Grandma Linda's House

2012-02-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

Sarah and girls came last Monday so Autumn could help

Grandpa at the Flower and Garden Show. At the last

minute our best helper wasn't able to make it so, Sarah

Rachel and Autumn helped. Beth pitched in today too,

and came home excited, lucky girls got to sit in on a class

by Cisco, one of the Pacific Northwest greatest gardeners

on T.V.

We attended the show for a few hours Wednesday. It's always

fun seeing all the displays, getting good ideas. They had a wonderful

childrens section this year.

Elise and Lilly had so much fun harvesting veggies

and planting flowers.

Chloe and I made scrape balls for the birds to use

for their nests. Cute idea.

Isn't this a darling mailbox!

I thought this was a darling little shed. Shouldn't

we all have like this!

I love this little seat! I seriously would have bought

it if I would have had a way to get it home. It was

even reasonably priced.

Springs around the corner

A chicken pen in the back of a Volkswagen bus. I loved

the their little ramp that says "Ladies Only".

Lilly and Elisie in their darling dresses their

mom made them.

This is everything that was donated or made to take to

the Starfish house. We filled three totes to take as

check-in baggage.

Rachel and I got some last minute things today and are

almost packed. We leave Monday morning. Can't really

still believe I'm going.

Amazing the things we do on faith.

The founder and director of the Starfish House is in the hospital

and was diagnosed with cancer just last week. She pretty much runs

the foster home. So, were kinda going into uncharted territory.

They encouraged volunteers to still come because they'd really be

needed now. Please pray for me!

See you all in China.

China here we come

2012-02-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

Forest Grove teen plans return to China to help babies in orphanage

Published: Monday, February 06, 2012, 3:25 PM Updated: Tuesday, February 07, 2012, 7:02 AM

By Kathy Fuller, The Hillsboro Argus

Email Print

Kathy Fuller / The ArgusRachel Kang, 13, pages through photos of the babies at Starfish Foster Home in Xi'an, China. Rachel and her mother, Sarah Kang, spent a week at the foster home last April helping care for the babies. Rachel leaves soon, this time with her grandmother, to help at the home for five weeks.

FOREST GROVE -- Changing diapers and calming crying babies may not be everyone's idea of a great vacation.

But Rachel Kang, 13, enjoyed her time in Xi'an, China, doing just that. So much so, in fact, that she's leaving soon for a second trip.

Last April, Sarah Kang, 33, and her oldest daughter, Rachel, went on a "coming of age" trip of sorts. Sarah wanted to take Rachel on a service trip to teach her the importance of service to others.

The two learned of the Starfish Foster Home in Xi'an through friends. Starfish was founded in 2005 by Amanda de Lange, who collaborates with government orphanages to get medical care for the most medically at-risk babies.

Babies at Starfish often have severe medical problems, such as heart defects, spina bifida and cleft lip and palate. De Lange and Starfish ensure that the children get the medical services they need.

Sarah said she wanted the trip to have a purpose. Teens can be somewhat self-centered, she explained, and she wanted to give her daughter a chance to "look outside herself."

Once the two chose Starfish, they began planning. They would spend a week volunteering at the foster home, then visit Beijing to see the Great Wall of China.

"Throughout the planning, Rachel transformed," her mom said recently.

The two made sheets and pillowcases, and collected baby clothes and other necessities for the home, which houses up to 50 babies at a time.

When departure day arrived, Sarah said, Rachel packed the bare minimum amount of clothes for herself so she could carry more for the babies.

"I didn't know what was expected of me," Rachel said of her arrival at the foster care home. "A little boy named Joshua walked up and started pulling me around." She was hooked.

"She wanted to cancel our trip to Beijing so we could stay another week" at the foster home, Sarah said.

Rachel and Sarah saw the good and the bad during that week. They met baby Charlotte, who they later learned is being adopted by friends of friends in Seattle.

They saw babies new to the foster home who would cringe at their touch. By the end of the week, the babies were asking for attention. Several other babies that Rachel was especially attached to have died since she's been home.

Rachel also visited a Chinese hospital, which was "crowded with people lining the hallways waiting to see a doctor," she said. Sarah said they witnessed a whole new definition of poor.

The day Rachel came home, she began to plan her next trip with what her mom calls "fixed determination. She talked to people about the babies like everyone should know them." Mom and daughter have given several slide-show presentations.

Rachel began raising money for her trip by selling crafts on etsy.com. She recruited the women of her church to sew covers for changing tables and other items for the foster home. She had a friends-and-family baby shower to benefit Starfish that raised $480 and many contributions of baby clothes.

Her goal, she said, was to raise enough to pay for her airfare, plus $2,000 to donate to the foster home. She exceeded her goal, raising enough for 10 cleft lip surgeries for the babies.

She leaves soon with her grandmother for a five-week trip to volunteer at Starfish.

On Monday, the chair of the board of directors for Starfish Foster Home announced on the organization's website that de Lange has been diagnosed with cancer, but assured supporters that the organization's untiring efforts would continue.

-- Kathy Fuller

Happy Birthday Rachel

2012-02-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

tried,tested and proven

2012-02-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

I've always had this theory : DYI projects are NEVER easy!
           O.K. I've done my share that aren't too hard, but I usually end
up having to be rescued by my other half. Yesterday was one of those days.
          We've been doing alot of projects around here the last couple of months,and I woke up determined to do one last little one. My manly man's alittle stressed right now with the "Seattle Flower and Garden Show" coming up next week. (Yes, the one he said last year he wasn't going to do again), so I was going to do this all by myself and not bother him.
             All I was going to do is put new door knobs on the four doors upstairs.
                          Now tell me, doesn't that sound easy?
I'd never put on a door knob but I'd read the instructions over a couple times
how hard could it be. My honey kissed me good-by and headed to work for a couple hours. I got all the pieces out and layed them on the floor . In about a half hour I had it all together, but then couldn't figure out why when I shut the door it didn't latch. I thought maybe the plate on the jam wasn't up high enough to catch, so I unscrewed it and moved it up some. Shut the door and it did latch, but, it wouldn't unlatch. So, I took the knob all apart and I still couldn't unlatch the door. Yikes, I was stuck in the toy room til my manly man came home.
                 Now mind you there was a tv in there so I didn't have to play with toys for two hours. And.........a comfy chair.
                So, to make a long story short, manly man came home, couldn't budge it, got the ladder out, handed me tools through the window to take the door off the hinges, couldn't do it, finally had me climb out the window and down to safety.

Still no door knobs on..............

shadows and murders

2012-02-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

I've missed Molly's shadow pictures so I thought I'd post one.

As I was eating breakfast this morning I finally figured out what

the kitten was jumping at on the wall! Birds!

I hope I know the answer to this but I just can't help

but ask......Is it really like Midsomer Murders portrays it

in English villages?

Kitty get off my computer!

2012-02-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

Why do they call them fanny packs and why have they

gone "out of style" ? I prefer "waist" packs and I don't

care if their not in style I'm carrying one with me to China

I've taken the back pack, the purse over the shoulder,

the under the clothes thing for money & passport but now

I'm finally old enough that I don't care what anyone thinks,

and only care about convenience. And "waist packs" are

perfect for traveling!

I was telling my manly man that I haven't even left yet and

I can't wait to get home to my bed. I had my first flu shot

yesterday, I've always been alittle scared of them....just sure

I'd get a terrible case of the flu from it. Well, my fears were

for naught.(so far!)

My travel companion filled my car this week-end with

donations for the Starfish House. Books to burp cloths.

I'm amazed at how much baggage were allowed to bring,

a carry on plus two good sized check ins. Our check ins

will consist of Rubbermaid totes full of donations.

I still can't believe I'm part of this, such a blessing.

2012-01-31T22:11:00.000-08:00

A few miles from my daughter Sarah's house you drive through

hazelnut groves. Oregon is the largest hazelnut producer in the

United States.

