point Vicente. It was such a gorgeous, clear day and though we didn't see any dolphins or whales, the Catalina coast was enough for us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Wayfarer's chapel. My cousin Cindy had a beautiful wedding here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighthouse where Solange and Nik tied the knot. So many happy memories!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catalina in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for whale tails. </td></tr>
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Next was a visit with my brother to fill our bellies at the most amazing hole in the wall Mexican restaurant followed by a trip to the beach. The beaches here in Oregon are beautiful with their rocky coastlines and many trees, but nothing beats the windless sunny expanse of Redondo or Hermosa's shores. I was pretty much in heaven as I watched the kids play in the water and soaked up the sun while catching up with Tom.<br />
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The last stop of the day was my sweet high school friend Sara's house. It was the perfect evening of relaxing with good conversation and a home cooked meal. We slept like logs after our day in the sun and woke up to a visit with the sweetest and softest pet chinchilla ever. I just adore Sara and her husband and am so fortunate that they have family in Portland so we get to see them at least twice a year :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCZ5JS8cycc/UQgBKmLPomI/AAAAAAAACE0/LHZpyuhLgK8/s1600/IMG_8397.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCZ5JS8cycc/UQgBKmLPomI/AAAAAAAACE0/LHZpyuhLgK8/s640/IMG_8397.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winston the chinchilla<u><br /></u></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy is so excited!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9aVwwW96yc/UQgBrc_ViSI/AAAAAAAACE8/hj2Ce0zUefM/s1600/sarah1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9aVwwW96yc/UQgBrc_ViSI/AAAAAAAACE8/hj2Ce0zUefM/s640/sarah1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids with Sara in Portland last summer</td></tr>
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We couldn't pass up one last California lunch at In-N-Out and a quick drive by my old childhood house. I have turned into that nostalgic parent who will take every opportunity to share "I remember when..." stories with my kids. The house still has the white roses my mom planted in the front yard and a basketball hoop over the garage. They've since replaced the cracked front window, though I will always remember how that crack happened :) It was a perfect vacation, but coming home was pretty perfect, too. I am so thankful for the memories we made on this trip and also for the memories we're making everyday at home. I wonder what Maryn and Lucy's "I remember when..." stories will be.Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-68224842459349449362013-01-28T14:13:00.001-08:002013-01-28T14:13:25.622-08:00Disneyland!<br />
I'm skipping the second week of January and the first half of week three to get right to the good stuff - Disneyland! Chris's parents very generously gave our family a trip to Southern California for Christmas, complete with a two day trip to Disneyland and California Adventure. The kids were beyond thrilled to wake up before the sun on Thursday morning and board a plane headed for the happiest place on Earth.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunrise from the plane</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mountain + low clouds</td></tr>
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When we left, Portland was a chilly 30-is degrees, and when we landed we walked out into the - gasp! - SUN and it was probably in the 70's by 10:00am. Sorry to gloat, but it was absolutely marvelous. After a stop at my Grandma's for lunch, we drove down to Anaheim to check out the cute rental condo where we'd all be staying. The next day we woke up early and got to Disneyland before it opened. I opted to leave my big camera behind, so no photos from day 1. But we had a blast riding the submarine, Autopia, the Matterhorn and Small World all before the place got busy. Lucy's favorite Disneyland ride was the Matterhorn - she loved all the roller coasters! Neither kiddo liked Pirates of the Caribbean (too dark!) and both had fun exploring on Tom Sawyer's island (I think they've renamed it the "Pirate Lair" but it will always be tom Sawyer's island to me!). After a quick stop at the condo for dinner and rest time, we went back for the fireworks and a few last rides. What a fun day!</div>
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Next was a trip to California Adventure. We didn't wake up quite as early, and there were already lines for many rides when we got there. Carol went right away and got fast passes for the new Cars land ride - good thing because I think they ran out soon after! Chris and I went on California Screamin' and took turns taking the kids on rides of their choice. Both liked the carousel (we did that at least 4 times) and the Ferris wheel. Lucy was a big fan of the Goofy roller coaster after she recovered from disappointment about being too small for the big one. We went on Soarin' Over California twice (Maryn's favorite), did the Ariel ride a few times as it was air conditioned with a short line, and finally used our fast pass on the Cars ride which was really fun, but I don't know if it would have been worth the 2 1/2 hr wait time without the pass. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocMCYRNrsWo/UQbwZUek8JI/AAAAAAAAB6g/JhFAkm53jyA/s1600/CA11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocMCYRNrsWo/UQbwZUek8JI/AAAAAAAAB6g/JhFAkm53jyA/s640/CA11.jpg" width="640" /> </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8S92alZx4b8/UQbwZ7P0deI/AAAAAAAAB6o/MQ1Fn2dUXq8/s1600/CA12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8S92alZx4b8/UQbwZ7P0deI/AAAAAAAAB6o/MQ1Fn2dUXq8/s640/CA12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L23WbMXiyoE/UQb2iLJCKHI/AAAAAAAACAU/qzM9Nj4F66M/s1600/IMG_8333.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L23WbMXiyoE/UQb2iLJCKHI/AAAAAAAACAU/qzM9Nj4F66M/s640/IMG_8333.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was really windy! Maryn is hunched down in the driver's seat, under Grandpa's arm :)</td></tr>
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The next day Grandma and Grandpa drove home and we went to Chris's cousin Kevin and Katie's house for brunch. It was wonderful to see all of our Southern California family. The kids all played for hours while we chatted and ate delicious food, and I didn't think to take out my camera because we were just having so much fun. I really miss our dear family there, but am so grateful for every chance we have to spend together! </div>
Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-30948634004291442772013-01-06T14:58:00.001-08:002013-01-06T14:58:22.596-08:00Photo a day, Week 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reQS_8AUEhQ/UOn7tN0o81I/AAAAAAAAB4s/vfaKRkbBsOM/s1600/jan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reQS_8AUEhQ/UOn7tN0o81I/AAAAAAAAB4s/vfaKRkbBsOM/s640/jan1.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 1 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOb-bObtmIM/UOn7uXXEFwI/AAAAAAAAB40/aJWgppBbzAI/s1600/jan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOb-bObtmIM/UOn7uXXEFwI/AAAAAAAAB40/aJWgppBbzAI/s640/jan2.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2 - Original painting by <a href="http://www.fathersart.org/works/work/">Rency Punnoose</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSb9yuHMomc/UOn7v3DkZ6I/AAAAAAAAB5A/Q1ay9cJiKh8/s1600/jan3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSb9yuHMomc/UOn7v3DkZ6I/AAAAAAAAB5A/Q1ay9cJiKh8/s640/jan3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3q5qj3vhPRk/UOn_ByAVmDI/AAAAAAAAB5w/j5JQc1FqRbw/s1600/jan4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3q5qj3vhPRk/UOn_ByAVmDI/AAAAAAAAB5w/j5JQc1FqRbw/s640/jan4.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 4 - The kid takes his trains seriously</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEAn15Q1IxM/UOn-GRQKXBI/AAAAAAAAB5c/NbCqGschs8I/s1600/jan5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEAn15Q1IxM/UOn-GRQKXBI/AAAAAAAAB5c/NbCqGschs8I/s640/jan5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 5 - Introducing his daughters to the Parent Trap (original version of course). I think he has it memorized.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHedBpPOK9M/UOn_C3iyC7I/AAAAAAAAB54/6jn048tWXdw/s1600/jan6,+nature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHedBpPOK9M/UOn_C3iyC7I/AAAAAAAAB54/6jn048tWXdw/s640/jan6,+nature.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 6 - natural beauty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1w1cs41Uh8/UOn7v8oK08I/AAAAAAAAB48/lFLJuLdqmfg/s1600/jan5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1w1cs41Uh8/UOn7v8oK08I/AAAAAAAAB48/lFLJuLdqmfg/s640/jan5.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 6 - squirrels in a nest. A cold walk at Cooper Mountain.</td></tr>
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<br />Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-88630083133630586202012-08-10T23:31:00.001-07:002012-08-10T23:31:23.732-07:00summer beach weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the only time they're all still is when Milo and Otis is on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13HYedZIMZg/UCX0U5fvxpI/AAAAAAAAB4A/rEdS-I3SZEY/s1600/lucy+mckenna.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13HYedZIMZg/UCX0U5fvxpI/AAAAAAAAB4A/rEdS-I3SZEY/s640/lucy+mckenna.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy and her pal McKenna</td></tr>
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Although this old blog has been quite quiet this summer, our lives have
been anything but. One of our favorite summer memories so far was
spending a weekend at the coast. Our adventure started at home where we
got to hang out with our favorite little pal Eli on a Saturday morning.</div>
