If you build it, they will come...

We left early this morning to haul the floating dock pieces up to the lake. We put together a big enough dock to float over 'The Monster' - that will be tomorrow morning, so stay tuned! : )

Look Duane...Jamie is on the phone again! : )

It floats! And, after a few changes, we got it the way we wanted it.

It was nice to actually be of help today. I walked around as easily as I could, but was still able to help Jamie put together the system. Plus, I make quite a good Supervisor!

She did it!

She did it - Makena got her ears re-pierced with cute little sapphire earrings. I was shocked at how little and quiet the piercing guns are now - finally!!

Do you think she's mocking me?

She's already bought some cute little panda earrings and another set of misc. ones. Now...she just has to wait 6 weeks to change them out. : )

Couple 'a things

I forgot to mention last week that I had my first Caretaker Committee Meeting for CASA. This was an interview type meeting (in front of a committee) to decide if the foster family would be able to adopt my CASA child. We were very excited to find out that they have been accepted and we can now being the adoption process! I'm so happy that he will have this wonderful 'forever family' that he's been with for over 3 years now - he is a very special little boy! I will stay as his CASA until the adoption and then be given a new case. It will be sad for me to leave him tho...

I had my bone density scan today - to check for any signs of osteoporosis. The doctor was thinking that my foot sprain may have something to do with this. I won't get the results back for a week or so tho. It was a scan of my hips and spine (lower back) and it was pretty cool to see the image right there as they did the scan.

Delaynie Olivia Hess arrived yesterday! She weighed 6lbs 3oz and was 19" long - we can't wait to meet her! Congrats to Tiffany & Shayne!!

Makena didn't end up getting her ears pierced yesterday - the place didn't have anyone working then. So, we are going to try again today. She already has a list of earrings that she wants.

We bought the second book in the Twilight series yesterday (New Moon). Makena and I both read the first one (Twilight) in about a day...and were eager for the second. She got to read New Moon first and it's killing her not to be able to talk to me about it. She's even cried in a couple of spots and I remind her NOT to say anything! : ) Guess I better go buy the other two now... We don't usually buy books - we like going to the library every week or so - but the wait for these was too long.

Tip for a better life: Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.

"Why I smiled today" - Makena was up reading New Moon bright and early this morning before school.

Walden Island - Day 34, 35 & 36

We arrived at Walden Island much later that we had planned on Friday - it was getting dark. BUT now that we have lights, it made things much easier!! We were invited over to our neighbors for a couple of drinks and "news". There has been a lot next to us that has been empty for years - the owner doesn't do anything with it but let it grow. (And, he apparently hasn't been the most popular neighbor on the island.) The family on the other side purchased it, so now we really will have a neighbor there. We aren't at all sure what they are going to do with it (I don't think they are either - they just wanted it cleaned up) but we will also share the pathway as well as boat house/moorage area. I'm hoping that once all of the weeds & fallen trees are cleaned up, that will get rid of some of the mosquitoes!!! It was good news for all of us.

Saturday was a fairly quiet day for us. Jamie made us breakfast and then Makena and I spent most of the day just reading. It took most of the early morning for the fog to clear, and then Jamie went out on the wave runners for a while. I did get a bit more organizing done as I bought a large 4-shelf unit out for food, dishes and extras. Jamie and I sat out by the fire that night - we hadn't had one in quite a while.

Makena loves 'cooking' now

Sunday was another beautiful day though, and I wanted to get Makena out on the wave runner so that she could learn to drive it. She did great! We were only going about 5 mph for a while (I was thinking it was going to be a l-o-n-g day) but then she got more comfortable and we were up around 30. She was laughing (mostly at Jamie being goofy) and I think she really enjoyed it. I will be on it with her for quite a while.

I took this by just holding out my camera

Our floating dock system (J&R website - by me) is supposed to be here tomorrow and then Jamie & I will take it up to the lake on Friday. He's supposed to be bringing over 'The Monster' on Sunday. I'm not sure if I'm going up that day or not...it may be a bit distracting trying to get a 6,000 lb piece of equipment over to the island!

Friday stuff...

We are heading out to the lake again today after Makena gets out of school. It's supposed to be another beautiful weekend - enjoy!! Hopefully this time we'll be able to get Makena back out on the tube or learning to drive the wave runner.

Jamie & I went to Happy Hour (two of my favorite words!) at Portland City Grill last night. Unfortunately we didn't get a table next to the windows - the view is gorgeous from there! We did have a nice time tho and met up with a couple of Jamie's friends.