Sarah's hooked us up to one of the farmers and now we can

buy hazelnuts in 25lb bags. They run them through a "cracker"

so all we have to do is separate them.

I'm sending vibs to my manly man......please make me

a "Heavenly Hazelnut " pie. It is utterly delicious.

This was our birthday girl this week-end. Luna turned

eight Saturday. As I watched from the side lines, the

spongbob party goings on, I was so impressed at how

kind Luna was to her friends. I've always known that about

her, but, I was glad to see it hadn't changed.

This is Sarah's youngest daughter Lilly. She was in dress-up.

The girls each have a Korean traditional dress but mom found

this at goodwill so she gets to wear it whenever she wants. Isn't

she cute.

warning: could contain adult material

2012-01-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Day!!

I won't have to go bra less to China!

After going bra less since my surgery in Oct.

I finally was able to wear a bra today. Because of the

costochondritis up to now it was just too uncomfortable.

Credit goes to my acupuncturist, I'm just sure that's what

has helped me so much. I was going to China one way or

another, but I'm so much more comfortable.I'm SO grateful.

I've been trying out different brands of patches this week to see

which one gives me the most relief, I love the heat ones. I am

going to be prepared!

Conner learns his ABC's

2012-01-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

jinx

2012-01-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

Yep, I jinxed us. I talked to two of my daughters Wed. and said the ill fated words. "We never loose our power".

That night we lost our power.

We came home from church to lights on today. Finally.

It really wasn't that bad, we have a wood stove downstairs that kept us

warm, heated food, water on it. Oil lamps.

Someday we'll tell our great grandchildren about

the storm of 2012 and that we were without the Internet for FIVE days!

They'll throw their hands up in horror.

Now we know why the pioneers wore nite caps!

Trying to stay warm!

Huddled together for warmth. Actually they really like

each other. No surprise, but it looks like

"Little Miss Buzz Saw" is staying.(That's what my

manly man named her.)

wordless Wed.

2012-01-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

this is us today!

2012-01-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

Seattle Braces for Major Snow Storm

US News & World Report - 46 minutes ago The National Weather Service in Seattle said the biggest amounts could come on Wednesday. more »

More accustomed to rain, Seattle braces for snow

Fox News - 2 hours ago

Seattle, a city more accustomed to rain than snow, prepared for a potentially major snow storm to hit Wednesday as the city's mayor urged residents to stay off roads and school officials prepare... more »

more Seattle Snow Storm stories »

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Seattle Braces for Major Snow Storm - US News and World Report
SEATTLE — Seattle, a city more accustomed to rain than snow, prepared for a potentially major snow storm to hit Wednesday as the city's mayor urged ...
www.usnews.com/.../01/17/seattle-braces-for-major-snow-storm - Cached
Seattle Snow Storm to Hit Pacific Northwest, Worst Since 1985 ...
The Pacific Northwest is bracing for a major snow storm expected to hit late Tuesday and continue into much of Wednesday. The storm could bring record ...
www.ibtimes.com/.../seattle-snow-storm-pacific-northwest... - Cached
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Yes, we are enveloped in snow. It's lovely and makes our war torn yard look much lovelier than it is. We called our son in law yesterday and said if you want your daughter back you'll have to come and get her. He has 4w drive and we don't. So they ventured out, alittle slipping and sliding but they made it. And now Abbi could have stayed, school cancelled today and tomorrow.

So I would call this "kid's week". All their

dreams come true!

It doesn't bother me that much, I'll miss a few apps., but that's about it.

I'm painting my bathroom this week....well preparing to

paint it and then put some tile over our 70's vinyl.

That'll keep me out of trouble.

I made a big pot of split pea soup yesterday, and with

my manly man's homemade bread were fit as

fiddles!

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

The snow started falling yesterday

and here we are today encased in a blanket

of quiet.

Fortunately we had Abigal here for the week-end

to share in the excitement.

Hawiian Haystacks

2012-01-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup chicken broth

2 cups cooked chicken or 2 cups cooked turkey

1 (9 1/2 ounce) can chow mein noodles

4 cups cooked rice

3 chopped tomatoes

1 cup celery , chopped

1/2 cup green pepper , chopped

1/2 cup green onion , chopped

1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 cup slivered almond

1/2 cup shredded coconut

Combine soup and chicken broth in a medium saucepan to make gravy. Stir well to blend. Add chicken. Simmer about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through. When serving, layer all ingredients. First stack rice, chow mein noodles, chicken and gravy. Add tomatoes, celery, green pepper and onion. Top with pineapple chunks, Cheddar cheese and more chicken and gravy. Stack almonds and coconut on top. Serves 8. You an try and eat it with chopsticks, if you wish.

This is dinner for us tonight! A wonderful combination of flavors

you'd never imagine! I asked the missionaries last night

what they'd like for dinner tonight and this was their request.

I haven't made it for years but it was always a big hit with my children.

Were still cutting wood here today, I was quite blown away at how

fast my manly man could clean out his garage in order to make

room for his wood. Miracles never cease.(or you just have to have

the right motivation.)

Mr. Buttercup has had a couple supervised visits with mr. kitten (we

still haven't committed). They really like each other but Mr. Buttercup

loves him alittle too much still.

A few weeks ago my little ailment I've had since my surgery was

finally diagnosed. "Costochondritis". Inflammation of the cartilage that holds your ribs to your sternum. Not alot they can do but use

anti inflammatory , ice, heat, very painful. I started acupuncture

this week and it's been wonderful! She gets me totally out of

pain while on the table. I'm hoping this will help me be more comfortable before I leave for China. I've also been on prednisone this week.

What's really sad is that my 13 yr. old granddaughter was diagnosed with the same thing two months ago. She's really struggling, my heart just goes out to her. Another bump in the road of life.

Rumor is that we might have some snow this

week-end. Have a good one.

here comes the lumber mill

2012-01-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

So, today our portable lumber mill appeared around eight this morning.

I'll have to admit it impressed me. Before you

knew it we had a pile of beautiful cedar 1x6's.I wish all the

grandson's especially could have been here, they would have been

in a trance! Well, here's a clip to help your imagination.

oh , and while your watching see if you can see alittle black kitten

running around that appeared out of no where.

I finally went out and rescued this scared little kitty, brought

it in and let it gobble Mr. Buttercups cat food down. Mr.

Buttercup was very gracious. Very curious. But, I

think he thinks it's a mouse. He grabs it by the neck.

So,

He's in the garage.I don't know should we keep him?

My manly man just came home with food and litter.

That is the question.

wordless wed.

2012-01-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

one down

2012-01-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

I think this is going to be our year

of projects!

Were about ready to call Grandma Cozy and

tell her she can come home.

plumbing done

walls and ceilings patched up

carpet installed

new coat of paint on all the walls

trim being finished today

new book cases being put together today

boys coming in Fri. to help move furniture back in

And I've got another set of paint clothes!

Why do I always think I can paint without getting

paint on myself.

You know I love shutters.

Well I found a bunch of plantation shutters on

Craigslist, I really didn't know where I'd use

them but I just had to have them.

My sweet Manly Man took me all the way into

Seattle to pick them up, and their everything I

dreamed, just beautiful and I got the whole

lot of them for as much as one would have cost!

I love a good deal.

So, I found my first place for them ....

the guest room.

Love them!

spring dreams

2012-01-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

We've had a mild winter, no complaints here, but it's about that time when we all start thinking about how wonderful it'll be to be in

the garden again! I know I've got some ideas swimming through my head and am looking forward to more time in the yard this year.

Here's some beautiful pictures to get those juices flowing.

Happy Birthday Becky

2012-01-07T13:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday dear sweet daughter of mine. I miss you

calling me and saying , " hey mamacita, what's up?"

You always made me laugh....I love you for that.

Miss you sweetie, miss you.

