Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
The rest of our weekend...
Saturday night we went to my friend Carol's 40th birthday party, attended by over 50 people (between kids and adults). Her husband did a great job organizing, and it was a fun night. We got to visit with some family who came from out of town, my cousin and her family and a cousin of Ran's who we couldn't even remember the last time we saw her, that was neat.
I was so tired from being up late the night before but pushed through the tiredness to enjoy the time together and us girls played a midnight game of Scrabble :) when all the guests had left.
Sunday we went back to their house for lunch (with all the leftovers from the night before) and a little more visiting before the out of town family headed back.
In the late afternoon we did a long family bike ride, which was fun until my chain on my bike broke at almost the furthest point from home, so Ran and I switched bikes (which wasn't totally comfortable for either of us) and Rogey pulled Ran partway home on my bike which was funny. In the evening we totally vegged (Ev being so tired from the weekend she actually fell asleep on the couch) and I stayed up late again, just to watch the Sox lose. :(
So, we are still recovering from late nights and fun times, but it was all good and worth it. :)
I was so tired from being up late the night before but pushed through the tiredness to enjoy the time together and us girls played a midnight game of Scrabble :) when all the guests had left.
Sunday we went back to their house for lunch (with all the leftovers from the night before) and a little more visiting before the out of town family headed back.
In the late afternoon we did a long family bike ride, which was fun until my chain on my bike broke at almost the furthest point from home, so Ran and I switched bikes (which wasn't totally comfortable for either of us) and Rogey pulled Ran partway home on my bike which was funny. In the evening we totally vegged (Ev being so tired from the weekend she actually fell asleep on the couch) and I stayed up late again, just to watch the Sox lose. :(
So, we are still recovering from late nights and fun times, but it was all good and worth it. :)
Pie Making Contest...the results!
The pie table (the competition)
The first place winner in the apple category:
My Caramel Apple Pie!!
The first place winner in the apple category:
My Caramel Apple Pie!!
and 2nd place winner in the Pecan Category was:
My Pecan Pie!
I thought there might be a possibility that my pecan had a chance as there were only 4 pies entered in that category, so the odds were pretty good, and because I had made a practice pie earlier in the week, we knew the recipe was a great one (with a secret ingredient that I added)! :) But, when they called me up for my apple pie winning 1st place I was totally caught off guard! I knew the recipe was good, since I've made it a few times, but this was my first attempt in many long years at homemade crust and I was up against 6-7 other pies (including my friend Carol's that won 1st last year!)
After flopping my first attempt with a not very good crust recipe from online (which funny enough Ran took and worked with and turned it into a cherry pie that tastes like cherries and shortbread cookies ha ha, good but rich : ) I found a recipe that seemed right and sure enough it made an awesome crust. Another key thing I think, was Ran got some great varieties of apples at a farm stand and I did a mix of slightly tart and sweet, the combo was delish!
I was so happy for Carol too as she got 1st in the Berry category and 2nd in the Apple, so we both walked away with prizes, which was so neat! Plus, we'll have our pics in the local newspaper...hee hee. We received gift certificates for the 1st prizes and for my 2nd prize I got 2 pretty tin fall candle holders. I also got to bring both pies home, which was great as we had them to share with my cousin and fam after heading back to our house for a late lunch.
So that was a fun start to a fun weekend... but I'm definitely going on a baking hiatus for awhile!! :)
Fall Family Fun Day
This weekend was chock full of fun activities including a few hours at our town's Fall Family Fun Day. There were jump houses, a balloon man, vendors, a live band etc etc. and of course the main reason we were there (haha) was the pie making contest, which I had entered in the apple and pecan categories.
My cousin Ang and husband John and little girl Summer were out for the weekend as a surprise for my friend Carol's 40th birthday (Carol is John's sister). So they showed up on Sat. a.m. at our house when I was looking my best, NOT, totally disshelveled from my late night and all morning pie baking marathon. My kitchen looked like something exploded in it right before they arrived, but oh well, it was what it was.
We headed out to the event soon after they arrived, with my pecan pie, made the night before and my apple pie, hot and fresh right out of the oven. The kids had fun, and the adults enjoyed visiting and walking around all the festivities on a cool fall day.
My cousin Ang and husband John and little girl Summer were out for the weekend as a surprise for my friend Carol's 40th birthday (Carol is John's sister). So they showed up on Sat. a.m. at our house when I was looking my best, NOT, totally disshelveled from my late night and all morning pie baking marathon. My kitchen looked like something exploded in it right before they arrived, but oh well, it was what it was.
