23 October 2009
Possibilities
I've been thinking...one of the nice things about having a blog that almost nobody reads is that I can write pretty much anything I want, without worrying about what people think. Hmm. This could be good. I shall ponder for awhile, and then may let the venting begin.
22 October 2009
Finny's Blog, Stardate 63272.1
A snapshot into my life right now.
The weather in my neck of the woods:
Gorgeous! It has been cool, cloudy some days, sunny others, and beautiful. This is my favorite time of year.
One of my simple pleasures:
Checking on my son while he sleeps, and giving him a kiss on his forehead.
On my bedside table:
My XM radio, and Personality Plus: How to Understand Others by Understanding Yourself by Florence Littauer. I love studying what makes people tick.
On my TV:
I am working my way through Ken Burns' The National Parks: America's Best Idea.
On the menu for tonight:
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
On my To Do List:
call about swim lessons
paint a rocket on my son's ceiling
research German Christmas traditions
New Recipe I tried last week:
In cooking class, I learned how to make Mongolian Stir-fry, Wonton Soup, and fried Wontons, but have not made them myself, yet.
Looking forward to:
Doug and I are going to see Thoroughly Modern Millie with the Duncan's.
Lesson learned recently:
I'm finally starting to see that making a list, and posting it prominently, really does help me to get things done!
On my prayer list:
A friend who is struggling with a disease.
Devotional, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
The weather in my neck of the woods:
Gorgeous! It has been cool, cloudy some days, sunny others, and beautiful. This is my favorite time of year.
One of my simple pleasures:
Checking on my son while he sleeps, and giving him a kiss on his forehead.
On my bedside table:
My XM radio, and Personality Plus: How to Understand Others by Understanding Yourself by Florence Littauer. I love studying what makes people tick.
On my TV:
I am working my way through Ken Burns' The National Parks: America's Best Idea.
On the menu for tonight:
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
On my To Do List:
call about swim lessons
paint a rocket on my son's ceiling
research German Christmas traditions
New Recipe I tried last week:
In cooking class, I learned how to make Mongolian Stir-fry, Wonton Soup, and fried Wontons, but have not made them myself, yet.
Looking forward to:
Doug and I are going to see Thoroughly Modern Millie with the Duncan's.
Lesson learned recently:
I'm finally starting to see that making a list, and posting it prominently, really does help me to get things done!
On my prayer list:
A friend who is struggling with a disease.
Devotional, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
05 October 2009
Something different
Here is some completely useless information about yours truly.
1. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book? On Beyond Zebra or Oh, the Places You'll Go!
2. If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be? The Jetson's home.
3. Who's your favorite Muppet? Statler and Waldorf
4. Who's your favorite TV attorney? Ed Stevens
5. What was your most recent trip of more than 50 miles? Nampa and McCall
6. Where were you on 9/11/01? I was on my way to work when I heard an early news report about a plane hitting a WTC tower. I was at the intersection of Yellowstone and Alameda.
7. What's your favorite tree? Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Magnolia, and maples. I love trees!
8. What's the best costume you've ever worn? An old lady (in 5th grade)
9. If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be? Idaho :)
10. If you could travel anywhere in Africa, where would it be? Seychelles or Sao Tome and Principe
11. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus? Dictionary. I love looking up words.
12. Have you ever been snorkeling? Scuba diving? Not only no...
13. What's your favorite form of exercise? Walking, hiking, skiing, dance/aerobics.
14. Have you ever taken dance lessons? Nine years of tap and jazz. Doug and I took swing, salsa, and ballroom.
15. What's your favorite Broadway musical? I really enjoyed A Chorus Line.
16. What's the most memorable class you've ever taken? Latin. Mr. Evans was always memorable.
17. If you could go to Disney World with any celebrity alive today, who would it be? Donnie Osmond. I think he'd be fun, plus, I love him!
18. What's your favorite breakfast food? Cold spaghetti.
1. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book? On Beyond Zebra or Oh, the Places You'll Go!