So were all meeting at Applebee's today to have

a birthday party for you. Half off appetizer's, just like

you loved. We'll never forget you sweetie.

outdoor fun

2012-01-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that we'd get to have an outdoor

day this week. Conner and Natalie were over visiting

and they wanted to play outside. The crisp cold

air was wonderfully invigorating. After doing some

playing and swinging we built us a fire and roasted

mini marshmallows.(Its all Grandma had!)

Even Grandma got a chance on the swing.

Mr. Buttercup followed us where ever we were, he even

managed to get in with the chickens today. No, no Mr.

Buttercup!

wordless Wed.

2012-01-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

2012-01-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

My Manly Man came home from daughters houses all excited to

show me everything he had learned on his new i phone.(thanks Sarah)

He's very cute. Being Scrabble players , we played Scrabble on it

while we were out to lunch yesterday. The main thing he got it for was

so he could run credit cards on it during the Flower and Garden show next

Month. He runs a booth selling Mason Bee houses ,dvd's, and cocoons.

It usually brings in alot of business at the store, great advertising. Last

year he said he wasn't doing it again..........It is fun.

So, here we are learning to do new things with electrical gadgets and

so proud of ourselves! Now, I need someone to help me with my new Kindle Fire, or I guess I could finish reading the manuel.

The next favorite present was the new toaster. You only have to

push it down once and it stays! No more slamming it ten times to get it down.Much more peaceful mornings. We call it the silver 2000.

Now this little sign I love! Thanks Rachel!(If only it were true)

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T16:50:00.000-08:00

It's always been a tradition in the Tunnell

house to write down our resolutions.

They say "if a goal isn't written down it'll never

be achieved." hmmmm, how do you feel about that?

I've always loved the feeling of being able to start

"anew" at the beginning of every year.

I would say that 2011 was a hard year and I'm glad

to see it go, but, then as my friend Pondside said , that would

mean all the special times had no value. Yes, it was a terribly

hard year but, that would mean I didn't treasure the times I

got to be with my children and grandchildren.

And.............cousin camp! That was the best, I wouldn't have

missed that for anything.

So, we count our blessings and look forward to

2012, no matter what it brings!

My resolution last year was "to make it through 2011".

And I did it!!!!

2011-12-29T19:39:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get in a blogging funk? You wonder if it's time to quit?

Usually if I wait that feeling passes, and again there's

something to post about. Writters block, that's what it

feels like.

Or maybe it's just that its winter, a little dull out.

Or that I'm still struggling to "feel better", and that

I'm alittle dull!

Well, I think I'll make myself some peppermint tea.

This too will pass!

Christmas Day

2011-12-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

Oh, what a lovely day we had, hope your was too!

Off to church in the morning,

A lovely dinner awaiting us when

we returned,

An exhilarating ride with the neighbors,

A nice quiet evening by the fire....

truly a wonderful day.

(I think I've been watching to much Downton Abbey)

goodness

2011-12-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

It's easy to concentrate on the negative things in

this world but it's our responsibility

to look for the good. Flaws seem to jump out

at us, even wave a flag sometimes their so obvious.

Look around you, open your eyes, search for the

good..........you'll always find it.

This week my niece and two little children lost their

husband and father, Jay. A wonderful, caring man, he

was taken from them in a matter of hours. As they walk

through the fog of grief they are surrounded by wonderful

family and friends.....good people who care.

Let us all take time , in our busy lives to show the world that there are still

good kind caring people everywhere. And when your sure

there are not, look harder.

Bless you all this Christmas Eve Day.

We have so much to be thank-ful for.

tree down, getting better

2011-12-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely brunch Saturday at this cute

little Lucy's house. She was dressed

all Christmasey and looked

so cute with her reindeer

antlers on. Thank-you

Beth, you outdid

yourself!

My Manly Man added this beautiful Nativity

set to his collection at the store this

year. Poured out of pure bees wax

they were a big hit. After making a set

for each of our children, he had all kinds

of people coming in to pour them for presents.

It's even prettier in person, so warm and soft.

Kitty Natalie with Mr. Buttercup.(Notice her

kitty ears)

It was wonderful to have the grandkids here(till we

got sick!) (then it was a waiting game til they came

to collect them) Fortunately Grandpa covered for me

and then I covered for him.

Our little Conner just turned two! We hadn't seen him

for a month and he's saying all kinds of words and

three or four word sentences. We looked at

train books alot! He's all boy let me tell

you.

I thought it was so cute.....at the end of every book he'd

say "Amen". Well, he knew it was at the

end of something!

No more tree. We lost some privacy but I

love it! After Christmas we've got a bee

friend that will come and cut the huge

huge, pieces of wood into boards that

we hope to use on our ceilings when

their dry. It'll be beautiful!

Grandma's off to eastern Washington , they start

on the plumbing project tomarrow. Whew, we've

got alot going on, all good, all good.

ick

2011-12-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

My manly man and I are both laying in bed recovering from the flu (courtesy of the grandkiddles) while our 100 ft. cedar tree outside our bedroom window is being taken down. I know it's killing my manly man not to be out there enjoying the excitement of it all. The tree will be missed, at least for a while. The grandkids begged us not to take it down, I wish we could have accommodated them. They used to find duck eggs hidden in the ivy around the tree, use the ivy to make tree tribe baskets(alittle invention of their own). ....memories........ things never stay the same. I do like the feeling of being a constant in their lives.

a little bit of christmas

2011-12-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

Since we've got grandchillins coming this week-end I quickly

put up a few lights and my little fake Christmas tree.

I'd have to say lights are my favorite thing

at Christmas, their so magical. Kinda like

watching a fire....mesmerizing.

Next week before we leave for Portland sadly everything

comes down as we start some renovations. We've been

packing Grandma up(I use the term we loosely as I

haven't done anything). Were not kicking her out

just redoing the plumbing. She'll be going over the

mountains to be with her other children.

My GP finally figured out where all of my pain has been

coming from.I kept telling the dr. I felt like I

had a broken rib....didn't feel like anyone

was listening....you know that feeling.

So, now I'm going to a chiropractor to get my

rib cage back in kilter . Pain is better. It'll be

a slow process but hope is always good!

Enjoy this last week end before Christmas.

rambling

2011-12-13T17:19:00.000-08:00

This is what I woke up to sunday morning.

The picture doesn't even cover half the mess

Mr. Buttercup made. Naughty Kitty.

Relocating my fern to a room

that I can shut the door on.

There are a few things I love about winter

weather. The main one is

fog.

Today as I was driving to the

store to talk to my "honey"

(pun intended) the fog floated

halfway across the mountains

making beautiful layers of evergreen

trees. It just takes my breath away.

And then there's the fog

floating on the field

in the mornings.

Love it.

I went to get the mail right

before dark tonight and this

beautiful pink rainbow went

all the way across the sky.

Ran inside for my camera before

it disappeared. Isn't it pretty!

The Nativity Amy Grant

2011-12-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

beep beep beep

2011-12-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

What do you think of when you hear the back-up....beep,

beep, beep?

The garbage man.

The dump truck backing up to deliver dirt.

Welllllllllllllllllllllll for us lately

it's been the fun UPS man!

Bringing who knows what wonderful packages

to a woman who can't get out to shop!!

Amazon.com I love you.

I wish I could say it was all Christmas goodies

well......alot of it has been.

My latest little goodie is this wonderful little cake

pan, ready to make four miniature layered cakes

for deserving boys and girls. Isn't it just awesome. I saw it on

pinterest (don't do it) and said to myself,

I've just got to have that.

Well, I'm off to work on a Christmas present......

A lovely week-end to you all.

my manly man

2011-12-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

We have so many pictures just like this but with different

grandchildren! My manly man says he bores them to

death. He's so sweet, well they both are. I'm so

thank-ful for my sweet husband. Here's some

of the things I admire about him.

1. he loves to help

2. he's a devoted father and husband

3. he's a hard worker and has always supported his family.

4. he loves God and sticks to his beliefs

5. he has a cute sense of humor(great one liners)

6. he loves nature

7. he plays with my cat even though he's always

been a devoted cat hater.

