and babies make 5

Girl time was fantastic this past weekend. I forget how hard it is to say goodbye at the end of each visit. I spent a good 15 minutes crying on my way home.
When I get together with my college girls, we usually have lots of pictures of us hiking or seeing new places. This time, I got home and had 2 pictures of the 3 of us together and a ton of the babies. Who can resist delicate curls and toddling feet? When I was a high schooler, I hated babysitting. I did it often cause it was a source of income and the kids were usually good. I always feared that I would be a horrible auntie and kids would run in terror as soon as they saw me. Well, when your friends have babies, it's a whole other story. I had the best time just watching the babies and making them laugh and feeding them and putting them down for a nap. Being an auntie is magical. I fall in love with those 2 little girls more every time I see them. Everything they do is so much more amazing because I see my 2 best friends in their babies faces. I love seeing my friends as mothers, so loving and compassionate and funny. It's fun to think about college days and who they were then and now to see them raising little ones (with their significant others of course!). We didn't really do much of anything on this visit. Between naptime, feeding time and running around to use up energy time, we didn't have time for much else. And since I was the only one without a baby, I wondered if it would be hard. No way! It was magical. I know that's such a strange word to use, but its true. Every moment, even the crying tantrums, was enjoyable. Meal times were more fun with high chairs and bibs. Car time was more fun being in between 2 car seats with 2 angels to talk to. The mom's got to talk and I got to play.
I'm so thankful for my roomies. We still talk about everything. We still laugh at each other. And it still feels like home when we're together. I love seeing them grow and change into 2 amazing mothers. If only the goodbyes could be erased....
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second generation

( I can only pray that their friendship will be as great as mine with their moms)

power out

No power for most of the day today because of high winds here last night. We have had the strangest weather this winter! Extreme winds that feel like they are going to take the roof off of the tiney, tiny cottage.
It was like someone chopped off my right arm this morning. How do I do any work without a computer. How do I check email? How do I answer the phone (which doesn't work without power as well). How did people live without this miracle? I'm happy to have heat blowing through the vents again and my keyboard happily clicking out my thoughts. mmmm, life is back to normal.
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roommate reunion

This weekend is going to be great. I can just feel it. Both of my college roommates are going to be in town with their husbands and their kids! We haven't been all together in years. I've seen both of them recently, but to have all of us together is like catching lightning in a bottle these days. This past weekend I was going through my old picture albums from the college days. What times we had! These girls know more about me that just about anyone. College life tends to lead to lots of late night chats, embarrassing moments and memorable dance routines (so many great stories there!). I was able to see each of them fall in love with their husbands and then become mothers. They are so patient with me and everything that has happened in my life. I can call either at anytime and know that they are listening, not just hearing, everything I say. We have all changed so much, yet each time we get together, it's totally comfortable. It's home.
I can't wait!
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Squirrel for breakfast

This morning on my walk into work, I saw quite a sight. Down in the grass there was something moving that caught my eye. It was incredibly foggy this morning so I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. But on the ground was a hawk with a squirrel in his talons having a feast. I stood there for a moment to see if it was real. Then the squirrel started to move! It was still alive! The hawk was pecking away at it's head region. The eyes, I'm guessing, were it's first course. Gross! Nothing like walking into work nauseous. Yuk....
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Antique treasures

I found all of these priceless gems at an antique store this summer. Something about each one just seemed to tell such a great story. I couldn't put them down. My mother kept asking why I would want pictures of people that I didn't even know. Somehow, it just seemed sad that someone's memories were forgotten. I'll just make up my own stories to go with each one...

Just look at this little girl's face. It's priceless!

This is my favorite. Those chubby little cheeks! Who did this baby grow up to be?

Aren't they stylin'! I love the smirk on his face.

These girls loved their horses. Their outfits are to die for! I love how the picture is faded and almost washed out.


