The other day I was reading an article in Runner's World magazine. It wasn't exactly new information, but I thought I would try to implement it into our lives. Basically, we all know you should eat about 10 servings of fruit and veggies in a day. We know it, but don't necessarily do it - am I right? Well, this article went a little further...eat 10 servings of fruit/veggies a day, but make sure you consume at least 5 different colors. I tend to like green. In fact, when I was pregnant I would crave green food. Not chocolate, or fried chicken, or ice cream (okay, sometimes I craved those too), but I would come home from the grocery store and start unloading... cucumbers, celery, green peppers, zucchini, lettuce, spinach, green grapes... and then realize that I was having a green craving - again!
So this week I went to the grocery store and purposely went through the produce section picking foods based solely on color. I avoided most fruits, simply because Merrick isn't a big fan, so I stuck to the veggies. I came home with broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, celery, carrots, red peppers, tomatoes, yams, and beets. Now, I am about as opposite from a picky eater as possible, but for my whole life I haven't liked beets - at all! I know they are good for me, and I try them every time I am at a salad bar, but something just isn't right about them. (In Australia everyone puts beets on hamburgers... it is hard to mess up a good burger, but piling on the beets is one way to mess it up!) Anyway, I bought beets, have been cooking and eating them at home this week... and I have officially decided that I DO NOT like them. They taste a little like dirt, and have a funny after taste that I do not like. I will, however, eat them because they are good for me, and because I need to be a good example to Gracie when she starts eating. If she doesn't like beets, I won't blame her and will not force them on her. =)
Monday, October 29, 2007
Take a look, it's in a book...
Gracie has discovered the joys of reading. She LOVES her books. I have always loved children's books, and have quite the collection, and we were also given many for various showers. I believe these two came from our friends Shara and Melissa.
I think she enjoys the bright colors and pictures in Eric Carle's ABC.
And the Little Golden Books classic "Baby Farm Animals" is a favorite for all ages!
Just seeing her sitting up, starring at the pages, and listening to the words makes her seem so big.
I think she enjoys the bright colors and pictures in Eric Carle's ABC.
And the Little Golden Books classic "Baby Farm Animals" is a favorite for all ages!
Just seeing her sitting up, starring at the pages, and listening to the words makes her seem so big.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Alaska flight 500, non-stop from PDX to...
... HELL!
Since southern California is currently a blazing inferno we have postponed our work/Kelsie visiting/Disneyland trip. I am extremely disappointed, but it is probably the right decision. So now, tearfully, the UN-packing begins.
Since southern California is currently a blazing inferno we have postponed our work/Kelsie visiting/Disneyland trip. I am extremely disappointed, but it is probably the right decision. So now, tearfully, the UN-packing begins.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Gracie, take four...
Gracie is four months old today! I can't believe how fast time flies. She has been in to see her doctor for her check up and shots, and she did great. She is exhausted now, but was quite a trooper in the office.
4 month stats:
weight: 11 pounds and 6 ounces, 10th %
height: 23 1/4 inches, 10th %
head: 41 cm, 50th % (yep, she has her daddy's head)
FYI: if you adjust her age, her weight and height are in the 50th % and head circumference would be in the 75th percentile.
4 month stats:
weight: 11 pounds and 6 ounces, 10th %
height: 23 1/4 inches, 10th %
head: 41 cm, 50th % (yep, she has her daddy's head)
FYI: if you adjust her age, her weight and height are in the 50th % and head circumference would be in the 75th percentile.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Thankful Thursday...
Well, I have fallen off the wagon a bit, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thankful - just busy. So this week I will start up again. Today I am thankful for...
1. FAMILY - we spent all weekend with Merrick's family, and my parents joined us for dinner on Monday night. We had a great time with everyone, and it was such a nice reminder of just how blessed we are to be part of this family.
2. Mariah - our now 10-year-old niece. She is full of life and love and is such a joy to be around. Now that they live in the Seattle area we don't see her near enough, but our time with her is always very special!
3. My health - Merrick and Gracie are both battling little colds, and I am so thankful that I have yet to come down with anything myself. I don't function very well when sick, and am glad that I have been well and able to take care of these two who need me more than usual.
To go along with thankfulness, I am passing this on to you all. My mom sent it to me this afternoon. Just one of those chain emails that goes around, but I thought this was a good enough idea to share.
The five-finger prayer:
1. Your thumb is nearest to you, so begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "the least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
1. FAMILY - we spent all weekend with Merrick's family, and my parents joined us for dinner on Monday night. We had a great time with everyone, and it was such a nice reminder of just how blessed we are to be part of this family.
2. Mariah - our now 10-year-old niece. She is full of life and love and is such a joy to be around. Now that they live in the Seattle area we don't see her near enough, but our time with her is always very special!
3. My health - Merrick and Gracie are both battling little colds, and I am so thankful that I have yet to come down with anything myself. I don't function very well when sick, and am glad that I have been well and able to take care of these two who need me more than usual.
To go along with thankfulness, I am passing this on to you all. My mom sent it to me this afternoon. Just one of those chain emails that goes around, but I thought this was a good enough idea to share.
The five-finger prayer:
1. Your thumb is nearest to you, so begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "the least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Call the police...