2. If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be? The Jetson's home.
3. Who's your favorite Muppet? Statler and Waldorf
4. Who's your favorite TV attorney? Ed Stevens
5. What was your most recent trip of more than 50 miles? Nampa and McCall
6. Where were you on 9/11/01? I was on my way to work when I heard an early news report about a plane hitting a WTC tower. I was at the intersection of Yellowstone and Alameda.
7. What's your favorite tree? Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Magnolia, and maples. I love trees!
8. What's the best costume you've ever worn? An old lady (in 5th grade)
9. If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be? Idaho :)
10. If you could travel anywhere in Africa, where would it be? Seychelles or Sao Tome and Principe
11. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus? Dictionary. I love looking up words.
12. Have you ever been snorkeling? Scuba diving? Not only no...
13. What's your favorite form of exercise? Walking, hiking, skiing, dance/aerobics.
14. Have you ever taken dance lessons? Nine years of tap and jazz. Doug and I took swing, salsa, and ballroom.
15. What's your favorite Broadway musical? I really enjoyed A Chorus Line.
16. What's the most memorable class you've ever taken? Latin. Mr. Evans was always memorable.
17. If you could go to Disney World with any celebrity alive today, who would it be? Donnie Osmond. I think he'd be fun, plus, I love him!
18. What's your favorite breakfast food? Cold spaghetti.
20 August 2009
California trip, and a birthday.
Way back in February, we flew down to California to visit my brother and sister-in-law. (Six months ago? Wow!) I must say, it was definitely an intersting time to go. We experienced sunny and warm, chilly and windy, torrential downpours, and even snow. And I thought Idaho weather was fickle!
We so enjoyed being able to go to Retch's baby shower. M'boy made some friends while there (doesn't he always?) While he enjoyed the two little kids, I daresay he had the most fun being chased around by a wonderful woman who could have been his Grandma!
We spent a few days at Disneyland. It was the perfect time to go, as there were almost no lines. It was so fun experiencing it all with a child. He loved everything, well, almost everything, about it. He wanted to ride on everything. We very nearly did! He loved both Buzz Lightyear rides, Soarin' Over California, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, and Thunder Mountain, and many others. I was worried about him on Thunder Mountain, until we went around the first turn, and he threw his hands in the air. He kept them up, and laughed, all ride long! We were able to go on many of these rides multiple times, by just getting off, walking back around, and getting on again - no wait. Super nice! M'boy did not enjoy the Abominable Snowman on the Matterhorn, and Space Mountain was a bit too intense for him.
It was a great trip. Can't wait until the next one!
We so enjoyed being able to go to Retch's baby shower. M'boy made some friends while there (doesn't he always?) While he enjoyed the two little kids, I daresay he had the most fun being chased around by a wonderful woman who could have been his Grandma!
We spent a few days at Disneyland. It was the perfect time to go, as there were almost no lines. It was so fun experiencing it all with a child. He loved everything, well, almost everything, about it. He wanted to ride on everything. We very nearly did! He loved both Buzz Lightyear rides, Soarin' Over California, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, and Thunder Mountain, and many others. I was worried about him on Thunder Mountain, until we went around the first turn, and he threw his hands in the air. He kept them up, and laughed, all ride long! We were able to go on many of these rides multiple times, by just getting off, walking back around, and getting on again - no wait. Super nice! M'boy did not enjoy the Abominable Snowman on the Matterhorn, and Space Mountain was a bit too intense for him.
It was a great trip. Can't wait until the next one!
Our boy turned six, yes six, in May. We had his party at a gymnastics facility. It was a great place for the kids! The foam pit, the zip line into it, and the trampolines were the biggest hits. It was so much fun, even some of the adults got in on it!
25 May 2009
Wow-zah!
I cannot believe it has been so long since I have posted anything. I nearly forgot I even had a blog! So much has happened since I've last been on. I'm not even sure I can remember it all. A few highlights:
We spent a week in California in February. We were able to go to "Retch's" baby shower. It was fantastic! They have some of the greatest neighbors a person could ask for. Since we were so close, we decided to spend a few days at Disneyland. I'll elaborate more on this trip (maybe!) once I post the photos.
