Way Back Photo #7

I saved the best for last.



This is my favorite picture of Beth and me. It was taken in San Franciso in front of a flower stand. Whenever we would go to the City we would (and still do - if she's with us) buy her a gardenia corsage.

I love the colorful flowers and the smirk on Beth's face.

I hope you've enjoyed my photo jaunt down memory lane.

Way Back Photo #6

Camping.

My hair is still unruly.

Way Back Photo #5

Our mom made these dresses.

Way Back Photo #4 - Caption Contest

Here is my sister and me in matching outfits. Matching outfits were very common. Beth and I are 18 1/2 months apart. Think about poor Beth and how long she got to wear that outfit. She got all my hand-me-downs.

I think this photo is worthy of a caption contest. Leave you best caption in the comments. I'll find a prize for the winner.

Way Back Photo #3

Introducing the Polyester Family.

We thought we were so cool with our platform sandals. And yes, that's my dad in a leisure suit.

In our defense, this was our Easter photo, so it's ok to look like eggs.

Way Back Photo #2

Here's me, my dad and my sister. It was taken in the front yard of our house on Haven Ave.

Isn't that a nice name for a street to grow up on?

Way Back Photo #1

I was going through photos tonight. I found this one to share of my mom, me and my sister. I'm in the middle.

Animals should definitely not wear clothing.

...because it might make life hard for a hen

This picture totally cracked me up. It was in a book I checked out of the libray for Grom. He doesn't find it amusing at all. He wants it returned to libary ASAP.

The book is "Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing" by Judy Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett.

I had to share.

Did you know that one of my dreams is to own chickens? And now I know that they won't need pants.

Farmer's Market

Most Thursday nights you can find us at Farmer's Market. We have a secret parking place. It's close to the market, free and there is always a spot. Don't ask, I won't tell you where it is.

Our first task is always food. Surferman loves ribs and has a connection (he used to work there) with a local restaurant. It's been at least 15 years since he worked there, but he's still remembered and still treated well. We never know what we're going to get no matter what we order. Always so much food. We try to figure out what to order so that we don't get too much food but it never works. It's less of a concern now with Grom being the rib lover that he is. He ate 2 whole beef ribs today.

After we eat, Grom gets some time in the bounce house. It's terribly boring for me. I itch to keep moving, but the joy on his face and his laughter slows me down.


Then we are off to get a cookie; a really BIG cookie. We eat the cookie as we browse the offerings of the local vendors and farmers. Sometimes we pick up some fruit, or some veggies and sometimes I score and get flowers. Tonight the tuberose were sweetly scenting the air.

We swing into Starbucks, get a cup of something and use the potty before the walk back to the car.

Edited to add:
I just found out that Kerry is hosting a Farmer's Market Report. I'm submitting this post, however in full disclosure I have to admit that no produce was purchased on this particular outing. Lot's of fun was had, but no produce.

To read reports of Farmer's Markets around the country, skip on over to Kerry's To Every Meal There is a Season.

At least I got a "deal"...

A local quilt shop is going out of business. Everything is 50% off. I went today and picked out these pretties. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do with them.

I see this one in by bedroom in some form. Maybe a new quilt?

On most of the craft and sewing blogs I read they always know the designer of their fabrics. Sorry, can't help you. I tried to remember, but there are more important things for my brain to retain.

A bag?

Another bag?

An apron?

I found this great Car Organizer pattern and might take it on with these beauties.

I also bought a really cute fabric with little fishes on it to make Grom an apron and chef's hat. He grabbed it and ran. I didn't get a picture before it disappeared.

I hope to post some pictures of finished projects soon.

Wednesdays are Wonderful

(Most) every Wednesday I sneak out of the house early and meet a friend for coffee.  Actually I drink coffee and she watches me drink coffee.  We used to walk when Grom was passive enough to sit in a stroller.  Maybe we'll walk again someday.  Maybe Grom will get better at riding his trike or I'll get up the nerve to duct tape him in a stroller.  Time will tell.