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From there we drove to Lincoln City to spend time with Chris's cousins celebrating Tracy's 30th birthday (Happy Birthday Tracy!). Unfortunately my camera was in the car during this part so you'll have to take my word for it that it was a blast. What a gift to live within a couple hours of the most generous, hospitable and most of all FUN people ever. We really need to get out there more!</div>
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Next we headed up 101 to Seaside, with a pit stop in Tillamook for some grilled cheese and ice cream. And this time we remembered the camera!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_NxGZmuuLE/UCXy0fQGjJI/AAAAAAAAB0M/L5hsGrEbmk8/s1600/IMG_7030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_NxGZmuuLE/UCXy0fQGjJI/AAAAAAAAB0M/L5hsGrEbmk8/s640/IMG_7030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4_C22-mFAo/UCXy4OwwzvI/AAAAAAAAB0U/XANePpGUyTQ/s1600/IMG_7033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4_C22-mFAo/UCXy4OwwzvI/AAAAAAAAB0U/XANePpGUyTQ/s640/IMG_7033.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maryn took this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjpE8MBrCnA/UCXy7mLgQII/AAAAAAAAB0c/wtADXFMmGFE/s1600/IMG_7035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjpE8MBrCnA/UCXy7mLgQII/AAAAAAAAB0c/wtADXFMmGFE/s640/IMG_7035.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy gets the credit for this winning shot.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOT4FxTXUK0/UCXzAFbRVFI/AAAAAAAAB0k/rTLU9iUlj6w/s1600/IMG_7036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOT4FxTXUK0/UCXzAFbRVFI/AAAAAAAAB0k/rTLU9iUlj6w/s640/IMG_7036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's getting better!</td></tr>
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We finally made it to Seaside that night where our wonderful friends invited us to stay at a charming little beach cottage with them. Early the next morning the kids were awake and ready to go, so we tried to tiptoe out of the house and down to the beach to avoid waking anyone else up. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">super adorable house!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brrr! The sand is cold at 6:30 in the morning</td></tr>
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This is a morning I will remember for a long time - watching my girls play with abandon, kicking up their heels in the water and sending cold spray high in the air, chasing one another through the patterns made by the rising sun on the ever changing shore. They are growing up so very fast. I try to hold these precious moments of fun and freedom as they come and enjoy them to the fullest.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father-son bonding over more Milo and Otis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So precious</td></tr>
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After lounging around the house a bit, we went out for breakfast and rode the carousel. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He looked a bit nervous at the beginning, but wanted "more" when it was over</td></tr>
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We went back to the beach for a couple more hours of playing in the sand and sea. It was a perfect end to a perfect weekend!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">two very tired kiddos on the drive home</td></tr>
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<br />Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-57297066205269312832012-05-03T13:52:00.000-07:002012-05-03T13:52:36.169-07:00if you're appy and you know it...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkfsrQoSCvI/T6Lpx-CptwI/AAAAAAAABzQ/FqlGAbgdH8U/s1600/lucy+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The title of this post, while cheesy, refers to a few things of late:<br />
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The song sung many times a day around these parts for the benefit of this little guy (the son of our dear friends) who can clap and stomp and hooray with the best of them:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFvD9VIH1mM/T6Lp87OIgZI/AAAAAAAABzw/OatMT0e3-l4/s1600/eli+basket.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFvD9VIH1mM/T6Lp87OIgZI/AAAAAAAABzw/OatMT0e3-l4/s640/eli+basket.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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The cockney dialect of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6114607-the-midwife">the most recent book I read</a>, which was just wonderful and enlightening and makes me even more excited to pursue a career in nursing and/or midwifery (thanks for the recommendation, <a href="http://karen-lifeontherun.blogspot.com/">Karen</a>!).<br />
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The abbreviated name of the organ of which dear Lucy was dispossessed during a 30 hour hospital stay two weeks ago.<br />
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It began one afternoon after rest time when Lucy woke up with a tummy ache. She was just not quite feeling like herself. Now this girl has a penchant for saying "my stomach hurts" then going on to play like nothings wrong until she hurls all over the place. There's just no knowing with her - she could be really sick, or she could just need a little extra fiber and a trip to the bathroom. This time it was the former, and saltines and gatorade did nothing to deter the onslaught of what I thought was a stomach bug. She went to bed early and I prayed it would be a 24 hour thing that would be over by morning.<br />
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The next thing I remember was being woken at 3:00 with a little face right next to mine saying "mommy, it hurts REALLY bad." My eyes weren't even open yet, but my momma radar must have been working over time because the first thought in my mind was "appendicitis." Lucy climbed into our bed, holding her right side. She was feverish, but apart from the stomach pain was surprisingly chipper considering the hour. The advice nurse checked her symptoms, asked a few questions (Does it hurt to walk? Does her abdomen feel tender to the touch? How high is her fever?) and Lucy and I were soon in the car on the way to the pediatric ER. Lucy talked the whole way there, and there was a little part of me that assumed we'd be sent home before too long. She just seemed too OK. She was even walking with me as we wound our way through the halls until someone took pity on us and walked me to the right wing.<br />
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We were sent for an ultrasound which the ER doctor said could be anywhere from 50-98% conclusive for diagnosing appendicitis. He was also concerned the pain could be related to an ovary as it was lower than usual appendix tenderness. I asked the technician if her appendix looked alright. "No, I wouldn't say that" was the response, and I made some calls in preparation for an overnight stay. A few hours and one IV later we were settled into a room upstairs at Doernbecher Children's Hospital - the same room we were in 4 years ago as little Lucy recovered from open heart surgery. Here is a photo of her before surgery, smiley as can be:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBXR2UDizU8/T6Lpy6sn6XI/AAAAAAAABzg/F-sUw596lLY/s1600/lucy+hospital2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBXR2UDizU8/T6Lpy6sn6XI/AAAAAAAABzg/F-sUw596lLY/s400/lucy+hospital2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The entire procedure was less than 45 minutes long, and it took her longer to come out of anesthesia than it did to remove the angry appendix. It had not yet burst and the whole thing from onset to surgery was perfectly textbook. Lucy was home the very next day, with a tiny baind-aid over her belly button and was running around the backyard that afternoon. Modern medicine is amazing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">playing in the backyard with Eli - less than 24 hrs after surgery</td></tr>
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A classic case of<a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_appendicitis_1438970.bc"> appendicitis</a> starts with a stomach ache and low-grade fever and can mimic a stomach flu. Gradually (usually over 12 hours), pain localizes in the lower right quadrant of the belly and becomes quite acute. Symptoms in younger children are hard to read, mainly because they cannot articulate exactly how it feels or where it hurts. It is far better to be safe than sorry, and although appendicitis in youngsters (under 11 years old) is rare, the appendix can often rupture because treatment is sought so late. I have taken Maryn to urgent care in the past with possible appendicitis and was both relieved and chagrined to realize it was only constipation. But saving ourselves a <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7933292-heaven-is-for-real">Heaven is For Real</a> ordeal is totally worth an extra copay and mild embarrassment.<br />
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The upside to all of this was getting to see the sweet bond that has developed between my girls. Lucy's one constant concern was that Maryn would miss her and would be lonely without a playmate. Hearing them talk on the phone to each other was priceless - I am so thankful to see that their friendship is deepening with age, and Maryn's sweet care for Lucy was precious to see. It cracked me up when seconds after waking up from anesthesia Lucy asked "where's Maryn?" She arrived back to the room in a stupor but instantly sat up in bed and rummaged around until she found the stuffed frog she wanted to give her sister. She promptly fell asleep again :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0spzWA4jYwA/T6LpzvAHyrI/AAAAAAAABzo/K0f7rP60dA8/s1600/maryn+frog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0spzWA4jYwA/T6LpzvAHyrI/AAAAAAAABzo/K0f7rP60dA8/s400/maryn+frog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our friends and family were amazing as well and I felt almost silly for receiving dinner, flowers and gifts for the kids when Lucy was running around like crazy hours after arriving home. I am so thankful for family, great medical care, and friends who never fail to come through. And a little girl with a generous spirit and silliness to spare!Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-91250132400898591152012-03-01T15:30:00.000-08:002012-03-01T15:30:45.395-08:00Valentine dinner + chocolate shortbread recipeThanks for the sweet words about our valentine story! It was fun to think back about that time and the newness of it all. What a whirlwind the next two years turned out to be! I'm thankful we took a chance on that first date :)<br />