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Gentle readers

A couple months ago, I started reading a blog by a lady who was adopting with her husband their first little girl from China. It fascinated me. She was my inspiration to start my own bloggedy blog. I decided that I was going to start so I could keep friends and family up to date while I was on my trip to the other side of the world. It became such an enjoyable thing to continue. Even though my entries may not be filled with great exciting news every time, I have so much fun jotting down my thoughts.
Why? Not so sure. I'm an extremely private person most of the time. Shy, actually. Most of my thoughts are penned in a journal that I don't share with anyone. So why is the idea of broadcasting my thoughts all over the world wide web so appealing. Truthfully, I have no idea. I just enjoy writing and it feels like a great creative outlet. I love sharing pictures I take and thoughts that wave in and out of my brain.
But, I have no idea who actually reads my blog. I don't have a counter to track who is here. (note to self: must do that.) The only way I know if someone reads it is if they tell me, leave a comment or a note in the guest book. (I feel like such a huge computer geek when I say it in those terms!). So if you do read and do delve into my thoughts along with me, let me know! I'd love to hear from each of you and what you think about. And if you are feeling brave, sign up for your own blog and let your thoughts go! You'll love it!
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Writers and wishing I could be one...

I may have said this before, but I am in awe of writers. True, make me cry, make me laugh out loud, make me believe in a world that is literally impossible, writers. I have so many that I just love, but here is a quick list of my favorites..

L.M. Montgomery. (Oh, how I love this woman's style. She wrote things in her books things that I think, but can't put down on paper. I've read the Anne series so many times, that I almost know it by heart. I loved being in Prince Edward Island and seeing all the things that were her inspirations for her stories. The Lake of Shining Waters. The Haunted Woods. Lover's Lane. Her stories are fun, imaginative, honest and real. It's hard to believe that Anne Shirley isn't a real person.)

Joss Whedon. (So he doesn't write books (isn't TV just another form in the art of writing), that doesn't mean that he isn't an genius writer. He creates multi-layered worlds that are full of 3 dimensional characters. It's hard to believe that Spike and Buffy aren't real somewhere on the earth or in the 'verse. Or that Captain Tightpants isn't roaming the skies with his hap-hazard crew o' eight. Shiny, indeed.)

J.K Rowlings. (Say what you may about "that Harry Potter stuff", but J.K. is a writing wizard.)

Louisa May Alcott (Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth. They were like my own sisters when I read this book. I cry every single time I read about Beth's death. Every time.)

If there were one thing I would love to do before I die, it would be to write a book. A really good book. One that means something. One that tells an amazing story. I often think about what the story would be about. Who would these characters be? What would their lives be like? Where would they live? How would the ideas for them arrive in my brain?

These are the thoughts that were running through my head on the walk to the mail box today.

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It used to be soap

I took this when I was at my parents house for Christmas. There was this bar of soap sitting in a soap dish in the bathroom. I have never seen anything like this. For some reason, it was so fascinating that I had to take a pictures to save the image forever. How does something like this happen?!!


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A whole new world

I've been thinking lately, "what would my life be like without the internet?" I remember distinctly getting my first email address. I was in college at the computer lab trying to figure out this new world I had been told about. "You just sign up and some "one" writes you letters and you get them and you don't have to pay for it? Ahh, zah! This is a new fun territory I must be a part of."
Now I can't survive without it. My life revolves around it at times.
I've been blessed in my life with so many wonderful friends. The not so wonderful part is that they are scattered around the globe. I can send them quick notes about how my day is and what I'm up to. We can chat online if need arises (don't really do that much, but it's there if I need it). I get as excited to check my inbox each day as I do getting the real mail. (ps...does anyone else absolutely love getting the mail? It's like winning a prize when there is something fun in it for you!)
Then there's online shopping. My dad would have found no present under the tree this year without the internet.
I'd never get movie times.
Paper tickets would be my only way to travel on planes, trains and boats.
I'd never know if LOST is new tonight or just a repeat.
No meeting fun new people through their blogs. This is my favorite new addition to my world o'net.
No Conan O'Brien clips of the Chuck Norris Walker Texas Ranger lever. (check out this. Go to his website, click on video, click Late Night at the top, click under Conan "late night feature clips", and then scroll down and go to nubmer 18 and click on Late Night: Walker Texas Ranger.....I know this sounds confusing, but I couldn't get a link to work for it....There are 3 of these clips. My brother showed them to me and I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard.)
Let's not forget about an entire resource library at your fingertips. Remember the days of research papers that meant hours of encyclopedia research...don't miss that!
Less picture sharing with friends. I'd never see their kids grow up without the invention of the internet and the wonderful new device called the digital camera. Ooooo!
What is this world we live in?

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Here's what I've been doing this week...

