December 31, 2013

The board is out and the game is set up.  It must be New Years Eve.  This year we have Jordan hanging out with us!  

Best wishes to our friends and family all around the world for a happy, healthy 2014.

Fox Island, Washington

December 30, 2013

An E-normous tree!  From our deck it doesn't look too big, but up close it's a different story.  This lower hanging branch is larger around than my body!   I just love how the branches grow down, then curve upward.  It also provides lots of cover when the rains get heavy.

Fox Island, Washington

December 29, 2013

Glorious, blazing sunrise one day to subtly, quiet sunset another.
Fox Island, Washington

December 28, 2013

My driveway.  Since November we've had some rain, but not much.  Some freezing rain, frigid temps, freezing temps, sleet, snow and frozen roads.  So when did this find the time to grow here?!?! Yes, it's bright and beautiful, but somewhat treacherous at times.  We might have to do something about this...

Fox Island, Washington

December 27, 2013

This is one of the benefits of getting up early to run in the woods with a fabulous group of ladies.  Witnessing A-MAZ-ING sunrises.  I think this is the best one I have ever seen.

Gig Harbor, Washington 

December 26, 2013

Here is one of the gifts I received for Christmas. A delicate but sturdy silver ring created by Zach. Just beautiful! Thanks big guy!
Fox Island, Washington

December 25, 2013

This was my afternoon pick me up today.  Getting to use a few things from under the tree already.  I so needed this.  I was up at 4am.  Not because of the kids.  I was SOOOOO excited for Christmas morning!  I will say, Zach texted me at about 5:15am and asked if he could come down.  What a wonderful morning!  We decided to stay very low-key this year so there weren't any 'wowza' type surprises, but the kids has such a great time opening gifts and watching the others open theirs.  That's what Christmas is about.... giving, sharing and celebrating with family and friends.  

Fox Island, Washington

December 24, 2013

I'm now officially ready for Christmas morning.  That's right.... the cinnamon rolls are prepped and ready to go in the oven first thing tomorrow. The kids have informed me they don't want to get up until at least 7am.  What?!?!  Hopefully the smell of these baking will encourage them to get out of bed.

Fox Island, Washington

December 23, 2013

Sam decided to get a little creative in the kitchen this morning for his breakfast.  This is an apple swan.
Fox Island, Washington

December 22, 2013

We celebrated Nate's 15th birthday by going to the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma.  Sounds like fun, huh?  Well..... Dave really wanted to see the model trains exhibit they've got going on there, so he kind of tricked us into going.  No worries.  Everyone had a good time.  On the way home, we stopped for his requested lunch of jo-jos and chicken, groceries for the requested dinner of hamburgers and chips and the rental of an action movie.  We had also planned to swing by Baskin-Robbins for the birthday cake, but they apparently went out of business last month.  Jordan came to the rescue and made this cute, super moist, triple chocolate cake.  Happy Birthday, Natey B!

Fox Island, Washington

December 21, 2013

Dave and the bigger guys finally got the train out and set up around the tree.  It's been tradition to get a new train car every year.  I think we are foregoing the tradition because we don't have enough track or house space to set up the entire train anymore!

Fox Island, Washington

December 20, 2013

We got snow!!!!!!  A 2 hour delay for school is an awesome thing for the last day before holiday.  Peaceful, non-rushed morning watching the beautiful snow falling outside and we don't have to make up a school day at the end of the year.  Love it!

Fox Island, Washington

December 19, 2013

The stockings were hung by the..... ummm..... staircase with care. We are ready!
Fox Island, Washington

December 18, 2013

After getting the members of my house out the door for school, work and play, I got down to the business of putting presents under the tree.  I spent most of my "free time" cutting, wrapping and taping goodies and gifts.  

Fox Island, Washington

December 17, 2013

Today I ran on pavement with some of the Dirty Girls.  Our bonus challenge this week is to run this  almost 5 mile monster hill route and contemplate why we are grateful for hills.  Thanks for running with me and keeping me on track this morning Julie!

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 16, 2013

We saw a little bit of sunshine today.  It was out there.... over the water.  Somebody caught a few rays if they were out on a boat!

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 15, 2013

Jalapeno and cheese stuffed chicken breast over roasted vegetables.  Yum!

Fox Island, Washington

December 14, 2013

Sam needed a sport to take up per mom requirements.  Since he doesn't care too much for prolonged exposure to cold weather and will run only if being chased, he decided to try his hand at water polo.  In this area for the kids under the age of 14 years the program is called Splashball.  Essentially, water polo for younger people using a smaller ball and having loads of fun.  Sam likes the game and is learning quickly.  The coaches like that he's a natural at the sport and is a lefty...

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 13, 2013

One of the best inventions ever!  Nothing better than instant warmth from the heated seats in my car after 6 miles on the now thawed out muddy trails with the Dirty Girls.  

