Oregon- morning, day 3

"I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Oregon Wine Country, South East of Portland

Oregon-day 2

So, I was off for my adventure...alone. Shane's meetings began in the morning and he was gone from 8-5. I was looking forward to some precious alone time, but was a little concerned if I would still like it after an hour. You all know me, I like to be around people! So I stopped at the concierge desk and got a downtown "fun" map and found some really cool places I would like to see. I jumped in the rental car and I was off. Shane was proud of me! First, there is this stunning mansion atop a hill just outside the downtown area, and it over looks the city. So beautiful! Found a few places to place my camera and take some pictures of myself, I had to laugh as I was playing model! hahahah! Especially when the little old couple was giving me a weird look. So funny! Then I ventured a short distance down the hill to this stunning rose garden, and yup, i took 75 pictures of roses, but they were amazing. Everything grows so beautiful in the northwest. In the same park as the garden is an authentic Japanese Garden, but they were not open. Shane and I plan to go there this evening before they close, I can't wait! After my morning, I went back to the hotel for a short nap, and then it was time to pick Shane up. We drove an hour into WA to meet my Dad and Maryann for dinner. (They live in Olympia, WA so this was about as 1/2 way as we could get) It was a nice dinner and we enjoyed the time together. More adventure today....I am going into the wine country!

Pittock Mansion- One word, Peaceful!!

This is me playing "model" at the mansion

This rose took my breath away...stunning!

This one makes me happy! It is as if God is saying, "Good morning sunshine! Enjoy the day I have planned for you."

Oregon-day 1

We drove out to the Oregon Coast and wow, can I just say amazing! The fresh air, the sights and sounds...it really was a sensory experience. We LOVED every minute of it...if we ever take a second honeymoon it will be to stay at one of the beach rentals in Cannon Beach and live on the shore for a couple of days. As the sun was setting I found a log to set up my camera and took this amazing sunset shot! We are so lucky to have this opportunity and believe me, God is faithful to make every moment special!

More Cannon Beach, late afternoon...we asked this nice man to take it, and he did great with the composition and everything...I love this picture!

One of the many bays as we drove the 40-50 miles up the coast.

Fall is not quite here yet. It has been warm here the past several weeks so only a couple of the tress are just starting to turn colors. I found this amazing leaf when we stopped on the side of the road to see a creek in the heart of the Forest.

Off to Portland, OR

Shane and I are off to Portland this morning. The word excited does not even compare to how we feel. Our children have been such a belssing this week. Trying to raise kids in a Christian home, we are very open about sharing with them how important marriage is. We have talked with them several times over the last month about how Mommy and Daddy need to take time away together and how important it is for our relationship. Well, this week, that came full circle several times. Both Jacob and Samantha came to me 3 times over the past three days...both said "Mommy, I am so excited you get to have special time with Daddy. I hope you have so much fun!" The look in their eyes, the excitment they are sharing about up us leaving brings tears to my eyes. We are blessed beyond anything I ever imagined!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ayana!

Ayana officially turns two next week but we had a little get together for her today. She was so excited! She squealed and giggled opening her presents, it was refreshing to see a pure joy in a child. Thanks to all those that came to love on this sweet girl!

Afternoon fun

Nathan and Ayan took turns jumping, ok, and a little gentle pushing off the chair. I understand that afternoons can get a bit boring, so why not have some good old fashioned fun. Notice Nathan's tongue...so cute! And as far as the pushing, it wasn't pushing as much as gentle nudging to go quicker. They did this for about 20 min. and clapped at eachother everytime they jumped!

Great Idea!!!

So my sister in law has always had a nack for new ideas and has put that to good use. First she started with baby products and has now branched out to kids stuff too. This one of her new great ideas!! It is a chalk board! She is great about helping find fabric and/or colors that your child loves. It folds up to be about the size of 4x4 card. My kids love taking it in the car and who doesn't love quiet kids in the car. If you want more information click on the link below and then go to Michiko Kids and it will take show you more pictures and has other products! Anyway, great ideas for Christmas...

http://www.michikobaby.blogspot.com/

Throw Mondays back...

We have all had those days...even those "Mondays" where we just want to crawl back in the bed, wrap the covers tightly around our head and wake up on Tues. Well, today was just one of those days for me. I am exhausted just sitting here evaluating my morning. From the mysterious disappearing pull up, to the follow up doctor appointment, to finding myself getting a nasty cold and the "supposed to be simple and get out the door" for school, my morning just had too much in it. I found my self grumpy and easily irritated just at the business turned stress of the morning. Feeling a bit guilty now, I realized I jumped on kids for small issues and generally found myself complaining about the time simple tasks seem to take. However, God in is perfect and precious way always seems to put me back in my place. I was listening to Klove, (like I do every time I am in the car, oh what would I do without Klove!) and someone mentioned this verse, Proverbs 15:1....oh to be my prayer today and everyday! "A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger". See I found my self getting angry over simple things, taking some of that anger out on the kids, even if they did deserve a little correction from me. I realized, or shall I say I was convicted that my mornings would not be half as bad if I did not contribute to 50% of the attitude problem. So tomorrow I choose to have a better attitude, to stay calm in the force of the busy morning and take a deep, cleaning breath when I need to. If I can change my side of the morning...the kids will be happier too!

PS I took this picture as the sun beamed through my front window early this morning...welcoming fall!