Reading...finally finished Prince Caspian...now starting Memoirs of a Geisha....

This is pretty much the position I've been in all week. New slippers on, in front of the TV watching...(see next photo) note: I did change spots on the couch a couple times.

Yup, more TV. I told you it's like a drug addiction...I'm seeking help...

But that's not all...there's more...



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Mourning the loss of the forest next to the house I grew up in.

Raking leaves...
Playing with my parent's crazy dog, who decided to be shy and hide under the table near my dad when I decided to take her picture. Usually she is HYPER CRAZY!
Knitting, which also includes buying new needles and finding a great yarn store down the street!
And more still....

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It's a game my brother got for Christmas. We've both been doing it...

I organized the 3,000 pictures from my sister's wedding. How many were there really? Well, they wouldn't all fit in this photo box.

Lotion on my face too many times to count. City water is full of chlorine. Chlorine=peeling skin.

Eating way to much of this...

While thinking that I should be doing this....

Happy week between holidays, everyone!

2005 review

2005 fun memories...

Having friends over constantly. (if only I had a guest room for them to enjoy)

Seeing the sunset over the river (it never gets old)

Laughter (there is nothing better in life that laughing with friends. you know the kind where you laugh so hard that you can't breathe and you just can't stop!)

The sound of children having fun and laughing, the slashes in the pool, the loud voices over the megaphone, the boat pulling away from the floating pier with a banana boat full of the screams of delighted kids (the property feels so lost and empty once the kids leave)

Re-reading my journal throughout the year to see how I've changed and the answers to my prayers.

Listening to music in my car. (sometimes it's the best release ever. makes me feel like I should be on Broadway when I sing along in the confines of my little car)


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A day in the life of Jack Bauer

About 3 years ago, we started a new tradition for the week after Christmas. It has become one of my favorites...you will see why...
Every year for Christmas, someone seems to get at least one movie. They are such fun and easy gifts to give. So, every year, we end up watching at least one or more movies throughout the lazy week between Christmas and New Years.
About 3 years ago, I decided to try the show Alias after seeing a few epidsodes here and there. I went to Blockbuster and rented the first 2 seasons, 2 discs at a time. We, my brother, mom, dad (for some reason, I don't remember my sister being there. She is the normal one among us with an actual life outside the house during the Christmas/New Years' week), and I sat and watched 2 whole seasons in just a few short days. The next year, we tried another show (I think it was 24, but I wasn't intrigued at the time) and got up to date on Star Wars behind the scenes since it had just come out on DVD.
This year, it's a sci fi spectacular. My brother got 24 season two. My dad got Firefly. Both have almost constantly been on out TV for the last 2-3 days. It's really ridiculous. My dad said today as we sat down for lunch (in front of the TV of course to continue the viewing and save time while eating as well) that the episodes are like chips. We can't just eat one. We sit down to watch one episode and 3 hours later we are sitting there realizing that it's now almost time for dinner.
At least now I know my TV addiction is hereditary....isn't that an excuse?

For the record...I'm enjoying 24 even though I can't stand the actor who plays the president (most annoying man ever to have no emotion) and the story lines are crazy (so now the woman who killed Jack's wife is getting immunity for everything she's done and has survived a plane crash and can talk to the President any time she demands it) but it does keep me watching. Season one I gave up after 5 episodes. I'm told if you hang on, you will love it. Okay, Keifer, make me a believer....

sunset

God was painting the other night in pinks and oranges....

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wreath o' Winnie

This is what we did to my parents poor dog for Christmas. Someone made her this Christmas wreath with jingle bells on it. Needless to say, she didn't get the Christmas joy out of it that we did.


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my black and whites

Before I left for Europe, I was having problems trying to decide what shoes to take with me. They had to be comfortable to walk in cause that was my #1 means of transportation. I carefully evaluated each pair of shoes that I owned and tried to pick one to no avail. I have lots of shoes, but none that I felt could withstand the beating I was about to give them. Plus, all my travel books said that "to stand out as a tourist, locals need only to look at your shoes." They rarely if ever wear tennis shoes out and about.
I was caught at a cross roads of fashion and comfort. I shopped, somewhat half heartedly, hoping to find something to fit the bill. I found a pair of shoes a TJMAXXXX (oh, how I love you) for an unbelievable deal. Almost half off the regular price (oh, how I love a good bargin even more). I packed them away in my suitcase complete with a set of $2.99 WalMart insoles just for fun.
These black and whites became my favorite shoe after just one wearing. They were literally like slippers. I took them off only to go to bed. I wore them with everything and threw fashion to the wind because they were so comfy. We were a match made in discount store heaven.