The fashion police.
I need to post this unfortunate picture of my beautiful baby girl and the outfit she ended up wearing on a walk the other night. Now, it started out pretty cute... a decorated onsie and (matching) red sweat pants. For warmth Merrick just started adding layers including purple socks, a pink, green and yellow stripe sweater (that is WAY too big), and her orange pumpkin hat. She was a sight to be seen.
Poor baby didn't understand why her mom was laughing hysterically while taking pictures of her.
I need to post this unfortunate picture of my beautiful baby girl and the outfit she ended up wearing on a walk the other night. Now, it started out pretty cute... a decorated onsie and (matching) red sweat pants. For warmth Merrick just started adding layers including purple socks, a pink, green and yellow stripe sweater (that is WAY too big), and her orange pumpkin hat. She was a sight to be seen.
Poor baby didn't understand why her mom was laughing hysterically while taking pictures of her.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Getting warmed up...
I want to back track a bit and write more about our weekend adventures. Yes, we did see a Rhode Island license plate, but that wasn't the only "priceless" part of our time in the Evergreen State.
After being stuck in traffic on I-405 for nearly 2 1/2 hours, we finally made it to Sultan on Saturday morning. (We spent the night in Covington at Forrest and Amy's house on Friday night.) We ate breakfast with the girls, played a board game, and just had fun visiting with our family that we don't see near enough. Maleah and Mariah are used to having a baby around the house, so it was fun to watch them interacting with Gracie.
This is the first time all 7 Brownlee grandchildren have been in the same place at the same time... Mariah (10), Maleah (almost 7), Kyler (6), Ella (4), Brennan (2), Melaney (6 months), Gracie (4 months).
When we arrived at Remlinger Farms it was totally packed. There were at least 100 cars waiting in line to get out of the farm, and hundreds more in the parking lot (where we saw Rhode Island). There was only one way in and out of the grounds, and I felt a little panicked about being stuck there. I think I am getting more claustrophobic as I get older.
There was so much to do at the farm - pony rides, hay maze, corn maze, spinning barrels, flying pumpkins, pedal go-carts, train rides, haunted house, petting zoo, hay jump... You could call it the Disneyland of Carnation, WA. In my last post I wrote about Carnation, so if you compare Carnation to Los Angeles then you can compare Remlinger to Disneyland. We are considering this our warm up for our trip next week. =) To the kids, though, it might as well have been Disneyland. They loved every minute of our time there!
Brennan and Kyler & Ella and Mariah enjoying the "northwest canoe float."
It is always so much fun to watch the cousins interact. They all like each other a lot, and Mariah is great with the littler ones, never leaving them out of the action. Ella adores Mariah, and if you are sneaky, you can get a peak of Ella imitating every move Mariah makes. Very cute to watch.
We found this little piglet outside the petting zoo and decided to bring her home with us.
Gary and Margaret with the two littlest... Gracie was the only one not dressed for fall. Her pink shirt and socks stuck out like a sore thumb - so, she had a major blow-out and we had to change her entire outfit at the park... her way of telling us she didn't like being the odd-man out.
The "whirly-bird" was a favorite of the day. It spun by the riders pumping the handle bars. Scott took the first turn with Kyler, Ella and Mariah... then Merrick, Gary, Macy and I took a turn. It was great. We all laughed pretty hard as we spun round and round.
Just another pic to show these cute cousins.
Miss Melaney was sure a happy baby all day. Not sure if it was the ambiance of the park, or the bottles of apple juice she was enjoying... either way, she was all smiles all day long.
Brennan, Ella and Mariah in the tini tots ferris wheel.
We finally made it to an area of the park that all of the kids could enjoy. Some of the earlier rides had height requirements that Ella and Brennan didn't meet. In the "carnival" area, they could ride pretty much anything they wanted to get on.
It was nice to be there with family, especially since family means built-in babysitters. I fed Gracie twice at the park, but other than that didn't hold her at all. Merrick and I would run off to ride with the big kids, and it was nice knowing that she was being well cared for by someone in the family. (Including her fabulous aunt Macy who cleaned "stage 1" of the previously mentioned blow-out).
The flying pumpkins, similar to the Dumbo ride at Disneyland. You can tell by Mariah's bored look and by the yawn on Merrick's face that this ride left something to be desired. That being said, however, Kyler, Maleah, Breannan and Ella LOVED it!
Might not look like much, but we definitely rode this thing three times. (The adults had to split up because of weight requirements... put it this way, according to the posted sign, Mariah and I "technically" shouldn't have even been riding together.) =)The first time around Ella rode with Megan - next she was on with Merrick. She told Merrick as they were getting on that, "the first time I whined, but now I will try to have fun."
Praying for our safety while on the rickety old roller coaster.
One, two, three... JUMP! They were covered in hay (straw) from head to toe by the time we pulled them out of here to head home.
Brennan, all smiles in the hay jump.
After being stuck in traffic on I-405 for nearly 2 1/2 hours, we finally made it to Sultan on Saturday morning. (We spent the night in Covington at Forrest and Amy's house on Friday night.) We ate breakfast with the girls, played a board game, and just had fun visiting with our family that we don't see near enough. Maleah and Mariah are used to having a baby around the house, so it was fun to watch them interacting with Gracie.
