McNeely Musings

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

2009-12-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
2 cups flour
1 t baking soda
1 pkg. (13 ounces or about 36)
miniature peanut butter cups

Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and
vanilla. Combine flour and baking soda; gradually add to mixture and
mix well. Cover and refrigerate one hour. Roll into 1 1/4 inch balls.
Press a cup into each; reshape balls. Place 2 inches apart on
ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

For drizzle:
Melt 1 cup chocolate chips in double broiler, then add
1 T peanut butter and
1 t shortening until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Cookie Exchange

2009-12-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Polvorones de Canele
(Mexican Cinnamon Cookies)

Ingredients

* 1 cup butter
* 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup confectioners' sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and
butter until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour, salt, and 1/2
teaspoon of cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture to form a stiff
dough. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Mix together 1 cup confectioners'
sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; roll balls in cinnamon mixture.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in preheated oven, or until nicely
browned. Cool cookies on wire racks.

Good Friday

2009-04-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

The boys are on Spring Break this week. We didn't really have a staycation (don't you have to actually go places to do that?!) But staying home day after day has been really nice. A couple of sweet neighbor boys came for a couple of the days and caught frogs and salamanders in our pond. Just boys being boys. Those are the kind of Spring and Summer days I remember from my childhood. You know; bike riding, running around in the sunshine, kicking back with the dog, relaxing with a book. Sometimes in our video-game, movie-watching, "entertain me" culture, it's easy to forget the simple things in life. I'm so glad one of the boys accidentally destroyed the Playstation 2 years ago. I don't know if the great outdoors would have the appeal that it does now with such a tempting distraction.

I'm happily plugging away learning all I can about my new business venture. I'm an independent meal planning consultant with Homemade Gourmet. www.homemadegourmet/BWMcNeely
I haven't received my food kit yet, but I'm waiting for it to arrive. It's supposed to get here April 14th, but I've scheduled my Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for April 16th! Just under the wire! I'm praying it gets here today :) Of course, UPS will have to drive up into these mountains, and it seems like it takes 4 extra days to get all the way across America. (Homemade Gourmet is a Texas-based company)

I've been having lots of fun on Facebook, so that's why I haven't posted here. Hopefully, I'll get back to blogging. Anyone out there?!

Welcome 2009

2009-01-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

Where does the time go? We are in the midst of a snow fiesta. We feel totally unprepared, without the right tools or knowledge. Thank the Lord for neighbors! One has plowed our driveway a couple of times, and one came and got the van unstuck last night. (We missed the gravel path initially, so we got stuck in the snow/mud). This Texas gal can't get over how the snow has literally stayed for over 3 weeks now. Apparently this is an unusual phenomenon for this area too.

Zucchini Festival

2008-09-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, I'll remember to take the camera to the festival and get some pictures of all the zucchini potluck dishes that are coming! Jonathan and I will be performing some Johnny Cash, Elvis, and Patsy Cline today. It's a 20 minute set, but most of the golden oldie songs are so short, we can get in at least 8-10! Jim will hopefully join us on a couple of songs; but he likes to do our acapella songs (ok, the computer won't let me spell that any way, so sorry if it's misspelled:)
The boys are LOVING school! Their teachers are exquisite and everyone is so friendly. I'll probably be helping out with the PTO. In fact, I might actually be the President or Vice-President :) I'm pretty good at delegating.

I'm praying for all of my Texas friends and family who are under flood watches and evacuations. JW (James) didn't have classes on Friday at Texas Tech because of all of the water. (He said 2 1/2 feet on campus!)

It's been so incredibly sunny here for DAYS, I even forgot what rain feels like. Strange, isn't it?!

Blessings on your day!

2008-09-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Jim and his friend Liege on a hike when they went on the Men's Retreat from our church. AWESOME!
The Retreat I just went on was at Cedar Springs and it was wonderful and refreshing.
Somewhere in my earlier posts are pictures of Cedar Springs, I think :) Well, off to Coffee and Conversation!

September Already!

2008-09-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

Wow. Has it really been 5 months since my last post? We had lots of visitors over the summer. It was a wonderful, busy time! I guess the latest news is that Jim went to start the riding lawnmower and it exploded and caught on fire. The image of him trying to douse the flames with the cat's water has kept me in stitches for almost a week. We went out that day and got a fabulous Husqvarna since it was a John Deere that blew up. Actually, Husqvarna has quite a good reputation, even amongst the Lowe's employees.
Come see our lawn; it looks great!

Hello Again

2008-04-08T08:35:00.001-07:00

OK. So I've realized that I don't like to post unless I have a picture to go along with my words. I think I'll just have to get over that. There will be no illustrations today. Only updates.

I'm completely enjoying working at Kid's Place at our satellite campus in Nooksack. (It might be Everson, but it definitely isn't Sumas). Anyway, we meet at the Nooksack Valley High School. We have between 17-20 kindergardeners through 5th graders, and usually two to three different high schoolers who help out each Sunday. They are all so fabulous. I'm hoping when JW comes in the summer, he can help out too. I get the high schoolers to lead small groups when it comes time for that, and some have even acted in the skits, etc. I hear through the grapevine that they think it is "awesome." Well, I think THEY are awesome. Jonathan leads worship. He is getting so good on the guitar. He really amazes us with his talent. Joseph and Joshy help out too, getting the place set up and cleaning up afterwards. Joshy wants to be called "Mr. Joshy" on his nametag, and that is fine with me.

