Lake Literature

The Most Magical Place on Earth

2011-05-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

For years Todd has talked about taking the kids to Disneyland. I however never wanted to be there with a baby or two year old. Finally Todd put his foot down and said "we're going!".

The kids did great on our 17 hour drive down. We left at 7:30 pm and checked into our hotel at noon the next day.

We spend the next 4 days at both Disneyland and California Adventure from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. only taking a little dinner break outside the park. I asked some workers if it was "busy". They stated it was only at 1/3 capacity. In other words "empty". Still felt busy to me. But if our longest line was only 30 min on Toy Story and barely needed fast passes on many others, I guess it we were lucky. We went on a ton or rides multiple times. On the 4th day we finally were able to talk Camdyn into going on Calf Screamin coaster which is fast with a upside down loop. Boy was she scared.....then.....she went on it 4 more times in a row!

Around 1:00 Brody would ask to nap in the stroller or zonk on Todd's shoulder while we rode some scary rides! Like the Haunted Mansion. Then back in the hotel the kids would hot tub, watch TV and ZONK out! I went 8 days in a row sleeping in and not waking up to run! I haven't done that since I was preggy.

On the 5th day we were sad to leave and wished we'd stayed longer. Left the hotel at noon and drove straight through to Portland. 18 hours on the way back. That drive is LONG. I'm not a fan of it. I kept jolting out of my sleep trying to grab the steering wheel thinking Todd was asleep and we were going off the road! Thanks to me we almost did! Todd was about to restrain me.

One of my cameras is better than the other, but I didn't want to take it in every day so we have a mixture of both lenses at work here......

On our drive down my sister text me "that had better darn well be the most magical place on Earth for all the hassle and expense of it all".....well it WAS!

Haitian Medical Relief

2011-02-27T22:34:00.000-08:00

Just recently Todd returned from a 12 day medical aid to Haiti through MEDICAL TEAMS INTERNATIONAL along with his co-worker Dan from Tualitin Valley Fire and Rescue.

These are a few pictures of the Haitians they treated, where they stayed and what the villages, town and cities look like now a year after the earthquake. So much poverty. So much sickness. Such humble people.

Todd is asleep as I am posting this.....so if I am not accurate in my writing, forgive me Todd and Dan!

This was the street where their accomodations were. It was gaurded by this man with an AK22 or whatever it is! Yikes! Not knowing what to expect, these rooms were nicer than he thought. They had a cook, but he still managed to come home 2 belt holes smaller. What is with being a guy!

Each day supplies from MIT along with the crew of one Physician, 3 nurses, Todd and Dan were driven out to this "tent city" site to see patients who would line up. It was all open air and hotter than anything...and Todd is a sweaty guy. He said it was a freak show when he started to sweat!

They treated diseases from Cholera, Malaria, ringworm, skin lesions, malnutrition and std's to name a few.

Some of the children they were treating along with Todd's favorite nurse. (Just kidding!!!!)

Todd showed us this one toy this young boy had. It was a plastic ring that he pulled on a string all around and just watched it bounce over rocks and skip along. It was all he had and he took such pleasure out of it. I hate what our kids do today! Electronics and toys that they bore of in an hour or less!

This is an example of a "tent city" that is what all these white structures are, covering this valley floor. This is what they live in :<

Here is one up close that happens to be made out of cinderblocks, most aren't even that insulated. That has to be a 3 ft by 8 ft house. Can we even imagine??

Earthquake damage to a nearby building

Driving through town Todd captured images through the car window. Not exactly a tourist snapshot with the locals type of destination. Behind this dumpster is a river but you can't see the water due to the GARBAGE! It's just a floating canal of garbage. Although is it even floating? Todd says they have no sanitation systems so to get rid of trash they'll just set these dumpsters on fire. Ahh, the smell!

Dan is standing in one of the other locations they were seeing patients. This one had a larger "pharmacy" and more equipment to do more triage. Am I spelling things right? Dan and Todd were able to use all their skills and then some.

Another floating river of garbage

The team was given a day off and taken to a nearby coastline. Todd was grateful to see this beauty or else he would have thought the whole of Haiti was a complete dump.

The doctor, nurse, a director of MIT and they guys.

Another pile of dirt just mounding up along the side of the road.

This mother brought her infant in and after doing an assesment, after getting med/fluids into her, she turned a corner. Todd told me more I can't recall!

These are the interpreters that traveled with them every day. Todd said this group was so awesome and so humble.

Some of the medical supplies at one of the sites

More garbage strewn in front of a local merchant market

Dan with one of the local children that came for treatment.

Christmas on Ingle Road

2010-12-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve morning it's been a tradition of mine to do the 6 mile Waffle Run with my running friends from Lacamas. The last few years Griffin has joined me for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving and the Waffle Run. He and I ran at 7a.m. with the club then Todd brought the girls and Brody up for the breakfast and we did our own shortened version family walk/run through the neighborhood.

Christmas Eve

Uncle Matt joined us for our Evening Festivities

Dinner, musical numbers by eveyone, even Brody, the Nativity and Mr. Kruegar's Christmas.

The kids favorite part of the night is our Family Trivia. Griffin came in 1st but Brody held is own on a few questions as well!

The kids and I read a story Papa Trace scrapbooked himself several years ago

Every year these kids say "this was the best Christmas ever!" Brody was soooo excited over his vintage lot of poseable Care Bears, 12 in all and his pillow pet! Some of the older kids faves were:

Kennedy and her American Girl Doll Emily

Camdyn got a new ipod touch shuffle

And Griff is content with 2 x-box games and a few clothes

Brody was hilarious with all his excitement

My big sister Jamie made me this beautiful quilt! I was so surprised and honored to have such a thoughtful gift of love! It will definitely get used in this "Drafty Old House" (that's a line from It's a wonderful life)

Beveryly gave us a new flat screen for our upstairs bonus room so our guests and all the kids and their friends will have no excuses to wanting to watch and play on the downstairs TV :> I got Todd a memory foam gel mattress topper. He likes his sleep comfort.

Brody's got all his goods packed up and ready to play the day away!

Stocking frenzy!!!!

Todd had the house spic n span pretty much RIGHT after the gifts were opened. I made Lee's french toast. Kids played with their toys, Todd and I went for a lovely run and we went to see Gulliver's Travels with Matt, Tami and kids this afternoon. Cheesy, but a good family movie.

Our kids are still telling us "thank you" for such a wonderful Christmas. I love how it's filled with the spiritual aspects as well as the warm fuzzy traditions that I had as a little girl that make the holiday so special. Now it's time to bed in for one more Christmas movie, a roaring fir, Joni's chex mix and then take it all down and start the sugar detox!!!!

Christmas gatherings

2010-12-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

I work two days a week for Ryan Moses. I love our office and our staff. All the girls get along so well and we have alot of fun together. Makes the work day so much more enjoyable. Dr. Moses is the best doctor I've had the priveledge of working for! This was our staff Christmas photo.

Last Thursday Alli and Ryan had us to their home for a delicious dinner. All the spouses were invited.

Katie, myself and Tonya

Todd said it was the best meal he's had in a long time....what's that supposed to mean?

I'm letting each of the kids have a friend Christmas party. Camdyn had hers on the last day of school. It happened to be pajama day, so when 4 of her friends rode the bus home with her and got off the bus with she and Kennedy it looked like I was running a home for wayward children. They had a blast playing games, having pizza and playing hide n seek throughout the entire house with all the lights turned out. Scary! I let them stay from 4:00-9:30!

Holiday traditions

2010-12-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

Take the kids to the Festival of Nativities every year. They MAY be getting too old to dress up....but my friend Carries's son wasn't and he's 17! What a sport, plus Carrie's 2 week old baby boy is in the manger....how sweet.

Brody playing with the nativities in the children's interactive area.

Making sugar cookies with the kids

Eating the fruit.....or sweets, of all our labors

Sisters, Kenna is catching up to Camdyn. Which means, Kenna is tall and Cammy is small.

Brody and our "mouser" cat Daisy. Why she is inside, I do not know. When we'd thought she'd gotten carried off and eaten by racoons, I was sad. Todd says I could care less about Daisy. She IS doing her job however, so I love her for that. Not a mouse dropping in site!

Made darling Christmas banners with some of my girlfriends from the gym.

Took the kids to Pioneer Sqaure to see the tree and Santa

He was so sweet with the kids, even told Griffin to get over and sit on his lap...woops, forgot to upload that one.

Mailing off an ever changing "wish list"

The new Santa Land at Macy's.

The Lake House......by Scarlette

2010-12-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago my good friend Scarlette (check out her photo blog) http://www.scarlette.squarespace.com/ took these family photos around our house. She was so great working with Brody and got some adorable shots of him!!!! I love her editing and how the colors I chose went so well with our home and her classic styling. Thanks Scarlette!!!

Not Raggedy Ann or Betty Crocker....Mrs Claus!

2010-12-04T20:23:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas my talented and amazing friend Lori hosts a cookie exchange. It's not your average Cookie Exchange. She has a "no holds barred" way of doing things. There are prizes for Best Coookie, Best display and Best Costume. Then one of those 3 ladies wins the overall honor of being "crowned" the Cookie Queen. Complete with a tiara, Lori's chic apron and of course a spatula "wand". This year my theme was "Cookies for Santa" and my display had little Santa's surrounding it.

I won the prize for best costume, because Lori should win every year, but she won't take the prize herself. This basket was FILLED with awesome goods!

Then I won my 3rd tiara! I was Cupcake Queen once in the summer and Cookie Queen winter before last. Yes! Adding to my tiara collection. The cookies were yummy nummy and Lori always throws a wonderful party! Her theme was Sugar Plum Fairy. Isn't she adorable?!!

The funnies part of the whole eve was when I took a plate of cookies to my girlfriend Nicole's house where Griffin was at playing games with a bunch of girls and boys. I walk in and he looks and me and his eyes widen in horror as he registers....THAT'S MY MOM! Hilarious!!!!!

ING New York City Marathon 2010

2010-11-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

The Starting line on the Verrrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Fall colors through Central Park

Band playing in Brooklyn

Waterstop through Williamsburg

In the Fall of 2001 I met a gal at my club who loved to run. I told her of my plans to have a baby and that I'd be back to run with her in about 10 months. She thought "good luck!" She didn't know my pregnancies always go so according to my plan and sure enough I was back just when I said, ready to run! Since then she has trained with me through 9 marathons and one of my best training partners in my quest for Ironman in 2005. We have such a good time running and talking about life, kids, work, trips and everything else from A to Z. Back in Jan of this year she talked me into running in a half marathon with hopes to qualify for the NYC marathon November 7th. It's the world's largest marathon and very hard to get into. You must either qualify through a half marathon or try your luck with the lottery. Getting into the NYC marathon is much harder than getting into Boston because the qualifying times are much faster. 1:37 for my age, and we finished it in 1:35:59! 61 seconds to spare. That's a 7:19 pace for 13.1 miles. She stayed right with me and didn't let me slow down when I said I wanted to.