I enjoyed helping in Junior's class immensely, and so volunteered to help in the other kindergarten class, too. Two mornings a week were spent with kindergartners. As the year wound down, I was sometimes there four mornings a week! Loved it! This spring, we went on field trips to a nursery, the zoo, and an alpaca farm in another town. They also won a trip to Outer Limits. Whew!
Mom and Dad came down in March so Dad could help us remodel the bathroom. What a job! They always end up being bigger jobs than planned. It looks fantastic, though, and I can't thank my husband and my dad enough for all their hard work.
Our kiddo lost his first tooth a couple weeks ago. He pulled it out at school! Last week, he "graduated" from kindergarten. It was quite a program. The kids even wore caps and gowns! More on that later...
We are excited for the summer. We'll be in Billings for a week in June. Looking forward to catching up with some of you while we're there. The "Snodgrasses" are coming up from Texas. "Sven" and Retch may be up, as well. We are all eager to meet their sweet little baby girl. We are planning a trip to the farm again, too.
We have spent so much time be-bopping around the country that we have rather neglected our own area, so we'll spend some time exploring around here this summer. A few places we hope to get to: Sun Valley, Yellowstone Park (it has been over 10 years!), Jackson Hole and perhaps McCall. We also want to go to both Salt Lake City and Park City again. Bobsleds and zip line, here I come!
I could prattle on, but I have a bunch of photos to upload.
Until next time...
We spent a week in California in February. We were able to go to "Retch's" baby shower. It was fantastic! They have some of the greatest neighbors a person could ask for. Since we were so close, we decided to spend a few days at Disneyland. I'll elaborate more on this trip (maybe!) once I post the photos.
I enjoyed helping in Junior's class immensely, and so volunteered to help in the other kindergarten class, too. Two mornings a week were spent with kindergartners. As the year wound down, I was sometimes there four mornings a week! Loved it! This spring, we went on field trips to a nursery, the zoo, and an alpaca farm in another town. They also won a trip to Outer Limits. Whew!
Mom and Dad came down in March so Dad could help us remodel the bathroom. What a job! They always end up being bigger jobs than planned. It looks fantastic, though, and I can't thank my husband and my dad enough for all their hard work.
Our kiddo lost his first tooth a couple weeks ago. He pulled it out at school! Last week, he "graduated" from kindergarten. It was quite a program. The kids even wore caps and gowns! More on that later...
We are excited for the summer. We'll be in Billings for a week in June. Looking forward to catching up with some of you while we're there. The "Snodgrasses" are coming up from Texas. "Sven" and Retch may be up, as well. We are all eager to meet their sweet little baby girl. We are planning a trip to the farm again, too.
We have spent so much time be-bopping around the country that we have rather neglected our own area, so we'll spend some time exploring around here this summer. A few places we hope to get to: Sun Valley, Yellowstone Park (it has been over 10 years!), Jackson Hole and perhaps McCall. We also want to go to both Salt Lake City and Park City again. Bobsleds and zip line, here I come!
I could prattle on, but I have a bunch of photos to upload.
Until next time...
16 March 2009
A little fun
I love it, and him! Accurate, too, for a silly little quizlet.
You are Obi-Wan Kenobi
You are civilized, calm, and have a good sense of humor, even when those around you don't. You can hold your own in a fight, but prefer it when things don't get too exciting.
You are Obi-Wan Kenobi
You are civilized, calm, and have a good sense of humor, even when those around you don't. You can hold your own in a fight, but prefer it when things don't get too exciting.
14 March 2009
New and not-so-new pics
I finally posted some more photos, namely Thanksgiving and the Pinewood Derby.
Thanksgiving was spent in Nampa with the hubby's family, and his godparents. We had a nice time visiting and relaxing. The in-laws graciously volunteered to watch Junior one evening so we could go on a date. It was great to have some time alone together. We ate a yummy dinner at Macaroni Grill, then spent some time Christmas shopping at a Christian bookstore, something we are sorely lacking here.