I've been singing a lot lately at different venues. I got to actually play the guitar and sing "How Great Thou Art" at Coffee and Conversation last week. Yes. I actually accompanied myself on guitar. Thank God the hymn writers of old only knew three chords. I'll be singing at a gal's birthday party in a couple of weeks. I think she will be 90. (My personal belief is that you aren't getting "old" until you are 110. Even 109 is spry; but you get up to 110, and you can start getting your senior discount for sure).
She wants me to sing "I left my Heart in San Francisco," "Over the Rainbow" (my new signature song), "You are My Sunshine," and "On the Wings of a Dove."

Jim will be flying to Texas the first weekend in June for JW's graduation. The boys will still be in school, so we won't be going. (Besides the fact that flying us all down there would be monetarily prohibitive, especially because I would need to take the train or bus since I'm not a good flyer)

Well, that's enough for today. Make it a great one!

God's Fabulous Creation

2008-03-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, a bald eagle swooped down and landed in our pond. He sat there majestically, taking a drink every once in a while, but mostly just eyeing the surroundings... not in fear, mind you, but with absolute confidence that he was at the top of the food chain. After about 20 minutes of having me completely mesmerized, he took to the skies and flew to one of the huge trees that line the road of the properties here.
Today I happened upon a blogger's site who had posted this video. Apparently someone from her church had set Brian Doerkson's song to clips from the BBC production of Planet Earth or something like that. Click on the rectangle above (or whatever is showing above the text here :) ENJOY!

More Pictures

2008-03-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

This is a picture looking towards the pasture from the other acreage. We have access to it right now so we can walk the owner's dogs. Does anyone have any wisdom/experience about what an animal we should get to be a mammalian lawn mower?

Here's a picture of the entrance into the property. If you go on the gravel road to the left, you come to our house. If you go to the right upon entering, you can take a look at the other 10 acres the owner has for sale. (assuming you are here and actually driving on this road:)

It's a beautiful, sunny, clear day here today. We wake up every morning and still have to pinch ourselves!

We are in!

2008-02-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

We are the proud owners of "a little peace of Heaven" in Sumas, Washington. 10 pristine acres, and a 2070 square foot home with 3 bedrooms, a small office, and another office/library in the master suite! The owners, who we've become friends with, did a fabulous job with this property. This is a picture of the picnic area complete with charcoal grill and fire pit. There is a pasture, where we are actually entertaining the idea of getting a beef cow or two. We moved in February 16th, and I couldn't really post until now.

This is a view from the back of the house. Yes, that is a hot tub on the the massive porch. The house is backed up by a foothill which is part of the 10 acres. Only twice have bears been seen on the mountain, so we've been told. There is a fellow who lives at the top, on the other side side of the mountain, so he'll be the first to deflect any wildlife, I'm sure:) There are 3 apple trees that draw lots of deer in the summer, although we are keeping the owners' dogs until they get settled in Idaho, so we might not see them as often as we would like. I know there are coyotes that come around, and we have inherited a nice barn cat who has already left us a mouse on our walks.

This here's the wood stove that is practically standard issue in Washington. There is a separate little gated building which holds several hundred logs... enough to last a couple of winters, I'm sure, although Jim has actually used the CHAINSAW to make some logs and an axe to make some kindlin'. He's in heaven for sure. He loves to make the fire every morning, although he did buy a small blowtorch, which he feels is "cheating." :) We learned from the best, though: Some friends from church let us stay at their house for three weeks while we were waiting for the house to close and the sellers to move out. He is the one that showed us how to really make a fire in a woodstove.

There is another 10 acre lot next door which they are trying to sell also. It has the water well already dug, electricity, and the septic is ready to install, if any of you would like to move out to the gorgeous northwest and join us!

One of the bedroom's is completely set up as a guest room, with built in queen bunkbeds! Come see us! I'll post more pictures as soon as we take them.

What do you think?!!!!

Our House

2008-01-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

We've made an offer on this home and land. If you want to know more details, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LEAVE A COMMENT!
Thank you and Goodnight.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

My only resolution this year is to allow God to shine His Light through me. Whatever that entails....May He do the same in you.
Here's some pictures from the last few days. It was so incredibly wonderful having JW here in Washington with us for Christmas and the New Year. He's leaving on a jet plane... tomorrow morning. I'm NOT looking forward to that. Over the holidays I've realized what awesome children we have. Sure, they accidentally break windows in our 100 year old rental home... Yes, they "miss" when they are in the restroom... Of course they generate messes like it was a full-time job... But, they are talented and sweet and sharp as tacks, loving and full of life and confidence... And, they LOVE God! Who could ask for anything more.
Here they are all lined up for their Baptisms on December 23rd.

Christmas Eve Eve getting to open one present

JW came into our room at 3:11 a.m. and announced that it was Christmas. (to his credit, it WAS 5:11 a.m. in Texas-time, which he was still acclimated to). Suffice it to say, we told him to go back to bed, but since we couldn't sleep after that, we DID get up an hour later!

Some wonderful new friends not only invited us over for dinner after the Christmas Eve service, but they gave us access to their cabin in Glacier on the road to Mount Baker. Jim took the boys overnight and they did lots of sledding down the steep incline at the cabin. In the morning, I came to get them and we took a walk at the Nooksack River; resplendent with snow on the trail and trees and rocks.

Family Portrait at Bob's Burgers in Sumas. (Yes, that's a stuffed turkey behind us. It was that, or the moose head over the fireplace...)

WE ARE BLESSED!

Results of our second snowfall...

2007-12-05T09:42:00.001-08:00

Here is Joseph's snowman. He made it all by himself while we were bringing in all the Christmas decorations. The next day, it began to rain which caused all that flooding in Chehallis. Up here, it just melted all of our snow, and left a few lakes where there weren't any before....