Oh, yes, I am feeling much better after the alfalfa issue. The alfalfa that I had been eating was recalled due to some Salmonella - I just couldn't figure out why I was feeling so bad every couple of days. Well...every couple of days I was eating alfalfa sprouts on a sandwich. I'll leave out the details, but I am feeling much better now and am staying away from sprouts for a while!

I've been meaning to post some pictures that my aunt Tami took while visiting Garibaldi last month. She got a new camera and took some great pictures (if I do say so myself). I don't think I've ever mentioned it, but if you click on any of the pictures that are on the blog you can see them bigger.

"Why I smiled today" - my momma & Gram

Remembering 9/11/01

Why I smiled today

"Why I smiled today" - Jamie and I went to watch Kylah at swimming lessons today. She was diving in and swimming all over - she was great! As soon as she saw me, she smiled and waved - she was the cutest one out there of course!

Kylah is getting ready to dive

After swimming lessons, we went over to visit and play for a while. Kylah & Uncle Jamie had a pillow fight (Kylah won) and then played a game of "Eye Spy" (Kylah won that too).

Kallie was sharing her necklace with Uncle Jamie

Pillow-fight!!

Driving "tist-er's" jeep

JUNK mail

A few weeks ago, I finally got tired of all of the junk mail that we get. I get catalogs that I don't need or want and most likely didn't ask for, we get things for the two different businesses that we own (many times two of the same catalog or flyer for both), Jamie gets things for Jamie and then the same thing for James; NOT to mention what it all does to the environment - I'd just had enough! Did you know that more than 100 million trees are destroyed each year to produce junk mail, while creating and shipping junk mail produces more carbon emissions than 2.8 million cars. WOW!!

So I started emailing "Customer Service" - that's what they are there for right?? I'm actually shocked at the fewer things that are in the mail each day. Many of them did tell me that I may receive a catalog or two still, but that I would be removed. For those that didn't have a website...I called the number on the catalog to request to be removed. Then I found this site http://www.catalogchoice.org/ that you can sign to remove your name from individual mailings for free! So, I figure I'll just 'make sure' I'm removed and sign up there too. : ) Hopefully one day we will be JUNK mail free!

Tip for a better life: Get rid of your junk mail and spend that time each day reading a good book!

Again...sunny & beautiful

It's so nice to have this beautiful weather into September...I wish it would last for a few more months tho! I truly enjoy the summer heat, but have also always loved the Autumn colors...and I know they'll be here soon.

Makena is now into her second week at middle school and is liking it much better now. She is adjusting well to the class schedule - I'm still trying to understand it! We did some shopping today after school for a few more things, and for her to spend a bit more of her birthday money. It's different this year as she doesn't get out of school until 3:40pm - which doesn't get us home until 4:00 or so depending on traffic. Sooo...then we went to do some shopping and all of the sudden it's like 6:30pm! Quick, throw-together dinner, homework and a bath and it's bedtime again already.

Jamie got the yard mowed today (one of his many favorite things to do lately) and I did a bit of watering. We were expecting a call from Shayne today (friends from Maryland) to let us know when Delaynie Olivia Hess had arrived. Apparently the doctors have decided to wait until Monday now - Tiffany has had a difficult pregnancy and Delaynie was going to arrive today; almost 3 weeks early. Sooo...I'll have to wait a few more days for pictures I guess. : ( We hope everything goes well for Mom & baby!

Tip for a better life: Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy

"Why I smiled today" - I had fun shopping with Makena. She set a date to get her ears pierced (I've been nagging her again) and it's going to be Sept 15...she says that setting the date means she can't back out. : ) She has suggested that I buy her earrings if she pays for the piercing...hmmm, is that a deal?? (Yes, she did have her ears pierced about 7 years ago but the lady was new and did them wrong. Makena has not wanted to do it again & I don't blame her.)

Walden Island - Day 33

We woke up on Sunday, still very impressed with the fact that we had actual lights and outlets. We decided that it was time to get a little organizing done inside - in the hopes of not having our 'kitchen' outside any longer. Jamie built a shelf and helped me hang up a few other odds/ends - including a toilet paper holder. Hey...we're upper class now!! : )

a screen for the blood-sucking mosquitoes

It was just too nice of a day to work, so we did get in some play time too. That is until the battery on Jamie's wave runner died...oh well, more fun next time!

Walden Island - Day 31 & 32

Wow...it's hard to believe we've only actually spent 30 days up at Walden Island. We've made some great new friends and have really enjoyed all of the time we've spent there. We've also enjoyed being able to spend the 'play time' with our family and friends!!