The funniest thing....although this picture is hard to tell, is that our registration numbers are ONE digit apart! We didn't even put down the same finishing time and signed up about 10 days apart! This put us in the same wave and corral at the start.

Several other runners from our club qualified to get in or did it for charity.The first night we got into New York the group of 6 couples and myself that were all staying at the same Marriott, met for dinner in Times Square. Why we didn't snap a picture of the 8 of us that were running is beyond me.

The EXPO was amazing! We were in there for 2 hours shopping around and getting free goods. This marathon by far gave out more swag (merchandise and freebies) to runners than any other one I've done. This is a life size map of the course which started on Staten Island ended in Central Park.

Afterwards we toured around the city. We walked A LOT! By the end of the eve our feet were SORE. Not good before running 26.2 miles

Tim, Cyndee's hubby was an excellent tour guide! The 3 of us had done several training runs together and get along very well. Tim was so excited about good food. This gyro was one example of that. He was raving so much that Cyndee and I had to have once for lunch!

The morning of the race we woke at 5 a.m. and loaded on the marathon bus that was right across the street from out hotel! It was cold cold and windy! Hard to keep warm until we found this spot in the sun.

We were lucky enough to run together from mile 8-16 with all the thousands of runners around us! I decided at the starting line that I wanted to see if I could best my PR of 3:27 back in 2005, although that is not what my training had been set up for. I wasn't doing fast long runs or really a lot of speed work. But I figured "what the heck, I'll give it a try". I was on track with a 3:22 finish at mile 16 if I could keep that same pace. Well a tummy cramp potty stop but an end to that and then the cold I'd been fighting and still had put the kabosh on everything. My legs felt okay but I couldn't breath. So I said, Stacey Lake...be happy with the 3:42", which was better than my last best of 3:43 in AZ and not bad for not training for a faster time.
At the end of a marathon I always get really emotional. Verclempt and all. I found Cyndee who was struggling to catch her breathe since her asthma kicked in. She crossed 2 min a head of me. It was then a prison march out of the finish area. They herd us through like cattle to our awaiting UPS trucks for our checked bags with dry clothes and cameras in them. I wanted to stretch sooo bad but they wouldn't let us sit down or stop. That was the hardest part and our van was waaaay at the end. We were number 6,000 out of 43,000 and they started backwards!

This is a better shot of our numbers.

Wrapped up in our foils we were much warmer and ready to head to the hotel via the subway. The New Yorkers were sooo nice. They all gave up their seats and went on about how they
"could never do it!"

My cousin Rich Skeen and his darling family came in to meet me on the Upper West Side for a FABULOUS dinner at a Vietnamese Restaurant. The food was heaven. Steamed spinach, yes!!! He and Jessica have the cutest kids. I was in love with little Asher. So much reminding me of Mr. Brody! We walked a lot that evening and I felt just fine! I love exploring a new city and don't care to tire out my legs to do so. Rich was a great tour guide of the surrounding area.

I don't know why but I look really short in this picture. I think I was standing in a hole!!

Spent the next day in Central Park and walking all around. It felt good to stretch our legs. And we really did a ton more walking. I was crazy about these roasted nuts. I think I

This pic was from the first night I got in while I was waiting for the others. I went out exploring and these officers were part of the marathon escort for the pros at the start. They were hob nobbing with several marathoners. I told Todd I think one of them put his hand near my butt!

Kennedy's baptism

2010-11-04T01:43:00.000-07:00

Kennedy turned 8 on Sept 29th and was baptized on a Sunday in Oct. My parents drove up for the occasion and spent a week at our house. Kennedy is such a sweet and beautiful daughter. She is full of love for her father and myself. Her most favorite thing is to sleep with me and read books in bed at night. She has a tender heart and a love for her family and siblings She knows right from wrong and is sympathetic to those with needs around her. She draws, writes stories, writes lyrics to her own songs, plays the piano, plays soccer and loves to do flips and swing on monkey bars at recess.

When she got off the bus one day Annie and Papa had this Banner that said "Give me Five. Happy Birthday Kennedy!" There were 8 balloons all tied down with king size candy and wrapped with a $5 bill. $40 bucks! She bought pajamas and several books from the book fair. She's a ver practical girl when it comes to money....much like her mother!

Annie and Papa also had a Halloween party at our house. After a spooky themed dinner the kids went trick or treating to many many doors in and outside the house. Papa was dressed up as Frankenstein up in the bonus room. Brody was pretty scared.

These pics are out of order. Beverly Lake , Tyler and Matt came as well to the baptism.

Lazy Daisy

2010-09-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

Now that it's been 2 weeks I've gotten used to this brown hair, yet when I go places I still hear "You're hair is dark!", then I think..."oh yeah, it is". Hollywood changes all the time, why can't I?

I made an attempt to capture some photos on the porch, wondering....''how hard can it be? I've got a good camera." Well for any of you who have seen Scarlette's photo sessions. That girl has got a magic touch that I just don't have!

Thursday Todd and I heard some loud sound in the middle of the night. No idea what it was. He looks out the North window and sees nothing, so we go back to bed. I leave the house at 4:45a.m. to workout and see this massive tree limb form the oak tree lying into the road. Hello! That was the noise. There wasn't even a windstorm, which is a little worrisome. What if it had comd down on the house! I borrowed the Moses' chainsaw and Todd hacked at it for THREE HOURS. That's how big it was. 40 feet long and about 16 in in diameter. Now we've got some nice wood for burning this winter tho.

Now to introduce our newest addition.....Daisy. The kids and Todd are in HEAVEN. They love her. It was Todd's decision to buy her as a mouser cat. The whole thought of that to me is revolting. I want nothing to do with petting a cat that has eaten a mouse for lunch. In fact I really want nothing to do with any pet in general. I have yet to even pet her. I'm completely indifferent to animals. Don't hate em. Don't love em.

Since she's still a kitten we are feeding her and easing her into her new surroundings before we limit food and make her hunt. Ahggg! Sad. After one week here she has found her favorite spot. Curled up on ALL my cushions, whichi is great cause we all know how much I love to see animal hair covering any peice of fabric....let alone on the kids clothes. But she does look cute when we open the door and there she be.

Todd is almost as bad as the kids "Honey come look at Daisy catch this moth!" he'll say. I saw her do it 3 days ago. I'm good.

The girls enjoy having friends ride the bus home with them (since it takes 30 min!) and stay for a late. Hmm, where's Griffin? He was "outta here" when I started snapping these and off to hang out with his friends.

First Day of School Tummy Aches

2010-09-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I realize I didn't capture a pic of Griffin on the first day! The girls however....and Brody were willing to smile, as long as we weren't going to be late! Kennedy was complaining of a tummy ache all morning. I just told her it was nerves or that she'd go to the bathroom and school and feel better.

I get a call from the school nurse at 1:00. She'd thrown up. Back at home she withers on the couch all into the evening. Finally she sleeps from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Hurts to go potty and a really sharp pain over her belly button and sides. Hmm, once Todd mentions "apendix" I google it and sure enough...... ALL the symptoms match up. She says she can't live with this pain through the night, and she's not a drama queen so I believe her. I take her to the E.R. at 2 a.m. and after and IV and CT scan she is scheduled for sugery at 8 a.m. The nurses were in love with her sweet demeanor and raggy ringgy curls! She was a cute lilttle cooperative patient!

Todd got to the kids to school and came to the hospital just as she was coming around from the anesthesia. Bevery delivered this balloon boquet. Annie and Papa send $50 to grandkinder who get appendix out (she makes #4) and I brought her a jamb juice. When she told Camdyn on the phone, just before going to surgery, Camdyn says "Kennedy....that's just like in the book Madeline!" Later after more friends were dropping by gifts such as candy, notebooks, flowers and even the DVD Diary of a Whimpy Kid....Camdyn says "Kennedy is kinda spoiled. I wish I could have my appendix out". Kids!!

Brinley and Rachel came by to deliver a card and gifts of their own.

I decided the blonde was going to be too much upkeep....so to get rid of the line I'd have I we went back to more of my natural color for awhile. I have yet to actually style it so I'm still getting used to it. Although in a few more appts it'll be different again. I like change.....lucky for me I have pretty healthy hair!

Green Gables

2010-09-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

We hosted the Skeen reunion the first week in August. Everyone came in Sunday for the week. There was plenty of room for all. We had a great time from swimming, volleyball, outdoor movie, hiking Round Lake, biking the Lacamas Trail and picking blueberries. We went to Cottonwood beach for the day for picnic and boating. Went to the Rose Test Gardens for picnic and played in the fountains in the Pearl and shopping downtown, plus a full day and some who stayed overnight, at Cannon Beach. Each family took turns making delicious meals, desserts and games for the evening. Pete's and Bundy's Cabo Tacos/flaun and Jamie's Eclair cake were my faves!

My family decided our home needed a name. A few suggestions that made the list were:

The Lake House (not original enough)

Forrest Knoll (lived there, done that)

Green Gables (or as Linny says "Green Gambles"

and the most funny...

Despereaux Chateau

(Sara is up at 4:30a.m. to workout with me and sees a mouse run across the kitchen and is stitting on the counter saying "hoochie mama, hoochie mama" when I come into the room...hence, Despereaux the mouse!)

Dad poured cement and got us all set with a sweet volleyball court. Giant beach volleyball was a nightly hit!

Cody helped get the swing in working order and the kids loved that as much as anything else!

Lucky for us our day at the River was perfect weather for tubing. Now that was a blast. I know it was Jamies favorite day of the whole trip. Seeing Cody hang on the back of the tube for dear life was priceless!

We had a picnic set up on the beach and the kids entertained themselves well in the sand. Spencer and Emma finding joy in the small pleasures of life!

Papa set up a movie out back. We watched "Old Dogs" and had tiki torches and movie munchies.

I insisted we go blueberry picking. You can't visit the NW and not go get fresh berries, walk downtown or go to Cannon Beach. Those are crimes many hosts commit to their guests!

The Rose Gardens are always a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. The kids love The Children's Park just up the block and playing in the Jamison Sqaure Fountain with Hot Lips breadsticks while the women do some quick shopping in the Pearl, rounds out a nice afternoon.

Mid Summer's Guests

2010-09-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Summer projects have been in GREAT abundance. We had much to keep us busy and many a night to host company and have friends come by to play.

I like change, so decided to go a little more blonde for the summer.

Brody missed playing with E and E, his friends/sisters while I work.

Jeff, our neighbor across from our old home came to stay with us twice during the summer from CA. The kids ADORE playing with him and get so excited waiting his arrival.

Griffin had several sleepovers, war games and pool parties. I usually came down around 11 pm to make them pancakes.

The girls went to their 3rd year at Currie Day Camp along with their best buds Brooklyn and Brinley.

My cousin Tanner, who is Griffin's same age, came out for a stay. He was SO EASY to have around. He and Griff had so much fun together....and believe me, they were mostly home bound while I was at work for two weeks!