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 12, 2013

It looks dreary outside and soggy with rain.  Yes, rain.  That means the temperatures have climbed back up out of the freezing zone.  I never thought I would be excited for high 30's.  Even Sam was commenting on how warm it was as we walked to the bus stop.  High 30's, warm?

Fox Island, Washington

December 11, 2013

We finally have all of our stuff in one location. When we pulled out the boxes to deck the halls we found our long lost Nativity set. Dave brought this set of miniature painted mud figures home from his first deployment way back when.

Fox Island, Washington

December 10, 2013

Here it is!  This is our snowfall accumulation.  It's not very much, but it's our snow and we're happy to see it.  Actually, I'm more happy with the warmer temperatures.  Enough of numbers in the teens.

Fox Island, Washington

December 9, 2013

This is the waterfall feature at the school bus stop just up the hill.  Everybody around us (and even those who are close by) is talking about their snowfall and I'm just green with envy!  Where's my snow?!?!  It's just been too cold. Instead of powdery white blankets we have ice covered rocks and waterfalls.  It's beautiful.  But, shhhh.... I think it's snowing right NOW!  I even saw a snow plow at the store!

Fox Island, Washington

December 8, 2013

My treat for completing one of the more difficult races I've ever participated in. The Grinch half marathon trail race with rough, frozen terrain and temps as low as 19*. Thanks Julie Sams for keeping honest and moving! Congrats to you for finishing your first half! Great way to kick off my 25 day challenge with Kristin English Sharp starting tomorrow!

Purdy, Washington

December 7, 2013

Every December Gig Harbor High School hosts the craft fair and fundraising event 'Tide Fest".  Over 50 artisans from around the state come to sell their wares for the holidays while many of the school clubs sell various foods.  Since the boys are involved with the French club, we helped out here.  Pain au chocolat anyone?

Gig Harbor, Washington

December 6, 2013

This is the first year in 15 years in which we've had a real tree for Christmas.  That means it's the first real tree ever for both Nate and Sam and Zach was too young to even remember a real one.   Here they are doing all the work of decorating.  I still had to go back and adjust later, but they're getting pretty good at this.

Fox Island, Washington

December 5, 2013

Pretty frosty sights this morning for our long walk.  The boys are hoping for snow tonight!

Fox Island, Washington

December 4, 2013

Me oh my, was it COLD today!   The frost layer was heavy and thick and all over everything.  But.... the sun was shining once again.  It made for a peaceful, bright and colorful sunrise.

Fox Island, Washington

December 3, 2013

Very cold outside, but the sun was shining.  Such a beautiful day.  From inside.
Tacoma, Washington

December 2, 2013

Last of the Fall foliage on the ground. Winter is definitely in the air around here. Most of the surrounding region is expecting snow and icy roads sometime this evening. Our little island was the only area without cloud cover today. 

Fox Island, Washington

December 1, 2013

The boys were very excited about starting their Advent calendars this evening.
Fox Island, Washington

November 30, 2013

Using up the last of the turkey for a soup with garden fresh veggies and rice.  I also made up these crispy, gluten-free, cheese wafers for dipping.  Very tasty dinner!

Fox Island, Washington

November 29, 2013

Our Thanksgiving visitors had to travel back home for their planned weekend activities.  As they were leaving Sean commented that he thinks Diana purposely forgets something only so she has an excuse to get together again.  Well, here it is.  The cranberry crockery was left behind.  I guess I'll just have to go north to Anacortes for the winter break.  The sock was courtesy of the pups....

Fox Island, Washington

November 28, 2013

This is what Thanksgiving is all about... coming together to celebrate with family and friends.  There are never too many cooks in the kitchen when it comes to making this feast!  For Solene, a French foreign exchange student, this was a first.  She had never experienced cranberries, green bean casserole, brussel sprouts, bread stuffing, sweet potato casserole (with marshmallows!) and.... gasp!.... mashed potatoes!   She also participated in her first (and possibly last) Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day 5k run.  What a wonderful, blessed day!

Fox Island, Washington

November 27, 2013

We're ready for our Thanksgiving celebration.
Fox Island, Washington

November 26, 2103

Here's my spot for the evening.  I already know I'm a wimp about the cold.
Fox Island, Washington

November 25, 2013

Our friend Mack stayed with us over the weekend to have some quiet time after getting his eyes worked on.  I was driving him back to school this morning when we hit this traffic delay.  I really thought I had left behind all the silly, stupid Obama motorcade stuff when we moved away from Hawaii.  Apparently not.  Funny how I find it just as annoying here as I did in paradise....
On the up side...  I did get to have coffee with my girl.  Thanks, baby, for helping me find my Aloha again.

Seattle, Washington

November 24, 2013

It was awfully cold this morning when I walked the pups.  Everything had a thick layer of sparkling frost and the fog was rolling in.  Sunrise was bright, magnificent and full of color.  Then the clouds rolled in.