8. he's so patient with me!

9. he's promised me he'll wear sackcloth and

ashes when I die.

10. He'll do just about anything for me.

wordless wed.

2011-12-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

an easy goal for Christmas

2011-12-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

I was just reading a post from Little Cottage Comfortshttp://littlecottagecomforts.blogspot.com/ and I loved something she said. "Our only obligation to others is to smile and be pleasant and say please and thank-you nicely and sincerely." Now doesn't that just make you relax and say to yourself ...."oh, I can do that."
We often take on too much at Christmas , keeping us from the most important thing , which is feel the "spirit" of Christmas. For me the "spirit" of Christmas is feeling "love" for everyone. Wanting to smile at everyone you see, hoping to brighten just one persons day. Lifting a burden from someone you might not even know. Feeling love for our Savior and the sacrifices he's made for each and everyone of us. Traditions are wonderful but it's the feelings that count.
My manly man is a volunteer chaplin for the local fire department. He has duty one week out of five. He carry's around a pager and police radio in case he's needed. This week-end unfortunately was a busy one. Friday he sat with a 80yr. old man whose wife of many years just passed away. Saturday he helped assist a young family whose l month old baby died in the middle of the night. It reminded me how important it is to be nice to everyone, you never know what their going through.

2011-12-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine took this pictures a few

days ago , just a couple miles from my house.

I thought it was so beautiful.

So, we've had a young man helping Jim with

the front deck (tear down).

Yesterday I came home from shopping

and my beautiful, rotting,cedar rail

fence was GONE.

I knew it was falling down and needed to be

replaced, but, I just wasn't prepared.

I'm still alittle sad about it.

Well, at least I know what I'll be getting for

Valentines Day, birthday and Mothers Day this

year. It'll take all of those to get

my fence up.

don't look down smoothie

2011-12-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

This smoothie has been a lifesaver for me the

last few months. Anything that goes down

easy and is healthy has been good.

Usually I start out with a

banana, a couple good scoops

of yogurt, two different kinds

of frozen berries and to top

it off ....a big handful of fresh

spinach. Add liquid of your choice.

My girls use pineapple , I've substituted all kinds of

fruit but, don't forget the spinach (you can't even

taste it! Enjoy and have a

Lovely week-end!

my favorite cookies

2011-11-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

I was craving my favorite peanut butter cookies the other day which was worth driving downtown to one of our favorite little bakery's

"The Snohomish Pie Company". I can bake a mean peanut butter cookie but.......I eat way to many, so....if I only buy 2 my chances of overeating are less. I love this place and it has saved my bacon more than once! We have kinda a tradition on my manly man's birthday that he has rhubarb pie. They bake a great strawberry rhubarb pie.

I was sad though, as I drove away I noticed one of my favorite little stores "Weeds Variety Store" had closed down. It had some of the most fun children's toys and that's where I bought the granddaughters first silky nightgown sets at. Change again: it has to happen but that doesn't mean I have to like it!

ramblings

2011-11-29T09:52:00.000-08:00

One of Becky's favorite shows was "The amazing race".She'd tell me all about it as my eyes glazed over. "Don't you like it she'd ask". "Just try it mom I know you'd love it". "I can see you and dad doing the amazing race as much as you like to travel!". On and on and of course I was interested but only because it meant something to her.

When it started this season I thought ok Becky I'm watching this for you because you loved it. Now I know she's giving me that little smile of "I told you so!".

Yes, I love the show and each week when it's over I can't wait for the next one. But, you were wrong Becky on one account. Daddy and I couldn't do the great race (at least this year).

I was so busy the year after Becky died, maybe these last few months of quiet I've done some of the grieving I didn't get to do in my business.

I'm so grateful for God's love and comfort. I know he understands what I've been going through. Life has to go on, you just can't give up, as much as you'd like to some days.What's the old saying , " Upward and Forward"!

And then God sent Mr. Buttercup into our lives. It's been very healing to have something to nurture and care for.The grandchildren adore him, the last thing Luna said to me before she left Saturday was ,"take care of Mr. Buttercup for me". Seeing Natalie carry around that now huge cat was so cute.

My grandchildren.

They give me something to live for, how I love and adore each and every one of them. I just loved sitting with them this week-end, quietly talking, working on crafts. Lots of hugging, that's the best. How could I give up when I see how brave Becky's children have been through this. Eight year old Abby told me she knew her mom was at Thanksgiving dinner with us. I readily agreed, Becky always loved a good get together!

Well, I must get up and get busy. Finish cleaning my room, work on a Christmas present I'm making(Christmas isn't Christmas if you don't make at least one thing), run a couple errands...............like I said life has to go on. Thanks for letting me talk about Becky, I miss her so much.

Miss Natalie

She held Mr. Buttercup even when

he didn't want her too. Death grip!

olive fingers!

2011-11-27T14:55:00.000-08:00

Isn't this just the best part of Thanksgiving

dinner!

grateful

2011-11-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling grateful this morning....I've got grandchildren on their way here!

grateful to friends who came and spruced up my house yesterday

grateful to my hubby who went to costco yesterday (he hates going by himself)

grateful to family that will fill my house tomarrow (and I don't have to do anything) (but make maple creams)

grateful it's not raining this morning (rivers are high)

When we lived in Texas many years ago Thanksgiving was the hardest time for me to be away from home. So, all those of us in the same situation would get together at the church and it felt just like family. So I'm grateful today that my children who are far away from us will have "family" to be with.

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

tuesday tips

2011-11-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

tip : how to fill up something that won't

fit in the sink! great idea!

change

2011-11-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

don't you just hate it when you spend all this time writing a blog post and through no fault of your own....it disappears and doesn't save it! arggg
It's like having to tell a story over that you just told someone!

So.......I was talking about change. I have a love, hate relationship with change.(please tell me I'm not the only one!) Love when it's fun , exciting change, hate when it's hard, painful change. I'm pretty sure it's the same for everyone! I've chosen at different times in my life to make changes that made me a better person and ...........happier person. Then there's those changes that happen and we can do nothing about them but muck through them, with as much grace as possible. Some changes we deal with quietly and others with a great deal of quacking and squawking ! I'm afraid I've been doing more of the later lately. I make a very poor patient. I'm actually a very impatient patient! Good or bad I like to keep score of the things I'm able to accomplish in a day (some days more than others.) Fortunately this will change hopefully sooner than later!
Here's too change! May we always have it.

new babies at the starfish house

2011-11-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

This morning, Amanda de Lange and a handful of volunteers, went to what we call the “Big O” in Xi’An China (otherwise known as the main orphanage) to see if there were any babies she could take back to her foster home. You see, Amanda doesn’t go looking for the cutest, healthiest babies they have. She goes with eyes and heart open to find the sickest, neediest babies in the orphanage. The babies who are not likely to receive the kind of necessary attention they need just to survive their first few months. Out of all of China’s unwanted ones, she seeks out those who need her the most.

That’s why I love this picture so much. This morning, these babies were just seven of many at the orphanage, but not anymore. From here on out these babies will receive round the clock love and attention, nutrition, medical care and almost rock-star like status among Amanda’s fans and supporters all around the world. Once they have been nursed back to health, Amanda does what the orphanage often does not... prepares each child’s dossier so that they can be adopted by a forever family.

And to think in a few months I will have the blessing of holding and

loving on these beautiful babies!

wordless wed.

2011-11-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

from the mouth of babes

2011-11-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

"Shane the little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long." - Wow...

oh honey you shouldn't have

2011-11-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

chop, chop, chop were the sounds I woke up too yesterday. I've

been hearing those sounds alot these last few weeks

as my manly man has made hot sauce and salsa galore.

But..............this morning

it was different.

I woke up to a

beautiful bowl of

tabbouleh...my favorite salad.

The combination of the bulgar, parsley, cucumber and

tomatoes just tickles my palet. My

favorite part this time of

the year are the pomegranate seeds, they

add such color and flavor.(I really shouldn't be

eating it but I chewed extra well ummm)

Oooops a jar of grape juice just broke, manly man is

canning....be right back.