To the left of the Dead End sign and in between the cut corn stalks lies the road to our house. As you can see, or NOT SEE, there is no road! It was tricky driving around the little bit that we did, because it was anybody's guess where the road was!

The snow got pretty deep around here in just a few hours. This is a fire hydrant which hopefully conveys how much snow there was! It was absolutely gorgeous.

Jim's birthday was yesterday and he took the day off! We went to Red Robin in Canada for a lunch date, then after school we took the boys to see Enchanted. What a wonderful movie! I encourage everyone to see it. On Saturday night we went to Lynden Lighted Christmas Parade. Companies and individuals put light on their vehicles for the parade. There were 70 entrants, including the Well's Fargo stagecoach! Since this is farming land, there were all kinds of huge farm vehicles (that I embarrasingly don't know the names of) in the parade. The winner in the commercial division was this entry by our favorite dairy, Edaleen. They have a storefront that you can visit to buy milk, cheese, ice cream, etc. and they serve up the BEST fresh ice cream in cones at the lowest prices I've ever seen! We try to go once a week to get our milk and enjoy the new flavors.

SNOW!

2007-11-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

Our first Washington snowfall happened last night! I had asked Joshy to go feed Zoie (the cat that came with the house) and he ran back in and said, "It's snowing! I'm not kidding!" We grabbed our coats and fought our way out the door to see big old flakes of gorgeous white purity making their way down onto the trees and yard! First of all, we Texas folk aren't used to a continual downpour, or for it to actually accumulate and provide us with enough snow to have a decent snowball fight! I have pictures, but I don't know how to download them.... I will post them when they are ready!

Unfortunately, it's in the upper 30's right now, so the snow is melting. There is more in the forecast, though, so we are totally pumped!

A couple of weekends ago Jim and I went with another couple to Leavenworth,a charming Bavarian village that is literally a Christmas wonderland. 2 million visitors come throughout the year to visit this amazing town. We ate German food, went to the little shops, and took lots of pictures that I will eventually post... Here's one from the website to wet your whistle:

On November 29th, Leavenworth will be featured on "Good Morning America Lights Up the Holidays" at 7a.m. Pacific Time. (9:00 a.m. in Texas?) It ranks as the number one Christmas Village in the United States. No wonder.

http://www.leavenworth.org/

It snowed on our way home, (which is one of the most beautiful drives up here;) there are dozens of little waterfalls literally coming out of the roadside rock walls, and there is the most gorgeous river that winds its way alonside much of the road up the mountain.

On November 16th, Jonathan and I performed at the Lynden Community Center for over 200 people. Besides his Johnny Cash numbers, I sang "Jesus Take the Wheel", "Over the Rainbow" (Martina McBride's version) and an acapella rendering of "Amazing Grace." It was SOOOO fun and the people were wonderful. The gals that had scheduled us for the Trailblazer's event were there with their husbands, and during one of our songs, came up to the stage and each threw a dollar bill on it. More people came up and threw some dollars here and there, then afterwards a few came up to us to press some bills or change into our hands. When all was said and done, we left with $70! We don't charge anything for our performances, so to be blessed with that kind of monetary gift blew us away!

Inevitably when I sing, someone always comes up and tells me they want me to sing at their funeral. I never know which way to take it. Is it a complement? I mean, they won't REALLY be in attendance, now will they. I guess there aren't enough occasions on earth to have a song sung just for you. We need to make some up so they can hear it now!

Comments and emails appreciated!!!

Smooches,
Betty

WIndy Washington

2007-11-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

Jonathan won Second Place in the Talent Show! First place went to a Bagpipe player who really was quite good; he was dressed in a kilt and everything. Being friends with one of the judges' mom, I found out that there was quite a debate going on to make Jonathan first place. Finally, one of the judges said that the bagpipe was INCREDIBLY difficult, and he knew for a matter of fact that the fellow practiced many many hours.... They should come to our house! Jonathan was thrilled. I'll post pictures later.

On another note :).... some Southern winds blew out the power in 4 towns yesterday! (they sound like a train which is about to come through the house) We were without electricity Monday morning until some time last night. We decided to go ahead and stay in our unheated house. It wasn't too bad... I've camped in colder weather! The boys thought it was quite the adventure. They all slept in the guest room with a huge flashlight at the ready, and Jim and I got a battery-operated Coleman lantern in case we needed to see. I slept like a baby, all toasty under the covers. The broken branches all over the property are overwhelming, however. We feel very fortunate that one didn't land on our vehicles or roof, or come through the window!

Speaking of things coming through windows, though, Jonathan accidentally kicked the soccer ball through our front door side window on Sunday WHILE OUR LANDLORD was visiting. Talk about embarrassing....

Conferences for school report cards start this week on Wednesday. The boys will be released for the next 6 days at 12:50. Fun fun.

How is it in YOUR neck of the woods?

Singing in Washington

2007-11-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

On Monday I sang with four other gals as part of the Sister Act choir. We sang "O Happy Day" and I get to take the solo on "I Will Follow Him." It's quite fun. We might be doing it in December at another fellowship I attend once a month. (Stonecroft, an international organization that hosted the retreat I went to at Cedar Springs a couple of weeks ago) Tonight, Jonathan and I are singing at a talent show. He'll be doing a Johnny Cash song, and I've been asked to sing Amazing Grace for the finale!

I have sang Amazing Grace quite a bit since I've been here. The Lord has used that song SEVERAL times to bring the listeners to tears. He is so precious. His grace has been SO amazing in my life, I think whoever hears me sing it can sense the reality of each word in my life. God is so good!

Who knew?!