We headed out to the event soon after they arrived, with my pecan pie, made the night before and my apple pie, hot and fresh right out of the oven. The kids had fun, and the adults enjoyed visiting and walking around all the festivities on a cool fall day.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
My one and only political post...
I debated for awhile as to whether or not I'd put a political post in my blog. After much thought I realized that a blog is in essence like a journal, you chronicle the life and times of your family's activities but a journal is also a chance to record your thoughts. My hope is to save this blog somehow so that I and my family can look back and remember.
So on Oct. 16th, 2008 this is how I felt about the upcoming election. I will only use candidates initials however because I don't want any links from their names to my blog.
Last night was the last debate for the upcoming election and once again I got pretty fired up. JM and SP look like the underdogs in this election and that makes me a little nervous. Most people know that I am still a Canadian citizen so am unable to vote which at times makes me wish I had changed my citizenship for that very purpose. I do have a husband that is cares very much about politics, however, and he has somewhat rubbed off on me, although we are still able to have our own discussions and debates and he enjoys that I'm up on most of the issues enough to hold my own. :) Despite my being able to vote, I still care deeply who is going to be our next country's leader, because America now is MY country too. I live here now and unless God has something else in mind for my future, this is where I'll be for the rest of my life.
Many say we need to trust God with this country, He's in control and whatever happens He still will be. I agree wholeheartedly. Does it mean that I can't get angry? I don't think it does because I think we can get angry over things that God gets angry about and although I never claim to speak for God I know there are issues related to the elections that God would get angry about.
First and foremost is abortion. It's very clear that life is precious and we are formed lovingly in the womb by God. We DO NOT have the right to choose whether or not we can end that life. I do not think God looks the other way when countless numbers of His precious created beings lives are being snubbed about before they are given a chance to enter this world. It was clear in the debate last night that BO is very much for abortion rights and JM is against. That says enough for me.
Secondly I care about having fundamental rights. I think the government should be limited in how much it controls society. I as a free person in this country should not fined for not insuring their family the way the government feels is appropriate or as a small business owner who and how I have to insure my employees, when my child has to go to school or where, etc. The more control they get the more they will take and very soon we are no longer a free country.
Thirdly I care what judges are appointed. I would only hope that if JM does get in he would appoint some good and fair ones. In this day and age of lawsuits where people are fighting to take prayer out of schools, take down statues with the ten commandments etc. and possible the overturn of Roe vs. Wade (which Ran explained to me would not overturn abortion but would put it back in the hands of each state to decide which is better than the way it is now). These issues are important to me and I don't want loose liberal judges making poor and damaging decisions.
Lastly I care tremendously about our country's safety. Despite what the critics say I think JWB did a heck of a good job trying to keep our country protected after 9/11. I praise his efforts and am thankful there has not been any major terrorist attacks since then. The decisions he made were based upon intelligence that we may never know and I believe the actions he has taken over the years was to make this country as safe as possible. I think JM would continue to do his best to protect this country and I honor him for his service and sacrifices he has made for it.
Do I care about the economy, yes, but I'm not convinced that either candidate has the best stradegies in that arena, do I care about Global Warming?, I'm not convinced on that issue yet, but I strongly believe we need to take care of what God has given us and if that includes recycling, conserving etc. I'm all for it. I also care about not relying on foreign oil and believe we need to tap into our own resources.
So on Oct. 16th, 2008 this is how I felt about the upcoming election. I will only use candidates initials however because I don't want any links from their names to my blog.
Last night was the last debate for the upcoming election and once again I got pretty fired up. JM and SP look like the underdogs in this election and that makes me a little nervous. Most people know that I am still a Canadian citizen so am unable to vote which at times makes me wish I had changed my citizenship for that very purpose. I do have a husband that is cares very much about politics, however, and he has somewhat rubbed off on me, although we are still able to have our own discussions and debates and he enjoys that I'm up on most of the issues enough to hold my own. :) Despite my being able to vote, I still care deeply who is going to be our next country's leader, because America now is MY country too. I live here now and unless God has something else in mind for my future, this is where I'll be for the rest of my life.
Many say we need to trust God with this country, He's in control and whatever happens He still will be. I agree wholeheartedly. Does it mean that I can't get angry? I don't think it does because I think we can get angry over things that God gets angry about and although I never claim to speak for God I know there are issues related to the elections that God would get angry about.
First and foremost is abortion. It's very clear that life is precious and we are formed lovingly in the womb by God. We DO NOT have the right to choose whether or not we can end that life. I do not think God looks the other way when countless numbers of His precious created beings lives are being snubbed about before they are given a chance to enter this world. It was clear in the debate last night that BO is very much for abortion rights and JM is against. That says enough for me.