<br />
In honor of our first Valentine, our tradition is for Chris to make dinner while I make something for dessert. We eat at home instead of braving the crowds, and it usually takes place on a day other than Valentines because I have a habit of deserting my hubby on Love day :) For the first couple of years after we had kids, we put them to bed early and ate a nice meal together - a romantic date in the comfort of home. But as the kids grew we decided to make it a family celebration and now the kids help set the table and make things fancy while Chris is cooking. And then they ask that Daddy cook all the meals from now on because it ends up being so delicious!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZFSKWCeeEA/T0_wBvFiLaI/AAAAAAAAByc/HCLJb4JKvjs/s1600/valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZFSKWCeeEA/T0_wBvFiLaI/AAAAAAAAByc/HCLJb4JKvjs/s640/valentine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making chocolate shortbread hearts with the kiddos</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For dessert we used one of Chris's favorite recipes for shortbread cookies. The recipe is from the Kutsch Family Cookbook, but just in case you're not a cookbook carrying member of our family, I'll share it right here, at the end of this post :) They're easy and scrumptious and I bet you can't eat just one!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6_qFS1BCVc/T0_wEcdpwyI/AAAAAAAAByk/zZEQBSqURV4/s1600/valentine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6_qFS1BCVc/T0_wEcdpwyI/AAAAAAAAByk/zZEQBSqURV4/s640/valentine2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sweet friend gave us the best Christmas gift EVER when she gave us a box of things to open each month for the next year. Part of February's surprise were these place-mats which we decorated with things we love about each other. It is so much fun adding to our traditions each year! And I'll have to do a blog post all about her clever gift soon :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxx0zqHxsGs/T0_wHOnJR0I/AAAAAAAABys/CJTHiJcBlXw/s1600/valentine3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxx0zqHxsGs/T0_wHOnJR0I/AAAAAAAABys/CJTHiJcBlXw/s640/valentine3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hard at work on the place-mats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xy6gotj6oRk/T0_wKveRoEI/AAAAAAAABy0/u5qTsva8F2Y/s1600/valentine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xy6gotj6oRk/T0_wKveRoEI/AAAAAAAABy0/u5qTsva8F2Y/s640/valentine4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candle-lit dinner for four with homemade chicken Alfredo and bruschetta. Mmmm...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMcEhztkxGU/T0_wx08M6LI/AAAAAAAABy8/w1-2ajEoWvo/s1600/valentine1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMcEhztkxGU/T0_wx08M6LI/AAAAAAAABy8/w1-2ajEoWvo/s640/valentine1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally out of focus photo in which I chopped off my hubby's head, but doesn't he have a sweet smile?? Someone please teach me how to take low light indoor photos in weird lighting cause I need help :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Carol's Chocolate Shortbread Cookies<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups flour<br />
1 cup confectioner's (powdered) sugar 1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/2 lb (2 sticks) butter 1 tsp vanilla<br />
<br />
Using a food processor, pulse all dry ingredients in the bowl until mixed. Cut cold butter into small slices over dry ingredients. Add the vanilla. Process until it holds together in a clump. Form the dough into a ball and flatten slightly. Roll out on a floured surface until it is 1/2 inch thick (don't go too thin!). Use a cookie cutter dipped in flour to cut out circles or shapes, and place them 1 inch apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees.<br />
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The dough is just as yummy as the rich, buttery cookies - just ask Chris :)Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-64720366241882479172012-02-14T11:44:00.000-08:002012-02-14T11:56:37.338-08:00A Valentine StoryToday marks the tenth anniversary of my first date with Chris. Ten years ago today I waited in giddy anticipation for my friend, the one I had shared so many late night college talks with, to pick me up from a cinder-walled dorm room and whisk me away for a romantic Valentines date.<br />
<br />
We had known each other for almost two years and had become good friends; spending time together over the summer between semesters and working together on the college newspaper. What began as hanging out together in groups of mutual friends became long evening talks on the Biltmore wall overlooking Butterfly beach, just the two of us, sitting long into the night while the waves crashed out of sight below us and provided the background to conversations about life, love (or lack thereof), the future and other silliness that I can't now remember. In a story much like many others at our little Christian college (where most of the girls joked about going to get their Mrs. degree), friendship grew into something more, culminating in a "DTR" (define the relationship) talk over milkshakes at a Carrows downtown. We were new to this dating business and nervous, worried about ruining what had become a familiar and comfortable friendship.<br />
<br />
So it was with slight unease and nervous excitement that I waited for Chris that night. I remember that feeling so well, though many of the other details have been lost. I knew whatever happened, things were changing, and I've never been great with change.<br />
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As I hopped into his car we exchanged shy smiles. We drove the familiar route to the beach with the heat on, mitigating the California version of a cold winter's evening. Chris had the trunk packed with picnic blankets and an assortment of goodies including warm wassail and I was impressed by his thoughtfulness and planning. After getting everything arranged on the beach he announced that he had to go get one thing and would be back in about 10 minutes. He had ordered dinner at a nice Italian restaurant up the road and wanted to bring it back piping hot. I was a tad disappointed to be left alone on the beach for even a few minutes, but the backdrop was beautiful as the sun began to set so I waited alone with my thoughts for him to return with the food.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzRWZpOd5Ns/Tzq4yfKTEHI/AAAAAAAAByU/zcwkcRlydQM/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzRWZpOd5Ns/Tzq4yfKTEHI/AAAAAAAAByU/zcwkcRlydQM/s400/sunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a beach sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As I sat there watching the ocean waves chase one another back and forth across the sand, I felt happy and hopeful. I waved to a woman walking her little terrier by the water and was content with my thoughts, all the while periodically looking out for Chris to come back with dinner. The sun sank lower in the sky, surrounding everything with a pink glow. The air felt a little colder and my head turned with increasing frequency in the direction of the road, looking out for the familiar black car. The sun dropped lower still and the woman with the dog walked back up the beach nodding to me again. I caught her shaking her head slightly as she walked away and realized what I must look like to her, sitting alone with a picnic at the beach on Valentine's Day. I was getting worried now, and feeling a little sorry for myself to boot.<br />
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It was around this time that Chris returned, chagrined and blushing, boxes of food in hand. Apparently his order had been lost and in the midst of the Valentines rush he waited quite a while for it them to re-make it. We dug into the food as the sun slipped away beyond the horizon, and sat together under a quilt as we watched the last pink clouds fade into the indigo of night. As we packed the car to head back to campus, any nervousness I felt had dissipated with the clouds and I returned back to my dorm with a feeling of assurance that this was all going to work out. In fact, I told my stunned friends later that night that I was pretty sure Chris was the guy I would marry. Naive as that statement was, and as influenced as we probably were by the Christian college dating ethos (which has many, many flaws), eight and half years later I'm still absolutely sure that we made the right decision.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JuZeqBM2dLI/TzqnOPJ6jjI/AAAAAAAABx8/imBCY4hg9Hs/s320/Wedding+-+Honeymoon+090.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us after our honeymoon in 2003, wearing more red than anyone should - ever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Looking back, I can see how this first date was the perfect beginning to our almost nine years of marriage. As much as we try to plan our lives down to the last detail, unexpected situations arise that throw our plans off course. In a marriage as in life, I've found that our expectations of one another can be unrealistic, influenced by books or movies or a culture that flaunts stories of fairytale romance and happy endings. The fact that our picture perfect picnic had a hiccup was a perfect precursor to life together as flawed human beings doing our best to love one another in the midst of and in spite of those flaws. I would much rather have the reality that brings us closer together through the hurdles than the fantasy that denies such hurdles exist. And of course I am learning that the reality is the fantasy if we open our eyes to the miracle that is our choice to love another person through it all - the good the bad and the in between.