Wednesday morning coffee is one of the bright spots in my weekly routine.  We talk and talk for about an hour and then we go about our days in our separate ways.  We catch up with each other and then head out to new adventures so that we have something to talk about the next week.  It's the best.  She's the best.

I appreciate her because...

she points me to the Word.  

she can (and does) laugh at herself.

I know she is a true confidante.

she doesn't want anything from me.

she truly cares and truly prays. 

I appreciate her because she wants to be more like Jesus.

We are very different.  She's single and fit.  I'm married and not.  She loves dogs.  I love hot dogs.  You get the picture... We don't really have a lot in common except that we both love Jesus. 

It's more than enough.

Presenting the Princesses

Introducing my nieces...

Peanut Butter

Her parents named her

Margaret Ruth

"Maggie"

4 pounds 10 ounces

17 1/2 inches long

and Jelly

Her parents named her

Beatrice Elaine

"Bea (Bee-ahh)"

5 pounds 5 ounces

18 inches long

The whole family is doing well.  Can't wait to have all those girls home.

Thanks for praying.

Done #11 - Visit Surferman's parents in Washington State

Back in May we visited Surferman's Mom and Step-Bob in Washington state.  We arrived in Anacortes just in time for their annual Waterfront Festival.  We were expecting "Washington weather" - cool, foggy, maybe some rain, instead we were blessed with their warmest day of the year.

There was a lot of fun things to do and see at the festival.

Tons of activities for kids.  Grom was finally old enough to get to do a lot of things.  Grom and his Grandpa built a wood boat.  He got to talk to firemen, policemen, fishermen, and more.

One of the highlights was doing the bungee jump.  When I first saw it I thought it looked really fun but never imagined that Grom would be brave enough to give it a try.  

I  guess all that time in that bounce house at Farmer's Market and his gymnastics class has made him brave. He loved it. He flew at least 30 feet into the air - laughing and smiling the whole time.  

I love this picture of his just his feet.  It makes me smile and remember his loud laugh.

I can now say I've been yachting.  Too bad it's not on my list to 101 Things to Do.  

The local yacht club was giving free cruises.  It was a great ride - there are so many beautiful homes waterfront.  I learned a lot about yachting.  Think RV on the water...

We drove home from Anacortes to Portland, OR to Grants Pass, OR to Fortuna, CA (to visit Uncle Danny) and finally home. 

It was  a great vacation.

My pod of Crocs

Did you know that a group of Crocodiles is called a pod? It can also be called a congregation. I think a group of Crocs would be best called "scary".  Unless they are Crocs for your feet, then they are the bomb.

For Mother's Day, I was given the gift of shoe shopping. I bought four new pairs of Crocs.  These aren't my 3 year old's Crocs.  These are really cute and will be well worn during the summer.

These are my favorites - Adara in Bronze.

I got these (Cleo) in Khaki.

My favorite (and always wearable) Athens in black.

If you know me, you know these will go with everything.  Baja in orange.

What to wear tomorrow?

Thar she blows!

We were blessed with a free trip to watch the whales as they migrate back up the coast to Alaska. It took a while to find them, but once found the whales did not disappoint. They were very active. I understand these were Gray Whales

It was a small pod. 2 Adults and an infant. Quite amazing.  I kept thinking about our great big God who created these things - that aren't fish - in an ocean full of fish.  I couldn't help but think of Jonah and how silly he was for trying to run away from God's plan.  I thought about how silly I can be. 

This was Grom's first time on a boat. The weather was great - sunny and just a little windy. He had a great time - running all over the place and eating the snacks. 

Just as the whales showed themselves, he started feeling a little urpy.  It's amazing how fast a person moves when sitting below a 3 year old who says he thinks he's going to throw up.  I missed a lot of the whale's show holding a limp and green little boy.  There was no place I'd rather have been.

 

Grom's had a cold the past few days.  I asked him today how he was feeling and he said, "A lot better than on the boat".  

Retreat and Regroup

Surferman was my hero again today.  He took Grom for the day and sent me off for some time alone.   I'm just about to head back home.

I haven't be "right" since my Grandmother died.  I think her death is part of the problem, but there are also a lot of other things contributing to my funk.