This is the first time all 7 Brownlee grandchildren have been in the same place at the same time... Mariah (10), Maleah (almost 7), Kyler (6), Ella (4), Brennan (2), Melaney (6 months), Gracie (4 months).There was so much to do at the farm - pony rides, hay maze, corn maze, spinning barrels, flying pumpkins, pedal go-carts, train rides, haunted house, petting zoo, hay jump... You could call it the Disneyland of Carnation, WA. In my last post I wrote about Carnation, so if you compare Carnation to Los Angeles then you can compare Remlinger to Disneyland. We are considering this our warm up for our trip next week. =) To the kids, though, it might as well have been Disneyland. They loved every minute of our time there!
Brennan and Kyler & Ella and Mariah enjoying the "northwest canoe float."
It is always so much fun to watch the cousins interact. They all like each other a lot, and Mariah is great with the littler ones, never leaving them out of the action. Ella adores Mariah, and if you are sneaky, you can get a peak of Ella imitating every move Mariah makes. Very cute to watch.
We found this little piglet outside the petting zoo and decided to bring her home with us.
Gary and Margaret with the two littlest... Gracie was the only one not dressed for fall. Her pink shirt and socks stuck out like a sore thumb - so, she had a major blow-out and we had to change her entire outfit at the park... her way of telling us she didn't like being the odd-man out.
The "whirly-bird" was a favorite of the day. It spun by the riders pumping the handle bars. Scott took the first turn with Kyler, Ella and Mariah... then Merrick, Gary, Macy and I took a turn. It was great. We all laughed pretty hard as we spun round and round.
Just another pic to show these cute cousins.
Miss Melaney was sure a happy baby all day. Not sure if it was the ambiance of the park, or the bottles of apple juice she was enjoying... either way, she was all smiles all day long.
Brennan, Ella and Mariah in the tini tots ferris wheel.
It was nice to be there with family, especially since family means built-in babysitters. I fed Gracie twice at the park, but other than that didn't hold her at all. Merrick and I would run off to ride with the big kids, and it was nice knowing that she was being well cared for by someone in the family. (Including her fabulous aunt Macy who cleaned "stage 1" of the previously mentioned blow-out).
The flying pumpkins, similar to the Dumbo ride at Disneyland. You can tell by Mariah's bored look and by the yawn on Merrick's face that this ride left something to be desired. That being said, however, Kyler, Maleah, Breannan and Ella LOVED it!
Might not look like much, but we definitely rode this thing three times. (The adults had to split up because of weight requirements... put it this way, according to the posted sign, Mariah and I "technically" shouldn't have even been riding together.) =)The first time around Ella rode with Megan - next she was on with Merrick. She told Merrick as they were getting on that, "the first time I whined, but now I will try to have fun."
Praying for our safety while on the rickety old roller coaster.
One, two, three... JUMP! They were covered in hay (straw) from head to toe by the time we pulled them out of here to head home.
Brennan, all smiles in the hay jump.Monday, October 15, 2007
On to South Carolina...
Travel expenses to Sultan, WA: $33
Entry fee to Remlinger farm: $31
Finding a Rhode Island license plate in the parking lot: PRICELESS!
Last year, on August 24, I published a blog post about a license plate game Merrick and I have been playing since July of 2004. To sum it up, we started with Alabama and have been searching or each state license plate in alphabetical order. We didn't have a lot of trouble... that is until we hit Rhode Island. For the past year we have been searching high and low for this silly plate, and were do we finally find it? In Carnation, WA. Ever heard of it? To quote from the city's web site:
"Carnation is a rural Western Washington community of 1,905 residents that is approximately 1.2 square miles in size. A 30-mile drive east of Seattle and 15-minutes east of Redmond, it is located along SR-203 in the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley."
Now tell me, why is someone driving from Rhode Island to Carnation? Beats me, but we are sure glad they did!
So, now we have only 10 remaining: South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Beautiful baby from the outside in...
Here are a few new pics of Gracie from this last week...
Sound asleep in daddy's arms
Wearing big-girl slippers!
Peaking out of the biggest blanket she has ever been "swaddled" in.
A squinty smile while "talking" to mommy.
What a happy girl!
Sound asleep in daddy's arms
Wearing big-girl slippers!
Peaking out of the biggest blanket she has ever been "swaddled" in.
A squinty smile while "talking" to mommy.
What a happy girl!After a somewhat lazy week around the house, we are all packed and getting ready to head up to Sultan for the weekend. Mariah's 10th birthday was yesterday (yikes!), so we are heading up there to spend time with family and celebrate at Remlinger farm. Should be a fun time! Hopefully it won't rain, but if it does, we are prepared.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Apples to apples...
Wow, what a weekend!
On Saturday we spent the day with friends in Salem making apple cider on an old fashioned cider press. What started at hundreds of pounds of apples, ended up as 100 gallons of the yummiest cider I have ever tasted!