The Pinewood Derby was our boy's second, but his first as a Royal Ranger. Last year he placed second in his group. He didn't fare as well this year. His attitude early on was great. After losing one race he said, "Well, at least I got last!" The commanders were pretty impressed! Unfortunately, the positivity didn't last. He ended up rather disappointed that he didn't do better. All in all it was a good experience. We all had fun making the car, a multi-colored tiger. We grown-ups even hope to make our own cars next year!
Thanksgiving was spent in Nampa with the hubby's family, and his godparents. We had a nice time visiting and relaxing. The in-laws graciously volunteered to watch Junior one evening so we could go on a date. It was great to have some time alone together. We ate a yummy dinner at Macaroni Grill, then spent some time Christmas shopping at a Christian bookstore, something we are sorely lacking here.
The Pinewood Derby was our boy's second, but his first as a Royal Ranger. Last year he placed second in his group. He didn't fare as well this year. His attitude early on was great. After losing one race he said, "Well, at least I got last!" The commanders were pretty impressed! Unfortunately, the positivity didn't last. He ended up rather disappointed that he didn't do better. All in all it was a good experience. We all had fun making the car, a multi-colored tiger. We grown-ups even hope to make our own cars next year!
30 December 2008
Blankety blank
Once upon a time it seems I had a lot to talk about, then I got a blog and I can't think of a thing! Go figure. Not much going on here. I measured over a foot of snow on the deck. Thankfully my parents made it safely here and back home. It was fun having them here for the holiday. We had a somewhat Norwegian Christmas again this year. I love some of the foods, but it turns out lutefisk isn't one of them. At least I tried! Dad made some really cool, space-themed window coverings for Joshua's room. I'll post some photos of them sometime soon. That's about all, folks. I'm off to my bed, which is in the middle of the floor while the room is painted a lovely shade of blue. I'm eager to have it done tomorrow so we can start putting it back together. G'night!
20 November 2008
Loved North Carolina!
In October, we spent a week in Charlotte, NC. I'd heard only good things about the area, and as a result had very high expectations. They were not only met, but exceeded! What a great place!
The people are incredibly friendly. We weren't off airport property when we first encountered their Southern hospitality. Shuttle drivers, restaurant employees, hotel staff, people standing in line with us, were warm, friendly, and often quite talkative. My favorite was an older pastor at the Billy Graham Library. He was so kind, and had such a wonderful, heart-warming smile, he brought tears to my eyes.
The Billy Graham Library was neat. We had very little time there, but were able to see everything, albeit it briefly. A lot of time and thought went into putting it together, and it's worth going if you get the chance.
At the Museum of York County in Rock Hill, SC, which was bigger than I expected, we learned about the Carolina Piedmont and Catawba River. We saw hundreds of African mounted animals in naturalistic settings, as well as African artifacts. Africa in South Carolina. Who knew? Our boy liked the kids room with all its hands-on activities. He spent a great deal of time playing with the mini river, building roads and bridges, and causing floods. He really enjoyed when his floods washed everything down the river! I liked the nature trail behind the museum There sure are A LOT of trees out there.
We spent a day at the Discovery Place. There was so much to do there, most of it hands-on. Junior lifted a four-wheeler, launched a Roman catapult, made an origami bug, built a tower with Kapla blocks, and much more. We even watched rats play basketball. Yes, rat basketball.
We visited two other museums. The Schiele Museum in Gastonia had a Swamp Things exhibit with live animals. The opossum was fun, as was the bobcat that attacked the display window. Okay, really, the best part of that was seeing all the school kids scatter! They have a nature trail with a farmyard, Indian village, and grist mill. The Rock House on the grounds of the Charlotte Museum of History was great. Built in 1774, it has only authentic period furnishings inside. Unlike most old houses where the rooms are roped off, we were allowed all the way into each room.
King's Mountain National Military Park, a Revolutionary War battlefield, was cool, and a bit of work! The battle was fought on top of a mountain, which means you can't get the full experience just going through the visitor's center. No sir, you've got to walk the 1.5 mile battlefield loop, up and down the mountain. It was a lot of up. I'm sure it was easier meandering the trail than it was climbing straight up while carrying a weapon, trying to surprise your enemy. I'd say we had it alright.