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHRmaMcSfX8/Tzqo0LtqgLI/AAAAAAAAByE/Db4DmjA6Hlw/s1600/103_0302.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHRmaMcSfX8/Tzqo0LtqgLI/AAAAAAAAByE/Db4DmjA6Hlw/s320/103_0302.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first Valentines Day as husband and wife, February 2004</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Happy Valentine's day to my love, and to all our family and friends! Hope you enjoyed hearing a bit of our story :)Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-32816458579439619112011-08-06T09:18:00.000-07:002011-08-06T09:19:50.092-07:00Vacation 1, Part 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZwBAaZ8rAc/Tj1mCrlAKqI/AAAAAAAABwg/m8_fA-swqa8/s1600/winks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZwBAaZ8rAc/Tj1mCrlAKqI/AAAAAAAABwg/m8_fA-swqa8/s640/winks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing their winks while waiting at In-N-Out</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had the best time at Carol and DB's house! Lots of hanging out, playing in their gorgeous backyard patio (squirt guns, barbies in the fountain), watching fireworks from the boat, trips with Grandma and Grandpa to Fairyland (you can see those fun photos <a href="http://doncarol.blogspot.com/2011/07/4th-of-july-and-trip-to-cabin.html">here</a>), hikes with Laurel, and a couple of dinner dates. It was such a relaxing few days before we packed up the cars again and drove to the cabin. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9JSrcE4Ikg/Tj1mHHjmK9I/AAAAAAAABwo/Opx_kiuf7dg/s1600/gmas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9JSrcE4Ikg/Tj1mHHjmK9I/AAAAAAAABwo/Opx_kiuf7dg/s640/gmas1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyfh6Z0l7NY/Tj1mIjhkk4I/AAAAAAAABws/mmwLyjJGzYw/s1600/gmas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyfh6Z0l7NY/Tj1mIjhkk4I/AAAAAAAABws/mmwLyjJGzYw/s640/gmas2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdChii7V9Bw/Tj1mJ_7noXI/AAAAAAAABww/lovZZJiWTTo/s1600/gmas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdChii7V9Bw/Tj1mJ_7noXI/AAAAAAAABww/lovZZJiWTTo/s640/gmas3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOPGbHMXrYA/Tj1mMXZjtNI/AAAAAAAABw0/_i4kOdvfKJs/s1600/gmas4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOPGbHMXrYA/Tj1mMXZjtNI/AAAAAAAABw0/_i4kOdvfKJs/s640/gmas4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHnsyd97Hsg/Tj1mPDx79_I/AAAAAAAABw4/aRUUa76JUas/s1600/gmas5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHnsyd97Hsg/Tj1mPDx79_I/AAAAAAAABw4/aRUUa76JUas/s640/gmas5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_Ra5LMulIY/Tj1mEeeBSBI/AAAAAAAABwk/8hzwcrp739c/s1600/fourth+july1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_Ra5LMulIY/Tj1mEeeBSBI/AAAAAAAABwk/8hzwcrp739c/s640/fourth+july1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrzSDbT_ICo/Tj1mRFdAiiI/AAAAAAAABw8/I05l0k8wlig/s1600/gmas6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrzSDbT_ICo/Tj1mRFdAiiI/AAAAAAAABw8/I05l0k8wlig/s640/gmas6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-QObEwJpUM/Tj1mSj6YSAI/AAAAAAAABxA/XZbemEQDwKc/s1600/gmas9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-QObEwJpUM/Tj1mSj6YSAI/AAAAAAAABxA/XZbemEQDwKc/s640/gmas9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks from the boat. What a fun night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iam7_zlEVNY/Tj1mB6fwPVI/AAAAAAAABwc/WdGnRoe0V0A/s1600/mosaic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iam7_zlEVNY/Tj1mB6fwPVI/AAAAAAAABwc/WdGnRoe0V0A/s640/mosaic.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aaj2GktyaKE/Tj1mUa8j7mI/AAAAAAAABxE/wpXpCImmnUQ/s640/gmas11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited the mosaic studio and Maryn made her own piece of art. She had tons of fun and was so proud of her finished work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWa9mhK28MY/Tj1mBDMkBRI/AAAAAAAABwY/AuFqCcGk2Us/s1600/gmas13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWa9mhK28MY/Tj1mBDMkBRI/AAAAAAAABwY/AuFqCcGk2Us/s640/gmas13.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the murals in the Mission District, San Francisco. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-68369867818393519942011-08-04T19:56:00.000-07:002011-08-04T19:56:58.102-07:00Vacation 1, part 1We have a pretty exciting summer lined up, and have recently returned from our <strike>first</strike> second big adventure. I'm a little behind in blogging but I'm going to *try* to get caught up before birthday week arrives (next week! I can't believe it!)<br />
<br />
Our first trip - road trip to the Bay Area then a side trip to Yosemite - was precipitated by an invite to my college roomie's Chico wedding reception. After a long day of driving we arrived in Chico and after an hour or two recovering in our hotel room we piled back into the car for the gorgeous wedding. We were able to catch up with some dear college friends before the kids made it clear they were ready to get some sleep :) Andrea, we were so grateful to see you and your handsome and sweet new husband in person, and we look forward to some Paris-Portland Skype chats in the future. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPAQ7YOz_1U/Thy8dk6F2MI/AAAAAAAABvQ/meBX7bGH2no/s1600/IMG_3983+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPAQ7YOz_1U/Thy8dk6F2MI/AAAAAAAABvQ/meBX7bGH2no/s640/IMG_3983+copy.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gc0BwLkHnnY/Thy8fnnQGQI/AAAAAAAABvU/q4XNCk5XsEE/s1600/Kiss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gc0BwLkHnnY/Thy8fnnQGQI/AAAAAAAABvU/q4XNCk5XsEE/s640/Kiss.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouaKEjAnKKw/Thy8Wu_nTBI/AAAAAAAABvI/I00FmM1wIoE/s1600/a+%252B+j+%252B+r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouaKEjAnKKw/Thy8Wu_nTBI/AAAAAAAABvI/I00FmM1wIoE/s640/a+%252B+j+%252B+r.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrTotFPxB5A/Thy8ZiTOEhI/AAAAAAAABvM/StuQOjBb8wg/s1600/flowergirl+cutie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrTotFPxB5A/Thy8ZiTOEhI/AAAAAAAABvM/StuQOjBb8wg/s640/flowergirl+cutie.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFczd5ttkNs/Thy894TsthI/AAAAAAAABvY/b8RuzIm2a4Q/s1600/L+spin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFczd5ttkNs/Thy894TsthI/AAAAAAAABvY/b8RuzIm2a4Q/s640/L+spin.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSe21EqA8kE/Thy9CWC6p-I/AAAAAAAABvc/EamEm5Yw_MQ/s640/M+sweet.jpg" width="426" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next morning we met up with the same group of friends for breakfast, then frolicked in a Chico fountain before piling in the car towards our next destination - Grandma's house! </div>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-48499663975120344322011-08-01T15:13:00.000-07:002011-08-01T15:13:50.259-07:00Father's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This is obviously a little late, but I can't let the summer pass on this blog without paying tribute to some fabulous fathers. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAnHOtqqo2E/Tg6NBU9mpBI/AAAAAAAABuI/uBeEGTdOT9E/s640/father%2527s+day.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling with Daddy before Father's Day dinner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAnHOtqqo2E/Tg6NBU9mpBI/AAAAAAAABuI/uBeEGTdOT9E/s1600/father%2527s+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div style="text-align: left;">First up on the fabulous Father list is DB. Chris' dad is one of the most gentle, humble and kind men I have ever met. He is an avid outdoors-man, river rafter extraordinaire and a man with a very strong work ethic who has instilled the same quality in his kids. Maryn and Lucy love getting hugs from Grandpa and look forward to Bay Area visits for a chance to visit the boat and check the bait traps. DB, thanks for all the ways you've taken care of us, from fixing our plumbing during your Christmas visit, to taking care of the broken key crisis. We are so thankful for you, and proud to call you Dad!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Utoe0mvmJu8/TjcdF_927gI/AAAAAAAABwQ/Eu3_I2ONb28/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Utoe0mvmJu8/TjcdF_927gI/AAAAAAAABwQ/Eu3_I2ONb28/s640/family.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZyW36rqf5Q/TjcdKksLueI/AAAAAAAABwU/gpeEHbk6BKk/s1600/train1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZyW36rqf5Q/TjcdKksLueI/AAAAAAAABwU/gpeEHbk6BKk/s640/train1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACUk7fXdI0s/Tg6TCAEOBoI/AAAAAAAABuM/tsFxs5SKsfE/s1600/father%2527s+day5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACUk7fXdI0s/Tg6TCAEOBoI/AAAAAAAABuM/tsFxs5SKsfE/s640/father%2527s+day5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Next up is my dad, Doug. I have so many great memories of playing catch with my dad in the front yard, or just sitting outside after dinner looking up at the stars. My dad is an extremely hard worker who doesn't do anything half way. He taught my brother and me that it is important to always try our best, that love is not just a word or a feeling but an action, and the importance of following through on our commitments. Maryn and Lucy love going to Grandpa's house to have a popsicle in the heat of summer and make a game of trying to beat him to his special rocking chair :) He has helped me with so many projects, like making and installing the huge chalkboard in our house to painting all of the boards for the desk in our closet. Dad, thanks for being available for me whenever I've needed you, and for putting into practice what you preach. We love you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaotJk4BjMA/Tg6THA6A8HI/AAAAAAAABuQ/pML9J78lTvI/s1600/father%2527s+day3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaotJk4BjMA/Tg6THA6A8HI/AAAAAAAABuQ/pML9J78lTvI/s640/father%2527s+day3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qA2LaGk-DBA/Tg6TI5O9u3I/AAAAAAAABuU/3YqsXUiTn34/s1600/father%2527s+day4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qA2LaGk-DBA/Tg6TI5O9u3I/AAAAAAAABuU/3YqsXUiTn34/s640/father%2527s+day4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SkpmrZ7g8ks/Tg6M2JGqEoI/AAAAAAAABuA/rcDI0sCP2VA/s640/dad+chris1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris and my Dad played golf together with a friend and his dad for Father's Day. This is before they came home sore and tired :)<br />