Last weekend Forrest, Amy, Nate, Ramie and Amy's family were in Yakima picking the apples. They were fresh, ripe and delicious... so naturally they made great cider. Nate and Ramie hosted the party this weekend where we proceeded to wash, grind, press, and strain the apples before filling the hundred containers that had been saved over the past year with cider. They did this project a year ago, but only 5 people showed up and they made 50 gallons. This year we had lots of help and double the number of apples. Who knows what next year will bring, but I will definitely be saving jugs for cider.
It was a very cold day, but it didn't rain. Ramie made a huge pot of turkey and butternut squash soup - it was fabulous, and the perfect thing to come inside to after working outside all afternoon. (Okay, I didn't do any of the work, but I was outside). =) After dinner, Nate made a bon fire, and Ramie warmed up cider and those of us who were left went back out to spend time by the fire. We finished off the evening with apple pie and apple crisp before heading home... warm, full and exhausted.
On Saturday we spent the day with friends in Salem making apple cider on an old fashioned cider press. What started at hundreds of pounds of apples, ended up as 100 gallons of the yummiest cider I have ever tasted!
Last weekend Forrest, Amy, Nate, Ramie and Amy's family were in Yakima picking the apples. They were fresh, ripe and delicious... so naturally they made great cider. Nate and Ramie hosted the party this weekend where we proceeded to wash, grind, press, and strain the apples before filling the hundred containers that had been saved over the past year with cider. They did this project a year ago, but only 5 people showed up and they made 50 gallons. This year we had lots of help and double the number of apples. Who knows what next year will bring, but I will definitely be saving jugs for cider.
It was a very cold day, but it didn't rain. Ramie made a huge pot of turkey and butternut squash soup - it was fabulous, and the perfect thing to come inside to after working outside all afternoon. (Okay, I didn't do any of the work, but I was outside). =) After dinner, Nate made a bon fire, and Ramie warmed up cider and those of us who were left went back out to spend time by the fire. We finished off the evening with apple pie and apple crisp before heading home... warm, full and exhausted.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Pumpkin fun...
Today we headed over to "Gramma's" on Roy Rogers to visit her pumpkin patch. Mostly we wanted to get pictures of the three girls, but the pumpkin cannon is a favorite too. We didn't do a hay ride, or even go visit the animals, but we had a great time. AND, it didn't rain on us!
Friday, October 05, 2007
Disneyland, here we come...
Hooray! It is now official. In all our years together we have never been... so, on October 24th, nine years to the day since we started dating, we (yep, Gracie too) are flying to Southern California to go to DISNEYLAND!!!
Okay, the real truth is that Gracie is DYING to meet auntie Kels, and Merrick has work meetings in L.A., but three weeks from today I'll be ridin' over the mountains (aka Thunder, Space, Splash and the Matterhorn), floatin' down the jungle cruise, and whistlin' while I work... I'm one happy girl!
Let the countdown begin!
20 days to Disney!
Okay, the real truth is that Gracie is DYING to meet auntie Kels, and Merrick has work meetings in L.A., but three weeks from today I'll be ridin' over the mountains (aka Thunder, Space, Splash and the Matterhorn), floatin' down the jungle cruise, and whistlin' while I work... I'm one happy girl!
Let the countdown begin!
20 days to Disney!
Nakie buns...
A few pictures of baby Grace...
I changed her diaper and walked away to wash my hands. When I came back (less than a minute later) she was sound asleep on the floor. She must be exhausted from her cold... poor little snuffleupagus.
Recently she has discovered the joy of being naked! After a bath, we have been leaving her totally nude while lays in front of the fire (on a towel). She LOVES it, and it gives her cute little buns time to dry off which minimizes redness from a diaper.
I changed her diaper and walked away to wash my hands. When I came back (less than a minute later) she was sound asleep on the floor. She must be exhausted from her cold... poor little snuffleupagus.
Recently she has discovered the joy of being naked! After a bath, we have been leaving her totally nude while lays in front of the fire (on a towel). She LOVES it, and it gives her cute little buns time to dry off which minimizes redness from a diaper.
Anniversary adventures...
Well, yesterday ended up being a great day. Since Merrick is extremely busy at work right now, he wasn't able to take the full day off work. (We were spoiled for our first three anniversaries with him still being a student and taking time off whenever he wanted.) Neither of us had given much thought to what we really wanted to do, but we wanted to make sure we did something. If things had gone differently this week, we might have gone out of town for a night or found a fun Bed and Breakfast in the country to try. We, however, just haven't been in a mood for celebration, and since Gracie is sick, opted to stay close to home.
We met for lunch at our favorite Japanese restaurant, Sushi and Maki, which was delicious as usual! I have been in the mood for Thai food, so Merrick found this new place in the Pearl and called to make sure he could eat there. (When we go out he mostly avoids dairy - which is harder than one might think). We also thought it would be fun to go to OMSI to see Body Worlds, or borrow the Portland Art Museum pass from the library and check that out. Merrick came home at 3:30 so we could start our adventures. We didn't get the PAM pass, and thought we would take our chances at the door at OMSI if we made it that far. (We didn't make it to either, and I am okay with that.)