Fox Island, Washington

November 23, 2013

Look what arrived at my front door today!  Chocolate covered strawberries, apples and bananas -- my favorite!  Thanks Brian and Jeanene.  Mack can stay with is anytime.

Fox Island, Washington

November 22, 2013

This was a big deal in Seattle last month.  For years and years the big red 'R' sat atop this building,  but during renovations it was removed.  Apparently the owner thought it wouldn't be missed.  Wrong.  People in the community relentlessly hounded them about the historic, iconic symbol until it was restored to it's rightful place.  

Seattle, Washington

November 21, 2013

That's frost.  Yep, frost.  My darkness run was in 29° crisp air.  A quick, early morning run turned into so much more than I expected.  This will be my last darkness run.  I don't like the dark and I don't like the cold.  

Fox Island, Washington 

November 20, 2013

Yesterday was the pups birthday.  They're 2 years old.... or 14 years old in dog years!  They each received one of these caterpillar dog toys with 10 separate squeakers.  Levi likes to keep his close by to snuggle with while Remi has spent the past 2 days clawing away at his, determined to remove each and every noise maker he can sniff out.  We decided to forgo the dog birthday cake this year because they just happened to get ahold of the last 2 sandwich rolls while I was walking Sam to the bus stop in the morning.  That's enough of a special treat for them.  Happy Birthday boys!

Fox Island, Washington

November 19, 2013

For daylight savings my running group is holding a fun challenge.  Of course we must run or walk a certain number of times each month, attend a regular group run session and take part in a few organized runs.  There are also points awarded for conditions such as rain, wind, puddles, snow, darkness, falls, blood, animal sightings and a couple of other things.  On top of that, each week a bonus challenge is thrown at us.  This week it's "Every 10 minutes or mile mark, stop and either do 12-20 push-ups or 60 seconds of plank."  Ruth and I decided to run 6 miles at Pt. Defiance Park for this on so we would have various  paved spots for or strength challenge.  This was my last set.  At this point, I could barely do 12 push-ups, but I was so thankful for each 'break' because they hills were killing my quads!

Tacoma, Washington   

November 18, 2013

Rain, rain, rain.  The weather fluctuated from drizzle to downpour and back again.  Everything seems to be covered in the wet stuff.  It was a great day for soup.  And racking up some points for my running group challenge -- I now look forward to running in cold, dark, rainy conditions!

Gig Harbor, Washington

November 17, 2013

Wanting something sweet in my house means baking from scratch.  Once again, Sam was directed to the pantry to put together a dessert.  He came up with these 'cute as a button' chocolate shortbread cookies.  It was the perfect day for running the oven because it was cold and rainy outside.  These are great with hot tea or cocoa.

Fox Island, Washington

November 16, 2013

We were up and moving early today.  Zach was fortunate enough to get an interview and lab tour with a UW professor to complete an assignment for his High School Anatomy and Physiology class.  He was almost giddy just getting to talk to someone who shares his interests in Bio-mechanical engineering and it's future uses in the medical field.  Nate, Sam and I walked the campus to keep warm and pass the time.  We also made plans to meet up with Jordan and her sorority sister for an early dinner.  Here they are outside of Red Robin trying not to freeze.  Thanks for being so patient with me!

Seattle, Washington

November 15, 2013

Gig Harbor high school had a blood drive today. Being that our entire family consists of universal donors, Zach was very excited to be able to participate. Unfortunately, Zach also inherited the low blood pressure gene from his mom. To complicate matters even more he presented with a low grade fever. Even though he was unable to donate today, they gave him this t-shirt for his efforts.

Gig Harbor, Washington

November 14, 2013

Absolutely gorgeous sunset this evening. It's just sad I was taking it all in at 4:20pm when I was picking up Sam from school.

Gig Harbor, Washington

November 13, 2013

We had some sun today!  Here's a shot from the end of our little island looking down the gig toward the Narrows Bridge.
Fox Island, Washington

November 12, 2013

When we lived in Belgium these glass jars and vases were popular finds at the nearby TROCs.  They were used mostly in Italy for local home wines and olive storage.  Despite my many searches at the second hand stores both in Belgium and France, I never found any of these treasures at a reasonable price.  I had so many other wonderful finds and memories of our time living in Europe to outweigh this loss.  

I have recently become friends with another Navy transplant, Ruth, who has kids the same ages as mine, loves to run and understands the military lifestyle.  They have also done a couple of tours overseas.... in Italy, of all places.  Fortunately for me Ruth couldn't pass by when she saw these beautiful glass vessels had been hauled out to the curb for trash pick up.  Apparently, her collection is vast. She gave me these three in exchange for the gallon of fresh pressed apple cider.   I LOVE THEM!!!!

Gig Harbor, Washington