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</tbody></table>And to my sweet wonderful husband, who is the best dad those two crazy girls of ours could ask for. You are the ever-patient one; you enforce rules when you need to, but always with love and grace. The kids look up to you so much. They love it when you play soccer with them in the backyard and always look forward to your homemade pizzas and perfect pesto pasta. They jump to their feet when you get home with shouts of "Daddy's home" that make my heart melt. I love you more each day and never cease to be grateful for all you do for us. We love you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJp3IMWrJnc/Tg6MwW_vfpI/AAAAAAAABt8/jWoafKq4GEI/s1600/father%2527s+day2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dJp3IMWrJnc/Tg6MwW_vfpI/AAAAAAAABt8/jWoafKq4GEI/s640/father%2527s+day2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-29081656704695225632011-07-19T20:57:00.000-07:002011-07-19T20:57:57.888-07:00Anniversaries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">July is anniversary month in my family. Today is the eighth anniversary of the day Chris and I said "I do," my parents celebrated 30 years this past July 4th (they like to say they always have fireworks on their anniversary!) and my brother and sister-in-law celebrated the big 5 on July 15th. I know summer is the height of wedding season, so happy anniversary to all the summer lovin' couples! May the coming years hold much laughter and be short on tears (unless they are the laugh-till-you-cry kind) and may you continue to support and bring joy to each other through all the ups and downs of life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7HM6wuRWMo/TiEBYFpRtJI/AAAAAAAABv8/5O4EsdKI1t8/s1600/114_1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7HM6wuRWMo/TiEBYFpRtJI/AAAAAAAABv8/5O4EsdKI1t8/s400/114_1419.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQMqe1CrUfw/TiEBbBv79LI/AAAAAAAABwA/Sp8tLiCn41s/s1600/114_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQMqe1CrUfw/TiEBbBv79LI/AAAAAAAABwA/Sp8tLiCn41s/s400/114_1422.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful wedding on the beach in Santa Barbara, 2006</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rHK6L--RNo/TiECpRazdxI/AAAAAAAABwI/SMLfY4wCFR4/s1600/Wedding+Pic0001%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rHK6L--RNo/TiECpRazdxI/AAAAAAAABwI/SMLfY4wCFR4/s640/Wedding+Pic0001%25282%2529.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lovely mom, wearing my Grandma's wedding dress, and my dapper dad, 1981<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Su7Mowh_RTE/TiY2S4mYbRI/AAAAAAAABwM/8QSbNw7joow/s1600/anniversary+2011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Su7Mowh_RTE/TiY2S4mYbRI/AAAAAAAABwM/8QSbNw7joow/s640/anniversary+2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">And because I'm too lazy to pull out the CD with our wedding photos, here's a little side-by-side look at us in Yosemite on our honeymoon 8 years ago, and at the top of Vernal Falls this year. Maybe a trip to Yosemite will become an anniversary tradition!</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-74145835597726402522011-07-12T08:41:00.000-07:002011-07-12T08:41:25.741-07:00Summer randomness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXgEdriqIHY/ThxdLrJK1SI/AAAAAAAABvA/scIgJdAjTHo/s640/summer+list.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a dent in our list of summer fun (notice how the mundane things are left undone...better get to work!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>- Chris and I are both slightly obsessed with The Head and the Heart. And they're coming back to Portland in October! If anyone wants to go with us, let me know.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q8yLwuDi2mA" width="560"></iframe><br />
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- Speaking of music, this video is pretty hilarious. I just love punctuation bands!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkCAbYkeKWA/Thxj-Is588I/AAAAAAAABvE/BaSO-sf4LrY/s1600/Dec01%252331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o8G3T-E4rYU" width="560"></iframe><br />
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- While looking back through photos for an anniversary project (8 years next week!) I came across this one that makes me chuckle because a) I do not nor have I ever played the guitar b) Chris plays guitar but not the drums c) This was taken in our first apartment which was a little sketchy, but I love remembering how I tried to spruce it up with candles and flowers d) I have no idea who took this photo or why we were jamming together on the couch. But I love that I have this photo all the same!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkCAbYkeKWA/Thxj-Is588I/AAAAAAAABvE/BaSO-sf4LrY/s400/Dec01%252331.JPG" width="400" /></div><br />
- My pile of books from the library is starting to resemble the leaning tower of Pisa. Must read more! Summer favorites so far are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Stone-novel-Abraham-Verghese/dp/0375414495">Cutting for Stone</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Same-Kind-Different-Modern-Day-International/dp/084991910X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310484722&sr=1-1">Same Kind of Different as Me</a>. Chris is slogging his way through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Jest-David-Foster-Wallace/dp/0316066524/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310484752&sr=1-1">Infinite Jest</a>. Next up on my list are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilder-Life-Adventures-Little-Prairie/dp/1594487804/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310484780&sr=1-1">The Wilder Life</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paris-Wife-Novel-Paula-McLain/dp/0345521307/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310484806&sr=1-1">the Paris Wife</a>, Jane Eyre, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sarahs-Movie-Tie--Tatiana-Rosnay/dp/1250004349/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310484834&sr=1-1">Sarah's Key</a> (along with the rest of the pile which, lets face it, will probably return to the library unread).<br />
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- I am slowly working my way through <a href="http://rosylittlethings.com/daisychainsamplerpattern.html">this sampler</a> by <a href="http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/">Alicia Paulson</a>. I love the stillness it brings to busy summer days and the kids are enjoying the process, too.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17688750/" target="_blank"><img 541="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/17688750_gAdNLKpM_c.jpg" width="400 height =" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">rosylittlethings.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/gooseandbear/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jessica</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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So that's my list of summer randomness. How's your summer shaping up? I'd love to hear about your adventures and what you've been reading and/or listening to, and whether or not you had a punctuation band in high school. Do share!Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-82830121465834233262011-07-01T07:54:00.000-07:002011-07-01T07:54:28.259-07:00Strawberry dayA few weeks ago, after lots of waiting and checking, the local farm's strawberry fields were finally ready for picking. We rounded up a friend and also took our favorite little buddy along for a morning full of farm fun, and we came home with a bucket of berries that were promptly consumed (with a few frozen for future summer smoothies). Get ready for a photo-heavy post - I just couldn't help myself with such precious models, and the lovely backdrop of shifting skies and emerald plants spotted with juicy red fruit. Oh, and a rather rusty but perfect truck. And Jess, I promise no berries were consumed by the little guy - only smooshed and smeared. Sorry about the laundry. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj9fW1WqP1c/Tg3a2h1IVxI/AAAAAAAABs8/PLtlJ6g-YD8/s1600/strawberry13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj9fW1WqP1c/Tg3a2h1IVxI/AAAAAAAABs8/PLtlJ6g-YD8/s640/strawberry13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6q06mwHC_I/Tg3a6IP0igI/AAAAAAAABtA/EH4IQjIptQo/s1600/strawberry2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6q06mwHC_I/Tg3a6IP0igI/AAAAAAAABtA/EH4IQjIptQo/s640/strawberry2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGHqG8yyi4A/Tg3a956pt9I/AAAAAAAABtE/bujptRglm20/s1600/strawberry3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGHqG8yyi4A/Tg3a956pt9I/AAAAAAAABtE/bujptRglm20/s640/strawberry3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfskEjr91mc/Tg3bC5-TE_I/AAAAAAAABtI/clvHTukRLl8/s1600/strawberry4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfskEjr91mc/Tg3bC5-TE_I/AAAAAAAABtI/clvHTukRLl8/s640/strawberry4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4aD3pTu4zE/Tg3bHGsnFvI/AAAAAAAABtM/RHdOhzyxYFs/s1600/strawberry5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4aD3pTu4zE/Tg3bHGsnFvI/AAAAAAAABtM/RHdOhzyxYFs/s640/strawberry5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oigSHiinyvs/Tg3bLOr_fVI/AAAAAAAABtQ/srLHoDW-AYQ/s1600/strawberry6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oigSHiinyvs/Tg3bLOr_fVI/AAAAAAAABtQ/srLHoDW-AYQ/s640/strawberry6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkWjUlqdZoU/Tg3bO131NFI/AAAAAAAABtU/IgeHN-18nmk/s1600/strawberry7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkWjUlqdZoU/Tg3bO131NFI/AAAAAAAABtU/IgeHN-18nmk/s640/strawberry7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cP0onFh_-4w/Tg3bSzjSA9I/AAAAAAAABtY/C8pEO6K3ruI/s1600/strawberry8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cP0onFh_-4w/Tg3bSzjSA9I/AAAAAAAABtY/C8pEO6K3ruI/s640/strawberry8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRB76HNmg_s/Tg3bYa1u1eI/AAAAAAAABtc/WXARKhvbYiE/s1600/strawberry9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TRB76HNmg_s/Tg3bYa1u1eI/AAAAAAAABtc/WXARKhvbYiE/s640/strawberry9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls were really excited to have their picture taken near the goat. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDRpLq9eyr8/Tg3bersUzqI/AAAAAAAABtg/ZrGSXuEj7P4/s1600/strawberry10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDRpLq9eyr8/Tg3bersUzqI/AAAAAAAABtg/ZrGSXuEj7P4/s640/strawberry10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the fancified friends on the rusty farm truck.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRo7dZdCRjQ/Tg3blqEj8WI/AAAAAAAABtk/7_Ew3W94VW4/s1600/strawberry11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRo7dZdCRjQ/Tg3blqEj8WI/AAAAAAAABtk/7_Ew3W94VW4/s640/strawberry11.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Lucy really felt about the truck.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HI20CMSR6Zs/Tg3br3K88NI/AAAAAAAABto/DLtrX1sasTM/s1600/strawberry12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HI20CMSR6Zs/Tg3br3K88NI/AAAAAAAABto/DLtrX1sasTM/s640/strawberry12.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self portrait in headlight - little dude was on my back!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bGGruxTYC4/Tg3bx-suHtI/AAAAAAAABts/bqGtnfvubA8/s1600/june3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bGGruxTYC4/Tg3bx-suHtI/AAAAAAAABts/bqGtnfvubA8/s640/june3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxJZfhK9QMM/Tg3b3rJdOaI/AAAAAAAABtw/2ADpa3uk9-k/s1600/june4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxJZfhK9QMM/Tg3b3rJdOaI/AAAAAAAABtw/2ADpa3uk9-k/s640/june4.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cabbage growing in the patch. Mmm...I could eat him up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ-6xVsjQLA/Tg3b7vw3tTI/AAAAAAAABt0/nmsQuHlKglA/s1600/june5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ-6xVsjQLA/Tg3b7vw3tTI/AAAAAAAABt0/nmsQuHlKglA/s640/june5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved watching him explore!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsQEWgdEi_Q/Tg3cAy-RqvI/AAAAAAAABt4/gJLoTWTZluM/s1600/june7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsQEWgdEi_Q/Tg3cAy-RqvI/AAAAAAAABt4/gJLoTWTZluM/s640/june7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-42136709382157735652011-06-18T15:31:00.000-07:002011-06-18T15:31:01.616-07:00a day at the beachOne of the unintentional perks of moving here five years ago is our proximity to Chris' family on the coast in Lincoln City. We had Maryn's first birthday party at Aunt Mary's house and we've spent many fun summer afternoons picking blackberries from the bushes that line their driveway. For one reason or another, it had been way too long between visits. And what better excuse to take us back to the coast than a graduation party?<br />
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Chris' (second) cousin Tom graduated from high school last weekend. A huge congratulations to him for all he has accomplished thus far, and for the many adventures to come! And also to his parents for raising such a kind, thoughtful, talented son! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMI0c4K6hx0/Tf0fDvLbLeI/AAAAAAAABrw/U6FsPib3WmU/s1600/tom+and+sue+graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMI0c4K6hx0/Tf0fDvLbLeI/AAAAAAAABrw/U6FsPib3WmU/s640/tom+and+sue+graduation.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we visited with family at the graduation party, someone mentioned that a birthday party for another cousin was taking place right after at the beach across the street. So off we went to celebrate little G's first birthday where the kids had fun flying kites, playing ball and spending time together. Thanks to Tracy and family for being so welcoming to us at the last minute. We were so grateful for the chance to visit with everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Z90Sj-ZPTo/Tf0fIyxLMDI/AAAAAAAABr0/IfT4JGG-OuM/s640/lincoln+city1.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Great grandpa Jim, S and birthday boy G.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boNHo2V3htE/Tf0fNHoBXRI/AAAAAAAABr4/oC3Pxidw8dY/s1600/lincoln+city3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boNHo2V3htE/Tf0fNHoBXRI/AAAAAAAABr4/oC3Pxidw8dY/s640/lincoln+city3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aunt Mary and Lucy</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcNYYpSIInY/Tf0fSdp1M6I/AAAAAAAABr8/YAb1a1K-FGc/s1600/lincoln+city4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcNYYpSIInY/Tf0fSdp1M6I/AAAAAAAABr8/YAb1a1K-FGc/s640/lincoln+city4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWsLNips6CY/Tf0f9rolKLI/AAAAAAAABsg/FFTnQB5ZYmg/s1600/linocln+city2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWsLNips6CY/Tf0f9rolKLI/AAAAAAAABsg/FFTnQB5ZYmg/s640/linocln+city2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-DjGWRNJko/Tf0fZDTC0YI/AAAAAAAABsA/4gpy9-3uwtk/s1600/lincoln+city5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-DjGWRNJko/Tf0fZDTC0YI/AAAAAAAABsA/4gpy9-3uwtk/s640/lincoln+city5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkTqDdG5_qg/Tf0ffV3CbKI/AAAAAAAABsE/Nfo665lI-bE/s1600/lincoln+city6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkTqDdG5_qg/Tf0ffV3CbKI/AAAAAAAABsE/Nfo665lI-bE/s640/lincoln+city6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Uncle Steve should have a business entertaining as Donald Duck at kid's parties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xHoNppo1cBA/Tf0fiGZhwEI/AAAAAAAABsI/kghqwKP86MM/s1600/lincoln+city7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xHoNppo1cBA/Tf0fiGZhwEI/AAAAAAAABsI/kghqwKP86MM/s640/lincoln+city7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_2vOIjWpWY/Tf0fmxS7grI/AAAAAAAABsM/y9rz_ye4jck/s1600/lincoln+city8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_2vOIjWpWY/Tf0fmxS7grI/AAAAAAAABsM/y9rz_ye4jck/s640/lincoln+city8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
You can probably tell in the photos that what began as a slightly overcast day soon became sunny and simply gorgeous. While we were at the party, someone else made mention of Chris' cousin Craig who operates a charter boat for fishing and whale watching excursions. He had just returned from his last trip of the day and graciously agreed to take us out on his boat for a bit. We even saw a whale not too far from shore and Maryn wins the quote of the day award with her excited exclamation upon seeing her "first ocean creature!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZfYuBtMoC4/Tf0fr6SMmGI/AAAAAAAABsQ/I7zereaW2kg/s1600/lincoln+city9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZfYuBtMoC4/Tf0fr6SMmGI/AAAAAAAABsQ/I7zereaW2kg/s640/lincoln+city9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lucy and Steve clowning around on the boat</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After all that fun it was time to head home, but not without a quick stop for ice cream bars and some time playing in the sand and waves. It was a perfect day at the coast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OG3XbHgKBoo/Tf0fxXQBvvI/AAAAAAAABsU/l7juPZlNDWM/s1600/lincoln+city10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OG3XbHgKBoo/Tf0fxXQBvvI/AAAAAAAABsU/l7juPZlNDWM/s640/lincoln+city10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8HCqktzgNQ/Tf0f0EvR_LI/AAAAAAAABsY/MBXc7_TdOKY/s1600/lincoln+city11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8HCqktzgNQ/Tf0f0EvR_LI/AAAAAAAABsY/MBXc7_TdOKY/s640/lincoln+city11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qt7D48pZK_4/Tf0f6N4QQxI/AAAAAAAABsc/yxtQqCBTcEc/s1600/lincoln+city12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qt7D48pZK_4/Tf0f6N4QQxI/AAAAAAAABsc/yxtQqCBTcEc/s640/lincoln+city12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-48456908090150581272011-06-11T08:45:00.000-07:002011-06-11T08:45:22.232-07:00Dying Egg-stravaganza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's another set of photos I uploaded last month but never posted. We dyed eggs at Grandma's house after our walk and had so much fun doing it! I think I mixed the colors wrong so we had to let each egg sit in dye for a long time and they still were kind of light. Of course we cracked a few that we then had to eat - I think the photos of Lucy eating the egg are my favorite. That girl has some hilarious facial expressions stored up! It was a day of fun spring memories as we spent time looking forward to Easter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v5xGpI1Jbao/TcDSpYSsYVI/AAAAAAAABkk/me0fCt0gMTg/s640/eggs2.