Among many other things, Todd resided the poolhouse and framed old windows in. He rebuilt the gate off the patio and did landscaping....but most fun was his mole hunts every evening. They drive him crazy!!!

These little girls got pretty brown, even with my vigilance at keeping sunscreen on them whenever they went outside.

Happy 100th Birthday

2010-09-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

Our new "old" home turned 100 years old this year! To celebrate we invited a few families over to swim and have treats, lemonade, and play volleyball.

Fourth of July Reunion

2010-07-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

July 4th Todd's family came in from Utah, New York and locally to have a BBQ and fireworks at our home.

After family left, we enjoyed sitting out on the front porch rockers and watching the many fireworks lighting off from across the wetlands. It was a spectacular sight. We felt like we were in a Norman Rockwell Painting. It was a great way to end a holiday with family. Peace and tranquility.

Monday we headed down to Rockaway Beach where Beverly rented a huge house for us all. Each family had thier own room, and there were plenty of beds and bathrooms for all of us to have plenty of space. The cousins had so much fun reconnecting....Playing in the sand, going to Tillamook Icecream, having campfires and playing games.

Brody would play so hard with his cousins that he would crash the moment we loaded in the car to go anywhere.

Little boy cousins...where are Griff and Jaden? Too cool I suppose.

Girl cousins and games. Kennedy ruled at Stick Pull. I'm going to have to work on getting Jaden....although since he is a male I'm sure he'll whip me even worse next year.

Mikelle and Kayla loved playing with their big cousin Kennedy. They let me play "princess hair" with them, which is always fun for me. Why is it girls only cry when their own mom does their hair?

We spent at day at Cannon Beach doing a scavenger hunt through town, having a picnic at Ecola Park and playing in the ocean. It got WARM that day and the ocean felt great! I can't get enough of the flowers there. One day I want these hanging off my porch. They are huge, all over Cannon Beach.

Now that the trip is over the kids are VERY sad to not be able to see their cousins again for a long time. Fun memories for everyone. The most touching memory is the fireside we had together talking about Grandpa Steve. Beverly gave each family this picture of him, where jokingly we say he looks like part of the Mafia :> and a booklet of memories from fellow High Preists who were close to him in the ward telling of his character and ways he had touched and served them.
It was good to be together as a family and let the bonds and love grow in his honor and memory. He was very missed and is very loved by all his children and family.

Guests in The Loft

2010-06-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

The Jensens came to stay with us 2 days after school got out. They got in late Thursday. Friday we went walking and biking along the Lacamas Heritage Trail, then loaded up 13 bikes and headed down to have a picnic on the Columbia River then drove into Portland and biked all along with Willamette, over the Hawthorn Bridge to Jamison Square Fountain and had giant Breadsticks at Hot Lips Pizza before heading back over the Steel Bridge and along the Eastbank Esplande. Nice biking weather.

Saturday the adults went to Monticello Antiques, the temple and to Saturday Market. Kids swam when we got home and had yummy dinner and dessert. Watched movies, played games.

Father's Day wasn't quite so nice, but we went out to hike inspite of the drizzle to the footbridge at Round Lake.

We had a big brunch when we got home. I spoke in sacrament meeting. Had a yummy dinner and cheesecakes for Father's day. Played more games.

Monday we all hiked Multnomah Falls while my girls were at soccer camp and Brody with Maddie Jackson. The hike was beautiful! Todd took everyone out on the boat to go tubing on Lacamas Lake. Lee stayed with me and sewed tons of curtains, hemmed and did mending!!! Whoo-hoo. I am really not good at sewing, puts me in a foul mood. We had salmon burgers on the Traeger for dinner and did our special Lake Family smores out by my new garage sale fire pit.

I must say this is a very easy family to entertain and board. SO helpful w/ meals and the kids, ON TIME and game for all our activities. And when anyone comes to visit, hiking and outdoor activities are always on the agenda. I can't gather that many bikes again....which is too bad, cause that is one of the funnest ways to see Portland! They've set the bar pretty high. I need to think of another name to call the guest suite above the garage. Annie said the Marriott, but that may be confusing. The "Bonus Room" is too played. Lee said "The Loft". All I have to say is that I love just sending company up there and not having to worry about another thing!

Winding up the School Year

2010-06-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling guilty for the times I haven't drug my camera along for the kids end of school year activities. Sometimes it's just one more bulky thing to cart along! My digital camera pales in comparison to this one, so I rarely like to even use it. This was Kennedy's first piano recital. She did wonderful! Griffin taught himself an awesome song by learning it on U-tube and played it as one of his pieces.

The kids love for us to come to Pride Night at the shcool and see the projects they've been working. Kennedy and Mrs Distant w baby Elise and Camydn w Mrs Williams.

Camdyn and Katie were in the same class together and would practice the recorders for hours at our house. On the day of the performance they had gotten to double white belt and their friend Gabe got double black belt.....meaning they'd learned ALL the songs and then extra.

Thursdays I looked forward to going to Griffin's track meets and timing him as he continued to break his PR in the mile from meet to meet. He made it to Districts in the mile and 800. He and his friend Caleb who were baptized on the same day ran in the 800 together. Why do I not have tons more photos of them as they were growing up together! Why do I have no pictures of Camdyn at her track meet and Griffin at his awards ceremony?!!

The week before school got out we took a little road trip to a soccer tournament in Pasco Washington, up the Gorge about 3 1/2 hours away. It was sunny and warm there! The kids loved staying in the hotel and swimming with thier teammates, getting pizza and playing 3 games one day and then to the semi finals the next. I was ready to come back to the rain.....which we've had in abundance!

Twenty somthing! Are you kidding me?

2010-05-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

For Mothers Day, Todd asked what I wanted....the answer usually never changes. "A day to myself". That day to myself usually involves running or cycling. This year a few girlfriends from my ward and I signed up at midnight on October 31st to be one of 900 participants in the ever popular all women's Hippie Chic Half Marathon. It filled in 6 hours! It's good to have a goal through the rainy and gray winter/spring months. Most my events I do alone so this was much more fun to drive down and start the race together with friends and to see one another along the course.

I had a goal in mind, and if it wasn't for three young twenty year olds in front of me, I may have gotten it! I'm not making excuses, but have they had 4 babies and have to get up at the crack of dawn to train? I was hoping to come in 3rd all around and got 5th. I got 2nd in my age group which is something I never would have imagined when I first began running long distance 13 years ago. Anything is possible! Before Griffin was born I'd never gone more than 8 miles. All the miles logged are not always fun.....but the sanity and feeling of accomplishment are always worth it.

After the Ogden Marathon my parents gave me a wooden sign that reads

"I DO NOT RUN TO ADD DAYS TO MY LIFE,

I RUN TO ADD LIFE TO MY DAYS"

Tiffany, Nicole and I basking in the sunshine right before the start.

Befores and Afters

2010-05-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

While it's been raining I've had a few inside projects, such as texturing and painting walls and more walls. My favorite is the downstairs bath which I didn't happen to post. The kitchen BEFORE and AFTER.

Brody's room BEFORE and AFTER

Todd has been hard at work outside. My girlfriends who drive by a few times a day say they see him outside all the time. Anyone who knows him knows that working a riding lawn mower he's like a kid at Christmas!

Front walkway BEFORE and AFTER

These bushes were very hard to remove, only once the chain came in did they come right up out of the ground. He also transplanted all the hydrangeas along the front and replaced those with a large hedge and boxwood hedge along the walkway.

The purple blooms on the wisteria in the backyard are gorgeous! And what front porch is complete without furniture to get comfy and watch the sunset from? We already enjoy sitting out here and visiting at night or as we wait for the school bus.

My current project is the girls room. I wanted to texture and paint it....and I do believe it may be the last painting project for a long while!!! Let's just say this is one time consuming project!

In order to get everything out of the way we moved it into the hall and our bedroom. I just wanted to show proof to those who think my house is always clean....that it's looked like this for 4 days and now I'm going to repaint again since I wasn't happy with the end result I am going for!

Brace Face

2010-05-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Griffin came to me and month ago and said "mom can I just get my braces on and get it over with?" Too funny! At his track meet, the day we put them on, I was noticing ALL the middle school kids that had them on, and there were tons! He was an easy patient and Dr. Moses let me do most all the work on him. He wears headgear only at night and is a great sport about that as well. I took him easy mac and hot cocoa to school on Friday since I had nothing soft AND filling to send in his lunch. Need to buy a thermos for the poor boy.

That's gonna leave a mark

2010-04-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Annie came for a visit in April bringing my neice Rachel along to help drive and see her cousins. As always Annie comes ready to clean and play with the kids. My aunt Janet flew in for two days. We went shopping one day and the next day she, Annie, Rachel and Griffin walked all over downtown Portland, the Pearl, Saturday market and a few key antique stores. Janet even mended curtains for me and played dodge ball on the trampoline with the kids well into the evening. It was great having them all here.

Griffin has friends over on several occasions to join in his new hobby..... Paint balling and Air Soft Wars in the forest behind the house. Those boys will stay out there for hours! I'll beckon them down with pizza, otherwise I can hear their distant crys an acre or two away as they are welted by a ball. Last week he and two friends had Air Soft and a sleep over in the bonus room. I barely saw or heard them all night. It was lovely!

Spring Break Traditions

2010-04-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

Spring Break at Cannon Beach has been our tradition now for many years. It's just too cool to venture out anywhere in hopes of good weather and we love the beach even when it's stormy. This Spring Break was very wet and windy. We were lucky to get two beautiful days, although a bit breezy at times. The kids enjoyed having their own "spending money" from Todd. I brought some delicious meals to cook up in our cottage that had two separte bedrooms, full kitchen, hide a bed and washer n dryer. This is my new hot spot! The kids loved the scavenger hunt I made up of 22 questions scattered up and down Cannon's main street. The winners got a Tillamook ice cream cone. We dined on Doogers clam chowder, Pizza a feta and of course saltwater taffy from Bruces. Rented Twilight, New Moon and The BlindSide to watch at night after Brody was all tucked in. Camdyn and Kennedy are now BIG Edward fans. I'm liking Jacob now that his hair is short.

Some Sundays I make them stay dressed after church so I can grab a shot or two of them looking spiffed up.

Cookie Monster Intervention

2010-03-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

I have a little secrect problem and have decided I'm coming out of the closet with it. I have a sugar addiction. Yes, don't we all? But mine is severe! I can't remember the last time I went a day without refined sugar and late at night. Well, once, 2 weeks ago when I made myself go play volleyball. It felt good to go to bed without a sugar hangover. I'll say to Todd "Do you think I can go a week without sugar?" and he'll answer "Geez honey, try going ONE day." He's the best :>
A friend of mine who also shares a love for the homebaked cookie did this once, she announced to her blogging friends that she was going off all whites (flour, rice, sugar). In my mind I'm thinking if I put this out there, then I'll have accountablility. (When I really know that won't make a difference and it's all up to me). I have NO problem eating healthy. I alone may keep the spinach farmers in business. I also keep HERSHEY stocks up as well.
For the next week before we leave on our Spring Break vacation I'm challenging myself to no sugars (minus what's in fruit and maybe light yogurt as a splurge). I've got cookies in the oven as we speak so I can go out with a bang!
Leaving some in the freezer for Todd will be the real test!!!