We started out on "furniture row" on Cornell looking for kitchen tables. Rather than getting each other gifts, we decided a while ago that it would be nice to get a gift for the house - something we need and both would like to have. We have a HUGE list of things we would still like for the house, and are slowly but steadily chipping away at it. We saw a few things that we liked, but left stores with sticker shock. I don't think we are quite ready to fork over that much... especially after buying couches.
We decided to head down town for an "early" dinner. I say "early" because by the time we got there it was actually pretty average dinner time for us. Don't get me wrong, the traffic from Beaverton to NW Portland was surprisingly light - we got from 185th/Cornell to NW 23rd in about 20 minutes at 5 p.m. - not too bad. From NW 23 to Whole Foods (NW 12th and Davis) took another 30 minutes, and then we proceeded to drive around the blocks for an additional 30 minutes searching for parking. About 1/2 way through this adventure I realized that it was First Thursday - the first Thursday of every month in the Pearl all of the art galleries are free to the public and many of the stores and restaurants have specials going as well. It was absolutely NUTS down there. Note to self: don't do that again!
We ended up parking in the Whole Foods garage and walking about 8 blocks to the restaurant, Peemkaew. Boy was it worth the wait! Merrick, for the first time in a long time, sat down to a menu from which he could pretty much have anything he wanted. I ordered pumpkin red curry with chicken, and Merrick had the Thai BBQ chicken with plum sauce. This is one place that I can guarantee we will return to (and I would recommend to anyone who is in the mood for good Thai food). It wasn't over priced, and was not at all stingy (charging for extra rice, etc) like some places.
After our delicious dinner, we made a quick stop at Whole Foods to pick up some groceries so we could get our parking ticket validated, then we headed home. We watched the Office (a must see) and then our wedding video. It was fun to remember our day four years ago, and to take time to celebrate our marriage.
We met for lunch at our favorite Japanese restaurant, Sushi and Maki, which was delicious as usual! I have been in the mood for Thai food, so Merrick found this new place in the Pearl and called to make sure he could eat there. (When we go out he mostly avoids dairy - which is harder than one might think). We also thought it would be fun to go to OMSI to see Body Worlds, or borrow the Portland Art Museum pass from the library and check that out. Merrick came home at 3:30 so we could start our adventures. We didn't get the PAM pass, and thought we would take our chances at the door at OMSI if we made it that far. (We didn't make it to either, and I am okay with that.)
We started out on "furniture row" on Cornell looking for kitchen tables. Rather than getting each other gifts, we decided a while ago that it would be nice to get a gift for the house - something we need and both would like to have. We have a HUGE list of things we would still like for the house, and are slowly but steadily chipping away at it. We saw a few things that we liked, but left stores with sticker shock. I don't think we are quite ready to fork over that much... especially after buying couches.
We decided to head down town for an "early" dinner. I say "early" because by the time we got there it was actually pretty average dinner time for us. Don't get me wrong, the traffic from Beaverton to NW Portland was surprisingly light - we got from 185th/Cornell to NW 23rd in about 20 minutes at 5 p.m. - not too bad. From NW 23 to Whole Foods (NW 12th and Davis) took another 30 minutes, and then we proceeded to drive around the blocks for an additional 30 minutes searching for parking. About 1/2 way through this adventure I realized that it was First Thursday - the first Thursday of every month in the Pearl all of the art galleries are free to the public and many of the stores and restaurants have specials going as well. It was absolutely NUTS down there. Note to self: don't do that again!
We ended up parking in the Whole Foods garage and walking about 8 blocks to the restaurant, Peemkaew. Boy was it worth the wait! Merrick, for the first time in a long time, sat down to a menu from which he could pretty much have anything he wanted. I ordered pumpkin red curry with chicken, and Merrick had the Thai BBQ chicken with plum sauce. This is one place that I can guarantee we will return to (and I would recommend to anyone who is in the mood for good Thai food). It wasn't over priced, and was not at all stingy (charging for extra rice, etc) like some places.
After our delicious dinner, we made a quick stop at Whole Foods to pick up some groceries so we could get our parking ticket validated, then we headed home. We watched the Office (a must see) and then our wedding video. It was fun to remember our day four years ago, and to take time to celebrate our marriage.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
A person who epitomizes selflessness...
Friends, I wrote on Tuesday about my friend whose father passed away. I wanted to share an article with you about this great man, the life he lived, and the legacy he has left. Please be praying for my friend Amy and her family. I am sure they would appreciate it.
The following text was copied from:
Jackson Hole News & Guide
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=2265
Death of surgeon Forbes leaves community reeling
Friends, family, colleagues recall devoted father, soldier and athlete.
October 3, 2007
Dr. Alvis Ray “Al” Forbes, a Jackson orthopedic surgeon respected for his caring bedside manner and devotion to his family, patients and country, died of a heart attack Monday. He was 56.
Forbes and his wife, Barb, were returning to
News of Forbes’ death spread quickly through the community Monday night, stunning the doctor’s friends and co-workers, who had grown to love the kindhearted physician whose multitude of interests had woven him deeply into Jackson’s Hole’s fabric since his family’s arrival 19 years ago.
“He is a person who epitomizes selflessness,” said Dr. Mary Neal, his partner at Orthopaedic Associates of Jackson Hole. “He is a man with incredibly strong faith, and that faith and godliness showed through to everyone. He believed in living his life as an example of Christ, and I think he did.”