Hats off to you Mr. Jackson

He may be the only person in the world that will make me run to the theatre opening weekend and happily lay down my $9 for a 3 hour sit in the theater. 4 times now, he has persuaded me that long doesn't necessarily mean that it will be boring, no special effects can take the place of a well told story (even though his stories are full of them), storytelling at its best can make you cry over the oddest things, and good casting makes the picture.
Keep the stories coming. And don't forget the hours of behind the scenes gems for the DVDs.
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La Tour Eiffel

I found this picture as I was looking through my Europe pictures. I just love how massive the Eiffel Tower looks.
 

it's a little tree....

but it brings so much Christmas cheer!


















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to wrap or not to wrap

I have a friend who thinks wrapping presents is the most stupid thing ever. Why do all that work, when it's just going to get destroyed? It's just like throwing your money away.
Must say that I COMPLETELY disagree! Last night, I spent a whole hour happily wrapping presents for friends and loved every minute of it. There is just something about someone seeing their present looking beautiful. It may even hide how small or insignificant the gift may be. I love using ribbon and wire garland and colors. This year I found some Chinese take-out food containers in Christmas colors! It's such a fun way to let someone know you care.
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ho-hum

I've been debating whether to post or not because nothing all that adventurous has happened lately. After posts about London and the Eiffel Tower, writing that I went Christmas shopping at Sam's club last night just seems rather pathetic.
So, I've been trying to think of a fun spin on my life. How do I write down my day to day events without making them seem as stupid and silly as they really are? These are the reasons that I think that writers, truly good writers are among the most talented minds in our world. I read a blog from a lady who just seems to have this really fun life. There isn't anything really that over-adventurous about her day to day life, but she they way she writes, it's just so much fun to read. She writes about what she's feeling that day and doesn't apologize for it either. Love it.
So what do I feel like today? I'm excited to pick up my Christmas cards that I made and mail them out to friends. I'm excited to watch Alias tonight cause Micheal Vartan is going to be on it. I read a really great passage of scripture last night in Romans that been rolling around in my head all day conviciting me of stuff in my mind and heart lately. Love that. Knitting is on the agenda tonight as well. This is my new craft for the winter. I'm slowly improving.
There you go. See, not so exciting, but then again, it's my life. Some days are the Eiffel Tower at sunset. Some are Sam's club at Christmas. Now that sounds like the title of a book.....hmm...
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Things I don't like...

Since I've posted things I do like, here's a list of the opposite. In no order of reason...

Cold weather ( I miss my flip-flops and tank tops and it's only the beginning of winter here. Arggg.)

Reconciling myself to the fact that my college professors where right when they said "you may have to use graphic design in the future even though your major is video" (to which my response was always "heck, no! I hate design!!" Double arggg.)

Favorite TV shows becoming a mere shadow of their former glorious selves (see Alias and West Wing. Are they even the same shows? It's not really Alias without Vaughn, everyone knows that.)

Small talk with people I don't know (I'm in awe of people who can do this. It's like a superpower or something.)

My own clothes (not all the time, but definately today)

When people read the end of the book before they finish (it drives me insane, especially when they tell me about it. or ruin a movie by giving away the twist. There should be a special place of punishment for these ruiners.)

Being asked "So when are you getting married? You aren't getting any younger you know" (Oh, right, I forgot about that whole area of my life. Really should be working on that, shouldn't I? (sarcastic undertones heavily implied))

Living far from my friends (college dorm life did have it's advantages. Best friends a step across the hallway at anytime)

Not being able to write in words what my brain is thinking and how I'm feeling

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Narnia remembered

I have been to the movies 3 times in less than a week. It's really rather ridiculous. I hardly go anymore because the price is almost $10 for a nighttime movie around here. Thank goodness for twilights when it's still under $6.
Narnia was amazing. My teacher in 3rd grade was a sweet older woman who loved her students. Everyday after our lunch, she would pull her rocking chair up to the carpet in the center of the room and read us a story as we all sat in a circle around her feet. That was the first time I heard The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. As a child, I adored anything that let my imagination run free. Having a story read to me and picturing the characters in my young mind was like opening up that wardrobe to a new world.
I'm so thankful for teachers that I had as a little girl. And for my mom who was the best teacher any girl could have at home.
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Give this Christmas

We are so blessed in this country. Most of us have an abundance of "things." We have more than we need and yet there are so many without. Here are 2 organizations that I believe in and support throughout the year. Check out their websites to see what they are all about. Remember all the children in the world who still need so much.