2007-10-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

Cedar Springs water wheel

One of the four or five lakes at Cedar Springs

"Sister Act"

WOW. Since I last posted, we've been one of the entertainment acts for a western night (150 in attendance!), I've helped lead worship at a retreat, have sang at a sweet women's fellowship I attend on Monday's, and am gearing up to sing at a talent show next Friday, and with a group of robed-gals to do two Sister Act songs at that same Monday group next week! When you ask the Lord to open doors for your gift, He oftentimes swings them really wide!

Jonathan gets to perform at school every week on Fridays. He dresses in black, to honor Johnny Cash, and does a few of his songs. This week he did expand and do a Weird Al song parody of Achy Breaky Heart. He was really the main performer at the western night (I sang Coal Miner's Daughter by Loretta Lynn, Walkin After Midnite by Patsy Cline, God Bless the Broken Road, Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Martina McBride's version) and Jim and I did Praise in the Wilderness by Jim McNeely :) Jonathan performed the balance of the show in two 30-45 minute sets. Jim also did a hilarious lecture on how to "tawk raht." He showed them words like "bob war" for barbed wire... you know the drill.... It was really funny.

The retreat I went to was at a place called Cedar Springs. It is only 5 minutes from our house in Sumas. Gals (and a couple of gentlemen) came from all over BC, Canada and Northern Washington. We did the Sister Act songs there, and led worship three times. Very, very sweet. These pictures don't convey how absolutely gorgeous Cedar Springs is; there are swans in the lake, beautiful well-kept gardens all over the property, and it is nestled in the "foothills" of Sumas.

Leave me some love if you read my blog!

Skagit Valley Farm Tour

2007-10-07T08:56:00.001-07:00

Saturday we went on the Skagit Valley Farm tour. We could only make it to 5 farms on the tour out of a dozen, but it was wonderful!
(We also went to a farm tour at Cloud Mountain Farms, which wasn't a part of the tour, but they do it the same day).

Cloud Mountain had fruit tasting inside a huge greenhouse. Over 200 varieties of apples, grapes, pears, jams, etc. We bought three pears for $6, but they are the size of small cantaloupes! 5 of us can feast on just one. It was one of our favorites, because the Prozac Mountain Boys bluegrass band were playing in one corner of the greenhouse, and we actually ran into a sweet couple from our church who are berry farmers.

Our next stop was 45 miles away (then we backtracked) to a Dairy Farm. It was too cold to enjoy it much, but we got to see a 5-day-old calf and got a free ice cream bar. (Joshy wanted to milk the artificial cow, but it was just too cold to wait in line) Each farm offered free samples and info; this one had coloring books, rulers, "got milk" pens and "cheese" erasers!

An oyster farm, situated on the ocean, held the most interesting farm items! We never even considered oysters farm animals! Jim liked the generous free samples of clams and oysters, but the rest of us couldn't really stomach it. (although Joseph did try them). They serve them right in the shell! There was a lighthouse made out of oyster shells. (you can see most of this in the pictures; check out the link)
http://picasaweb.google.com/jim.mcneely/20071006_farm_tour
We also got to touch some sea urchins, starfish, and other slimy sea creatures. There were costumed characters, which you can see in the photos. We missed the crab race, but got to talk to the crab lady as she was taking them back to their habitat. Apparently, they got into a wrestling match and tore off some limbs, but they GROW BACK. God is too fun.

On to a Beef Farm where they had Highland cows. The meat samples were delicious, and Jim and Jonathan each bought a shish kebob and the boys split fresh twirled fries (made on a Pampered Chef type potato peeler while we waited!) Joshy rode a pony, and I enjoyed the bagpipe players!
The one picture of me and the fellow with huge earrings was taken because he arrived in a kilt, and wasn't even a part of the farm tour! (The picture apparently doesn't show the kilt; the whole point of the picture. Oh well) I asked him if he wore it all the time, and he said his workplace frowned upon it usually...

By this time, it was way past lunch and we were really hankering for the organic beef cheeseburgers we heard were being served at the Skagit River Ranch. Just a short drive from the other one, it was probably our favorite farm. It was everything you learned about in grade school; it had free range chickens (which we just knew we were going to accidentally run over if they didn't watch out!) pigs, turkeys, 5 day old baby chicks in an incubator!, horses, goats... you know, Old McDonald's kind of farm! We went on a very cold horse-drawn wagon ride to see where the cows are allowed to eat grass which hasn't been sprayed with insecti-or pesticides. WOW. The hamburgers were THE BEST ones I've EVER put in my mouth. I didn't know grass fed beef would have such a different taste. Afterwards, we bought 6 frozen patties for $12 and can't wait to eat them on the grill at some point. If you come visit, I'll make the trip back to get some more. It's worth the drive! (the store is open on Saturday's). Every turkey was already spoken for. I wanted to place an order for Thanksgiving! I'll have to do it earlier next year!

We rounded out our day at another apple farm, and bought several pounds of the sweetest, crispest apples I've ever tasted. I didn't realize there were so many varieties... even though Washington is the apple state! I mean, have you ever heard of Sweetheart, Jonagold, Tsugaru, or Honey Crisp?!! Absolutely yummy. We also got some fresh apple cider, and could have went to a wine tasting, but we were ready to make the 45 mile trip back home, which was just spectacular. The leaves are turning shocking yellow, red, and orange, but there are all the evergreens interspersed in large quantities. We passed several Christmas Trees farms and a couple of Alpaca Farms, which were on the tour, but we didn't stop.

That was our Saturday!!!!!!!!

