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!

Great day - bad news

THE GREAT PART - Mom and Rudy came in about 10am this morning (only 1 hr late!) to pick up their RV. They purchased a 1994, 34 ft RV in Tualatin last week. Jamie went with Rudy to pick it up and get the 'RV run-down' from the dealership. I took Momma to Costco. (Can you believe she hadn't been to the one in Hillsboro before?!!? I guess that's because Hillsboro is so far away from Garibaldi - as they say.) We picked up some goods for the new RV and then hit The Dollar Tree. Then we went back and had lunch at home...it's always nice to spend time with my mom.

Mom doesn't like the blue interior, but I know she'll have it all fixed up the next time we see it.

Momma's spot

Papa's spot

Packer's spot

THE BAD PART - I had my follow up doctor's appointment today for my foot. After a little communication problem between myself and the nurses, I asked to just see my doctor before I received any other referrals or suggestions. She believes I now have tendinitis in my foot. (of course!) After taking off the splint and then the boot, I've apparently not given my foot enough time to 'slowly' get back to normal...therefore injuring something else. (of course!) She suggested 6 more weeks in the f*&@#! boot (WHAT?!? I seriously wanted to cry) and then some physical therapy. She also wants me to wear the boot to bed (move over Jamie) as I seem to be hurting it more at night when I'm stretching it in my sleep. I am also getting a bone density scan in Sept. to check for osteoporosis, had a blood test done (checking for diabetes due to some numbness) as well as another xray just to be sure there wasn't another stress fracture. (of course!) I think my visits to the doctor's office are making me even worse!

Tip for a better life: Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

"Why I smiled today" - having Mom & Rudy show us around their new RV. I think they're going to have a great time traveling...and they deserve to!

Tuesday

The sun can't make up it's mind this week either. I did get the house and carpets cleaned downstairs yesterday, so that made me feel a bit better. The upstairs is still waiting for me. I see the doctor on Thursday about my foot...hopefully all is good!

Tip for a better life: Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

"Why I smiled today" - my mom called to chat for a bit; while Jamie made us breakfast.

Sunday Farmers Market

I talked Jamie in to going to the Orenco Farmers Market today in Hillsboro. We picked up some great fruits & veggies and a VERY yummy cheesecake. I also picked up this bunch of beautiful flowers. I love going to the markets.

When we go home, Jamie made a shake for each of us using some of the new fruits. Then we layed around for a bit (I snuck in a little nap) before we headed to the grocery store. He doesn't usually go with me (mostly because he just costs more money!) but he tagged along to be sure I got the goodies he wanted.

"Why I smiled today" - I got to see Makena for a minute when she picked up some books. She has been at her dad's since Wednesday and won't be home again until Friday. I don't like it when she's gone for so many days at a time...I try to call every couple of days. : )

Yeah for yard work

I finally got Jamie to pick up a load of river rock and help me lay it out front by the driveway. I dug up the bark that was there back in May. Then I hurt my foot...that's the end of that story. : ) We've been spending almost every weekend up at the lake and not really getting anything done around the house. (My nagging hasn't even been working lately!)

Then we headed over to a neighborhood bbq - a family (a block over) plans this bbq every summer. We always have a good time and get to eat lots of great food. I was planning to paint my rain barrels, but we didn't get home in time. Another day...

"Why I smiled today" - I was so happy to see the front yard all done!

A few pictures from Dylona

I wanted to share a couple of pictures that Dylona took while at the lake last weekend. We were supposed to go up today, but time got away from us. I want to do a few things around the house - which Jamie doesn't - so he's wanting to get up to the property and rest for a few days. Maybe we'll go up tomorrow?? He thinks I'll put him to work if we stay home...he may be right! : )

"Why I smiled today" - I went out and did some yard work today. So far, so good with my foot!