Shaohannah's Hope was begun by my favorite recording artist. He has adopted 3 little girls from China. This organization is a way to support families who want to adopt, but don't have the funds. It's Christian based and I have loved seeing God use families in the US to change little kid's lives in other countries. It's a great thing to be involved with if you have a heart for adoption (which I greatly do!)
I've been involved with Compassion for a couple years now. The way the organization is set up: you can choose a child to sponsor. You send in $ every month (this goes to help with food, clothes and schooling for your child) and you get pictures and letters from your child. You can see how they grow and change through the years. This has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. My little girl lives in Indonesia, but you can pick from dozens of countries. This is also a Christian organization. I've loved watching her grow and change in each letter and photo.


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The white way of delight

The magic of a world turned white. We get to have it a little bit earlier than usual this year!


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Let it snow

I've lived in my cottage for almost 5 years now. We have this holly type bush outside in the flower bed. It's a beautiful plant, but has never had had berries in the 5 years I've lived there. One day I was opening the curtains and low and behold...
It's loaded! And beautiful! And today it's getting snow all over it. That's right everyone, we are having a very early snow this winter. It won't amount to much, I don't think, but it's beautiful to look at. It reminds me of the 1st and 2nd time I've seen snow this year. #1 camping in the snow a couple weeks ago (see previous entry of aforementioned activity). #2 the Highlands of Scotland. That was a sight to behold! Can you tell I'm still missing it over there?
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Finally over jetlag

I think I had jet lag worse when I came home. All in all it wasn't terrible though. I'm just still so glad that I never got it while I was over there. Now, I just wake up early every morning, which is kinda nice cause I'm a morning person anyway.
Yes, I still miss it over there. Shannon called yesterday to say hi and I loved that I could picture in my head where she was while she was talking to me. I love that I can't stop looking at my pictures and wishing that I was back in Paris. I love that I will forever have the memories of that trip. I've always thought that our memories were one of the best gifts that God ever gave us. Imagine not being able to remember all the great things that happened in your life. That would be devastating to me!
Everyone keeps asking me what my favorite part of the trip was. (mostly because no one except a few dear friends have time for the long drawn out recap. Bless my roommate for wanting to hear everything! She's a dear!) I usually say Paris. And when I look back at my pictures, I see how true it is. There was something in that city that I just fell in love with. It's true what people say about how romantic Paris is. Much of it is just because of the city itself. I've never been anywhere like it. Nothing else really compared to the feeling of that city. So that was my favorite part, I guess. But it feels like I'm leaving so many things out when I say that. I loved each country for it's own special, peculiar things. That's what makes that part of the world so unique, I suppose. Every country, even though they are as close as the states in the US, is so different. I've never experienced that before and I just loved it!
I'm ready to go back in the spring and walk around Paris and London without being bundled up like Randy on A Christmas Story! Which, by the way, is on the schedule of movies to watch in the next few days. That along with the 35 shows that I missed while being gone from prime time television for over 2 weeks. It really is pathetic. But it's so fun to watch now. What if I had missed seeing the raft crew being reunited with the rest of the survivers on LOST! Or seeing Rory and Loreli finally bury the hatchet. Like I said, love TV to the point of being a total loser....must work on that in the New Year.....
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Home Sweet Missing Great Britain Home

Been home for a few days now. Forgot to put up some pictures of London. They didn't turn our as well as the others because the weather wasn't too great. It was dark by the time we got to almost everything too. I definitely want to go back to London. There is so much that I didn't get to see!
Tower of London. I thought it was a little funny, yet creepy that people were ice skating at the former house of torture and imprisonment.




Platform 9 3/4. If you don't know why this is a big deal to me, than, well, that's sad...





Tower Bridge, although many(including me until I went there) confuse it with London Bridge. It's majestic at night.







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