Ladybugs and Lice

2010-03-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

The last several months we have been finding collections of Ladybugs in the windowsills. They come into the house in the cold weather to take refuge, then can't find their way out of the walls and die! So sad. Although now having hundreds of carcasses in the house is getting sorta gross. The other night I'm kneeling over the leather ottoman talking to Todd and I hear a "plop". I look down and one had fallen out of the skylight in the Great Room! Now they're not only in the window sills but falling out of the ceiling as well. Too funny!

Brody turned 3 on March 4th. With what had just taken place we waited awhile before telling him and celebrating his birthday. Poor kid. He got one present from Annie and Papa (the kitty piano below that the girls like as much or more than him) and a present from Nicole and Maddie Jackson and that was it! We took him to Spaggy Factory and I bought him a box of fruit snacks. He was happy as can be!

Sweet Little Kennedy got sent home from school 12 days ago with Lice! Now, anyone can sympathize but unless you've dealt with it then you'll never know. My head itches, hold on.....

More loads of laundry in the course of a day than I've done in my life and continuing all week. More vacuuming everthing in sight, black bagging bedding, hair bows, toys, anything I didn't want to wash. More hair treatments on the whole family and worst of all was taking 45 min each night to pick through Kennas hair for nits and Camdyns just to make sure.

Kennedy said one good thing about getting lice is the time she gets to spend with mom in the laundry room as I pick through her hair. She plays the kitty piano and gets to have treats!

My girlfriend Kendall who watches Brody while I work sent over this "Lice Survival Kit" Oh my goodness, she had it loaded to the brim with popcicles, hairnets, tea tree extract oil, hot mask, cadbury chocolate eggs and a DVD for Brody! Talk about sympathizing....I know this lice thing took it's toll on her too since she had watched Brody the week Kenna got it.

March Forth

2010-03-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

This picture is out of order....I took it tonight after we got home. Words can't express the gratitude we feel to friends and family who have shared their sincere sorrow and prayers for this sudden loss. Cards, flowers, home baked goodies and several phone calls that continue to come in. It has really made us step out of our own sorrows to see this sweet show of support and hope that we can return this love to our friends in their hour of need.
Exactly 3 years ago our little Brody Skeen Lake finally got his turn to come to Earth. We were excited about the fact, although I was a week overdue....that he would share the same birthday as his Papa Steve Lake. So here's a Happy Birthday to Lago (Papa Steve) who would be turning 68 today.
Last week while at work Todd received a call from his mother at 4 a.m. telling him of his father's passing from an unexpected heart attack.
Todd said tonight how all of it has happened so fast, from hearing the shocking news... making all the necessary funeral arrangements.... picking up family coming in from Utah, California and New York to preparing words that would be spoken at the funeral service, and finally having to bury his father. It all happens so fast that it's hard to wrap your mind around how much this will impact not only the 5 surviving Lake children, the grandchildren but mostly, Todd's mother.
We all take comfort in knowing that Steve is not only with his son Derek who passed away 7 years ago, but also his own father.
Brody's birthday March 4th 2007

Pall Bearers March 3rd 2010

The grandchildren scattering white roses on Steve's casket and Dereks gravesite.

"I have fought a Good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7

This was a verse printed on the program and referenced from the sons towards their dad. A loving tribute. I just want to say what a GOOD man Steve was. I am so thankful that my husband shares so many if the great qualities of his father. Steve had a very genuine nature about him and we will truly miss having his loving presence in our lives.

The good that has come out of this was all the sweet moments we had together as a family. The cousins were so devoted and loving to eachother. Spread from West Coast to East Coast they hardly get to be together. Gathering at our home and at the services and late into the night at G&G Lakes home were wonderful times spent together.

Griffin and Jaden Garner, Cole, Brody and Zack

Mikelle, Kennedy and Kayla

McKenna and Cammy

Long time no see

2010-03-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

I just loved these pictures. Todd has 3 cousins from the Lake side of his family. The last time they were all together was for Dereks funeral 7 years ago. We all commented on how sad it is that it takes these types of tragedies to bring families together. Since many of my Skeen cousins and two of these Lake cousins live in California we have constant open invites for a cozy bed and breakfast from San Fran to San Diego. What's keeping us?!? $$$ and a 2 year olds!

All I want for Valentines day is.....

2010-02-12T22:18:00.000-08:00

Freshly cut wood to keep us warm....TOO warm when Todd is home. He has all the fireplaces going. As he says "Honey, I'm a fireman!" A freshly mowed pasture on a cloudy springlike day.

And best of all, a freshly painted breezeway! I told Todd all my wishes only involve a little manual labor. Forget the jewelry, flowers and chocolates. I'm a low maintenance girl. Only I do wish for high maintenance handyman help! Which Todd happens to have in abundance.

Griffin had his end of year soccer party with pizza, basketball, bowling, swimming and awards. Words from his coach were very praiseworthy. He's been on this team 3 years and we're going for a 4th next month in tryouts.

The little girls and Brody had a Valentines Party while Todd was at work. We played some games, hide n go seek (this house is the best for that....especially at night with ALL the lights out) had a red dinner and made these valentines to give away to a special friend.

Griffin had friends over the night before for pizza, games, video games and and LOTS of chocolate treats!

How many 13/14 year old boys can get together for a fun, clean evening of fun AND all happen to be well polished on the piano. Todd asked Stephen to play a song he'd heard him play over Christmas. He is amazing!!!

I love that the boys can have lots of room to hang out and not be too bothered by the girls...and us not be bothered too much by them :>

I got 6 inches knocked off my hair last week and told my sissy's I'd send a picture. It feels so short! Brody's still stickin with his signiture smile (eyes closed).

Last week we had Austin for 5 day while his parents were away. These boys were great to come home and do homework.....

and practice piano, read and help out with the girls. Plus a little bit of hanging out in Griff's room playing games. It's like they were college roommates!

Pet Peeves and Good Impressions

2010-01-28T15:10:00.001-08:00

I was chatting with some friends about pet peeves and they were cracking up at a few of mine. It got me thinking of things that bug me as well as things that impress me. My family will know most of these about me already......Here's a few: Actually this feels familiar becasue I remember aunt Lee wondering what I was referring to as "fuzzy teeth".

PEEVES

*People who let clutter rule thier lives. Throw it out. I don't understand what's so hard about that.
*The crusty, spilled in, smelly fridge. That's a given.
*Kids who take huge portions at gathering and parents who don't monitor it.
*Friends who read my blog on a regular basis and never leave a comment...or even more weird is to read the comments, make a comment to me about a comment someone left me and still not leave their own.
*Having the TV on. Or at least having it on when no one is watching it, or when people are trying to talk to one another. Turn it off!!!
*Fuzzy teeth (plaque)

Impressed By:
*Scriptorians.
*Someone who has mastered a musical instrument.
*Upbeat positive people who don't compare themselves to others.
* Perfect pearly white straight teeth.
*Anyone who can sew.
*People who don't eat goodies....and I know a few! That's actually crazy to me!

ringlets and races

2010-01-24T17:16:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Kennedy was invited to a baptism preview. I could hardly believe that my little girl would be old enough to be baptized and start going to activity days!

Brody gets into the "cheese" action whenever I have the camera out.
She is staying little enough to let me curl her hair in raggy ringy's for church though.

The other birthday treat I gave myself was to sign up for the Vancouver Lake half marathon with my friend Cyndee and her husband Tim. Cindy and I finished in 1:35, a 7:18 average pace.... each getting an award for placing in the top 3 of our age bracket. There were several other friends from our club there as well. This was at the end....after we'd be drenched with rain!!!!

Cyndee and I have been running partners for years and this was the first event we've done together....in the past we've just supported each other in the others endevours. She wanted to qualify for the NYC marathon by doing this half in 1:44. I am in a younger bracket and my time had to be 1:39, so she would run this time with me. Neither of us trained properly and felt a decent amount of apprehension about our initial goal. The odds were against us since our only training runs had been a few 8 milers. Sooo it was a pleasant surprise to us both when we finished minutes ahead of our initial goal in 1:35! She took 2nd in her age group and I took 3rd in mine. It was a great run but the last mile at a 7:05 pace about did me in!!! Her hubby Tim finished about 10 sec ahead of us.

Roping the Moon.

2010-01-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

When my mom came on her last visit we were just starting to look at the Elmer's house. She came through with me, and upon seeing her "guest rooms" and private bath.....became my #1 supporter in purchasing the home. I tell my friends you'd think I'd had a baby when my mother made comments the weekend we moved such as "I wish I could be there to help. Take lots of pictures! When I come I will cook, clean, tend the kids...whatever you need me to do!"

True to her word she came prepared to work! Deep cleaned ALL the wood blinds and shutters (and there are many). Wiped down and paint touch up on woodwork trim, doors, mouldings. Scoured the guest bathroom, painted my bathroom cupboards white and washed curtains. Not to mention playing with the kids, cooking, and buying general items i "needed" for this house :> Mom told Kenna she'd curl her hair in raggy ringlets just like when I was a little girl. Hmm, why is Kennedy more willing to let Annie do it than me?

Mom bought the girls a few books and spent time in front of the fire reading with them one on one. How I wish I had her built in for that!

We had a snow storm on one of the days I worked. The girls were very nervous when I didn't arrive home at my usual time. I let them play outside until midnight, having a snowball fight with Griffin followed by hot cocoa and cookies.

On Dec. 30th Camdyn turned 10. She invited a group of friends to go bowling at Big Al's then come to our home for games by Annie, and cake.

On Dec 31st Griffin invited 3 friends over for a New Years party and sleepover. We all had a nice array of appetizers, played a fun round of hide n seek with all the lights out in the house along with a few other games I had for them. They retired to Griffin's room and the bonus room until midnight when they came out for the first annual polar plunge (my idea!) Boy were they gigged about that!

The pool was freezing! The girls wanted to do it so bad, but I wouldn't let them. The boys said they felt their bodies were "burning" after they got out because it was so cold! I made them cocoa then went to bed. Mom and I loved how we couldn't hear a thing when they were on the other side of the house. Yes!

Todd worked a 48 hour shift on the 31st and 1st. When he got off work on the 2nd he and I left at noon to stay downtown at the Marriott while Annie watched the kids. We had such a nice time, and boy were we ready for a break from those kids and the business of the last few weeks! I drug Todd with me to an antique hardware store for more parts to fix a few doors, shopped in the Pearl, ate at Macaroni Grill and checked into our hotel with plenty of the evening to spare.