Vancouver

2007-10-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to Vancouver, BC in Canada. One of the wonderful places there is this Suspension Bridge. It's very touristy, but you get what you pay for! There are people in period dress wandering around, live music, and "first nation" folks giving tours and describing what life was like in the late 1800's.

When you get across the bridge (which makes you feel like you are Indiana Jones, and you pray it doesn't break... which it wouldn't, (I saw all the cables underneath on the other side!) The steps going up and down feel so rickety, though, and the river below is so rocky....Anyway, there are smaller suspension bridges from tree to tree.

You walk from tree to tree which doesn't disturb the ground below. It's really quite fun. You feel like you are in an Ewok Village! It's really beautiful, and there are signs everywhere explaining different aspects about the habitat. There are ponds below, and huge trees everywhere.

Canada and the "first nation" people have this thing about Totem Poles. They even carved one to look like me while I was there. I felt very honored, considering I don't have one drop of any first nation blood in me :) (we call them native americans...)
It was an expensive day, (usually our weekends are free) but really, it was worth every penny. If you come up here, you will have to budget your shekels to visit this place with us. (Of course, if you come visit, you'll have to allow about 17 days to go everywhere we would want to take you, and then you would need a vacation!) That settles it; some of you are just going to have to move up here with us!

Heather Meadows

2007-09-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well, there have been a couple of days when we've actually had to turn the heat on up here. It has gotten down to the 30's some nights! Today is actually quite lovely. Sunny and bright and almost "hot" although when you go back in your house, it's still chilly. It's like having the best kind of air conditioning... free!

We went to Heather Meadows this weekend, although it was rainy and cold. We've decided that isn't going to stop us. There is a different kind of beauty that comes with the clouds. The trip back home was inspiring. Absolutely vertical rain that looked like it could be snow, it was falling so slowly; almost like it was in slow-motion. Then, every once in awhile, the sun would peak through gloriously and highlight the changing colors of Fall here. What a wonderful state we've moved to!!!!

Worst Gifts

2007-09-21T07:24:00.001-07:00

Well, I don't know about you guys, but I could use a good laugh. I sent these to some folks a few years back (so forgive me if you've already read them). They are from the flylady.com website. She had people write in and describe the worst gifts they had ever received. Here are just a few... Let me know if they make you laugh out loud, like they do me. (every time I read them!)

I had been down with the flu for several days before Christmas, and weakly joined the festivities on Christmas morning. My husband, who is gift-giving-impaired, did his shopping for me on the way home from church Christmas morning. The only place open, of course, was the local convenience store. He bought me - get this - a big stick of pepperoni. The smell alone was enough to send me to bed for the rest of the day. This has been the family joke for 20 years!

A few years ago my mother made oven mitts for several of the adult members of the family. Unfortunately, she couldn't figure out how to make the thumb so she just gave them to us without thumbs. Trying to figure out what to do with them amused us all day and we still have a good laugh every time we think about it.
The worst gift my husband ever got was from his two sons - in their 20's at the time. They spent a considerable amount of time making a potato gun for him. It was so powerful it could shoot a potato for about a city block. We still laugh about this one too.

I was about 7 years old. I had collected a precious handful of the prettiest rocks I could find. I thought long and hard if I could let go of something so precious, but decided that my dad deserved the best, so I would give my treasure to him. They were pebbles, quarts and chips of various size rock. I found a square piece of scrap wood and put fabric on the back of it. I very carefully arranged all the rocks on the plaque and dripped wax over them so they would shine and look wet. I was very proud of this project and did it all by myself. (I did get in a bit of trouble for using a candle without supervision). I wrapped it in paper towels and tape and presented it to my dad. What I didn't realize, that to the "untrained" eye, the gift I made, looked just like someone had eaten a heap of Christmas candy and vomited it up and it had petrified on a square piece of wood. My sweet father graciously received it and was kept safe in his top drawer for the next 34 years, the rest of his life.

My worst gift would have to be about 10 years ago (before I trained my husband to NOT be so practical) I had a gift under the tree that was really large and extremely heavy! I was sooo excited to open it on Christmas Eve! Well the enthusiasm really went down the toilet (excuse the pun) when the gift turned out to be..... a new porcelain TOILET! Needless to say I was speechless and my family has never let my husband forget about the most practical gift he ever got me!

There is no question that the worst gift we ever received was a Christmas teddy bear for my newborn. It was made from dead possums and smelled. It was apparently a well intentioned attempt by a group in New Zealand to utilize the furs of the non-indigenous pests that kill the native wildlife...but to think that I would put this thing in my newborn's crib was truly funny.

The first year we were married my DH obviously had NO clue!!! He went to the hardware store and did all his Christmas shopping for me. He got a new screen door handle, wooden numbers for the house (which he wrapped individually), a door mat and a shower curtain liner. Needless to say, it's been jewelry every year since! :) Love him dearly but that was a true test of love and patience on my part that first year.

Harrison Hot Springs

2007-09-12T16:57:00.001-07:00

We went to the International Sand Sculpture Competition in Canada on Sunday. The sculptures were amazing, but look at the setting! NO wonder the artists were inspired! I had been to the women's retreat from our church up there and we got 5 free time hours on Saturday. Me and two new friends drove up to Harrison Hot Springs. It's just gorgeous. When Jim came to get me, we all decided to go back up there. The boys "swam" (more like slowly got into the water and when they couldn't take the cold anymore, ran out screaming). Harrison is so quaint. Gelato shops, street pedal bikes, water sports, and the most beautiful beach. The sand there is amazingly conducive for sculpting.

Here are the boys on the beach. There is a fancy schmancy hotel that houses some of the actual hot springs, and there is a public building with them. Maybe next time...