Secondly I care about having fundamental rights. I think the government should be limited in how much it controls society. I as a free person in this country should not fined for not insuring their family the way the government feels is appropriate or as a small business owner who and how I have to insure my employees, when my child has to go to school or where, etc. The more control they get the more they will take and very soon we are no longer a free country.
Thirdly I care what judges are appointed. I would only hope that if JM does get in he would appoint some good and fair ones. In this day and age of lawsuits where people are fighting to take prayer out of schools, take down statues with the ten commandments etc. and possible the overturn of Roe vs. Wade (which Ran explained to me would not overturn abortion but would put it back in the hands of each state to decide which is better than the way it is now). These issues are important to me and I don't want loose liberal judges making poor and damaging decisions.
Lastly I care tremendously about our country's safety. Despite what the critics say I think JWB did a heck of a good job trying to keep our country protected after 9/11. I praise his efforts and am thankful there has not been any major terrorist attacks since then. The decisions he made were based upon intelligence that we may never know and I believe the actions he has taken over the years was to make this country as safe as possible. I think JM would continue to do his best to protect this country and I honor him for his service and sacrifices he has made for it.
Do I care about the economy, yes, but I'm not convinced that either candidate has the best stradegies in that arena, do I care about Global Warming?, I'm not convinced on that issue yet, but I strongly believe we need to take care of what God has given us and if that includes recycling, conserving etc. I'm all for it. I also care about not relying on foreign oil and believe we need to tap into our own resources.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
A visit with Grandma June
Tonight Ran brought his mom to the airport, concluding a very nice 4 1/2 day visit with her. We do not know when the next time will be when we'll see her, but it was good for Ev to get re-acquainted with her again, and it was great to have this time to catch up on their life and overseas ministry.
Everlea was shy at first greeting, but warmed up throughout the visit. Ran told me that when they were driving her to the airport, Ev mentioned that her eye was dripping (he didn't think she was actually crying) but then went on to say it was because she was sad to see Grandma go.
Ran took Friday off for some extra visiting time, and during her stay here we enjoyed a dinner and evening visit with Randy's cousin (June's niece on dad's side) and family, eating out various meals, enjoying the outdoors and beautiful temps and some shopping too. Today we all piled into the convertible to go out for lunch which was fun.
One special part of her time here was the chance for her to see two of the teenage girls that used to be in the CFI school she and Tad worked at. They refer to her as "grandma" and the Karen children were like grandchildren to them. These two girls have since transplanted to the Charlotte area and are living with a 2nd cousin of Randy's. It was easy to tell their special relationship and we know it was a blessing for June to see the girls thriving in a loving home.
May God bless her (and dad S.) as she heads back in a few weeks to resume their ministry work in a distant land.
Everlea was shy at first greeting, but warmed up throughout the visit. Ran told me that when they were driving her to the airport, Ev mentioned that her eye was dripping (he didn't think she was actually crying) but then went on to say it was because she was sad to see Grandma go.
Ran took Friday off for some extra visiting time, and during her stay here we enjoyed a dinner and evening visit with Randy's cousin (June's niece on dad's side) and family, eating out various meals, enjoying the outdoors and beautiful temps and some shopping too. Today we all piled into the convertible to go out for lunch which was fun.
One special part of her time here was the chance for her to see two of the teenage girls that used to be in the CFI school she and Tad worked at. They refer to her as "grandma" and the Karen children were like grandchildren to them. These two girls have since transplanted to the Charlotte area and are living with a 2nd cousin of Randy's. It was easy to tell their special relationship and we know it was a blessing for June to see the girls thriving in a loving home.
May God bless her (and dad S.) as she heads back in a few weeks to resume their ministry work in a distant land.
How many can you see?
I'm not sure if the cardinals are trying to fatten up for the winter, or if they were particularly hungry that day, :) but on Friday my backyard was full of them. This tree has the safflower feeder on it, which they love, so it was the favorite hang out spot. It was fun to just sit and watch them as I've never seen so many at once.
By the way there are 7 in this pic (4 males, 2 females and we think from what I've read about them, that the unmasked one is a juvenile), the most I could fit in, but there were more.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Fun with Effects...