We stayed here last New Years with the kids. The seperate bedroom is a must with a kitchen to boot!

Todd loves the breakfast! It's the main motivater for our 9 mile morning run the next day meandering through the various districts of downtown.

After checking in I was craving a McD's vanilla cone, so.....

We walked up the waterfront, to Pioneer Square, to the McD's at PSU. All the Christmas lights and Tree downtown were still lit which was a bonus. It was so nice out that we walked for quite some time before hitting the hot tub and playing cards for candy!

I'm in love with all the original vintage hardware in this house. Several screws were stripped or missing various pieces, not fitting tight in the door.

Bobby is my new best friend at Hippo Hardware. He calls me "the cool girl from Camas" and loves that I appreciate all of his knowlege and expertise. I just took a bunch of pictures, brought in the handles and said "help me!"

Last night we took kids to a Portland Winterhawks game. My co-workers husband is the asst coach and she scored awesome seats for us! We rode the Max in. Brody was entertained by the fights from the players and the snacks I brought!
We walked back to the car since it was another nice evening outside. When it's not raining, and not windy, it's nice!

Poor Todd had worked a 48 hour shift, got home at 8:00 a.m. and left at 8:30 to drive Griffin to a soccer tourny in Seattle. Got home at 5:30 p.m. and we left for the game. He is a wonderful provider, husband, father and friend. When we got married 15 1/2 years ago we had this song
with a line "she thinks I could rope the moon. In her eyes there is nothing I can't do." Amazing how that is SO much more applicable today than it was back then.

Winter's Guest

2009-12-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

Our first official guests of Winter, the Elmer's, came bearing this huge boquet as a Happy Housewarming Gift. It was even bigger than it looks! We had a wonderful evening starting with US giving them a tour of their former home of 33 years, followed by dinner, dessert, and spooky stories. Todd and I wanted to gift them something meaningful for letting us be the lucky owners of their well loved and restored old craftsman home. We know the most talented artist Chris White, who did this sketch in graphite. The detail of it is amazing!

The following Monday we had a few Winter guests in our new ward over for FHE and dessert. Krista and I went to grade school together in Arizona and Alli is my friend and employer.

The older kids were really good for the lesson and had fun running circles through the house.

Fog was winter's guest Christmas Eve morning as I awoke early for the waffle run 10K. Todd had the bird ready for the oven when I got home.

The Lake's came out at 3:00 and Tyler and I had some good laughs over Christmas Albums from the last 15 years. Boy howdy how styles have changed!

Beverly made each of us a housewarming gift of heat pads for our toes, hands feet or back. She made one for me years ago which I use when I'm doing backbreaking work....such as moving!

We had a nice eveing program of stories told by Maga and myself, Nativity read by Steve, a solo sung by Tyler, a cello number by me and a piano solo by Griffin.

Camdyn is my #1 helper in setting the dinner table....and loves the sparkling cider!

Todd cooked up a delicious bird and we all enjoyed a lengthy dinner together followed by games, dessert. After the Lake's left and Brody went to bed we played Family Trivia, the kids favorite part of the evening, with questions taken from this years events and prizes for 1st-4th place.

Santa was Winter's Guest on Christmas morning. We slept in till Brody woke up at 7:15. Kennedy got a surprise from Santa with a Fancy Nancy doll and lots of her books.

For now, this is as close to a dog as Cammy is going to get. She loved it though!

Griffin is overjoyed with his flat screen TV that has had a waiting place for it in his room for the past 3 weeks.

Brody was excited to get "boy toys" as he calls them. He's surrounded by girl toys, so he was in heaven with little power tools, a tool box and guns.Our last guests of Winter I had invited to come out for a visit and treats. I love to make cookies and this was a good excuse. Well, I love to make them even without an excuse, but it's been a full week of cookie dough! I like to give everyone the "full" experience of a tour. The sauna at the back of the shower is too neat to miss....I also wanted to see what the maximum capacity is for this shower! Not bad.

Good friends from Harmony Ward and our other neighborhood, that although I will still see, I will definitly miss.

Arlon made a guest apperance and got hugs from two Brunette Beauties.I enjoyed having friends I've known for a long time come out and pay a visit, even though some not so happy about our moving (Nancy :>)

Before and After

2009-12-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Todd and I went out on a fancy date. We dined at a Hawaiian Grill, I had the macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi....now doesn't that just sound delicious?! Then off to the Keller Auditorium to see the Nutcracker with our complimentary tickets from my sugar mamma Karen. I call her this because she is always hooking us up with freebie tickets and yummy desserts!

This is not part of the fancy date...this is Todd whispering sweet nothings in my ear after a full evening of fun with the kids downtown.

Every Christmas season we take the kids to dine at Spaghetti Factory, see Pionner Place tree, visit Santaland at Macy's and walk the boardwalk along the Waterfront.

The weather was spectacular tonight! So mild out. The Christmas ships were out on the Willamette and we had the best view. The kids loved the sounds the fire engine boat was making. There were about 30 boats in the procession and it looked breathtaking on the water.

Last week w e had Kendall and her girls over for dinner and to make our traditional "candy trains". Her girls were eating them faster than I could glue them together! Kendall watches Brody while I work and these girls are like the little sisters he'll never have. I love this family!

I promised my mother some before and after shots. Here's a little preview:

Now granted....this was taken after Cindy took out all her fabulous belongings. To be fair I should include the before, before of when she lived here.

Before: Cindy's sewing room

After: our study

Before: Living Room

After: our parlor

Before: Arlons study

After: our music room

Todd has been a busy painting boy. I get to do all the taping of the trim work. Although we have several projects we're excited to start on....we're ecstatic about the character of our new home all projects aside.

2009-12-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

I've been working part time at Moses Orthodontics since I was just barely pregnant with Brody, June 2006. I can't believe it's been 3 1/2 years already. I LOVE working here! I am grateful for Alli and Ryan, my employers who were first just great friends. I am thankful for Tonya and Teresa, close friends who I share all our family "goings-ons" with. I am tickeled over the talents of the photographer who did this shoot and made it so fun. We have some changes underway with our staff, so we just might be seeing her again soon!

Jolly Old St. Nicolas

2009-12-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

For some reason it just tickles me to see the kids run down the porch steps to catch that big yellow bus. We have a tradition that on St. Nicolas Eve if the kids set out their shoes, his elves will leave a present or surprise for them to find when they wake in the morning. Some years it's been an ornament or a color book. This elf was lucky she even remembered to leave anything at all!

I spent the afternoon stringing garland and lights. Elmers had it all rigged up with hooks and light plugs so all I had to do was fasten on the garland and lights, plug the cords into the lights on the porch ceiling and flip a lightswitch next to the door to turn them on. Genius!!!

Flowers in the fridge

2009-12-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

Isn't this banister devine!My friend Kendall took Brody from 11-8:30! I got much done. He had lunch, napped and went with her and her girls to the ZOO lights. The girls are jealous at the fun things Brody does with his favorite babysitter. I love that family!!!

Organized the pantry. I have the same theory with a pantry as I do with a fridge. My mom puts fresh flowers in her fridge as a little surprise when you open the door. Yes, they do take up room.....but all condiments fit nicely in those side doors anyway (that's an inside joke).

The sunset these last few days has been beautiful. We can see lights of the homes across the fields light up with twinkling red and white displays of Christmas.

And no, that is not my banister. I just loved the garland on it.

Moving day madness

2009-12-02T00:44:00.000-08:00

Todd and I wanted to get a jump start on loading out of our old and into the new on Friday. We borrowed a trailer, had a good friend watching the kids and loaded up as much as we could. Luckily we made it out to Elmer's before Todd's truck completely died! Altenator went out. I called our hometeacher who came to rescue us, give us a lift home and lent us his truck for 4 days! I will miss Eric and A.J. The bright side to the moving was this awesome weather we had! The view out here changes as the sun is rising and setting. The veiw of the mist on the field across the street is breathtaking.

The men in Harmony ward came to lend a hand. They were awesome!!! Everything loaded in 2 hours.

These were 2 of the heaviest peices of furniture. I'm not sure where I was when the heaviest one came slipping down the stairs and nearly crushed Jared. Luckily he moved just in time!

The men from Lacamas Creek helped us move in as well as 3 of the elder missionaries and my friends Tim and Cyndee. Bless their hardworking hearts! Got everything in the house in 2 hours. It was an entire 3 days of moving and getting the house cleaned out and ready for the new owners. Boxes, boxes everywhere!

Todd and I worked late into the night Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday....now Tuesday, getting things put away, beds put together and generally triying our best to get the house ready for some sort of Christmas!

I went back to our home one last time to pick up a few items and snap some pictures. I did get a little teary. I couldn't have one last good sob like I'd wanted because Brody set off the alarm on my van and then was running out into the road. He put the kabosh on me trying to be sentimental!So many friends helped me out with the kids.

Amy Morgan took the girls ALL day on Friday. Heidi took Griffin and Brody. Carrie and Jewell took Kennedy on Saturday while Camdyn went back to Amy's house all day. Griffin went to Heidi's and Kendall took Brody from 8:30-6:30. What a huge help that was!

The icing on the cake was the meal brought in by Suzanne Reid to the new home, just as Todd and I were wondering what to do for dinner as we were famished! SO delicious!!!

Thanks to the Jackson's for providing dinner on Sunday. Still thinking about that turkey gravy and hot fudge sauce!

Feast for a "King" City Fireman

2009-11-26T22:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was spent loading and unloading mutliple trips in the van...in the typical NW drizzly rain, along with a little bit of painting because when I get an idea in my head I want to roll with it right away!

We headed out to Todd's station out in King City around 2 p.m. for a Thanksgiving feast along with 5 of the other firefighters, their family and a King City Police officer.

I am sorry right now to whom I may offend, but this was probably the most delicious Thanksgiving dinners I have had! Todd even went so far as to purchase me some saurcraute! He did not make the dinner, the guy to his right did. The yams, oh my. The stuffing with artichoke and rosemary, me oh my....and I don't like stuffing. Homemade rolls, turkey on the traeger, which was so flavorful and moist. Desserts aplenty. Pecan pie with real whipping cream. I do think I was sick. Then again, my tummy may have shrunk from being so busy these last few days and barely having time to eat! I think it's all stretched back out now.

It's nice being able to visit with these other families, moms who share the same schedule and time away from hubbys and dads on holidays like we do. We stayed for about 3 1/2 hours.

Once Brody took his pants off and started to dance, it was time to head home.

Kids helped me packing up their clothes.

Yes! My house CAN look messy!

I've been too busy to bed sad. That is a good thing. I've been too busy to sleep. That is a bad thing. The kids want me to start decorating for Christmas. Normally I would have had it ALL done by now. First I need to unpack! AFTER we put a few beds together.

Our new buyers are great. I feel like I'm friends with this gal just through our emails and I've not said more than "hello" to her in person when they came to look at the house. She even told me not to worry about the nail holes. Now I really love her!