An active duty reservist for the Wyoming National Guard, Forbes served in
“After his second deployment as a 50-plus-year-old-man, he had every opportunity to opt out of service,” son-in-law Erik Wachob said. “He chose to remain on active duty because he felt it was his duty and his responsibility to serve his country. He was expecting to be deployed again and would have accepted the assignment.
“He talked a lot about treating Afghani and Iraqi civilians who’d suffered land-mine and other injuries,” Wachob said. “Being able to help civilians was something he was especially proud of.”
A devoted father in an athletically gifted family, Forbes was a familiar fixture on the sidelines at
A lifelong competitive athlete, Forbes was passionate about basketball and later softball, pitching and serving as manager for recreation softball powerhouses Jackson Merchants and Evans Construction.
“I just loved his enthusiasm for life and respected how he wanted to compete and how much fun he had with the guys,” said
Forbes’ daughters Amy, 29, Colleen, 27, Michelle, 24, and son, Ryan, 21, were all standout Jackson Hole High School athletes who went on to compete in college at George Fox University in Oregon.
“He never missed a basketball game, volleyball game or a track meet, especially when his kids were playing,” Wachob said.
Born in
He served on active duty from 1978 to 1987 in
Forbes first came to
“I decided I should probably stay here rather than leave the valley without coverage,” Forbes said in a 1996 interview with the Jackson Hole News shortly after he was named chief of staff at
Obstetrician/Gynecologist Tom Smith worked with Forbes for 11 years until he retired in 2006, and the pair served together on various leadership committees at the hospital. Smith described Forbes as “an excellent doctor, a caring clinician and a superb technician in the operating room.”
“Through the years Al was always the same – one of the most loving and giving men that I’ve ever known,” Smith said. “He was one of the few men I ever knew who saw both sides of the issue. He was always fair to listening to and giving credence to another opinion.”
Forbes family recalled the doctor’s huge heart, noting he did a large amount of pro-bono work for uninsured patients who didn’t have the ability to pay for his services. Like the country doctors of generations past, Forbes would accept trades for his medical work. Among the items and services he accepted over the years were half of a pig, half of a cow, a motorcycle, firewood, fertilizer, excavation work, car detailing, carpet shampooing and a discount on wedding photos.
“He was one of the most caring people I’ve ever known,” said Dave Pfeifer, a surgical first-assistant at
It was love at first sight for Forbes and Barb, who met on a blind date while in college and were married the year before he entered medical school. The couple celebrated their 34th anniversary Sept. 8.
The Forbeses are all active members of
“The Forbes have always been generous in opening their home to people,” said Barbie Stanfield, director of small groups and children’s ministries for the church. Dr. Forbes was just a very positive presence in the church. He was an amazing person and very giving.”
Fruit & feathers...
You guessed it (or maybe you didn't). Today we are celebrating our 4th anniversary and evidently it is the year of fruit and feathers. Oh boy!
Fun times, good memories. Now if only Gracie and I weren't sick we might have a little more fun celebrating. Oh well.
Fun times, good memories. Now if only Gracie and I weren't sick we might have a little more fun celebrating. Oh well.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Rain drops keep falling on my head...
Last night we bundled up to go out for a walk. It was sprinkling a little when we left, but when we got down the street it started to POUR! Even though I am sure Gracie was warm (except for her little pink face) we decided it best to turn around and head home. I think our walk was about 1/4 mile total... at least we tried.
Not sure if this picture does it justice, but we were soaked to the bone. Her pumpkin hat is still wet this morning. (You can click on the picture to make it bigger - then you will see the rain all over her little face).
We had another really good dinner last night. We have about 600 pounds of apples in our garage, so I "borrowed" a few (long story, but they aren't really ours) and made "pork loin roasted with apples and sweet potatoes." You can get the recipe here. It was delicious. I didn't use sweet potatoes because I have 20 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes that need to be eaten up. It was great, but if I do it again, I will leave the potatoes in bigger chunks.
Not sure if this picture does it justice, but we were soaked to the bone. Her pumpkin hat is still wet this morning. (You can click on the picture to make it bigger - then you will see the rain all over her little face).We had another really good dinner last night. We have about 600 pounds of apples in our garage, so I "borrowed" a few (long story, but they aren't really ours) and made "pork loin roasted with apples and sweet potatoes." You can get the recipe here. It was delicious. I didn't use sweet potatoes because I have 20 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes that need to be eaten up. It was great, but if I do it again, I will leave the potatoes in bigger chunks.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Dinner for a crowd...
This is the recipe I promised the other day... sorry, I got a bit distracted.
I found a recipe for Tuscan Minestrone soup in last week's Food Day and decided I would start from there and create my own "Italian Stew" for dinner... here's what I ended up with.
