Thankfulness Countdown 19: I'm thankful to live where we do

I've also been posting my thing I'm thankful for on FB. In response to today's post, a friend said "You are in God's country, out there in Oregon."

Yes, Amber, we do get to see the amazing wonder in God's creation all around us out here. Right now, we have moved into the rainy season. In the car on the way to lunch, after church, the kids were marveling at how beautifully blue and clear the sky was. I was struck by the fiery orange and reds of the leaves, mostly fallen, littering the sidewalks and street curbs. And a 45 degree pan to the west showed the most vicious black storm clouds, like a wall - stopping the sunshine. Other clouds like vertical sheer sheets, that had to bring drenching rain from the high heavens to the ground below. It was an impressive sight to see. And yet, last week, the first week of November, we had two days over 70 degrees- It'll always keep you guessing!

Oregon is wonderful! All with in a few hours drive, we can be in the city, in the mountains, the high desert, the coast, the Columbia River Gorge.


We are close to the city! Shane's commute from home to downtown Portland usually takes about 25 minutes. The public transportation is great and ever expanding. The city is clean and fresh, and since it's inhabited by Oregonians, it's pretty green too!



We have so many local farms to choose from for fresh produce, dairy and meats. (I'm THINKING about trying raw milk!) My freezer and pantry are full of blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, apples, and corn. Had it not been for a rough spring, that list would have also included tomatoes, pickles and zucchini as well!

When it is time to play, the options are so numerous and the scenery is just amazing.

Great parks, great museums, great rec centers, great sports.



Simply - Oregon Rocks!

Thankfulness countdown 20 - I'm Thankful for True Friends

We have been so fortunate, in the last few years especially, to be surrounded by a wonderful community of friends. If it were not for our families and this amazing group of friends, raising six children would be a nearly impossible venture. With their support, it become possible and even enjoyable.

Realizing the formidable journey the first year with baby twins could be, their first birthday was as much a celebration of our survival, as well as a celebration of our boys!

Here is the video from Nathan and Micah's first birthday. CHEERS!

Thankfulness countdown 21 - I'm Thankful for My Mom

Sometimes, I'll pass by a mirror and stop, do a double take. I really have days where I look more and more like my Mom.

It's been over 15 years since I've seen her. Yet, her memory and legacy is strong, every day in my life.

Although, I don't feel I've equaled my mother's skills, I am delighted in the pursuit of these things, and relate to her enjoyment in these things.

She was a meticulous semestress, fantastic cook and baker, intense gardener, heartfelt educator with a love for learning, and an awesome home-maker (not a house wife, but one who MAKES a home). When I was small, I didn't find much interest in really any of these things, despite my mother's encouragement. Of course, this is a regret I have, that I didn't know well enough to seize that opportunity while it was there.



I'm so thankful for the foundations she laid in my life, very much defining who I am. I am thankful for the inspiration she provides me as a mother, wife, friend, and teacher.

Thankfulness countdown 22 - Creator God who chose me to be loved!

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Ephesians 1:4

This morning I attended the WPM (Moms') bible study this morning at Westport Church. We are studying Ephesians. Our wonderful and amazing teacher was showing us a diagram of the Holy Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament. In the Law, God set out for the Israelites very specific rules about who would be allowed to enter the most holy places in the temple. God gave very specific instructions for the "Holy of Holys", the deepest part of the Temple, which was separated by a veil or curtain, included many specific laws to be kept by the select priests who could enter this place. If he did not follow these instructions, he could die, simply by being in the presence of God and not being completely pure and holy.

And so here I am, today, in 2010, reflecting on that image of God's, literal, supreme holiness, and knowing that when Christ made his sacrifice on the cross for us, that "tore the veil" bringing us into God's holy presence.

He chose me to be loved.
He chose me in Christ.
He chose me to be without fault in his eyes.
He chose me, before he formed the world.

Wow.

Thank you God.