Today on....This Old House

2009-11-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

On any given day during these last few weeks Elmers place has been hopping with electricians, sheetrockers, surveyers, inspecters, renovating bids and so forth. Arlon has been running a well oiled machine out at this place! I may have to put him on payroll. The sheetrock in the garage is 98% complete! Just a bit more taping on Friday and it will be complete.

The pad and carpet was laid today. They worked from 9:30 to 5:30. He said the job was taking longer than he anticipated because it is a "tough, durable" carpet. Yes, that's what we paid for!

They called it quits when it got too dark (and too tired) to continue. I continued on my cleaning streak. It smells SO good in there! I have one bathroom left to tackle, but want to wait until these handymen are all done in there.

Todd is working today and Thanksgiving so I was calling him with updates and questions throughout the day. While cleaning the laundry room I called and said "I am so in love!!!" Yes, with him, but also with this charming old house. Especially now that I have it scoured and dusted. I never saw a speck of dust when Cindy resided here, but boys.....you gotta love em, they just don't have that domestic instinct. (Unless your name is Todd Lake or Mike Jensen).

Thanks to Nicole Jackson and crew for an 8:45-5:00 jobber with all 4 kids. Wowza, I did love that!!!!

Next edition: Carpet in the apartment and moving of boxes.

Today on....This Old House

2009-11-24T22:31:00.000-08:00

Todd spent 2 1/2 hours last night as well as 12 hours today out at the Elmers house ("our house" sounds strange to me), tearing out carpet and disposing of it. His fingers are a bit raw!!! Now he has to work a 48 hour shift Wed and Thurs, then move our home Friday and Saturday. Good thing this boy likes projects! Arlon called to see if we wanted to keep this tanning bed. Mmm, no. It's a nice touch out here on the front porch though. I guess it won't clash with the Christmas decor if I just turn it on to light up the night.

I helped Todd load these rolls and pad....well he did 75% of it. 450 square yards of each! I can't believe he got it all in this truck and trailer in one load! Plus he had to unload it himself at the recycle center....tough work.

It was near 60 this afternoon. It felt like one of those cool summer mornings. I only sat for about 1 minute before Todd put me on another assignment. His hired hand for the day got layed up in the hospital, poor guy....so I stepped up at helping Todd out, although I kept gravitating toward cleaning in the kitchen.

You know in home magazines when there is a renovation project and they discover hardwoods underneath old carpet? Tah-dah!! Todd wasn't amused when I announed that I wanted to restore the hardwood and forgo the carpets. It could be done, but it would take a LOT of work and even more money....one day, 10 years down the road perhaps.

My project of the day was cleaning out the kitchen. I am a clean fridge snob. I've said this before...... It's pretty gross when one never wipes out the inside. We wipe off counters and sinks, but what about where all your food is stored day in and day out? People come on! Lastly I went over the floors after the tear out collecting staples and dust. We finally came home after the kids had called to say they were STARVING to have a yummy dinner. I whipped up a batch of cookies while Todd delivered the new pad to Elmer's house and the kids and I watched one of our reality TV shows while Todd hit the sack!

Thanks to Ashley May and Baylor for babysitting Brody. A special thanks to Griffin for watching his brother who is really good at being a two year old. And an additional shout out to Jackson's for letting us borrow this shop vac.

On our next edition: Carpet!!! And lots of it.

Sold....In 14 Days

2009-10-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

In March of 1999 we moved into this home. Nine months later we welcomed Miss Camdyn into our family and since then two little heavenly spirits have followed. It's amazing the transformation that has taken place in the past 10 years, not only to our family but to this cozy little home. Todd and I have enjoyed making this a haven for ourselves and our children. We have upgraded all we can in a home such as this and I am finding it surprisingly difficult to say goodbye.

Two Sundays ago a prospective buyer came through and 30 min later called with an offer, they met our counter offer and that was that. Their realtor said he'd never seen a home decorated as nicely as ours was and it would be a treat to be able to bring the buyer in the next day for one more look around. How funny...especially coming from a man!

Alas, it is time to move on.....and we've got some great plans in store for our next residence, which just so happens to be my DREAM home since the moment I layed eyes on it!
For more details on that......see next post below.

Our New Home for the Holidays

2009-10-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

This lovely Northwest jewel belongs to some wonderful and talented friends of ours, the Elmers. I sent a friend of mine out to see it after they moved in and she later said to me in a serious tone "Stacey, I have never seen anything on Earth like this".

A few interior shots give a visual of the charm and warmth that the Elmers know how to create. Pictures do not do it justice!

So one can only imagine what this, their previous home for 33 years, looked like before they moved out 3 years ago.............This is where their story ends and ours unfolds.................

Thirteen years ago I stepped through the doors of this historical craftsman home. I was in complete awe. I do believe I had a hard time keeping my jaw from dropping! The Elmer's home inside and out was filled to the brim with charm. Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE anything historic, old, or vintage.... especially when it has a story to tell. 33 years ago the Elmers bought this 1910 Craftsman when it was in a complete state of disrepair and made it into the historical home it is today, building on additions as their family continued to grow. I told them from time to time that when they were ready to sell I wanted to at least be able to make an offer, they would then have to reject it, and we could move on.

It's interesting how fate took a hand in this turn of events. I daresay I can recall how it all began to progress.....but I will say this: There is no one more in love with this old home than myself, Todd and our little kiddos. For 13 years, whether it was coming out to swim, visiting teaching, giving tours of the home to family and friends or just riding past on my bike....I have always been completely smitten with it's charm. Elmers have expressed their joy in knowing all the time, love, labor and memories they once had put into this home will be returning with the care we'll be rendering inside and out.

Nestled against the hillside of Green Mountain and situated on 6 acres, the view boasts picturesque settings from all angles.

Todd and I love projects. With over 5000 sq feet, we will have many years ahead to complete them. This is Brody's room. He loves to come to "Ehr-muwh hows" and see his room.

The girls room has this additional nook area to use as a play room or vanity, or even an extra space for a bed.

The other section of the house, which I always called "the apartment" has a wonderful bonus room so the kids can have all the friends over they want. Now we can finally buy a ping pong table! Really, I think those are fun. I just want to be like the Jensens :>

I could cry for joy when I look at this laundry room! I've had about a 3 foot breezeway into the garage with room for the washer/dryer and that's it!

The girls like this carpet in one of the guest rooms in the apartment, but we're hoping to just do it all the same....for continuity.

15 years ago they remodeled the kitchen and added on the great room. I LOVE this kitchen!

Driving out with the kids on a beautiful Fall day and seeing this view from the front porch feels so Northwest to me.

Brody's favorite past-time all last summer was wanting to go "shwimmy". Now he'll have his wish. I'd better brush up on my lifegaurding skills.

My mom said to me when we were in the process of finalizing details with Elmers and getting ready to list our home that "it will all work out if it was meant to be". Todd and I truly feel there was a guiding hand in this whole process; with how everything fell into place. Many times we'd look at a home and come away with doubtful feelings, knowing we'd have to sacrifice too much for the kids sake. This home keeps our children in their same schools and puts us back in the first ward we were in when we moved to Vancouver, before it was split.

I like keeping things pertaining to our family matters close until all details are finalized and these little buddy kids were the best secret keepers ever! I promised them a Dairy Queen Blizzard if they'd stick to the script I had layed out for them and they passed with flying colors! Mmmm I love a good DQ treat!

Rolling into Fall

2009-10-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

Miss Kennedy celebrated her 7th Birthday. She enjoyed a full day of activities. Todd took her out of school to "Panda Bear" for lunch. After school just she and daddy went bowling. We had a family party with her favorite dinner, chicken broccoli and Oreo pie for dessert. Kennedy was so animated while opening her presents. She was so grateful for all her gifts. Kennedy brings a sweet spirit into our home. She plays so well by herself, is a loyal and trusted daughter and just has so much charisma!

The deacons did an Ironchef on mutual, splitting up into groups. We offered up our kitchen. It took a few hours to get the smell of burnt marshmallow popcorn out of the house. Poor Joni's pan is now permanately blackend! It was pretty funny watching these 'missionaires in training'. They were playing with Brody all night and had to call me "mom". Saturdays continue to be filled with soccer games.........
Last week I let the kids have a friend come over for a low key Halloween party with mummy hotdogs, cider, brownies and a Halloween movie. Mason is a PERFECT friend to have to these parties in which there are lots of little girls running around, since he himself is surrounded by them daily.
The girls wanted to dress up and they just happened to all be witches.

Our best guests

2009-09-22T21:35:00.000-07:00

There is always much fun to be had when Annie and Papa come for a visit. Mom and I had a day of walking downtown, through Pearl and along my running route on the waterfront...... Did some antiquing.....

Made some goodies.....

Visited old hot spots....like HOT LIPS PIZZA,

Made crafts for the girls..... Pink glitter pumpkins!

Papa took the kids to Big Al's to play and have dinner while watching the BYU game. No, those aren't Camdyn's real teeth!

We stayed a night at Cannon Beach sans Mr. Boy. He stayed with the Jackson's and had a marvelous time!

Kennedy feeding the birds,Getting our feet wet,
Digging for shells,
A picnic view to rival any other along the Oregon Coast at Ecola Park.
This was one of the warmest days I have even experienced at Cannon....and we stay here a lot!!! After my run on the beach I told the kids they HAD to get in the water with me. After the initial shock, we couldn't get them out.
Papa nearly lost my camera getting these action shots!

Thanks Papa and Annie for a wonderful visit and lots of cherished memories.

Together on the tracks

2009-09-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

A few days into our summer trip to Utah I decided I'd better get new family pictures done. Luckily the only thing I had to buy was Camdyn's skirt at Wal-mart, everything else just happened to blend together....I love it when things work out that way!

My sister Lindsey, along with her one week old baby in tow (asleep) met us at the tracks and took about 300 pictures w/ my camera. Timing is everything..... but between storms, sunset, newborn babies and keeping Kennedy's hair in curlers for two days, it wasn't easy.
Thanks Linny for taking the time for us!

Teenager in the house!

2009-09-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today we had the pleasure of watching all three kids play in their first official games of the fall season. 8:45, 10:15 and 11:00. It'll be tricky juggling 3 kids games every saturday, but there's nothing I love watching them do more! Griffin played an aggressive game against the Timer Barons. This Baron better watch it!

Hmm, looks like he's really throwin' himself around out there....

Do I see some elbows flying?

Well, the ref did "Number 14! This is a warning!"

The cutest game of the day went to the Ladybirds. Little Kennedy scored a handful of goals.

Here's she goes again....

Watching her siblings has paid off. She told me she has "anger issues". We tell the older kids to "get angry at the ball".

Coach Burris the head girls soccer coach at Union High School.

Kennedy, Rachel and Brinley were all in the same Kindy class last year and preschool the year before. They are now a dynamo trio out on the tiny little field. Thier field is smaller than the goalie box at Griffin's game!