O.K. that's cleaned up and I'm heading out for a long

overdue walk. It's a lovely day, blue skies and sun.

such beauty

2011-11-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite places to visit is Deception Pass. If you ever

come to visit, you'll definitely be seeing it!

It lies about 30 miles north of us, toward the Canadian border.

Once you get to the pass you can drive over the bridge that

separates the Strait of Juan De Fuca and Saratoga Passage

Walking over the bridge you get the view of your lifetime.

The water is the color of the Mediterranean

and where the two waters meet are whirlpools

you'll want to keep your kayaks out of.(or be a very

experienced kayaker.

Our favorite things to do are hiking, walking on the beach or

having a picnic.

Here's some interesting history on why it's called

Deception Pass.(compliments of wikipedia)

HistoryIn the spring of 1792, Joseph Whidbey, master of HMS Discovery and Captain Vancouver's chief navigator proved that it was not really a small bay as charted by the Spaniards (hence the name "Deception"), but a deep and turbulent channel that connects the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Saratoga Passage, which separates the mainland from what they believed was a peninsula (actually Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island). Thomas Coupe, a sea captain and founder of Coupeville, was the only man ever to sail a full-rigged ship through the strait discovered by Whidbey.

cute spooks

2011-11-02T00:22:00.000-07:00

These cute little trick or treaters were the only grandchildren we

got to see in person....and boy were they excited.

We usually don't get any children on our street so we quickly got

out some pkgs. of animal crackers. Britton politly said no thankyou.

Then we went to friends down the street who weren't expecting anyone

either so they gave them apples. Three year old Lucy laughed all the way

home and kept saying "That was so funny, they gave me an apple".

They were so cute!

Our Autumn as "Mary Poppins". Isn't she practically perfect in every way!

Lilly, Autumn, Clhoe, Elise and Hannah (where's my Rachel?)

Elise as our little sailor.

Annika as a lovely angel.(and she really is)

I thought this was pretty funny: My daughter Lia offered all her

children five dollars if they'd wear a costume from something in

the house that didn' t have to be made. Jon was the only one that

did it.......he's a hermit.

James as Mario

Lia and Cozy in their dirndl. Lia made Cozy's cute little dirndl.

refurbished chairs

2011-10-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Before we left for Disneyland , I finally recovered my chairs....

after having the material for over

a year!

It took me all of an hour to do.........soooo

much better!

They were getting pretty yucky.

My Manly Man hates these chairs , so I keep saying , oh, I'm going

to get new ones but, secretly I really like these.

2011-10-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well, life has been a tab bit uneventful at our home lately.(I was trying hard not to say (boring))!

Every morning I try to at least stand out on the porch and say hello to my favorite season of the year, take deep breaths of the wonderful fall smells, look at all the cute pumpkins my manly man put on the porch, and then its back inside to rest. I am not a good rester. Is that a word?

I'm off pain pills, which has me feeling things I wasn't last week. It kinda scared me but , the Dr. assured me things arn't falling apart and right now its my bruised ribs that are hurting me.

Food has become more of a problem then a look forward too.(except that wonderful Pumpkin Soup my manly man made for me.)
Yogurt has become my best friend. On the up side I've lost 10lbs!

Did you know the show "Murder She Wrote" has 13 seasons! I've watched way to much T.V., but....I've had my devoted Mr. Buttercup at my side. My manly man will peek in my sick room and say "Just makin sure Mr. Buttercup is doing his job". (their both so sweet)

Mr. Buttercup is happily announcing that we have canceled our trip to Europe in December. I'm alittle sad, but, it was a relief in a way. Were on again for 2013.

I'm also celebrating that we only had to pay $250.00 dollars of the $35,000.00 hospital bill. Thank-you for good health insurance.

Was that too much complaining? If you have any good movies to suggest let me know!

A good week-end to you all!

Oh, and he made pumpkin waffles also that were delish!

wordless wed.

2011-10-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

tips for everybody and everything!

2011-10-24T14:51:00.001-07:00

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster. Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold. Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking. Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat. To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up. For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a minty frosting. Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic, and at the end of the recipe if you want a stronger taste of garlic. Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. Easy Deviled Eggs: Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up. Expanding Frosting: When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving. Reheating refrigerated bread: To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster. Newspaper weeds away: Plant your plants in the ground, work the nutrients in your soil. Then wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go, cover with mulch, and forget about weeds. Broken Glass: Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily. No More Mosquitoes: Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away. To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it. Flexible vacuum: To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings. Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip to eliminate static cling. It works; you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks. Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out. De-fog your windshield: Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser. Re-opening envelopes: If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. It unseals easily. Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair. Goodbye Fruit Flies: To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. flies are drawn to the cup and gone forever. Wash your dryer filter: dryer sheets cause a film over filter that will burn out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. The best way to keep your dryer working for a long time (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take the filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush at least every six months.

Amazing trees

2011-10-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Boabab: Also known as the "tree of life", Baobab trees, found in Africa and India, can live for several thousand years. They have little wood fiber, but can store large quantities of water.

Sometimes they even carve out the insides of

these trees and have a restaurant inside!

wordless wed.

2011-10-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

garden raped

2011-10-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

While in Oregon this week-end my manly man cleaned out my daughter Rachel's tomato patch. Last night I listened to chop, chop, chop for a few hours, as he slaved over a hot oven making green tomato salsa, and by the looks of it, still has alot left to do. He LOVES his salsa, so this this is a labor of love for him.
My mother used to make some sort of salsa, I wish I could remember what she called it. I remember one summer close to the end of it my parents were gone and just me and my little brother were home.(we were teen-agers) All the ingredients were in the garden getting riper and riper so I suggested to him we make this relish to surprise mom. So, we did! All by ourselves, wow I'm impressed just thinking about it. We always had to participate in canning, so I guess we had watched it enough to know how.

Green tomato salsa (or relish)

My daughter sent this to me Sunday.....

after church naps! (I didn't end up going

so grandma Cozy took my place)

Aren't they cute!

2011-10-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

At Ireland’s oldest university, home to the book of Kells, the ‘Old Library’ stuns with its dark wood, spiral staircases and seemingly endless aisles of books. It was built between 1712 and 1732 and renovated in 1860 to include a barrel ceiling for a second floor of book shelves.

I think we all have our "dream library" but, this is the most beautiful I've ever seen. As my friend Michelle and I walked through this incredible library I remember wishing that everyone would leave and we could just stay for hours and hours and hours. I did feel it was an honor to be there , among history.

calling all crafty grandma's!

2011-10-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a cute idea! Making alittle cooking

station for those

little girls

out of a nightstand!

I'll add that to my list.................

Got the go ahead from my dr. to take alittle trip to

Portland this week-end.

Hannah just turned eight and will be

baptised Saturday. Hannah's been a horse lover...well, almost

from birth! So, for her birthday party they had a tea in a friends barn (pee u) and then rode horses . Hannah rode all eight horses. And..........it you could top that off,

she got the cutest pair of cowgirl boots..pink.

The best birthday ever!

Have a lovely week-end friends!

cabin fever!

2011-10-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

Monday morning when my manly man asked if I wanted to join him and grandkids for an outing, I hurriedly got ready! I needed out! What was our outing? Picking out baby chicks with Bethie and the kiddles. They are going to be surrogate parents for the next month or so. Needless to say it was such fun watching them, and oh, is there anything cuter then new baby chicks?

Another star attraction was the parrot. He's

very sweet and sings beautifully. Seriously.

He did a rendition of "On Top of old Smoky".

Farmer John

Lucy had just gone to the denist and this

was the prize she chose when she left.

(Oh, man it hurts to laugh)

Here's the babies all set up in their garage. When we drove

up to their house I heard Britton say to the neighbor "We got baby chicks! Our first pet ever!" So cute.

The sick room!