I tried to avoid it, but we ended up at Concord Mills Mall. It's massive, really nice and North Carolina's #1 attraction (a mall, really?), so it's also crowded. We stayed long enough to hit the important spots: play area, toy store, and candy store. Bass Pro Shops, on the other hand... who knew sporting goods stores could be fun? The decor is incredible, including a huge aquarium with native fish, and a shooting arcade. We spent a piece shootin' up the place and eatin' a Moon Pie. We're halfway to redneck now!
Ahem, speaking of redneck...there's a whole lot of NASCAR in those parts, and, well, I happen to think loud, fast cars are really cool. So cool, in fact, that I rode in one. Oh! My! Gosh! It was fantastic!! Best birthday present ever. Period. Lowe's Motor Speedway, three laps at 160 mph--incredible! We got so close to the walls on the straightaways, I could have touched them. In the turns, it seemed we might drive into the grass. Those turns were awesome! Even strapped in, I became quite familiar with the side of the car! I was sooo hoping we'd scrape the wall, or maybe even spin around, but, alas, the Petty Driving Experience guys know what they're doing. It was fast. It was loud. It was awesome! I can't wait to get in one again. Next time, I'm driving! Yeeee haaw!
Michael Waltrip's, Race World USA is great. If you want to see a race shop, this is the one to see. Everything is open so you can see ALL the inner workings of a race team: fab shop, engineering, suspension, assembly area. Everything. We watched a pit crew practice. When they took a break, one of the crew called our boy over and gave him a couple of the lug nuts from the car. Josh's eyes really lit up! We also met Michael Waltrip, driver and owner. He's a friendly guy, and tall! In fact, when Junior heard that he was big, he was scared to meet him. He was picturing a giant! Once he saw Mr. Waltrip talking to us, he changed his mind. They had a really cute conversation and Junior decided that he was pretty cool after all.
Charlotte was a fantastic place, with awesome people, and I could go on and on about it. We really look forward to going back again someday.
I'll close with our son's prayer from the day we met Michael Waltrip.
"Dear God, thank you for our day. Thank you for making Michael Waltrip, and my hands strong so I can lift everything. I love you. Amen."
The people are incredibly friendly. We weren't off airport property when we first encountered their Southern hospitality. Shuttle drivers, restaurant employees, hotel staff, people standing in line with us, were warm, friendly, and often quite talkative. My favorite was an older pastor at the Billy Graham Library. He was so kind, and had such a wonderful, heart-warming smile, he brought tears to my eyes.
The Billy Graham Library was neat. We had very little time there, but were able to see everything, albeit it briefly. A lot of time and thought went into putting it together, and it's worth going if you get the chance.
At the Museum of York County in Rock Hill, SC, which was bigger than I expected, we learned about the Carolina Piedmont and Catawba River. We saw hundreds of African mounted animals in naturalistic settings, as well as African artifacts. Africa in South Carolina. Who knew? Our boy liked the kids room with all its hands-on activities. He spent a great deal of time playing with the mini river, building roads and bridges, and causing floods. He really enjoyed when his floods washed everything down the river! I liked the nature trail behind the museum There sure are A LOT of trees out there.
We spent a day at the Discovery Place. There was so much to do there, most of it hands-on. Junior lifted a four-wheeler, launched a Roman catapult, made an origami bug, built a tower with Kapla blocks, and much more. We even watched rats play basketball. Yes, rat basketball.
We visited two other museums. The Schiele Museum in Gastonia had a Swamp Things exhibit with live animals. The opossum was fun, as was the bobcat that attacked the display window. Okay, really, the best part of that was seeing all the school kids scatter! They have a nature trail with a farmyard, Indian village, and grist mill. The Rock House on the grounds of the Charlotte Museum of History was great. Built in 1774, it has only authentic period furnishings inside. Unlike most old houses where the rooms are roped off, we were allowed all the way into each room.