Italian Stew
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound Italian sausages (I used sweet/mild, but spicy would also be good)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
1-3 cloves garlic (I like things garlicy, so I used 3 cloves)
8 cups chicken stock
1 can diced or crushed tomatoes
1 can cannellini beans, rinsed
1 cup Yukon gold potatoes diced (I left the peel on)
2-3 small zucchini (about 2 cups or so)
1 teaspoon rosemary (or one sprig fresh rosemary)
Fresh basil, oregano to taste - chopped
1 cup large elbow macaroni (or any other smallish pasta)
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat olive oil in a large stock pot. Brown sausage, onions, carrots, celery and garlic (being careful not to burn the garlic). Add chicken stock, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, rosemary, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Bring soup back up to a boil and add the zucchini and pasta. When pasta is cooked, the soup is done.
I had so much good stuff in the soup that it was a lot more like stew - thick and fabulous, but not a lot of broth. You could add more broth, or less pasta, potatoes, zucchini for more of a "soupy" texture. Other than that it was perfect for a cold rainy day. Alone it was easily six dinner servings, but you could stretch it if you served with bread and salad too.
I found a recipe for Tuscan Minestrone soup in last week's Food Day and decided I would start from there and create my own "Italian Stew" for dinner... here's what I ended up with.
Italian Stew
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound Italian sausages (I used sweet/mild, but spicy would also be good)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
1-3 cloves garlic (I like things garlicy, so I used 3 cloves)
8 cups chicken stock
1 can diced or crushed tomatoes
1 can cannellini beans, rinsed
1 cup Yukon gold potatoes diced (I left the peel on)
2-3 small zucchini (about 2 cups or so)
1 teaspoon rosemary (or one sprig fresh rosemary)
Fresh basil, oregano to taste - chopped
1 cup large elbow macaroni (or any other smallish pasta)
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat olive oil in a large stock pot. Brown sausage, onions, carrots, celery and garlic (being careful not to burn the garlic). Add chicken stock, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, rosemary, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Bring soup back up to a boil and add the zucchini and pasta. When pasta is cooked, the soup is done.
I had so much good stuff in the soup that it was a lot more like stew - thick and fabulous, but not a lot of broth. You could add more broth, or less pasta, potatoes, zucchini for more of a "soupy" texture. Other than that it was perfect for a cold rainy day. Alone it was easily six dinner servings, but you could stretch it if you served with bread and salad too.
What a difference a day makes...
As I sit and reflect over the events of the past 24 hours, I am reminded how precious life is. How I should live each day as if it were my last, or the last of a friend of family member. How I know and believe that God is in total control of my life. He has a perfect plan for me, my family and my friends, and yet there are times when His plan just doesn't seem perfect.
Yesterday afternoon a dear friend of mine lost her father to a totally unexpected heart attack. He was young, health and so alive! I am shocked and devastated, and can't begin to imagine the emotions her and her family are dealing with today. Today I find myself thinking about this great man and not yet truly believing that he is really gone.
I have stopped myself many times from saying "this just isn't fair," or simply asking God "why?" It is so hard for me to comprehend how God's perfect plan for this family could involve the early death of their husband, father, and grandfather. I know, however, that these thoughts won't produce the desired outcome of changing what has happened, and I also know that I can't possibly understand God's timing until I am able to meet Him face to face. My peace now comes from knowing that this man was also a believer, and is now in Heaven with his savior, Jesus Christ.
So let this be a reminder to me to not take a single minute of life for granted. Not to let a single moment of time spent with friends and family be wasted. To remember that life is precious - and sometimes shorter than we anticipate.
Yesterday afternoon a dear friend of mine lost her father to a totally unexpected heart attack. He was young, health and so alive! I am shocked and devastated, and can't begin to imagine the emotions her and her family are dealing with today. Today I find myself thinking about this great man and not yet truly believing that he is really gone.
I have stopped myself many times from saying "this just isn't fair," or simply asking God "why?" It is so hard for me to comprehend how God's perfect plan for this family could involve the early death of their husband, father, and grandfather. I know, however, that these thoughts won't produce the desired outcome of changing what has happened, and I also know that I can't possibly understand God's timing until I am able to meet Him face to face. My peace now comes from knowing that this man was also a believer, and is now in Heaven with his savior, Jesus Christ.
So let this be a reminder to me to not take a single minute of life for granted. Not to let a single moment of time spent with friends and family be wasted. To remember that life is precious - and sometimes shorter than we anticipate.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.
The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.
When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.
Amazing Grace
~John Newton, 1772
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.
The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.
When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.
Amazing Grace
~John Newton, 1772
Monday, October 01, 2007
Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain...
I absolutely LOVE this time of year! Yes, even the rain. For the past few nights I have woken up to the sound of pouring rain - it is so peaceful and clean sounding to me. The air has been fresh and crisp, and though I refuse to close the window in our room, we have had to add another blanket to our bed.
After our late night at the Gibson's house we laid low on Sunday. We didn't get home until after 1 a.m. and both Merrick and I forgot to set alarms for church. I hate missing church on Sundays, but yesterday the three of us needed that extra bit of sleep. It feels like we have all been going on high speed for the past few weeks, and we needed a down day. After waking up late, we ate breakfast in front of the fire while watching football. After Gracie had a nap we bundled up and went for a walk. It didn't rain, but it was COLD! I should have taken a picture... she had warm pj's, her pumpkin hat, socks for mittens, and two blankets... needless to say, she was warm, cozy and slept the whole time. We stopped at Freddy's to pick up a few veggies for the soup I made (recipe to follow) and then headed home.
