Dancing with Jesus

Carolyn, our dearest friend Matthew's mom, is dancing with Jesus. Matthew has poured his heart out on his blog, Matthew's Thoughts, and it's worth a read. I weep for his mourning and rejoice knowing she is now dancing with Jesus. Through his last few posts, I'm reminded of how precious our relationships are here on this earth, and how blessed I am to still have time with my parents.

I love you, sweet friend, and am praying with you tonight. Thank you for sharing your heart.

I'd like to share one of my favorite songs sung by Fernando Ortega. I played this over and over in my car on the way to my Papaw's funeral and was encouraged and convicted at the same time.

An ache in my heart

I have an ache in my heart. You know that helpless, and terribly overwhelming sadness that envelopes you when a dear friend is going through a very difficult and painful time? That's what I'm feeling right now. For the sad story of our dear friend, visit Matthew's link on my side bar. His mother will soon be rejoicing with Jesus, but the realization of her absence here on earth will soon be felt. Get the tissue box handy.

We love you, Matthew and Mindy and are praying for you and your family during these difficult days.

Lord Hill and Spawnfest

A lot has happened in the past couple of weeks. Mostly, I've just been working. I'm now training a new gal and I'm so glad she's there! She's very sweet and smart, and I think she's a great fit for the company.

Last Saturday, we spent the afternoon hiking at a new place that I found, Lord Hill Park, just a few minutes away from the house. It was a hot afternoon and Bex enjoyed swimming and retrieving a stick in a small lake. That evening, I got my hair cut, and on the way home, I happened upon my sweet friend's dog on the side of the road. It was a terrible night and a rough next couple of days. Sunday, we went to a new church and then over to the Bouck's for their house warming party. She had a fun activity of painting rocks for her front flower bed, which was enjoyed by the kids as well as the adults!

This weekend, Shua was in town for an ultimate frisbee tournament, and we went to watch him all day yesterday. He is so athletic and believe me when I say he's got "ups!" We got to watch some of the best ultimate frisbee teams in the country, which was quite a treat!

Spawnfest 2008, Flying Shua scores

Yep, he's got "ups!"

Shua's team, the Alpha Cobra Squadron (ACS) wound up getting 3rd place today. Congratulations to the team!

Waterfall photography

A small stream along the trail - 1/2 sec, f/10.0, ISO 100, 49mm

I have wanted to shoot "silky" waterfall photos since I got my nice camera, but I've never known how to do it. Well, earlier this year when I took my photography class, I learned that the shutter speed needs to be slower so it blurs the water a bit.

Last weekend, we finished up the "mancation" weekend with a hike to Wallace Falls. This is one of my favorite places because it's difficult enough for me to get a work-out but easy enough that I can make it. Last Sunday, I took my sweet time while the guys forged ahead. I finally figured out how to try this technique on my camera, and I'll share a couple of my favorites with the following disclaimer. This technique should be done with a tripod! I didn't take my tripod but after reviewing the photos, it's an absolute necessity next time! :)

Lower Wallace Falls - 1/8s, f/20.0, ISO 100, 81mm

Have a great weekend!

Testosterone Invasion!

Last week, Mountain Man's brother and two cousins flew out for some guy time on the Pacific Crest Trail. They came in on the Friday/Saturday red-eye flight and left yesterday. Needless to say, it has been a very busy but fun week.

How about a short recap?Friday night/Saturday morning: Gang arrivesSaturday: Gear selection by weighing items, packing of backpacks, ferry to Whidbey, Sushi at Yama (equivalent to "Yummy" - my favorite sushi place!)Sunday: 7:30am - Guys leave from the Snoqualmie Pass trailheadI stamped, read, and blurfed while they hiked and had gourmet meals. :)

Monday: I worked, they hiked.Tuesday: I worked, they hiked.Wednesday: I took the day off and ran errands, then had fun playing on Whidbey.
Thursday: I worked until 11. They called me at 10:30am to come get them in Cle Elum, so I took off as fast as I could and took the day off, since it was such a long drive. I was happy to get them but was sad they didn't complete it. I think they had a fun time, despite having to come down early. Here's the short story: They ran across a guy that threw out his back, so they went down the fastest way possible to get him some help. By the time they got down to the ranger station, it was closed and nobody was there, so they camped and waited until the next morning, when a volunteer showed up. He informed them that the same guy had been rescued the night before and air lifted to safety. Apparently, a work crew came through after they left and had radios, so they were able to radio some help in. Thankfully, the injured man was able to get to safety before the night's end. The guys then bribed the volunteer into taking them to town (Cle Elum) for a nice meal while they called and waited for me. When I got there, they looked pretty tired and were very stinky but seemed in good spirits, despite getting to finish out at Stevens Pass. Friday: I worked Friday until 3pm and the guys went to Batman at the Imax. We finished the evening with games and a relaxing evening at the house. The guys also went grocery shopping.Saturday: We played games Saturday morning and then went into Seattle for the day. After getting our baseball tickets for that evening, Joe & I went to the market while Mountain Man, E, and Shua pub crawled. Then we met up and had dinner before going to watch the Mariners' game.Sunday: After our late evening on Saturday, we slept in before heading out to Wallace Falls for a nice afternoon hike. We got home fairly late and had a late dinner of fajitas before Mountain Man took them back to the airport.We had a wonderful visit and I just love these guys! They're really very sweet and E and Shua are available (for all you single ladies)! :)

Hope you all have a great week!

Fort Casey Lighthouse

Fort Casey Lighthouse, Whidbey Island

Today was a fun day! I started the day off by meeting with an adviser and registering for classes, then went over to the courthouse for my second batch of fingerprints. We then took a ferry trip over to Whidbey for the afternoon, since we were in the "neighborhood" after all! Bex and I had fun romping around on the beach and playing at Fort Casey State Park. PK and I visited this park last October but I forgot my camera, and I was determined to go back at some point and capture the lighthouse on digi-chip (film). We've had a long day and Bex is already sacked out. Visit the gallery for more fun pictures.

Have a great rest of your week!

Honoring Shellapoo (Michelle) on SCS

Today's featured stamper over at SCS was Shellapoo, an amazing woman that has MS, but who through her pain, still serves others. Most of her cards go to her special kids, kids with cancer, etc. I made this special card for her today.

I was inspired by her cards:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/984370?cat=500&ppuser=133522
and
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/971433?cat=500&ppuser=133522

Instructions for making the origami kimono can be found here:
http://www.cardinspirations-usa.com/demo/teabag4.htm
**Note - On the first step, add another 1/4" fold so the kimono collar will show on the right side.**

Stamps: Scripture from Clearly Wordsworth (on inside)

Paper: WW, Black, Red/Black Characters by Far and Away

Ink: Versafine Black (sponged around edges) and inside sentiment

Accessories: Gold and black ribbon, Asian charm by Far and Away, Gold EP, CB D'Vine Swirl (negative side)

Techniques: Origami folding

Happy stamping and creating!