This is an outhouse made out of sand. Look at the detail! It's difficult to describe how intricate and creative these sculptures are. Rain actually strengthens them; it's the wind that damages them. Some of them had been up since May, but we were there on the actual days of competition. It was so wonderful seeing people of all countries working together on the team event. There wasn't usually just one country represented on a team. You would have the russians working with canadians, belgians with koreans, etc. There was also an event for solos and duos as well as the team ones. Simply amazing. It will be up until October if anyone wants to come see them before then!

Backtracking a Bit

2007-09-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

I wanted to revisit our trip up here with the Teeter's. They took turns, along with Jim, driving the Budget Rental Truck and our new van. The pictures I've included, for your viewing pleasure, are the double rainbow we saw in Kansas, me winning the "here's your sign award" by trying to feed a pig out of my hand. They bite! (although he didn't break any skin:) and our last night together, worn out but grateful, along the Chuckanut Drive (by the ocean). Justin is taking the picture with his arm outstretched so we could all be in it. He learned that technique from Mike Tesdahl at the Teeter Christmas Party; we played a camera scavenger hunt where we had to include ourselves in the pictures of what we were hunting. It was hilarious. Even though our team won, Mike should have won for something. Wow. It makes me miss everyone to backtrack. I don't think I'll do this very often :) Comments?

Lifehouse; Everything

2007-09-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Amazing. Thanks Constance, for sending this.
I hope it blesses everyone like it did me. Off to dry my tears.... and spend some time with our wonderful SAVIOR!

Hola

2007-09-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

Lynden is one of my favorite little towns here. It is a community of Dutch Reformed Christians. There is the cutest street which is the main strip (called Front Street) where all the restaurants, shops, windmill replicas and wooden shoes are. This picture was taken in front of a little canal by the restaurant where we had lunch. When you come to visit (hint hint) we'll definitely make Lynden one of our stops.

Here is the neighbor who had the auger who helped us with our mailbox. Here's the 8 foot corn by the neighbor who had the auger who helped us with our mailbox. Here's the mailbox that needs some mail (hint hint) by the 8 foot corn by the neighbor who had the auger who helped us with our mailbox.
We took a hike at Nooksack River yesterday for Labor Day. As soon as Jim downloads the pictures, I'll post some. It's like walking in the Amazon without the threat of Anacondas or malaria-carrying insects. In fact, I didn't see one living creature besides the lush flora. There is a path with bridges and stairs and logs on the side made by the forest service and some inmates from a local prison. We were so grateful. It is just beautiful. The river is glacier-fed from Mount Baker and the salmon will start their spawning soon. That will be a site to see.

Artist's Point

2007-08-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

So, here's where we went last night. This is a view of Shukshan. Unbelievable. We used to pay 100's of dollars, have to pack for days, and take time off to see this kind of beauty on vacation. All we took was a few bottles of water! The boys got to play in some of the snow that hasn't melted. They can only open this particular two miles a couple of month's a year because it is usually COVERED with snow. It is a great place to go snowshoeing apparently. Mount Baker (the small picture below) is continually covered with snow and after Mount Ranier has the second most glaciers of any of the Cascades. It set the record for most snowfall ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD in 1998. Lots of good skiing up here! Feel free to use our house for your very own bed and breakfast, as Mt. Baker is a little less than one hour to get to!!!! This is the view we get from our house, but we were VERY close to it last night!

Howdy from Sumas

2007-08-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Did I mention we LOVE living here?! It's so beautiful and there is SO much to do. We went to a company party on Saturday. It was hosted by one of the doctors from Northwest Radiologists, where Jim works. He lives with his family on Lake Whatcom. Even though it was rainy and cloudy and cold, we rode his boat and the boys got to ride on the intertube boat thingy he had on the back. It was a blast. Since it rains so much here, it just doesn't phase people; they told us no one even owns an umbrella. Someone finally had the wherewithal to cover the hamburgers, but other than that, we just played outside in the rain.

Jim brought his magic stuff and did a magic show, and Jonathan sang a couple of Johnny Cash songs. We also did a duet, and Joseph sang an Elvis number. The McNeely variety show. I think we were a hit.

We went to the Nooksack Falls on Friday night. So beautiful and yet, so deadly if you go beyone the fence, which unfortunately, some people have done. (11 since the 1940's). I saw an article in the Mount Baker Experience about one young fellow who is the only known survivor. Harrowing. This gives you a good idea about how beautiful it is:

The boys start school on Wednesday. They are very excited. Our church, Northwest Christ the King Community Church is wonderful. I've already signed up for the women't retreat which will be he second weekend of September in Canada. Life groups will start up in September too.

The boys have eaten so many apples from our trees that they are starting to look like apples. I made these wonderful blueberry muffins with the blueberries we have, and we served brownies with ice cream and blueberries yesterday when some friends who moved up here years ago came for dinner. We knew them in Denton when we all went to UNT. Grace and I became roommates when I was teaching, and she played at our wedding. (She received her PHD in piano perfermance) Rob teaches piano in Bothell, WA and they have 5 sons. Our boys had a wonderful time playing with other kids for the first time since we moved here!

Well, hopefully I'll get some photos downloaded and update sooner next time.

The day we've been longing for...

2007-08-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

Today is the day! We get to pick up Jim from the airport at 10:40, go see my dad, then we are going to finish up at the house. Jim's mom is coming this afternoon to say goodbye also. Tonight is the Going Away Party; Let's see if all 75 RSVP's show up. I hope so. I really want to see everyone before we go. I hope I'm not an emotional basket case :) We'll be leaving Texas Friday morning, and hopefully arriving Sunday afternoon.