Griffin turned 13 on Labor Day!!! He and Todd went to lunch and a movie and then bought a new Wii game and IPOD docking station/alarm. I finally got to put out these birthday plates/bowls I've been collecting! Griffin is such a great kid. I can't even remember the last time he gave us an once of grief over anything.....well sometimes we have to remind him to unload the dishes or practice piano, which he then immediately does! We're so grateful to Heavenly Father for sending him to our family.

The first day of school. Over a week in and I've been making breakfast and reading scrips with the kids before Griffin gets out the door at 8:00. Thanks to his school starting a bit later this year, this is much easier to accomplish! I walked all the kids on the first day and they came home loving their class/teachers

Camdyn 4th grade

Kennedy 1st grade

Griffin 7th grade.

Brody CRACKED me up when he found this barbie snowboard....which he thinks is a wake board. He steps onto it and pretends to be out on the water just like Griffin.....

then he "crashes" in the water and lies on the ground! It's hilarious.

Kennedy and teammate Emily.

Camdyn's coach said if they won their tournament he'd let them spray paint his hair.

Oh, the girls loved this look!

Camdyn's team plays up so most these girls are a bit bigger and taller.

Coming to a close

2009-08-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

The last week of summer! T and I went on an unheard of two date nights in the same week! Our first show of the new Broadway Season opened with Fiddler on the Roof, which was so delightful. We have even better seats this year which made a difference.
Our next date was to the temple and dinner with a couple from our ward. I am not an out-to-eat gal, so Todd jumps at the chance when I suggest it. I LOVE this place and my favorite dish of all time is the Chicken Scallopennie with a Ceasar Salad and that delicious bread! Who can resist?!

We took the kiddies to Yale Resivoir for one last outing on the boat before school. 3 boats were there so it was empty and the water was like GLASS. This only looks wavey cause we'd just brought the boat around.

Griffin and I both got over right and left wakes a few times without wiping out! Those were both our goals for this summer. Next year, maybe some jumps :>

At Billy Chinook our friends let me try this wakesurfing off the back of their nice boat. Got up, but given another go would love to get better at it.... lots of fun!

Marley and Me

2009-08-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Todd grilled up some superb steak on the Traegar. I took care of delicious side salads....only Camdyn might disagree with the "delicious" part.

Brody likes to push his food away and be pretty much a 2 year old terror during most all our meals!

My cousin Tony brought up his son Arthur, age 10, to stay with us for 4 days while he was on an Ellsworth bike tour in Bend. The girls got along great with this cousin they just met!

Brody bowled a pretty good game. Oh, he was ALL over this sport!

Speaking of sports.....this occupies MUCH of our summer. There are not many other things I'd rather my kids be doing than out getting conditioned and playing with good kids and an even greater, devoted coach (in the background). He has taken Camdyn under his wing and brought out her confidence. I love watching these teams play at a higher competitive level. The games are pretty physical!

Timbers Summer Slam Tournament (at the fields right across from our home...which I loved!)

And I love getting action shots with my favorite camera!

Griffin's team took 1st place and he helped by scoring 2 goals in the first play-off and had a fabulous 4 game run.

We went camping at Lake Billy Chinook meeting up with 4 other families from our ward for a few days.

I loved the campground, so clean. Playground, showers, paved roads, lots of trails and our site was nestled in the best location.

Todd packed my bike so I could ride Brody around to get him out of everyone's way. He was pretty tuckered out and stayed asleep like this for 20 min. while I read a book beside him.

We nicknamed Brody "Marley" after that naughty dog in Marley in Me, whom the whole family loved and couldn't live without....but I tell you, Brody (like Marley) is all over the place!

The temps were in the 90's and the cool water felt so refreshing.

Six families from Tualitin Valley were there camping at the same time, in a different campground. We met up with them one afternoon and tied the boats together while the kids swam off all the different tubes, ate lunch and played water football.

Kenny, Todd and Jeff worked together for a few years. There were a lot of guns showing here today!

The only other place that gets Brody zonked is the lull of the boat. He'll sleep in my arms like this for over an hour, even with engine starting and stopping, kids screaming off the tube and choppy water.

The steep canyon walls offered a different type of beauty than the water we usually boat in.

A la natural....Nicole, Stacey and Christy.

After tying boats up with 4 of the families in our ward and jumping off high cliff walls (more scary than it looked down below)..... We kid swapped for awhile and let the little girls come on our boat to tube and do tricks jumping in off the back.

We had to take off to get back to yet another soccer tournament, so of course I had to grab one group shot before we left.

Our little family definitely wants to make this spot a tradition. We went on a beautiful hike, had delicious dinners, smokey campfires and beautiful starry skies. Thanks for the letting us know about this place Nic!

In My Minds Eye

2009-08-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

My sister Linny reminds me of the Stacey I USED to be.....long before #4 came along. I have no excuse. I just lack the motivation I once had. To prove to myself that I CAN rise to the occasion.....I coerced the girls into doing a photo shoot for me.
Biking the back roads of Clark County I have eyed many a unique photo location, only to keep them in the back of my mind. Tons of barns, outbuildings, bridges and flowers. The Northwest is full of great spots!
The girls did super and stopping at the country general store was their treat for playing along!

Lakes summer escapes

2009-08-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

The day after we got home from Utah both the girls had Girl Scout Day Camp. Today was "hippie" day. Mon-Fri 8:30-4:00. We ALL loved that week!

This last week Portland saw temps to rival that of desert cities! At least growing up in Arizona we had a pool! I took the kids to Cannon Beach for the day while Todd was working a 48 hour shift. We never go for the day....usually only to stay overnight. But in this oppresive heat, it was a nice change! Now I ask you.....why can't MY flowers ever look like this? These are GORGEOUS and they're hung all over the town.

This was the closest we got to WHALE WATCHING.

What would a walk through town be without a bite at Pizza a Feta?

The coastal breeze felt like a breath of fresh air

Brody mangaged to get sand in his hair, ear, mouth, eye, nose.....must I go on?

We had fun chasing the birds after feeding them an entire loaf of bread!

Kennedy frolicked in the ocean waves while collecting water for her sandcastle.

I had a craving for Cafe Rio Salads, and threw in a game of fear factor food and kickball to round out a fun evening with a few other families.

Camdyn attended Activity Day Camp

We hosted Camdyn's Soccer Team BBQ in our backyard. The girls all had fun playing games, eating lots of appetizers and jumping on the trampoline.

The kids and I (sans Brody) went to the Washougal river with some friends to keep cool on one of the 104 degree days.

Luckily I threw in life jackets because this watering hole was pretty big and deep in parts. It was fun to be able to swim out and do the rope swing with all the kids and not have to worry about Mr. Boy!

The hottest day of the week, 106....we ventured to Yale resevoir up near Mt. St. Helens. So beautiful. Clear, smooth clean water and only 4 other boats out on the water when we got there.

Kenna got up on the knee board,

As did Camdyn......

While Griff and I both got over the wake. Hooray!

Give me Liberty

2009-07-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Each summer we make the pilgrimage to the Liberty Compound....aka "Neverland". Here's a recap of the fun events....Games/lunch at Sheep Creek with the entire Skeen clan in town for Battalion.

Slip n Slidin'

Jamie put on games for all 50 of us. This was the Kiddie Fear Factor Face off.....yes, this would be Brody eating a white chocolate covered cricket! Mine was not covered in chocolate. Tasted pretty salty.

Our team won the fear factor food challenge. I had lemon, garlic and cricket. I screamed and chewed it down!

Lydia DaNae Bundy was born only 3 days before we arrived. Linny makes cute babies.

Why is it that even my own son walked into the kitchen and said "Hi Sara" to me! Must be the blondness and the similar clothing, and perhaps we both look like our dad??

Two years ago in true Trace fashion, dad started dreaming up a production. He composed, wrote, directed, produced and payed for the entire production called The Mormon Battalion. Not to mention he made all the sets. Todd says there are maybe two men out there programed this way....and one of them is Trace Skeen.

Several of the talented Skeen family members were asked to be in the production. For some weird reason none of his daughters were, although Jamie was a stage hand. Do we really sing that bad? YES!

The audience both nights gave the cast and Trace a standing ovation.

Annie had bunnies ready for Camdyn to love. This time she wasn't climbing in the cage with them getting their hair in her mouth!

The BEST was this bear that was placed over the boardwalk out to the cottage where we stayed. Brody would not go anywhere near it w/out a hand to hold. He thought this bear was gonna get him no doubt about it! Here it stayed until it was moved right over the outside fridge looking down each time you went to grab a drink! Yikes!

Picked up Todd and Griffin and toured the Beautiful Temple Square and visitors center.

Had a sleepover at the Kehoe's in Saratoga Springs.

Went to Lagoon for the day. Brody stayed 2 hours before Annie picked him up. After I went on my one alloted ride (meaning I'm too motion sick for anymore) I manned the kiddie land rides.

Brody was in Heaven! Except for the haunted house.

We celebrated Annie's 60th on July 4th w/ some of the Griffin clan.

She had a green and brown theme going on. Her cake was divine and delicious!!!

She even had a game where a raffle ticket number got you a GREEN prize.

That morning Trace organized the Liberty "Moose River Run 5 K". We all helped man the event so later during the party we all went down and did the course as a family.

He built this bridge across the river (which this day we were just playing in).

Before the fireworks Jamie hosted another round of games, this time with the Griffin clan. I had another cricket, triscut, pop tart and grossest of all...a vienna sausage weiner thing. It was so gross I threw it up!

Logan Pool with Caspersons and Jensens. Kennedy and Milly.

Willow Park with the Searles.

Circa 1930's Bear Lake

Spent 4 glorious days in a beautiful cabin overlooking Bear Lake. Thanks to the Lindley's and a nice washer dryer set! The Lake was really full. Normally this is all beach, but for us it was a perfect river to float in.

Watch out for flying fistfulls of sand!
Caperson's brought this buggy to let everyone take rides in, on the beach and at the cabin.

I decided to take some actual peace time for myself and finished The BOok TheiF while sitting out on this deck. What a view!

Sara and I woke early to bike around the Lake. Yes, it's big. 50 miles around, but a beautiful fun ride!

Jensens, Hatches, Petes, Bundys, Lakes all had an evening party consisting of the best bbq'd chicken, kickball at the park and giant beach volleyball in the backyard. This was the most fun I've ever had playing volleyball. I'm still laughing about my flash blinding everyone as I tried to take pictures at the end and made my own team lose. I'm going to blame it on the huge tree on our side of the field and not the paparazzi flashing going off!

Summer has begun

2009-06-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

My cousin Taylor Searle came to visit us for 2 whole weeks, one of which the kids were still in school. We were able to do many things with her added help in the kid dept.

Todd ran the Helvetia Half Marathon. I ran out to mile 5.5 to cheer him on, then ran back to grab the camera and take pictures of him coming in. 1:50:13. Only seconds off his goal time! This was a well organized half with nice finisher tech t's, Helvetia Tavern Burgers and Jamba Juice!