After this fun outing I made my manly man take me to Target. I didn't last long but it felt good. Thanks for all the well wishes, and no Cro I'm not the suffer in silence type.....used to be. I have a bell and I don't hesitate to ring it!

Doing alot better today.

I'm on a full liquid diet now, which is a step up from broth, jello,and popsicles! Now, I can have soup and yogart. Hey, you take

what you get!

2011-10-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just beautiful!

Spotted Lake (Khiluk) is a salt alkali lake in British Columbia with high concentrations of magnesium sulfate, calcium and sodium sulfate as well as a number of other minerals and metals. As the water evaporates in the summer, dry spots of salt deposits appear, leaving natural walkways around the rims. #Spotted_Lake #British_Columbia #Geology #Geography #Khiluk

Becky

2011-10-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

Actually it's Rebecca Lynn, with various nick names in between.Bec, Becca, and Becky which was used the most when she started school. I was with her once and someone called her Rebecca and I remember thinking,"Why don't we call her that? It's so beautiful." When Becky was born we hadn't decided on a middle name yet. I ended up having her c-section and by the time I woke up Jim had called everyone telling them her name was Rebecca Lynn. So....that's what it was! It was quite a popular name and she had a couple friends named Rebecca , one even Rebecca Lynn.
Since Becky was our fourth child under the age of six, I was a busy busy mom. I remember one night after I'd gotten everyone to bed, sitting on the couch with her across my knees, patting her back with one hand and writing in my journal with the other, cherishing that time with her. The best baby ever, I'd carry her around with me in her little seat as I went from one activity to another ( to protect her from siblings), she'd wait very patiently for me to look and talk to her, then give me her beautiful smile.She was the first to Christin our cradle her daddy made . Living in California when Sarah was born we were camping and ran across some beautiful redwood planks that Jim fell in love with, just sure he could make something beautiful with them. (I'm surprised now that he took them, it wasn't really like him.I'm usually the one lugging stuff home) He made some lovely things, one of them the cradle. The only problem with it was that the rocker rocked alittle too much. If she was in it you had to fiercely protect her. If a child rocked it, she would fly from side to side banging her head. You see my concern! It's still in our garage, were hoping some day maybe one of the grandchildren will want it and correct that rock. We were living in Alaska when Becky was brought home from the hospital, it was 65 below zero. Wow, I can't even imagine that now. I had the most darling baby bunting made for her, white fur around the face, so precious. At first if we put her in it, we'd loose her....but she was warm! I remember it being alittle scary having a baby in such cold temperatures. But, it was Lia and not her who got her tongue stuck to the metal screen door. It was so sad. When you first arrive in Alaska the air force has you attend a welcome meeting. They tell you about their "Lickm , Stickm, babysitting service outside the BX. There's a metal rail there and all you have to do is lick your little ones hand , stick it on the rail and they'll be there when you finish your shopping! I loved that. Don't remember ever using it though. So, little Becky had a cold start in life, which always made us wonder if that's why she was so warm blooded. She flashed that sweet smile all her life.

2011-10-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm up and around, just not for very long at a time. I walk the kids "loop" and probley need to get outside today for a walk. My getting in and out of bed could be very comical (if you were mean enough to laugh)! My biggest challenge of the day is getting my pills down, which can be very painful....showing me I'm not anywhere near ready to even eat soft foods. I'm loving the jello, broth, juice and Popsicle's...since that's all I'm allowed to eat.Hope-fully next week I'll graduate to other liquids.
The whole time I was in the hospital I just kept thinking about what a little thing I was going through compared to so many people. I've found I'm alittle whinnier as I get older, my pain thresh hold is lower. I couldn't help but think of my sweet Becky and how brave she was through all her stuff. And the children, their amazing.

Tomarrow it'll be a year since Becky died.(Big Sigh) So many changes. I know part of me still hasn't totally accepted that she's dead. I'll walk by her picture, and feel such a need to touch her. I'm so proud of everyone as they've plunged through this difficult year.
Half way through the year I read a wonderful saying that really helped me . It said, "Don't let your problems define who you are."
There are so many people I look up to that take this saying to heart. It helped me put a smile on my face.

vacation

2011-09-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

This is the Washington D.C. Mormon temple

located right next to the chapel the kids go to

church at. Isn't it incredible! It's so beautiful it

almost doesn't look real.

Brownies with peanut butter frosting and

broken Reece's Peanut butter cups on top.

They were to die for! Treats at the baptism.

Bedtime stories for Cozy

Jon got his Bobcat award

Home school pictures~ so cute!

Maybe you have seen a two story Target but,

I never have! The cart has it's own escalader! I didn't want to see much but, this was a must see.

Big brother

Well, I just dyed my hair and I couldn't find the color

I usually use and wow it turned out pretty wicked!

I know my granddaughters would love it!

I'm headed out to see if I can find something

to cover it.....fortunately

I didn't use permanent!!

Wish me luck!

recycling at it's best

2011-09-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have the most talented daughters!
Lia's new thing is making Cozy clothes out of her
outgrown shirts. It's amazing , you could never tell
they were ever something else in the past! I've watched
her so maybe I might try it.......maybe being the operative
word here.
And I wish I'd thought of it when I was sewing for my
children!
Here's a couple examples of her new art..

                                                                     The pants are made out of one tee shirt
                                                                          the shirt another! What a cute outfit!

                                                                     Going home tonight!

oops

2011-09-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

oops it's Tuesday, not Wednesday!
I've been off every since I've been here.
I was so lucky to be here while the children
are in the middle of a "Voyager" marathon.(when allowed)
Their watching all the episodes on netflix.(I love Voyager)I
thought I'd seen them all but I haven't. It's so fun to watch
it with the kids, when there is anything romantic on, kids
leave the room, cover their eyes or the siblings next to
them. We've just had fun hanging out together.
I'm sure not a city girl though........take me home country road....
When you can drive thirty minutes in every direction and still
be in the city, your definatly in the city!

wordless Wed.

2011-09-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

fun times in Maryland

2011-09-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

I'd say the rain followed me....but , it wasn't raining when I left! It's rained almost everyday, not that it's dampened anything we've done. I got in late Thursday night, Tony picked me up in Baltimore.(poor guy) I can't begin to say what it means to me to see their house, street, city, where the children catch the bus, where they shop, where Lia gets her diet coke everyday, the hospital where Tony goes to school, where they go to church. Now I can go home and picture in my mind where they are. Friday night after dinner Tony announced we were going to do Karaoke. There's a place close by where you can rent a room and rock out. I still can't decide who enjoyed it the most, Tony or Sofia.(theie both really good) I sang a song with Annika and afterwards she said, "I can tell you don't sing very much". She would be right!

Sofia

Annika and I looking for a song

This is good for a laugh!

cute quilts I'd love to make

2011-09-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

wordless wed.

2011-09-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

beautiful fall weather

2011-09-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe were still picking blueberries!

My Manly Man pickled beets last night, sour kraut will

next. Were going to try and just keep some in the basement

this winter, uncanned. It's much better for you non canned,

more pro-biotics.

This looked so good I just had to try it. Pecan spice cake

with Maple frosting. Was so good I sent the rest home with

Mike, otherwise

I knew we'd eat the rest ourselves!

When I was little, every year my mother would

ask me what kind of cake I wanted and I always said the

same thing. Spice cake with maple frosting.

Mr. Buttercup enjoying the beautiful day .