Don't call it a comeback

I just went back to see, it is sad. In the last 12 months I have posted a whoping 12 times to my beloved blog :-(

I know. I 've been busy and have plenty of reasons to neglect this site.

But if I was honest with myself, I know everything is a choice. I do have 6 children to care for, feed, clothe, educate, keep safe, entertain, taxi, etc... But I also have made a choice to divert energy to Facebook.

(I like being able to touch into my friend's lives, with little effort on my part. Giving them tidbits of my life. Letting them know I care with a comment or wall post. And, the opportunities to reconnect with 10 and 15 year long lost friends has been invaluable and delightful!)

I can justify attention to Facebook all day long, but I know that it is only a junk food fix for the real outlet that I need. Likewise, I realize that neither FB nor blogging will ever replace the need for true face to face relationships.

Yet, I loved the process of documenting my life. I imagine that maybe in a 100 years, a great grand child would stumble upon my ramblings about the good ole days.

So, in light of the coming Thanksgiving holiday, and an effort to return to purposeful blogging, I am committing to come here first, before the FB world, to post on thankfulness, for the next 21 days. With any luck, I will also get you reacquainted with myself and my family.

...but lets hold off on calling it a comeback for a bit.

I want to show you something

I almost didn't believe it was going to happen before her third birthday, but HALLELUJAH! Maggy is done with diapers!

It was Monday night, and we were mulling about the kitchen getting ready for dinner. Maggy had been successful with peeing on the potty for several days, but no poop yet. She went into the bathroom and asked for "some privacy." A minute or two later, she walks out of the bathroom, bare bottomed, tugs on her Daddy's side and said "Come here, I want to show you something." Just as matter a fact as an adult would have. She wanted to show him her poop in the potty! Is it wrong to say that's just so cute?!

I've heard it said a million times, and I have always want to think differently when I have a toddler that I think is ready for potty training, but it is true - "they will learn when they are ready."

Maggy will be one of (if not the most) strong willed of our children. I sort of expect her to be much like her mother, bold and outspoken. This is good as well as challenging.

She was promised a reward of a new dolly when she could go a whole day in dry panties. Normally, we don't get to this store often. As a matter of fact, Zak kept referring to the store as "Good Will"... which I guess we patronize a bit more frequently.

A quick stop for a potty break before shopping. Toys R Us is so considerate of their patrons that they equip their bathroom with at least one toilet that is kids height, about 18 inches off the ground. This particular toilet had blue water... so Maggy was leery. She had the opportunity to choose from a blue toilet, a normal toilet, or the handicap stall, with an extra high toilet (and big stall). She chose the tallest thrown. Maybe size matters?

So many options to consider...



...I didn't point this one out to her - for what I think are obvious reasons - but had to show you.... REALLY!? (Ok, nuff said)

Maggy was eagerly assisted by her siblings, who all want to provide input which she should get. Including Mr. I'm-too-serious-to-be-8 -Noah, who wanted to point out how expensive they all were. (did I mention many of their toys come second hand?).

But ultimately, the choice was hers. A strawberry scented Dora with her own hair brush. Perfect. And actually less than the cost of a package of diapers!

As I look at her, I can't believe how quickly she is growing up. She brings me joy and delights my heart, and despite how this makes me grieve the end to her babyhood, I love her more each day!

Noah's First Game

Soccer Mom, yes I am!

Well, now I am. Now that Noah has entered into his first season of soccer.

Today, first game of the Aloha United "Red Knights" versus Milltown SC "Dynamite".

Noah was nervous, but excited.

He got the first goal of the game... for the other team. As he was defending in front of our goal, the kick wasn't quite straight and... right past our goalie.

My mom's heart feared for the emotional well-being of my little man. And then I hear "It's ok man, it's just a game." Dreshon, Noah's curly haired teammate encouraged him on. And the game went on.

The final score of Dynamite - 6, Red Knights - 0 doesn't give it justice. These boys are learning to work as a team, learning about the game and having a good time.

Noah came away from the game with a joyful heart and a smile on his face. I'm so proud of him in so many ways.