Since we still had about an hour before Gracie needed to eat, so we packed her up - still bundled, but no longer sound asleep - and headed to the new Hillsboro library. Shannon had told me that it was pretty nice and new, so we thought we'd check it out. I got a card, and we borrowed a few DVD's that we had been wanting to see. We didn't spend much time exploring, but I did pick up a calendar of events. On Fridays the library has a "book babies" time that we might be checking out soon.
We got home, fed Gracie, got the soup started, bathed the baby, turned on Sunday night football, and continued our relaxation trend. Merrick did work on and off, but for the most part we just vegged... which is exactly what we all needed.
Here are a few pictures of Gracie from the past weeks that I have been meaning to post. She is changing every day, and I try to take pictures, but don't always get around to posting them for everyone else to see.
This pumpkin hat was hand made by Shannon for Sydney - Gracie now has it as a hand-me-down, and Shannon is making a matching one for Sophia. The girls will wear them when we head to the pumpkin patch next week!
Gracie had fun hanging out with Mandy last week. We both wish she lived closer. Perhaps we'll have to plan a trip to Telluride to visit her... wishful thinking.
Every day she is getting more and more smiley. I still don't have a great picture, but this at least captured the expression.
More smiles
This little baby is exhausted, and this was before we went to have Soren take her three month pictures last week.
Gracie: "Hmmm, am I looking in a mirror?"
After our late night at the Gibson's house we laid low on Sunday. We didn't get home until after 1 a.m. and both Merrick and I forgot to set alarms for church. I hate missing church on Sundays, but yesterday the three of us needed that extra bit of sleep. It feels like we have all been going on high speed for the past few weeks, and we needed a down day. After waking up late, we ate breakfast in front of the fire while watching football. After Gracie had a nap we bundled up and went for a walk. It didn't rain, but it was COLD! I should have taken a picture... she had warm pj's, her pumpkin hat, socks for mittens, and two blankets... needless to say, she was warm, cozy and slept the whole time. We stopped at Freddy's to pick up a few veggies for the soup I made (recipe to follow) and then headed home.
Since we still had about an hour before Gracie needed to eat, so we packed her up - still bundled, but no longer sound asleep - and headed to the new Hillsboro library. Shannon had told me that it was pretty nice and new, so we thought we'd check it out. I got a card, and we borrowed a few DVD's that we had been wanting to see. We didn't spend much time exploring, but I did pick up a calendar of events. On Fridays the library has a "book babies" time that we might be checking out soon.
We got home, fed Gracie, got the soup started, bathed the baby, turned on Sunday night football, and continued our relaxation trend. Merrick did work on and off, but for the most part we just vegged... which is exactly what we all needed.
Here are a few pictures of Gracie from the past weeks that I have been meaning to post. She is changing every day, and I try to take pictures, but don't always get around to posting them for everyone else to see.
This pumpkin hat was hand made by Shannon for Sydney - Gracie now has it as a hand-me-down, and Shannon is making a matching one for Sophia. The girls will wear them when we head to the pumpkin patch next week!
Gracie had fun hanging out with Mandy last week. We both wish she lived closer. Perhaps we'll have to plan a trip to Telluride to visit her... wishful thinking.
Every day she is getting more and more smiley. I still don't have a great picture, but this at least captured the expression.
More smiles
This little baby is exhausted, and this was before we went to have Soren take her three month pictures last week.
Gracie: "Hmmm, am I looking in a mirror?"Guys and dolls...
On Saturday we went over to the Gibson's house for our monthly Elite 8 gathering. We all made it this time - even the kiddos!When we got there Annie and Maddy compared Gracie's tiny feet to those of Pearly Jo. I was relieved that my daughter is at least little bigger than Maddy's beloved doll.
For dinner we enjoyed delicious taco soup, compliments of Sarri. It was perfect on that yucky, cold, rainy day. After we ate, the guys (as usual) started playing Wii, and us girls ventured to the other room to chat. The kids were running wild through the house making all sorts of toddler noises and messes that I'm not used to, but didn't seem to worry Annie, Sarri, or even Melissa (who is a teacher).
Our conversations are always full of fun stories and lots of laughter and Saturday was no different. The best quote of the night came from Annie...I can't remember the whole story behind it, or what we were even talking about to get there, but Annie said, "I wouldn't even let my high school daughter go out with Jesus." Really Annie? Maybe it is a good thing that she has two BOYS!
Throughout the night the kids were playing with all sorts of toys and games. I think each of the (little) boys had the fireman hat on at one point or another. When Garrett was all ready for bed, and sitting next to Sarri wearing the hat, Merrick said, "I am going to go to work on Monday dressed exactly like Garrett is right now." I had to take a picture for a reminder. Needless to say he didn't look like this when he walked out the door today - thank goodness!
Gracie didn't get to play with the other kids, but she did demonstrate what a big girl she is! Now that we have tried it out, we will be buying a bumbo seat for her soon.
When the Gibsons finally kicked us out it was well past midnight. Time flies, right? We had such a good time with these friends. I am reminded each time we see them how blessed we are to have close friends from college. We are looking forward to seeing them again - in only three weeks!
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