2011-09-18T20:25:00.000-07:00

It's wonderful to be home, so quiet compared to the crowds we've been with all week. I've found I really like the excitement while also craving the quiet times. Mr. buttercup finally gave me a kiss this morning, I think he's forgiven me. I miss my little kitty, he's almost full grown already. My Manly man missed his animals, and had to stop by after church today to see his store.(It was still there). Aren't we funny. Tomarrow I'll wash my clothes and repack for another trip Thursday. This time I'm headed to Maryland to visit our daughter in their new home. Can't wait to see them! Jonny will be baptized the Saturday after I get there, I promised myself when we started having grandchildren that I'd never miss their baptism's. This is the first I've had to travel any great distance for.
Something kinda fun about this trip , I also get to visit some dear friends of ours from years(and years). We met them when we were attending the language institute in Monterrey, California. We've been out of touch the last 10 years only to find out they go to church in the same meetinghouse as our daughter. He works for homeland security and she is a nurse at Bethesda. It's such a small world! Just like running into a family from here at Disneyland.(we didn't know them, just got to talking in the elevator).
After I get home from Lia's I'll be having surgery on my "paraesophogeal Hernia". Which is what caused my acid reflux, which is why the apple cider vinigar didn't work on me.I'm happy to be having the surgery but not so happy about the life style change it's going to "make" me have. I'll never be able to eat more than a cup of food at a time. I know it'll be good for me, I'll surely loose some weight, but..............dang. Stop complaining Linda.

Please have a good week friends, enjoy all you have.

A Person to Admire

2011-09-17T09:45:00.001-07:00

Irena Sendler 1910-2008 A 98 year-old German woman named Irena Sendler recently died. During WWII, Irena worked in the Warsaw Ghetto as a plumbing/sewer specialist. Irena smuggled Jewish children out; infants in the bottom of the tool box she carried and older children in a burlap sack she carried in the back of her truck. She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers wanted nothing to do with the dog, and the barking covered the kids’ and infants’ noises. Irena managed to smuggle out and save 2500 children. She eventually was caught, and the Nazis broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar buried under a tree in her backyard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived and reunited some of the families. Most had been killed. She helped those children get placement into foster family homes or adopted. Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was not selected. Al Gore won- for a slide show on Global Warming.

all good things have to come to an end

2011-09-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit with Allicia and her family. She took us to the famous Balboa Park. It's full of art, history and air museums plus the San Diego Zoo.Beautiful gardens and fountains are everywhere. My pictures don't do it justice.(I thought I'd lost my camera(I want a new one) but, unfortunatly I found it)

This was the childrens favorite place. Watching the turtles

and fish. I found it very interesting what this pool had been

used for over the years.

World War I : teaching sailors how to swim

fishing pond for children

World War II: teaching rowing

After World War II : therapy pool for burned sailors

This is an ornamental fig tree, I'd never seen one before!

Isn't this beautiful! Trumpet Vine

We were hoping to get to climb this but the man said the stairs

weren't safe anymore unless we wanted to contribute to having

it renovated.

cooling off on a hot day!

Disneyland really is magical

2011-09-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

The most delightful part of Disneyland is hands

down watching the kids! Though my manly man and

I are having alot of fun too! It was so cute to watch

him yesterday on Flyin over California, huge smile

on his face! (It was awesome!)

The most wonderful ride yesterday had to have been the

Grizzly River Run. Not only was it fun but you usually

came out soakin wet which kept you cool for a couple

hours. I've got more vitamin D the last couple days then

I've gotten all year!

Today were taking a day off and visiting Jim's niece in

San Diego, doing washing, replenishing snacks, and

giving our legs a rest!

I will always have a picture in my head of sweet three

year old Lucy as we left yesterday. She was on Grandpa's

shoulders for only seconds before her little head was bobbing

and she was sound asleep. Grandpa said he will be saddle sore

by the time we leave.

We MISS you Sofia!

P.S. thank-you Beth for putting us to bed early every night!

CalifornIa dreamin............

2011-09-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here we are at Newport Beach~ It was a perfect day at the beach......

It's only eight o'clock grandpa's asleep, the children are working on it

and I'm going as soon as I post this. Were plum tuckered out.

I just heard my son say to three yr. old Lucy....."I'll give you three seconds

to hold still and then I'm going to sit on you". I'll let you guess what he

was trying to do~

two little mermaids

naked John

TOMARROW DISNEYLAND

Happy Birthday Natalie

2011-09-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Miss Natalie !

When I asked her what kind of cake she wanted

she said strawberry(translated to PINK).

A couple of turrets toppled on the way over

but they were an easy fix. Natalie had on her

sparkly princess dress and was flitting all over , so happy

it was her birthday. She's so cute. Her new thing since my hairs

been short is to tell me I'm a boy, and then I have to tickle her.And then when I tire of it I agree with her and tell her to call me Grandpa Linda. I love being a grandma.

productivity

2011-09-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I'v had a productive week, a long while, and it's felt so good. The front yard is now raked, tree and bushes trimmed, mowed and mess cleaned up. It's alittle late in the season but, I went and bought some flowers. My first this year.

Baby quilt finally finished!

It's got a place for her sweet head to stay warm. I saw this

somewhere?

It's been a lovely week, I feel refreshed.

Sicily

2011-09-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

While searching for travel books about Sicily

I came across another of Marlena De Blasi's books.

Her Tuscany book I really enjoyed, Venice not as much.

"Summer In Sicily" was a good read, the folk lore and history

very alluring, sometimes sad. All in all I feel I know alittle

more about the Island of Sicily and it's people.

wordless wed.(taking the plung)

2011-09-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

sweet tribute

2011-09-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

A sweet friend of our family and her sister decided to have some fun

last month in Salt Lake City where she lives now. Her and Becky have

a history together. So, picture this in your mind.....they do this at three

in the morning (so as not to get caught, and avoid the crowds!) Sometimes

the police I guess will stop and ask you to take them out.(cups stuck in the

wires). She say's that there was a drug exchange going on under the under

pass. Two police cars drove by, neither stopped. Pretty brave girls.

Thanks for remembering our sweet Becky!

cupcakes the new "cake"

2011-09-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes are becoming the new "cake" for birthdays,

weddings, and special occasions.

Personally, I find them adorable!

Especially the homemade ones.

There are lots of books to help you with

this new obsession, ideas galore!

I saw this cute Dolli wrapper today, but very

pricey. Here's a site to show you how to make your own.

We have three cupcake stores now in Snohomish, and I shamefully admit

to buying some at a shamefully high price! (2.75 to 3.50).

(Their SO pretty!)

enjoy

headed home

2011-09-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

We've had such a fun week hanging out with the Kangs and Lance and Luna. Rachel & Chet got back from Mexico last night, the children were happy to have them home. One day while we were hanging out with the kangs Lance and Luna got on bikes and just started riding, it was so fun to see how happy they were and experience that with them. The next day we headed out to garage sales to see if we could find Lance a bike. We finally found one at Goodwill for $24. He was a happy camper! Mr. Buttercup has adjusted well , but, I know will be happy to get home, though I know will miss all the attention.We've had a warm week here, summer has finally appeared. My manly man did alot of weeding and we really enjoyed the bountious tomatoes from Rach's garden! Well, home again, home again, jiggity jig.

Oregon Fun

2011-09-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Going to Oregon just isn't complete without going to the Tillimook Cheese Factory.
My parents took me, we took our children and now our children take theirs.After
an interesting tour, there's cheese tasting and then they twist your arm to buy

their wonderful ice cream. It's pretty hard to choose out of 75 different flavors!

We all took turns tasting each others and sharing bites.

A little hike brought us all together over the bridge.

Cute Lilly with big sister Rachel. (Don't you just

love her hat.)

wordless Wed.

2011-08-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

wonderful wedding

2011-08-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

All the guests wore black and white , which was really fun.

Only the bride and groom wore color.

Lance and Britton

Marriage pie

Could you imagine a more beautiful setting! Lake Hagg in

Oregon only 30 minutes from their house.

Aunt Delores, Hannah and Chloe

The Bride

"In our weirdness we found love" (from her vows)

off to wedding

2011-08-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Rachel! Lover of rice crispie treats, why didn't we think of this! Isn't

it awesome!

Well, were off today to Portland til the 7th, witnessing another

marriage.

taking with us more pies my manly man made last night, one is so

cute , I'll have to take a picture to show you!

Mike and his bride returned last night from their honeymoon, back

to the reality called life!