Is anyone out there?!

2007-08-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
It is a sad and lonely world without my dear hubby.
(although I realize in this picture I don't look too sad, but I was taking it for him)
I went to a Mary Kay party (with our fabulous rep, Rachel Humphreys myprivatethoughts@msn.com to order or get more info :) and this is what she did for me. I'm not too fond of the hair-back-out-of-the-face look, but I do like the colors and ordered all of them.
I would appreciate any and all comments. Please let me know you are out there reading my blog!!!!!
Thanks in advance.
Oh, Jim will be flying in on Thursday morning. You are all invited to our going away party at the Teeter's that evening at 6 p.m. Let me know if you need more info. We will be leaving in the Budget Moving Van on Friday morning at 5 a.m. sharp!

Sumas

2007-07-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

So, here is a little info about the town where we will be living. It looks like the 2005 census shows a whopping population of 1096. I've seen that many people at the city of Denton swimming pool on a hot day! Sumas (pronounced Soo’mass) means “land without trees” The official website boasts these links: flood info (apparently a major problem here), utility rates, the cable tv schedule, a disclaimer, and a "contact us" page.
Here is a lovely picture of the City Hall AND the police department.

I'm not sure if this IS the utility department, or just a part of it, but with only 1096 people (plus 5 of us) I bet this is it. (Brian Rob and Doug)

Apparently, there are several forest products businesses and many farms in the area. School starts at 9 a.m.... I guess so the kids can get their chores done (cows milked, eggs gathered?) before school.

This is fun: The annual Sumas chamber events include activities like the Sumas Junior Rodeo, a Fishing Derby, not one but TWO Bull A Rama's, a Tractor Pull in September (hooray; I won't miss it) and a Car Show in the summer.

This city girl is quite excited to live in a farmhouse. Every time I see a picture of the house, I start humming the Walton's theme song. Goodnight John-Boy!
(Oh.. you can leave comments now... I changed the setting to allow anonymous or non-blogger types access to comment. Hope to hear from you!)

Our Rental Home!

2007-07-30T03:28:00.000-07:00

So, here's a picture of the house we will be renting in Sumas, Washington! It is 1 mile from the Canadian border, and about 25 minutes of "the most beautiful drive" to work. Jim went out there yesterday and picked raspberries and blueberries and ate them right off of the vine. Apparently, blueberries are actually sweet. Who knew. The ones we get always make our faces pucker. For more pictures and info, go to http://www.astonisher.com/rentals/4bd.html
The home has been around since the early 1900's and is situated on land that has treehouses and forts built by generations of children. The view on a clear day is of the Canadian Rockies, and even though the town only has 1,000 people, there is a Costco within 1 mile! (Costco began in Kirkland, Washington, so there are a lot of them around!)
The elementary school is a short walk across a field that we can see from the upstairs master bedroom. (There is a downstairs master also) The boys are going to love it!!!!!!!
Let me know what you think!

How Great Is Our God

2007-07-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

I'm listening to Chris Tomlin's song and just rejoicing at His provision. It's funny how some things just "fall into our laps," some things have to be won with prayer and tears, and other things are never granted. Trusting the God of the universe for His best (which becomes our best) can be difficult when we are striving against His plans. I have found that if I will surrender, Father really does know best :) I love this painting called "Rescued" by Darrin Hoover. It is how I feel most days while I have all of the responsibility of getting loose-ends tied up in Texas: Exhausted in the middle of the sea, boat capsized, clinging for dear life to the Cross of Christ!

Here's a picture of JW's "new" car. (actually just a reasonable facsimile, although it is the same color :) Talk about God's provision; this is definitely the "fall into the lap" answer to our prayers. It's even already paid for. GOD IS GOOD!

Only two more weekends!

2007-07-24T03:46:00.001-07:00

The boys had a great time with Jim's sister, Christy and her husband, Jon. They took them out on the boat on Saturday. The two extra blonde cuties are their cousins. I've decided to just pack up the house and have a garage/estate sale this weekend and not list the house until we leave. I just can't imagine trying to have it in pristine condition for showings while we are trying to move!

Uncle Jon found a 1997 Mercury Sable for JW! We are picking it up today. I'm so excited that I don't have to spend one more second looking for cars. God is such a faithful Provider.

Somewhere else

2007-07-19T04:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like that house we wanted won't be available until September 1st. However, all things work together for good.... the house next door to where Jim is staying will become available August 12th, which just so "happens" to be when our estimated time of arrival in Bellingham will be! Also, the owner is a real stickler about not wanting tenants to sign a year-lease; she only wants a month-to-month obligation. Unbelievably, even that scenario is perfect for us, because we've been prequalified for a house, and when the one we would like to buy becomes available, we'll be too!

I tell you, it's fun to walk in God's plans. Sinners saved by grace. He keeps doing kind things even when we stumble and flit around like broken-winged birds.

Comments?

Jim's Second Career; Photographer :)

2007-07-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent pictures that Jim has taken. The first one is his new Mini. I think it looks like it could go in the promo materials!

This one is a picture of the back of the house we want to rent in Bellingham. Doesn't it look like "Walden's Pond?!" Great composition, honey!

Finally, a view from what could be our backyard. Yes, the lake is just a few steps away from the back door!

Pictures from the trip.... FInally!

2007-07-12T22:14:00.001-07:00

All my boys in the wee hours before Jim and JW headed off...

My handsome men!
Jim bought a cord to finally download these pictures to the computer. He had left the one we had here accidentally.
I can't wait to make this trip myself when we finally head off.