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcsJo2VlEBg/TcDSqpOrssI/AAAAAAAABko/H3IisN8TzAk/s1600/eggs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcsJo2VlEBg/TcDSqpOrssI/AAAAAAAABko/H3IisN8TzAk/s640/eggs3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVo6wfgHc1I/TcDSs79riJI/AAAAAAAABks/-b1HXIxjl-o/s1600/eggs4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVo6wfgHc1I/TcDSs79riJI/AAAAAAAABks/-b1HXIxjl-o/s640/eggs4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXHN1NoDguw/TcDSvtnUfyI/AAAAAAAABkw/XxJYAop_G-g/s1600/eggs5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXHN1NoDguw/TcDSvtnUfyI/AAAAAAAABkw/XxJYAop_G-g/s640/eggs5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYxFzaMh3Z4/TcDSx5W8L_I/AAAAAAAABk0/8Qb8pGytgk8/s1600/eggs6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYxFzaMh3Z4/TcDSx5W8L_I/AAAAAAAABk0/8Qb8pGytgk8/s640/eggs6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhxgDOdC5ws/TcDSz4alNeI/AAAAAAAABk4/Oesiz0vwumA/s1600/eggs7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhxgDOdC5ws/TcDSz4alNeI/AAAAAAAABk4/Oesiz0vwumA/s640/eggs7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nDrxiQpjeg/TcDS1UpNv8I/AAAAAAAABk8/YCSD0KiwZQo/s1600/eggs8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nDrxiQpjeg/TcDS1UpNv8I/AAAAAAAABk8/YCSD0KiwZQo/s640/eggs8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hLo6uPqmtA/TcDS3VThRCI/AAAAAAAABlA/qhEWs-oHT0o/s1600/eggs9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hLo6uPqmtA/TcDS3VThRCI/AAAAAAAABlA/qhEWs-oHT0o/s640/eggs9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_5MtqK3mrI/TcDS49ZYf8I/AAAAAAAABlE/fJGPns6lG6A/s1600/eggs10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_5MtqK3mrI/TcDS49ZYf8I/AAAAAAAABlE/fJGPns6lG6A/s640/eggs10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-De9Jai2WWts/TcDS5ozO91I/AAAAAAAABlI/kAmdwGnsjQM/s1600/eggs11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-De9Jai2WWts/TcDS5ozO91I/AAAAAAAABlI/kAmdwGnsjQM/s640/eggs11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ea3aCQLOWkE/TcDS6uKfHUI/AAAAAAAABlM/6CSAzOWhikU/s1600/eggs12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ea3aCQLOWkE/TcDS6uKfHUI/AAAAAAAABlM/6CSAzOWhikU/s640/eggs12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug0UxcbqXfo/TcDS8sXmmRI/AAAAAAAABlQ/RJ0jRP-BKIs/s1600/eggs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug0UxcbqXfo/TcDS8sXmmRI/AAAAAAAABlQ/RJ0jRP-BKIs/s640/eggs1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-22390842077875951942011-06-11T08:37:00.000-07:002011-06-11T08:37:57.127-07:00Spring walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These photos are pretty old now, but they're already uploaded so why not share them? This was from a walk with my mom way back in April, when the spring bulbs and flowers were just beginning to bloom. I love just walking around the neighborhood and pausing to observe all the beauty of unfurling buds and blossoms. Ordinary, but memorable, the little routines and traditions we create that become regular parts of our days, months and years. A simple 20 minute walk becomes a lovely memory of stopping to smell the proverbial roses (or tulips). </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHJImmIjND0/TcDR6GlB7mI/AAAAAAAABj8/CSfqYbjXN20/s1600/tulip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JHJImmIjND0/TcDR6GlB7mI/AAAAAAAABj8/CSfqYbjXN20/s640/tulip1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QDf39fVOu4/TcDR_QXa0yI/AAAAAAAABkI/GfknfcH2IJk/s1600/walk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QDf39fVOu4/TcDR_QXa0yI/AAAAAAAABkI/GfknfcH2IJk/s640/walk2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdV3PI6urnY/TcDSBwoxvUI/AAAAAAAABkM/m-X9UdnDRFo/s1600/walk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdV3PI6urnY/TcDSBwoxvUI/AAAAAAAABkM/m-X9UdnDRFo/s640/walk3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtFGQyVrqRU/TcDSEZtle-I/AAAAAAAABkQ/zh87KsKHagU/s1600/walk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtFGQyVrqRU/TcDSEZtle-I/AAAAAAAABkQ/zh87KsKHagU/s640/walk4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn5A0EvEd4w/TcDSILN70nI/AAAAAAAABkY/8cj9-HDnXd8/s1600/walk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn5A0EvEd4w/TcDSILN70nI/AAAAAAAABkY/8cj9-HDnXd8/s640/walk6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mtnoAT5wlXU/TcDSKuErv7I/AAAAAAAABkc/W4nnvwTay6s/s1600/walk7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mtnoAT5wlXU/TcDSKuErv7I/AAAAAAAABkc/W4nnvwTay6s/s640/walk7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qn0qi3h8Tws/TcDR9SmDmCI/AAAAAAAABkE/LAHWdLKq2es/s640/walk1.jpg" width="640" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM7zwx2dB_I/TcDSLe-EBCI/AAAAAAAABkg/pYoIrBAk6UI/s1600/white+flower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM7zwx2dB_I/TcDSLe-EBCI/AAAAAAAABkg/pYoIrBAk6UI/s640/white+flower2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-31213899704828123492011-05-09T15:00:00.000-07:002011-05-18T17:50:41.332-07:00A poem for Mother's Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><h3 class="entry-header" style="color: #445588; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0.25em 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">No, not my poem. But one that conveys the mysteries of motherhood and the depth of a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> mother's</span><span style="background-color: #ff9999; color: black;"></span> sacrifice. And it's funny to boot.</span></h3><h3 class="entry-header" style="color: #445588; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0.25em 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;">The Lanyard - Billy Collins</h3>The other<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>day<b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>I was ricocheting slowly<br />
off the blue walls of this room,<br />
moving as if underwater from typewriter to piano,<br />
from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,<br />
when I found myself in the L section of the dictionary<br />
where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.<br />
<br />
No cookie nibbled by a French novelist<br />
could send one into the past more suddenly—<br />
a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp<br />
by a deep Adirondack lake<br />
learning how to braid long thin plastic strips<br />
into a lanyard, a gift for my mother.<br />
<br />
I had never seen anyone use a lanyard<br />
or wear one, if that’s what you did with them,<br />
but that did not keep me from crossing<br />
strand over strand again and again<br />
until I had made a boxy<br />
red and white lanyard for my mother.<br />
<br />
She gave me life and milk from her breasts,<br />
and I gave her a lanyard.<br />
She nursed me in many a sick room,<br />
lifted spoons of medicine to my lips,<br />
laid cold face-cloths on my forehead,<br />
and then led me out into the airy light<br />
<br />
and taught me to walk and swim,<br />
and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.<br />
Here are thousands of meals, she said,<br />
and here is clothing and a good education.<br />
And here is your lanyard, I replied,<br />
which I made with a little help from a counselor.<br />
<br />
Here is a breathing body and a beating heart,<br />
strong legs, bones and teeth,<br />
and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered,<br />
and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp.<br />
And here, I wish to say to her now,<br />
is a smaller gift—not the worn truth<br />
<br />
that you can never repay your mother,<br />
but the rueful admission that when she took<br />
the two-tone lanyard from my hand,<br />
I was as sure as a boy could be<br />
that this useless, worthless thing I wove<br />
out of boredom would be enough to make us even.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><br />
<h3 class="entry-header" style="color: #445588; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0.25em 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">There may never be a "making even" (and really, no mom wants or expects that) but as a mother I now know and cherish the gifts that, while simple, come from the heart. Like the buckets full of apple blossom petals and dandelions that were hand-gathered all afternoon and came complete with the satisfied giggling and ear to ear smiles of a job well done. And the gift of time that my mother gave me as we slowly climbed to the top of a waterfall, talking and laughing all the while.</span></h3><h3 class="entry-header" style="color: #445588; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0.25em 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">I hope that my mothers and grandmothers and friend's mothers and mother-friends felt celebrated and loved on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Mother's</span> Day. I thank each one of you for the ways in which you've taught me, inspired me, and walked along side me and continue to mother your children well, even when they're grown :)</span></span></h3></span></span>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-11167953294943348472011-05-04T13:53:00.000-07:002011-05-04T13:59:16.811-07:00A (rather unorthodox) girl's guide to Star WarsI heard around the internets that today is International Star Wars day. May the "fourth" be with you and everything. Har har. I've had these photos for a while now, and today seems like the perfect day to share them.<br />
<br />
Along with some awesome vintage little people (you know, the cute but choking-hazard sized ones) and a super-sweet old school speak and spell, the girls have inherited their dad's old Star Wars toys. Now there are many little boys out there (and plenty of little girls, too) who will see these photos and know exactly who each and every character is and what every gizmo on every ship does. My girls have pretty much no clue when it comes to Star Wars aside from knowing who C3PO is and that an Ewok is a cute little bear thing. But hey, that Ewok Village is a super cool fairy fort and the ship (I don't even know the name of the ship) is a vehicle on which Canada Geese take their revenge for invading their no-fly zone. And don't even try to tell them that Rancor is someone you wouldn't want to mess with. They'll tell you he is just misunderstood and that, like my favorite three year old, his bark is worse than his bite - nothing a little swaddling and rocking won't cure. Yeah, dad has some work to do when it comes to teaching these two about the ins and outs of his childhood favorite movies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMrJO4xSkhc/TcG4rW_P4LI/AAAAAAAABlc/spCRzyTAkt4/s1600/star+wars2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMrJO4xSkhc/TcG4rW_P4LI/AAAAAAAABlc/spCRzyTAkt4/s400/star+wars2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2e5jsAO5hk/TcG4s0uj1NI/AAAAAAAABlg/pG-60dxSQb0/s1600/star+wars3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2e5jsAO5hk/TcG4s0uj1NI/AAAAAAAABlg/pG-60dxSQb0/s400/star+wars3.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRBkU13la1U/TcG4pU0vrOI/AAAAAAAABlY/Dysneqn5pv8/s400/star+wars1.jpg" width="266" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> "You dare to land in my territory??"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQzfKDXfRHQ/TcG4vGpwqPI/AAAAAAAABlk/DpIlsVeDZow/s1600/star+wars4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQzfKDXfRHQ/TcG4vGpwqPI/AAAAAAAABlk/DpIlsVeDZow/s400/star+wars4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Goose attack!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjDMnw5XM6E/TcG4wqASSGI/AAAAAAAABlo/XuyCfeBe8wE/s400/star+wars5.