Maddy and Abby are going to a cool camp today called "Camp Erin". For

children that have lost a significant other in their life. Bless the people

that put this on!

So, have a wonderful week-end, bless those people(my daughter included) on

the east coast this week-end.

Love, Linda

P.S. I can comment on blogs now, signing in as anonymous.

wordless Wed.

2011-08-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

interview with channel 2 news

2011-08-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

interviewer: So, Mrs. Tunnell can you tell us what made you want to start being stung by bees?

Mrs. Tunnell: We've done alot of reading and were impressed by many success stories of people with arthritis and sting therapy

interviewer: So, how is it going and how many stings have you had so far?

Mrs. Tunnell: Well so far I've only had five stings, were starting slowly and building up.

interviewer: Is it painful?

Mrs. Tunnell: Before I'm stung I ice up the spot, but, the problem is the ladies don't like a cold bum so while were waiting for them to sting me it unfreezes and then they sting me! It hurts for about 15 minutes, then itches madly.

interviewer: What's the funniest part of this so far?

Mrs. Tunnell: Well, last night it was time for a couple stings and Mr. Tunnell had brought three girls from the store in a little queen cage. He let the first one out but didn't catch it in time before it started flying. Then the second one, then the third , until we had three bees flying around our bedroom. Mr. Tunnell went and got honey on his finger hoping to catch them. Didn't work, so at that point I rolled over and said good night. Poor girls are still flying today.

interviewer: Well, we wish you luck in your endeavor and will be interested to see the outcome. Please keep us informed.

Mrs. Tunnell: Thank-you all for your encouragement, we will keep in touch.

ouchy ouchy

2011-08-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Seeing as how my arthritis has been acting up, I've decided to try

sting therapy. I know, but, I've got to go to Disneyland in a few weeks

and want to get around on my feet instead of a scooter. (which really

sounds like kinda fun! I love riding around on baby) Anyway I'm hoping

it'll help alittle before we go and then continue when we get home.

There's been great success treating arthritis with bee stings, sometimes

even eliminating it. But, because of political pharmacies you'll never

see any of it offered medically. So, I went to the store yesterday and my

manly man got a few bees out of his display hive and stung my foot and

ankle. Today we'll do my knee. Wish me luck! And can you believe he

made fun of me because I kept saying ouchy, ouchy. Dang it hurt!

flags flags flags

2011-08-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

I had fun catching up on a few tv shows and making flags for some of the

children. Their so fun to make and really cheer up a room. So..... put your

orders in anyone, just let me know what colors you'd like/ pattern. You'll

notice I had an order for dinosaurs.

Well, I still can't comment on my blog and now not on other peoples blogs,

so maddeningg , please know that I'm reading and sending my love out to

blogland!

I'm so happy that it's salmon running time again! It's only every other year

and we were out last Dec.! My Manly Man went out ALL day yesterday

and came home with a nice six pounder. He's going out again Monday, they

should be running better by then. He loves to fish and just doesn't get the chance

much, so I'm happy to see him so excited. When you don't have a boat, the next

best thing is to have a friend that does, and he has two of them!

Well,.............so much for the project he started on his last days off. One thing

we can always count on and that's that those projects will always be waiting

for us, just like housework .

When you wait so long to do something that needed to be done years ago

your not surprised when it's much worse than you expected. At lease

it's on his list now!

wordless Wed.

2011-08-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

2011-08-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Every girl's dream, princess hair, pretty dress and walk

down the isle holding beautiful flowers.........

they were alittle shy........

the best man, fresh from a nap..........

precious isn't he..............

Let the fun begin............

Singing "All you need is Love"

love love love.................

How'd we get such good lookin kids?.............

happily ever after..............(with alot of hard work!)

twue wove

2011-08-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Busy cranking out pies for the wedding.........no not me but my manly man and Rachel's here today giving her daddy all kinds of tips for a delicious pie crust (emeralds recipe). Lard and butter, that'll do it.

treat for the children

all I have time to do is post pictures

2011-08-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

ready for company (got my rocking chair painted)

Who would have thought I'd be picking daisies in Aug.!

Usually their over the end of June!

wordless wed.

2011-08-10T00:08:00.000-07:00

yum

2011-08-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh yesterday at Conner. Now that he's walking around well, Jim introduced him to "Berries". It first started when whey were picking strawberries,then raspberries . Now that we have blueberries he comes inside with his hands purple, but, a very happy boy! Yesterday I was out with the kids on the hammock eating Popsicles when Conner spotted the huckleberry bush, covered in little red berries. His mouth literally fell open and he said "wow". It was priceless!

misc.

2011-08-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

finished the new grandchild wall, I love it

I found this sweet quilt at a garage sale for five dollars! It's not

in perfect shape but who could pass it up!

Mr. Buttercup being his cute self

Isn't this a cute idea!

Isn't this darling Lia! I knew you would love it, it just looks

like something you would make. (In all your spare time) Maybe

after you finish unpacking, and school starts.............. or when all

your children leave home................................

Gnomeo's friend

2011-08-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

Since I still can't make comments on my own blog I will have to devote a blog to saving Gnomeo's friends reputation. That is not one finger up but, two for the peace sign...you know "peace man".Gnomeo would never hang out with someone like that, and this is a "G" rated blog so my grandchildren can read it. And I'm just a "G" kinda gal! Gnomeo met his friend in my daughters garden in Oregon, causal friends. His friend ( who I'll name peace guy) actually hailed from our town Snohomish. My manly man won him at the spinners guild Christmas Party. We knew he would get along well with my daughter who's kinda a "peace girl". Whew, now the I've saved Peace Guys reputation I can rest easier tonight.

wordless wed.

2011-08-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

letters in my sleep

2011-08-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

My Manly Man and I have had a scrabble marathon going since cousin camp. Some days we get only one game finished but, others two or three. It's been alot of fun, even when I don't win. My Manly man's so sweet, I've beat him the last few games and this morning he used all seven letters meaning he gets an extra 50 points. He didn't want to take them because it'd make the game too lopsided. It made me feel just alittle bad because I sure would have taken them!I'm not a huge game player but, I'm always up for a game of skip-bo and scrabble.

Grandma Linda's House

China here we come

Forest Grove teen plans return to China to help babies in orphanage

Published: Monday, February 06, 2012, 3:25 PM Updated: Tuesday, February 07, 2012, 7:02 AM

Happy Birthday Rachel

tried,tested and proven

shadows and murders

warning: could contain adult material

Conner learns his ABC's

jinx

wordless Wed.

this is us today!

Seattle Braces for Major Snow Storm

More accustomed to rain, Seattle braces for snow

Search results

Seattle Braces for Major Snow Storm - US News and World Report

Seattle Snow Storm to Hit Pacific Northwest, Worst Since 1985 ...

Winter Wonderland

Hawiian Haystacks

here comes the lumber mill

wordless wed.

one down

spring dreams

Happy Birthday Becky

outdoor fun

wordless Wed.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Day

goodness

tree down, getting better

ick

a little bit of christmas

rambling

The Nativity Amy Grant

beep beep beep

my manly man

wordless wed.

an easy goal for Christmas

don't look down smoothie

my favorite cookies

ramblings

olive fingers!

grateful

tuesday tips

change

new babies at the starfish house

wordless wed.

from the mouth of babes

oh honey you shouldn't have

such beauty

cute spooks

refurbished chairs

wordless wed.

tips for everybody and everything!

Amazing trees

wordless wed.

garden raped

calling all crafty grandma's!

cabin fever!

Becky

vacation

recycling at it's best

oops

wordless Wed.

fun times in Maryland

cute quilts I'd love to make

wordless wed.

beautiful fall weather

A Person to Admire

all good things have to come to an end

Disneyland really is magical

CalifornIa dreamin............

Happy Birthday Natalie

productivity

Sicily

wordless wed.(taking the plung)

sweet tribute

cupcakes the new "cake"

headed home

Oregon Fun