King's Mountain National Military Park, a Revolutionary War battlefield, was cool, and a bit of work! The battle was fought on top of a mountain, which means you can't get the full experience just going through the visitor's center. No sir, you've got to walk the 1.5 mile battlefield loop, up and down the mountain. It was a lot of up. I'm sure it was easier meandering the trail than it was climbing straight up while carrying a weapon, trying to surprise your enemy. I'd say we had it alright.
I tried to avoid it, but we ended up at Concord Mills Mall. It's massive, really nice and North Carolina's #1 attraction (a mall, really?), so it's also crowded. We stayed long enough to hit the important spots: play area, toy store, and candy store. Bass Pro Shops, on the other hand... who knew sporting goods stores could be fun? The decor is incredible, including a huge aquarium with native fish, and a shooting arcade. We spent a piece shootin' up the place and eatin' a Moon Pie. We're halfway to redneck now!
Ahem, speaking of redneck...there's a whole lot of NASCAR in those parts, and, well, I happen to think loud, fast cars are really cool. So cool, in fact, that I rode in one. Oh! My! Gosh! It was fantastic!! Best birthday present ever. Period. Lowe's Motor Speedway, three laps at 160 mph--incredible! We got so close to the walls on the straightaways, I could have touched them. In the turns, it seemed we might drive into the grass. Those turns were awesome! Even strapped in, I became quite familiar with the side of the car! I was sooo hoping we'd scrape the wall, or maybe even spin around, but, alas, the Petty Driving Experience guys know what they're doing. It was fast. It was loud. It was awesome! I can't wait to get in one again. Next time, I'm driving! Yeeee haaw!
Michael Waltrip's, Race World USA is great. If you want to see a race shop, this is the one to see. Everything is open so you can see ALL the inner workings of a race team: fab shop, engineering, suspension, assembly area. Everything. We watched a pit crew practice. When they took a break, one of the crew called our boy over and gave him a couple of the lug nuts from the car. Josh's eyes really lit up! We also met Michael Waltrip, driver and owner. He's a friendly guy, and tall! In fact, when Junior heard that he was big, he was scared to meet him. He was picturing a giant! Once he saw Mr. Waltrip talking to us, he changed his mind. They had a really cute conversation and Junior decided that he was pretty cool after all.
Charlotte was a fantastic place, with awesome people, and I could go on and on about it. We really look forward to going back again someday.
I'll close with our son's prayer from the day we met Michael Waltrip.
"Dear God, thank you for our day. Thank you for making Michael Waltrip, and my hands strong so I can lift everything. I love you. Amen."
10 October 2008
Super speedy update
Fall is here, or was. Tomorrow looks more like winter.
Husband finished the lower deck, mostly. We still need stairs between the lower and upper decks. Maybe they'll get done this fall, maybe not. It's still great to have a nice deck that doesn't shake when we walk on it!
Our kiddo is doing great at school. He likes it, for the most part. Recess and snack time are still his favorites!
We fly to Charlotte on Wednesday, October 15 for one week! Yay!! It has been incredibly hard waiting for this. If you haven't heard by now (not sure how that's possible!), I'll be riding around Lowe's Motor Speedway for three laps while we're there! I'm already grinning from ear to ear! Thanks, Honey!!
A recent prayer from our son, "Dear God, thank you for my day, and for everything you made. Thank you for food that I like, like macaroni and cheese. I love you. Amen."
Husband finished the lower deck, mostly. We still need stairs between the lower and upper decks. Maybe they'll get done this fall, maybe not. It's still great to have a nice deck that doesn't shake when we walk on it!
Our kiddo is doing great at school. He likes it, for the most part. Recess and snack time are still his favorites!
We fly to Charlotte on Wednesday, October 15 for one week! Yay!! It has been incredibly hard waiting for this. If you haven't heard by now (not sure how that's possible!), I'll be riding around Lowe's Motor Speedway for three laps while we're there! I'm already grinning from ear to ear! Thanks, Honey!!
A recent prayer from our son, "Dear God, thank you for my day, and for everything you made. Thank you for food that I like, like macaroni and cheese. I love you. Amen."
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