On Friday (day 31) we left a bit later than we planned (I know...not unusual) so we decided to stop for dinner at a restaurant in Castle Rock, WA. Once we got over to the island, it was getting dark - it was such a beautiful night! We unloaded everything and decided to watch a movie.

Mt. Rainier

Mt. St. Helens

Jamie spent Saturday (day 32) wiring the shed for electricity. I didn't really notice how much I enjoy things like light bulbs & switches! I guess we were just getting used to extension cords & flashlights.

WE HAVE LIGHTS!!!

He's so good!!

I didn't realize until Saturday afternoon that we didn't bring any light bulbs - wasn't sure when/if we'd need them. Jamie had to do some last minute shopping for CFL's.

Another beautiful Friday

We probably only have a few more nice weekends, and I'm hoping to enjoy them all! We will head up to the lake later today, to spend the weekend. Jamie wants to get the wire ran for the electricity and I have a new book to read. (I'm still on a Dean Koontz kick. I'm now ready Odd Hours - it's the 4th in a series.)

I did get a call about the last xray on my foot. Everything looks good - no fractures, tears or break so just 5 more weeks in the boot. And then some PT and slowly working it back to normal!

Tip for a better life: When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

"Why I smiled today" - I heard Jamie upstairs saying 'Hi Sweetie' so I was trying to answer him. I quickly found out that he was on the phone (trying to call me on my cell) and had dialed the wrong number. The girl on the other line just kept saying 'Who is this?!?'

Walden Island - Labor Day weekend

We left for the island early Sunday morning. A difibulator was purchased by some of the neighbors and we were getting together to learn how to use it. We were also shown where the fire hoses were and how to use them...just in case. Then we had "Happy Hours" - my favorite! Five of the different neighbors offered different food/drinks from their deck...we moved in a group from house to house. They apparently started doing this a few years ago and we are already looking forward to next year. It was nice to meet new people as well as spend time with our other 'neighbors'. It rained off and on but we had a great time!

Hailee's first time out to the island

one of the group shots

We waited for the sun to come out on Monday so we could play on the water. Unfortunately it didn't warm up much. Hailee wanted to go out on the tube anyways.

Do they look tired?

Birthday BBQ

I'm going a little backwards here again...I didn't realize that I had gotten behind. Geeshhh...like I have other things to do...

We had Makena's birthday party at home on Saturday, Aug. 30th. Thank you to everyone that made it!! Makena has been shopping ever since!

Outfit number one...

Presents!! (and outfit number two)

Jamie made Makena brownies

Outfit number three - new shirt from me (Global Warming Sucks)

Tracie gave Makena a manicure for her birthday (and then the rest of us got treated too!)

Uncle Jamie told the girls that they could jump off of the couch...

"Why I smiled today" - I love spending time with family & friends!

Wall E

Jamie took this picture (with his phone) of Makena & I after going to see Wall E. Cute movie! Makena said she wanted to cry in a few spots...but just kept smiling.

This was actually on Tuesday - Makena's birthday - after the first day of 6th grade. Makena described the first day as 'suckish' but I bet she's really going to enjoy it. She didn't get put in the same hall as many of her friends, so that's one reason she didn't enjoy it. And, she was expecting better lunch food...not sure why she thought that. : ) I've already bought a new lunch bag for her as I know I'll be making lunches again this year.

Happy 12th Birthday Makena!

WOW...I can't believe it's been 12 years already! It was Labor Day 1996. You were the most perfect thing I had ever seen...and you are just as beautiful today. I love you Pook - you have always made my heart smile. HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY!!!

11:07pm - 7lbs, 3oz - 20 1/2"

12 yrs old - first day of 6th grade!

"Why I smiled today" - walking Makena down the hall of Highland Park Middle School. I didn't cry or bring in my camera! : )

Makena is home!!

Makena came home Friday morning - I was VERY happy to see her! We sat around for a bit before heading out to do some shopping. Makena had some books that she wanted at Barnes & Noble and then we went shopping for school clothes. TeaLee came with us and they tried on clothes for over 2 hours. We did good tho and Makena even tried on (and came home with) jeans! She hasn't worn jeans since 1st grade - she always said that they were too uncomfortable. I've just run out of things to buy for her, so I'm glad that she's finally in them again!

Makena picked the first cucumber from our garden

"Why I smiled today" - shopping with Makena; we had a great day!