Already missing

2007-07-11T07:43:00.001-07:00

So, this is the room I am going to miss the most. It is our library/music room. We have had Bible studies, Life Group, "home-church," jam sessions, and parties in this room. I can't tell you how many mornings I would go in there with my protein bar, milk, and frou-frou international coffee and have my quiet time. I love the dark wood, the comfy couches, and the modern fixtures we put in to replace the cheap ones. I hope someone enjoys that room as much as we did! It's "supposed to be" the formal dining area, but we don't always do what we are "supposed to" :)

My second favorite area is our big hall. I could walk down it with both arms outstretched and not touch either side! Actually, this was my dream house for this part of my life. 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, a master bedroom that was as big as our former living/dining combo, all the boys bedrooms upstairs with a big den for them. A huge pantry big enough to fit our whole family in if there was a tornado, a "secret closet" under the stairs that the boys loved, and a huge kitchen where I cooked many happy meals.

It will be awesome to see where the Lord leads us next. He does make the lines of our habitations fall "in pleasant places!"

Trying to get up there....

2007-07-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of views of the house Jim is staying in. (He is sub-letting a room). Jim LOVES his job! He is going in real early (5 or 5:30 a.m. and getting off at 2:00 or 2:30). He likes to work when no one is on the computers; it makes it much easier to troubleshoot! He went to the Bay a couple of days back and played his flute towards the ocean. A jazz student happened by with his guitar, and after making some music together, they went to an open mic night at a jazz bar. Jim said it was wonderful. It is VERY slow going here, trying to pack and put the house up on the market. We will be selling most of our furniture, so let us know if you are interested in looking, or can refer us on to anyone needing couches, dining table, entertainment centers, coffee tables, lots of office furniture.... etc!!!

Day One

2007-06-25T04:45:00.000-07:00

Today is Jim's first day at his new job with Northwest Radiologists in Bellingham, Washington. I can't wait to hear how it goes!

2007-06-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

It's 8:30 a.m. and Jim and JW have made it to Missoula, Montana. I estimate a 7 hour drive to Bellingham. Jim said Montana is gorgeous. It will be awesome when it's time to move and we take the same route and see what all they are seeing on this initial trip!

I found a house yesterday on Craig's List, spoke with the gal who is renting it out, and she and her family go to the church we have been looking into attending when we move up there! (they have a great website and they are very similar to the church we attend now; they even have 3500 members!) Talk about a divine appointment (her words :) So, no matter what, I'm already making friends up there! (Jim isn't surprised)

On the Road Again...

2007-06-22T01:49:00.000-07:00

WOW. Jim and JW made it to Loveland, Colorado in one day. It is very close to the Wyoming border. Jim said they are making such great time because they are two grown men who don't have to stop every 5 minutes to go to the bathroom. I guess that's why it took our family 9 hours to get to Galveston for Spring Break... in a trip that should have taken a little over 4....:)

It's 3 a.m. right now. I just don't seem to sleep very well when Jim is gone. The boys were just jewels yesterday. They sure miss their daddy. They are all going to our favorite Vacation Bible School this week. Jonathan's class has been visiting places and doing some outreach (soup kitchen, a daycare, the fire station...). They are going to a nursing home today and Jonathan might get to play a couple of Johnny Cash tunes for the residents. He astounds me at how good he is getting with playing the guitar and singing! Most kids have to be told to practice. Jonathan seems surgically attached to his guitar; in fact, we have to tell him to put it down to do his chores or come to the dinner table! I know it's TMI, but he even takes it with him into the men's room....

We went to a birthday at the Water Park last night. The weather was nice and cool and the boys had a blast. We sure will miss our friends!!!

On Their Way....

2007-06-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Jim and JW are on their way to Bellingham! They left this morning at 6 a.m. after a sweet family prayer time. We took a couple of pictures outside and then a very light sprinkling of rain began to fall on us. I love the rain, so APPARENTLY I'll fit right in to the MO of the weather of Washington state :)

Jim took the camera, so I can't wait to post our own pictures of our new state. We met with some friends on Tuesday night who suggested that Jim put longhorns on the front of his Mini to show appreciation for our home state. Do you think that would go over well with the locals?! We are, at the very least, going to erect a flagpole in our front yard and hang the Texas flag proudly for all our neighbors to enjoy. Or, I can buy a Texas shower curtain and do the guest bath in a glorious Texas motif... We won't stand out like sore thumbs... I promise!!!

Pray for the boys.... they are definitely not used to being without daddy for very long. Jonathan is taking his "man of the house now" duties very seriously and fed the boys breakfast this morning! I live in heaven on earth, I tell you. (although all it takes to get back to reality is to check their bathrooms and wonder why the floor is a dull yellow sometimes....) Boys are wonderful.

I'll be busying myself with getting the house ready to sell. If you know of anyone who needs a 5 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 3900 square foot home in Denton, send them my way!

I love the comments and emails; Keep 'em coming!

Whetting your appetite for Washington

2007-06-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

So, we've decided that everyone just needs to move to Bellingham with us. Maybe these pictures will help in your decision making.

Welcome to My Blog

2007-06-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I figured it was time to start a blog (Thanks edelweiss :)
First things first: Jim has accepted a job in Bellingham, Washington. It is 47.5 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Mountains, Oceans, Lakes, Orcas, and a regular paycheck. He starts on June 25th. I'll be holding down the fort in Texas and putting our house on the market when it's time.

Since I've been in Texas from the time I was a gleam in someone's eye, it is with mixed emotions that I approach this impending move. The best thing I've learned is not to take anyone or any situation for granted. Love the ones you're with! I am so thankful I have so many great memories with all of my friends and family.

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