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1.28.2011

Is there a positive side?

So this week has been pretty hard. Terrible, in fact. And I've found myself wishing that this week had never happened so things could just be normal. But that can't happen, and in retrospect, I'm glad about this.

You see, even through the most difficult of times, God still blesses us with lots of positives. I'm really happy I'm beginning to see those.

1. I've been blessed to see several beautiful sunrises this week, which seems a bit abnormal for this time of year.... I guess they always happen, but there's usually thick layers of fog blocking my view.

sunrise

2. I treated myself to two carmel frappuccinos from Starbucks this week. Mmmm, such a treat. (I knew all that change in my change-purse would be put to good use.)

3. After doing 4 loads of the kids laundry at work yesterday, I dreaded coming home to do ours. When I arrived, I found all my clothes neatly folded on the bed, and the laundry hamper empty. Thank you, Heath. You have no idea how much I appreciate your help. (oh, and he did the dishes. :)

4. This week has brought an overwhelming presence of love from my past and present friends and family. It's so nice to receive these texts, emails, and phone calls. What a blessing to know how much we are loved and cared for.

5. Mt. Hood has been hiding for a while, but I've seen her 3 times this week from the barge. What a beautiful sight.

mt

6. The kids decided not to take naps yesterday. (Why, oh Why?!? No, that is definitely not the positive.) I think Shirley (their mom) noticed my stress levels were high, so yesterday afternoon we did something abnormal. We danced around the kitchen and made chocolate iced cupcakes. It was magic. And, we each got our own spatula to lick at the end. Tristan got the whole bowl and paddle... I'm glad I wasn't there to put him to bed :)

tristan

7. Last Thursday, I used my JoAnn's coupons and bought supplies for watercolor painting. I was debating on whether or not to keep the set... I'm glad I did. It's provided a good outlet for me this week. You should try it...

8. I'm finally starting to feel comfortable in my job. I didn't think nannying was beneath me, I just never expected to be doing something like this. My full-time job is being a mom to these two kiddos, and you know what? I'm pretty darn good at it. I love taking care of them and receiving their sweet hugs and kisses each day. I am so thankful for this family.

john deere

I'm sure there are other positives, but I just started to allow myself to see them. Give me a few more days, and I'm sure I'll come up with some more.

I love you all. Thank you for reading.

Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

1.18.2011

Home for the Holidays: Part 1

Heath and I were lucky enough to spend a full week at my parent's house for Thanksgiving. A trip down south was greatly appreciated, and I was blessed to land my nanny job the day we left for Franklin. What are the odds? It was a wonderful trip, filled with good eats, time with family and friends, and memorable sight-seeing as always.

Much to my dismay, Heath and I decided not to purchase a christmas tree this year, or put up Christmas decorations for that matter. Being gone the week of Thanksgiving, then spending three weeks in Texas, our tree would be dead and sorry looking by the time we got back. I was sad about this, but there's always next year. My parents had quite a pretty tree to admire though....

TN 2

While we were in town, we celebrated Christmas with my family as well. It was a treat to have Christmas 1 month early! :) Thanks mom and dad!

We were also lavishly treated in the food department. Oh my goodness, I don't think we've eaten that good in a while. It was mildly depressing when we came home to vegetable plates and pasta dishes. If you live in Franklin, please go eat at Wild Ginger for me!!! I'm begging you.... get the Skittle salad and the Firecracker sushi. Then call me and tell me how good it was. I want someone to enjoy it if I can't. SO GOOD.

TN 1

We spent Thanksgiving with grandmom and granddad Daniels, along with mom's side. We took lots of pictures, and cherished our time with granddaddy.

TN 5

Heather and Matt with their puppies.

TN 6

Neal with his new puppy, Chevy.

TN 4

Family picture....

TN 3

So, if you've never been to downtown Franklin, you should stop what you're doing and just go now. Walking down Main St. continues to be one of my favorite things to do while I'm home. The stores have changed overtime, but the buildings have so much character and it reminds me so much of my childhood. I liked this store window... it reminded me of Anthro.

TN7

While visiting downtown Franklin, you can treat yourself to a some Sweet CeCe's. It's soooooo yummy!

TN 8

We were lucky enough to see gmom and gdad twice while we were in town. We spent a day with them alone right before we left. Granddad was much more talkative this day with out so many people around. We shared lots of laughs and special moments together. And took this wonderful picture...

TN 10

On one of the non-rainy days (yes, the rain followed us from Oregon), mom took Heath and I to Radner Lake in Brentwood. I loved taking pictures and enjoyed the sunny sky. It was a good day.

TN 9

Though I was not able to see everyone I wanted (there's always next year :), it was a great trip, filled with nice memories and lots of love. We love our Tennessee family. Thank you for treating us so well.

1.15.2011

Playing Catch-Up

Hello there, sorry I left you for a while. Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone... so has Christmas and New Years for that matter. But I'm going to pretend like they just happened yesterday. Why? Because I have a ton of pictures to share. :)

I've been in a bit of a funk lately. Not quite sure why.
Maybe it's the weather.
Maybe missing our dear old friends back in Texas and Tennessee.
Maybe it's the adjustment of working full-time.
Let's be honest, it's probably all of those things.

It's okay to feel low every now and then. Hoping these updates will cheer you up, and me as well. This is just a teaser for what to expect this week. Yes, I will blog at-least 3 times this week... I'm a little overwhelmed (in a good way) with everything I'd like to share!

First up... our tender Tennessee Thanksgiving/Christmas.

Nashville

Visits with dear Texas friends, and a few weddings...

texas

Our Texas family and an unexpected Christmas-in-the-Hospital (not to worry, everything is fine)...

texas 2

Scott and Hannah's trip to the Rose City. I'm missing you already Han!

Oregon

And last, but certainly not least, an update on my job and the introduction of two precious kiddos.

Oregon 2

That's all for now. Hope those few pictures will hold you over for the next day or so! Check back soon... I'm looking forward to posting more this week.

Happy Sunday everyone. This is going to be a great week! (Please note my positive outlook. :)