Took the kids to the zoo.....

Brody's first time and he was lovin' it!

Had a Luau with Taylor. The kids decorated themselves and the backyard. Had BBQ pork sandwiches, pineapple and Karen's cookies for dessert!

Went hiking to the McEnry Bridge at Round Lake, ate trail mix and threw rocks in the river.

Went out boating a couple times on the Columbia and Lacamas Lake. Griffin did the knee board but most fun was spent tubing and finding waves the bounce the kids around on.

In true "clean teeth" style I had a plaque check to test how good kids are brushing. It turns the plaque pink and in the process, your tongue as well.

Our favorite neighbors Jeff and Rebecca came to visit on evening for a couple hours. They said we made their top 3 list of things they missed about the Northwest....I think by the end of the evening we bumped Mt. Hood and took 1st! We miss seeing them.

Now the kids are officially 3 days out of school. I'm packing to head to the Mother Land with the 3 youngers and Taylor. Griff is preparing to leave on the Pioneer Trek in the morning for 4 days, 3 nights.

15 Years ago....

2009-06-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

To celebrate our 15 year anniversary I thought it would be fun to climb Mt. St. Helen's since it had been about 10 years since we'd done it. This time we brought along two strapping young men. Caleb and Griffin.

They were good for laughs and great young hikers. We were saying movie lines and having a grand old time.....once we got out of breath, the laughs quieted down a little!

It was a beautiful day, and once we broke through the tree line it was pretty foggy.....up we climbed through the cloud cover to the most magnificent views these boys had ever seen. We switched off between climbing the boulders and the snow fields.

Catching up to several other groups we took a only short stops for water and pictures so we wouldn't be bunched up on the final climb.

While in the boulders a loose lava rock collided with my shin and landed on my foot. I took one for the team.

The final stretch of hard-to-climb-in loose rock or ash before the summit.

View looking Northward inside the crater, some smoke and low clouds rising out.

Griffin carried up Taco Bell Bean Burrito's which tasted so good at the top.

Going down was much more fun. Just begining to walk through the cloud cover and sliding down the snow.

We could literally ski down on just our boots! It was so much fun. At one point I just sat down on my bottom and sled down these tracks. The boys followed right behind.

On the final two mile hike through the trees we laughed about the last STEEP perilous hill we had to slide down. I was scared the boys and I wouldn't be able to stop and slide right into a big pile of lava boulders. We used our fingers to claw into the snow as well as the heels of our boots to slow us down. Griffin came sliding fast towards me and took me down with him a about 10 yards before I could stop us both. Todd and Caleb came the same way. Luckily I was able to reach out my hand and save them both (that's an inside joke, although it's pretty much what it "looked" like had happened!) Just ask Caleb, he'll tell you I was very courageous :>

More than a dozen times the boys expressed their gratitude for this experience....and for the fact that we let them miss the last day of school. I'm loving that Griffin is at the age to do this with Todd and I.

Thanks to my cousin Taylor for coming to visit us, we were able to leave the girls and Brody in her capable hands and have a fun filled day on the Mountain!

Racin' through Downtown

2009-06-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

Correction.....after checking the event website I see Todd and I finished The Great Urban Race 18th out of 232! We took off to get Todd some pizza and didn't stick around to see the final results. If we hadn't had that heavy backpack we could have done even better! Oh, and if we wanted to go to "nationals " we qualified for that as well....now that's funny!

Blue Man Group meets Miss Piggies

2009-06-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

To see what this picture is all about.....you'll have to read the end of this post.

The end of school year is always busy, but seemed to be even more so this year as Griffin was involved in more middle school activities.

He qualified for Districts in the 1600 meter run. Holding steady for 1400 meters, he sprinted in the last 200 passing 3 boys and securing 6th place. I was so proud of him!

What a photo finish!

Griffin also was chosen to be inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. They held a formal program for the new 6th graders based on academics, character, work ethic, standards ect....

The ceremony was held in the evening at Pacific and the kids enjoyed the refreshments to celebrate Griffin's studious work ethic.

Todd and took the kids for a BBQ at the Lake and I dared him to walk all the way across this log in front of the dam. He was half way out before discovering the last log was not anchored onto anything and that water is green!For some reason anything tastes better in the woods, but my own invention of S'mores simply can't be beat! Invite us to a campfire if you want the recipe!

The kids made a "craft" that I had used for cub scouts this week. Edible campfires.

Saturday Todd and I participated in this event I had found downtown Portland called the Great Urban Race. 150 teams of 2 raced throughout Portland, namely the Pearl, PSU, Saturday Market and down Broadway to take digital pictures and complete detours and tasks for 12 clues. Teams are encouraged to dress in costume and although we didn't, we got a kick out of those who did (1st picture at top)!

Looking like a fish at South Park Block.....

This was a stop at the Office Max in the Pearl......

Wearing a plunger and saw "hats" in Saturday Market".

It was fun to see so many teams scampering away in different directions. We came in 30th out of 150. It was a good workout if nothing else.

I've been ready to host one of my own and already had clues ready to go....but got a few good ideas from this event as well. Who's in?

Memorial Day Activities

2009-05-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Morning our ward had a Scripture Scavenger Hunt at Round Lake. I hid the clues....some I guess were harder than others :> I love taking my kids on this hike, we do it all the time when the weather turns nice and eat some trail mix at the bridge. Families played at the park at the end and had donuts. Todd and the kids looked for the clues and I played "Phil" from the Amazing Race to check teams in at the Bridge.

The missionaries were the first across!

Afterwards we went to Derek's gravesite with the Lakes and decorated it with flowers. He's been gone 6 years and would have been 33 I believe. His grave overlooks a beautiful view of Portland and it was the perfect morning to sit and visit, sharing memories about him.

We put the boat in the Willamette since we were right downtown anyway. I loved boating past the festivities going on along the waterfront. Such a beautiful city from the view in the water.

Fighter jets flew overhead which the kids loved watching!

Todd took us up towards the St. John's Bridge where there was less traffic and smoother water for the kids to tube and have a picnic on the boat....which of course is a must for the kinder. They love the built in cooler hiding under of the cushions filled with juice and snacks.

The Rose Festival Fun Center was in full swing

Since we weren't actually getting IN the water, the weather was perfect.

The kids loved going under all the bridges and I was helping them to memorize all the names,

Sellwood, Hawthorn, Burnside, Steel, Broadway, Markham, 405, St. Johns and one railroad bridge.

Pray tell, what did the door man say?

2009-05-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

To celebrate his 42nd Birthday Todd thought it might be fun to work back to back 48 hour shifts. (actually he was dreading this work week!) So for his one day off we packed it full of fun to celebrate. We took the boat out on the Columbia where the beauty actually takes my breath away! Who woudln't want to live in the Northwest? I mean, really. It might rain, but it's not snowing and in the teens for weeks on end.After a few hours of tubing and a yummy picnic on the Columbia we headed out to see Jerry Seinfeld. I was star struck! I have loved watching that show for years!....and to see him up close. He's just so funny. It doesn't matter what he says. Now, granted I think the cast of Seinfeld made the show what it was, but his comedy was the best Jerry, the best! His opener was the "door man" from one of the Seinfeld episode, someone Miller?
Today 6 situations took place in which Jerry had made fun of and it made me laugh in my brain thinking of his jokes about it.

1. 3 year old birthday parties....gimme a break (Emma's announcement on my fridge:>)

2. Why didn't you pick up any scotch tape! Say this instead of telling your hubby you hate them!(The girls always wrapping up presents with it, leaving empty).

3. Face grease on your cell phone (yes, it's gross!)

4. Inflation of movie theatre consessions and for that, let them fall where they may (I saw KNOWING with some girlfriends and dropped the bucket all over the floor!)

5. Email being the lowest form of human communication....(which I am ALL about!)

6. You Portlanders, gimme a break already with the bike helmets!
(I bought one for Brody today and he wanted to keep it on for the car ride home, complete with the new plastic packaging still in place).

I think you had to be there....which we were, front row and it was great!

After School Activities

2009-05-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight Camdyn's Activity Day Leaders put on a darling little fashion show. Commentary was given by the Style Co. (2 sisters who do this for a living) on modesty and accessorizing girls of this age, and any age.

Camdyn was nervous to walk down the red carpet, but by the end all the girls were getting into it and even posing at the end for a picture. Brooklyn and Camdyn looked adorable. I love track. I love any sport that gets a kid out running and breathing in fresh air for 2 hours each day after school! Griffin prefers track events but does the running long jump just to check off as his 4th event.

He has stuck with the mile at each meet and continues to set a PR. Today he came in 1st for Pacific 6th grade with a PR of 5:55. He says "it's so hard", but he's so good at it. I told him to keep running this event until his time stops going down.

Kennedy absolutely loves gymnastics. She and Brinley go afterschool once a week and it's the highlight of their week, no doubt. The faced the fear of flipping into the foam pit, and now can't get enough of it.

They'll be sad when summer comes and gymnastics gets put on pause!

My mom is.....by Camdyn Lake

2009-05-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

My mom is nice, helping me clean my room
My mom is a flower lover, smelling flowers all day
My mom is a pet hater, not letting me have a pet
My mom is a TV hater, not liking to have the TV on
My mom is a cook, making meals every day
My mom is very silly, makng me laugh so hard I could cry
Mom mom is a bookworm, reading books all night
My mom is a neat freak, cleaning the house every day
My mom is a cheerleader, screaming me on at my soccer games
My mom is a dentist, putting retainers on and braces on my teeth

By Camdyn Lake

I laughed out loud on that one. She's got me pegged on pets and TV for sure....and no, I don't tell my kids I'm a dentist. It's funny what our children percieve us to be.....I'll say this was pretty right on :>

While getting ready for the church the kids came down and presented all of their creative cards to me. They have been given a great example from thier father on how to treat mom on mother's day. Todd was working, so Griffin helped rally the girls in keeping the house clean and harmony in the home all day. Todd gave me this flower stand for the backyard that I love!
After Brody's nap we did what I love to do on a beautiful cool day, so we hiked up to the top of Multnomah Falls. That trail is steep! I was so proud of the kids for not making ONE complaint! Brody about killed my back. I can tell this is going to be a hard year for hikes, and next year won't be much easier!

Looking down from the top of the Falls.

Ahhh, a lovely spot to enjoy the trail mix awaiting kids who didn't complain (there's always a catch:>)

Harmony Talent Show

2009-05-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last Friday the girls performed a Double Dutch Jump Rope routine for thier school talent show. In 5th grade I was on our school's Double Dutch Team and remembered it being much easier to learn! The girls practiced only when Todd was home (and willing to come out and turn the ropes) so their actual prep time was limited! They had so much fun learning and did 2 performances at the school and one later that night at the Middle School.

The routine went along good with a song I found called Double Dutch Bus from a Disney Movie called College Road Trip.

2009-04-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

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