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Poor little Rancor. Do you need a hug?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tYzXDbeQ0Zc/TcG4nkEfgdI/AAAAAAAABlU/B69NbkhwLNo/s400/star+wars6.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">There there, little buddy. We'll find someone who will return you to your former days of ferocious glory. </div>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-59120501162155788992011-05-03T21:04:00.000-07:002011-05-03T21:04:08.450-07:00A visit from GrandmaIt's always super exciting when Grandma comes to visit! It was even more so this time because the kids were out of school for Spring break and got to enjoy filling their days with the kind of play only a Grandma can provide. The other great thing about Grandma visiting is that I can count on her to take lots of great pictures of all the fun and post them on her <a href="http://doncarol.blogspot.com/2011/04/portland-in-march.html">blog</a>. Just looking through them tires me out - we managed to cram quite a few outings (and some shopping, too) into a one week visit!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0f0L_ea6F0M/TcDO38M17JI/AAAAAAAABjg/kM7oIKEKg-Q/s1600/carol+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0f0L_ea6F0M/TcDO38M17JI/AAAAAAAABjg/kM7oIKEKg-Q/s320/carol+and+kids.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzRQmEOh96Y/TcDO5upSQ3I/AAAAAAAABjk/naX3o5cXFVg/s1600/m%2526l+foot+rub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzRQmEOh96Y/TcDO5upSQ3I/AAAAAAAABjk/naX3o5cXFVg/s320/m%2526l+foot+rub.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Grandma gives great foot rubs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ds7HfRIjQ6U/TcDO6zWdEWI/AAAAAAAABjo/_bXvK4XSLq4/s1600/rainbow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ds7HfRIjQ6U/TcDO6zWdEWI/AAAAAAAABjo/_bXvK4XSLq4/s320/rainbow1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uvZoTvhedhI/TcDO8zwCPXI/AAAAAAAABjs/x-jb0DqlZBs/s1600/rainbow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uvZoTvhedhI/TcDO8zwCPXI/AAAAAAAABjs/x-jb0DqlZBs/s320/rainbow2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We made rainbow cookies for St. Patrick's day. Don't they look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxyDfik0VV0/TcDO--ZS_PI/AAAAAAAABjw/Q3Ikf1SljCM/s1600/tillamook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxyDfik0VV0/TcDO--ZS_PI/AAAAAAAABjw/Q3Ikf1SljCM/s320/tillamook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Having fun in Tillamook where the stickers kept Maryn "content" while we waited for our food. Gotta love that girl's vocabulary!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cg72cqmf_A/TcDPAlFzybI/AAAAAAAABj0/cA1eLv9ta6I/s1600/carol+and+eli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cg72cqmf_A/TcDPAlFzybI/AAAAAAAABj0/cA1eLv9ta6I/s320/carol+and+eli.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Grandma had fun meeting Eli - and look, they match!</div><br />
We did a little bit of everything - from pastries and play at the pirate park to cheese sandwiches and ice cream in Tillamook, even a ride on a camel at OMSI. But I think the kids had the most fun the night Chris and I were able to go out and they got Grandma all to themselves :)<br />
<br />
<br />
The trip went by too quickly and now we get to catch up via Skype chats until we can see both Grandma and Grandpa in July. We're counting down the days already!Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-42487231939797905162011-04-24T06:53:00.000-07:002011-04-24T06:53:06.098-07:00Happy Easter<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our little bunnies wish you a happy and joyous Easter:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5lurR4ejTA/TbQnC0v7AlI/AAAAAAAABjI/H6GO880OydA/s1600/happy+easter+girls+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5lurR4ejTA/TbQnC0v7AlI/AAAAAAAABjI/H6GO880OydA/s640/happy+easter+girls+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">May your day be filled with the hope of the risen Lord!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrs8nn-p-Xg/TbQq3zwjnUI/AAAAAAAABjM/Rgvl-FMgo88/s1600/ressurection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrs8nn-p-Xg/TbQq3zwjnUI/AAAAAAAABjM/Rgvl-FMgo88/s640/ressurection.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-69920546700486573192011-04-19T19:34:00.000-07:002011-04-19T19:34:01.911-07:00the craziesI've been going through all our photos from the last few months, preparing to play blog catch-up. But this one - this one I have to post immediately. Oh my, those kids of mine are as different as night and day and so precious in their own uniqueness. This is what happened when I told the kids I wanted to take a picture. Maryn went in for the hug and Lucy put on her usual "funny face" complete with random hand positions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ptMcQCmOIs/Ta5FgDGa8FI/AAAAAAAABjE/xDpqOAKsl9w/s1600/the+crazies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ptMcQCmOIs/Ta5FgDGa8FI/AAAAAAAABjE/xDpqOAKsl9w/s640/the+crazies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I am so thankful to be "mom" to these two crazy kids!Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-17540180632078497962011-04-17T14:52:00.000-07:002011-04-17T14:52:33.530-07:00Winter WalkThis has been one of the longest winters. Ever. So much rain, too many gray-sky days and swarms of oppressive clouds coming too close for comfort. But every once in a while the sun breaks through, claiming victory over the clouds and providing a crisp, clear backdrop for a walk around the duck pond. How we all treasure those days of sun, so much more precious in the midst of a dreary, cold winter. Here's to hoping that posting these photos will remind the sun that it is in fact Spring and time for her to quit playing hide and seek - she's got work to do!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrrbi5X_LCQ/Tatfc-6InFI/AAAAAAAABis/ke2TDrqj29A/s1600/winter+walk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYuR_ZaT3nE/Tatfe4aEyGI/AAAAAAAABiw/Dnb6lP88Acw/s1600/winter+walk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYuR_ZaT3nE/Tatfe4aEyGI/AAAAAAAABiw/Dnb6lP88Acw/s640/winter+walk1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIy8jCuI_QM/Tatfg8GNaLI/AAAAAAAABi0/ERFhfNJIVas/s1600/winter+walk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIy8jCuI_QM/Tatfg8GNaLI/AAAAAAAABi0/ERFhfNJIVas/s640/winter+walk2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TM1hczokjos/Tatfjbn1ENI/AAAAAAAABi4/N2IKYND8e2A/s640/winter+walk3.jpg" width="640" /></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrrbi5X_LCQ/Tatfc-6InFI/AAAAAAAABis/ke2TDrqj29A/s640/winter+walk6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo cracks me up - Maryn is letting me know with her worried finger-pointing that Lucy is "too close" to the water. I don't know if it's a first child thing, or just my kiddo's personality, but she really watches out for her sister! Oh, and Lucy was in no danger of falling in the pond :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3TZurBDhd_I/TatflKjhQcI/AAAAAAAABi8/a5vE7g2_-CU/s640/winter+walk4.jpg" width="426" /> </div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4b8V2GZ9kk/TatfnHveJFI/AAAAAAAABjA/tdOInMq37ok/s1600/winter+walk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4b8V2GZ9kk/TatfnHveJFI/AAAAAAAABjA/tdOInMq37ok/s640/winter+walk5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is looking out over the little airport across from the pond and library. I can't wait to take more walks here when the sun returns!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3704631092314864540.post-26260870930182439872011-04-16T20:21:00.000-07:002011-04-16T20:21:25.418-07:00A day of happy hearts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NlgOX7XQOfg/TakU4mR-EWI/AAAAAAAABiA/1F2NZIXKY9M/s640/balloons1.jpg" width="425" /></div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Oh, it was a happy day indeed. Our <a href="http://thegooseandthebear.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-3-day.html">first happy heart </a>day came a year after Lucy's surgery and was my way of letting go of the fear and the guilt I had carried to that point, replacing it instead with gratitude and hope. Gratitude for the ways God carried us through a difficult time, and hope for the future - both Lucy's and our family's. Each year at the end of January, on the anniversary of that day, I take a deep breath, say a prayer of thanks, and spend time remembering the amazing ways we were cared for during our hardest moments. I remember so many gestures that, while simple, gave us back our breath and helped us move forward instead of staying stuck in fear. I never want to forget those things, the lessons I learned and the empathy and compassion I hope I will carry forward as a result. Though we may not make a big deal of celebrating the day each year, I will always be brought back to that place - the memories are years old now but still carry the immediacy and rawness I felt living through those days.<br />
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The kids, however (sharing none of my sappy sentimentality), saw this anniversary as the perfect chance to relive a highlight of our time at the hospital - riding the tram and eating at the Spaghetti Factory :) So that is just what we did. Oh, we also pranced around Grandma's backyard with a dozen heart balloons. Thanks to my mom and dad, and dear friends Jess and Matt for joining in celebrating the day with us and for being a tangible reminder of God's provision in our lives. You make our hearts happy and full!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVgqfu7bp0s/TakU8CSctLI/AAAAAAAABiI/Mi1hLo5hlps/s1600/heart+day1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVgqfu7bp0s/TakU8CSctLI/AAAAAAAABiI/Mi1hLo5hlps/s640/heart+day1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsM78w0C_fE/TakVIV73ZbI/AAAAAAAABik/YWLI9Q4KUiE/s1600/spaghetti1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsM78w0C_fE/TakVIV73ZbI/AAAAAAAABik/YWLI9Q4KUiE/s640/spaghetti1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Jessica http://www.blogger.com/profile/08951690197563518054noreply@blogger.com1