Too precious for words...

Homework adventure

We have been several weeks into the nightly homework routine and things are going well. Sometimes it is hard to find the quiet, alone moments to focus, but he is willing to try 90% of the time. We have been working hard on reading and Shane found this great web site that has stories that can be customized and of course Jacob thinks that is cool. Last night they were so cute on the couch reading and I had to snap a few pictures. Shane of course is shirtless until, oh January, and so he decided to be silly about the fact that I captured yet another moment and he had no shirt, also I think he knew I would blog about it. At least he is cooperative in my trying to make it funny!

No more training wheels!

Samantha has offically given up the training wheels! Shane is such a good teacher and she mastered bike riding is two days! She loves riding her bike like a big girl. She started this weekend, and except for a fall and a bump on the head on Sunday, she is good to go! Now, we are working on starting and stopping on her own. She is smiling in her pictures, but that is because I asked her too...she is unusally focused and "serious" while concentrating on the bike riding. We are proud of you Samantha!

Yummmmmmy in my tummy!

So is there any doubt that this cute boy loves to eat a cupcake? His tongue just cracks me up! We had the Williams family over for dinner tonight, and Nathan's brother Terrell turns 3 this weekend so we of course had to have cupcakes for dessert. Again, such a funny boy!

Remembering 9/11

We all remember where we were that day...I was at home, with my one month old baby boy, when my Mom called crying telling me to turn on the TV. Overwhelmed with what I was seeing I rushed to her house...we could not pull ourselves form the coverage. I think I sat on the couch for 3 days watching, praying, hoping for survivors to be found. It certainly was a day that marked our generation much like Pearl Harbor did decades ago. While the impact of the day has gone, there is a uneasiness in my heart as I raise children in a fallen world, but then I am reminded by God's word, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Happy Birthday Samantha Baby!

Princess Party

We did a princess party for Samantha. He rlittle friends all came over dressed up and it was the most adorable thing I have ever seen. Jacob and Shane served the girls their food and drink. The memories that were created I know I will remember forever...I hope she does too. These are just a couple to give you an idea of the party. I have so many more, so anytime you are over at our house and want to see them let me know. Her birthday date is Wed, the 10th...so hard to believe it has been 5 years! Happy Birthday sweetheart!

Dancing with Cinderella

Samantha had a "Princess" Birthday party today! She was of course Cinderella. Steven Curtis Chapman has a song called Cinderella and we had to have a Daddy/Daughter dance. I screwed up the video so it is sideways, and it is just a bit of the song but still precious and tissue may be required. I will post more party pics later but I wanted to get this done asap.

"Slow Fade"

Casting Crowns has a new song out called "Slow Fade". I am overcome with emotion and the power God has given these people to communicate truth. Please visit the site below, click on the video, close your eyes and take in the words.

http://www.reunionrecords.com/castingcrowns/altar/

The video is incredible, but the words alone can reach each one of us in it's own way...not just the way the video portrays. It is so powerful the first time listening to the words with your eyes closed.

To all my dear friends and family...I am praying for you always!

Samantha's First Day of School

We sent our sweet girl off to her first day of school today. She has been looking forward to this days for 2 years...ever since her brother was in the same class. Samantha is in Pre-K at the same preschool/teacher that Jacob had two years ago. She was so excited today. As is our tradition, we always go out to breakfast before school starts. They read "Rainbow Fish" and I tell you what, her reading comprehension is better than mine. She could tell me just about every detail of the book and we have never read it. She is a smart cookie! Also, this year is especially fun because all her little friends from church...all the way since they were babies together in the nursery are all in her class.

Since this post is all about Samantha I have decided to include the latest "Samantha-ism"! (These are the hilarious things that come out of her mouth at the funniest times) Ok, so we were walking out of Kohl's yesterday afternoon, (I had all 5 kids) and walking to the car. And for those of you with more than one kid, it can be interesting trying to keep everyone together AND look for cars. So this car turns right in front of us, a bit too close for my comfort, and his window was down and I just said "DUDE!" and Samantha, without missing a beat says "Hey, we're walkin here!" Oh I almost peed my pants from laughter! God has given her a unique wit that I just adore!

Bittersweet moment...so I was driving Samantha down University on my way to the school and was over come with emotion. I just started bawling! I had memories of Jacob flooding back into my mind, and how excited I was that three mornings a week Samantha and I were going to have one-on-one time, which we never had before Jacob went to school. We had fun times shopping, going to Walmart, and hanging out at home. I just can't believe how fast the time really does fly. While I am so proud of her, I am just thankful and blessed by the unique person she is! My baby is in school...a treasured moment!

Change in blog title

So, Shane and I were talking, evaluating our life and having a good laugh. If I only had a picture of our tent trailer this weekend you might understand the change even more. My hubby is the most amazing, ingenious man. He made a rack for the back of the trailer to take extra "stuff", but it also doubles as our cooking table. Then he made and added an addition to the table for holding pots, pans, paper towels...all the amenities of home. Anyway, once it is packed up, including the kiddie table on the roof of the "Berb", we look kinda look like the Beverly Hillbillies. It is pretty funny! Sooooo, with that and our unconventional life we changed our blog title. Our blog address is the same so no need for change to view the blog. If you have any funny comments to our life feel free to tell us...we love laughing at ourselves!