I felt like I needed a day...

to spend time with God

to think

to be alone

to examine the priorities of my life

to regroup and make some plans

Of course, God met me.   It was a great day.

Waiting for the Peloton

The Tour of California is racing in front of my house today. I'm waiting for the Peleton (don't I sound smart?), the big group of riders.  The weather is ugly today.  I feel bad for the guys as they ride over 100 miles in such crummy weather.  

I'm not a bike rider, but this race makes me so happy.  It's the third year it has coursed right by our house.  Last year Grom napped through it.  This year he's waiting eagerly for the bikes.  We're watching the live coverage on the computer and looking at the familiar landscape trying to figure out exactly where they are.  Grom keeps looking out the window and then at the computer and saying, "The bikes are almost here" - for the last hour plus.  

So while we sit and wait - we had some fun with letters.

To make your own letter collage, check out this fun website.  About half way down there is a link that says "entry form" where you can make your own words.

Edited to add...

The bikes finally showed up.  I tried to video the Peleton to share on my blog, but it didn't translate well.  My joy is missing from the footage.  It makes me smile to see them.  Can't explain it.  It's just so cool to see them pass the house.

Got me some culture

I'm just back from the Opera.  

That is something I never thought I'd say.  A mommy friend arranged a Girl's Night Out and 6 of us went to Tosca.  We were supposed to dress up.  I don't dress up much.  The other mommies were beautiful.  I wore silver shoes.

I'd heard of Tosca and am generally up to try new things.  If only attending the opera was on my list of 101 things to do.  Why did I go to the opera?  Plain and simple, I succumbed to mommy pressure.  I love these mommies and if going to the opera allows me the chance to spend some time with them... I'm there.

I wasn't familiar with the story, and it was in Italian.  They had words above the screen so that us non Italian speaking ignorant people could figure out what was going on.   It was a tragic love story.  I guess a lot of operas are tragic love stories.  I enjoyed the sets, the costumes and the singing.  Everyone died.

I don't know if it was because it was not in English or if I was having attention deficit tonight due to too many delicious appetizers pre-opera, but I had trouble focusing.  

I thought about the opera company (from Europe) and what it must be like to tour the United States doing the same opera night after night.  

I thought about who would fill in for the leads if one of them were to get that cough that is going around.  

I thought about how old most of the people at the opera were.  

I thought about how much I had paid to sit in that seat and how I should start paying attention. 

I thought about...  well enough of my rambling thoughts.

Bottom line, it's was nice to get together with the gals, but next time I'm looking for culture in a vanilla yogurt.

Sometimes I'm a fun mom...

Pudding Fingerpainting!

At first Grom thought I'd gone nuts, and then he had a lot of fun.

We did it again when his friend was over. It was more fun the second time because he knew what to expect. I'd do it again.

From Frumpy to Fabulous in just under 3 weeks

I'm ready to be fabulous - inside and out.  

I enjoy the blogging Emma does at Charming the Birds from the Trees.  She encourages me in my role of wife and homemaker.

She's transforming herself from frumpy to fabulous in the next three weeks and I've decided to join her in the adventure.  I'm jumping in a little late - today is day three.  Fortunately I think I can catch up.

Day 1 - Prayer

I used to write the things and people I was praying for in my brain book.  I never liked my last brain and we never had the relationship I have had with other books.  Silly, I know.  I abandoned that book last week and have a new one.  So far we are getting along great.  I have a section dedicated to prayer.  I'm going to pray through that section every morning.

Day 2 - Water

I bought one of those water bottles with a straw in it for my desk at work.  I plan to fill it up when I get to work in the morning and finish it off before I leave.  It's 4 cups.  Another in the afternoon and a third between dinner and bed and I'm more than set.

I like to add Alacer Electro Mix to my water.  It makes it tasty and helps to hydrate me.  A splash of juice also helps the water go down.

Day 3 - Skin

I was doing great at washing my face.  I know that nightly washing keeps my skin clear.  I have the supplies.  Just need to do it.  Put on lotion after showering is also a must do for me.

I wonder what's in store for day 4?