Monday, October 6, 2008
Skytop Apple Orchard
So this is how it all went down on Sunday. We were eating breakfast, me drinking coffee and looking at friends blogs. We were soon to get dressed and headed to the 11:30 service. As I was looking at all the NH blog posts/pics, I started waxing nostalgic. (Blue Ridge Mtns in NC similar in a way to NH's White Mtns). I said to Ran "seeing all these pics of the mountains, foliage etc....makes me want to go up again." Ran's reply "Ok, let's go." Me, "now?" and he replied "You know I'm game." So that was the end of it. We packed up the car and headed off.
I printed out a few directions for some possible places to go, and ultimately decided that the Skytop Orchard was the best of both worlds, apple picking (something I've been wanting to do for weeks now) and the NC Mtns. A few hours later we were at the orchard and the rest of the afternoon was terrific. Ran and Ev were having so much fun picking together, I let them do the majority of it, giving me lots of photo opps. :)
Besides the apple picking, we enjoyed various playhouses and structures to play in/on, pumpkin patches, the bamboo forest, an on-site pond, a few animals (goats and sheep), watching the cider press in action, drinking fresh apple cider (and my first apple cider slushie, sooo good), eating fresh hot apple cider donuts that literally melted in your mouth, and of course the amazing views. (The name Skytop Orchard was very fitting). The weather couldn't have been better and it was a very pet friendly place, another plus in our books.
As we were driving home, I told Ran, "that was just the perfect day for me." and, he agreed. I also told him how much I appreciated his spontaneity. Even with a child and dog added to the equation, we still like to cling somewhat to the fly by the seat of our pants mentality. It keeps life exciting. :)
As far as church went, I didn't want to miss the service, as my curiosity was peaked with the topic being "God's Economy", and the services have been great lately, but then realized I could listen to it online this week. Another plus to today's technology.
We figure we need to enjoy these nice days (esp. the weekend days when we are all together) as we get them, because I know winter is around the corner (and fall is our favorite season). I know the winters will be milder here, but it'll still get cold and there will be less outdoor activities to enjoy.
And, now I have a big bag of apples to make some yummy treats for Ran's mom's upcoming visit this week.
I printed out a few directions for some possible places to go, and ultimately decided that the Skytop Orchard was the best of both worlds, apple picking (something I've been wanting to do for weeks now) and the NC Mtns. A few hours later we were at the orchard and the rest of the afternoon was terrific. Ran and Ev were having so much fun picking together, I let them do the majority of it, giving me lots of photo opps. :)
Besides the apple picking, we enjoyed various playhouses and structures to play in/on, pumpkin patches, the bamboo forest, an on-site pond, a few animals (goats and sheep), watching the cider press in action, drinking fresh apple cider (and my first apple cider slushie, sooo good), eating fresh hot apple cider donuts that literally melted in your mouth, and of course the amazing views. (The name Skytop Orchard was very fitting). The weather couldn't have been better and it was a very pet friendly place, another plus in our books.
As we were driving home, I told Ran, "that was just the perfect day for me." and, he agreed. I also told him how much I appreciated his spontaneity. Even with a child and dog added to the equation, we still like to cling somewhat to the fly by the seat of our pants mentality. It keeps life exciting. :)
As far as church went, I didn't want to miss the service, as my curiosity was peaked with the topic being "God's Economy", and the services have been great lately, but then realized I could listen to it online this week. Another plus to today's technology.
We figure we need to enjoy these nice days (esp. the weekend days when we are all together) as we get them, because I know winter is around the corner (and fall is our favorite season). I know the winters will be milder here, but it'll still get cold and there will be less outdoor activities to enjoy.
And, now I have a big bag of apples to make some yummy treats for Ran's mom's upcoming visit this week.
Oh yah and because the foliage was just starting to turn, we decided a trip back up northwest in a few weeks, will be quite necessary! :)
Here's the link for many additional pics I added on facebook.
Snippets and updates of the last 2 weeks or so...
So I realized there were a few things I didn't mention or update in the last few weeks, so here goes...
- Had two little visits with my parents, one was a 2-day visit and one was just a dinner visit (& movie with my dad). It seems like the new company they just signed on with will be giving them regular trips south, which will be great!
- Everlea wrapped up her Pre-school I swimming class. It was a rough start that first day, but it got better each class and by the end she was doing awesome. Her final class she surprised us all by going completely under water numerous times, something that was a challenge for her all along. I was very proud of her. We decided to skip Oct. and do the Pre-school II class in Nov.
- The weather has turned quite beautiful here. It's consistently in the mid-to high 70's, and right now I'm sitting outside while Ev rides her bike, and it's glorious.
- And speaking of bike riding, Ev is doing great on her bike, and even convinced me to pull out mine last week (I haven't ridden in many many years). It's worked out well because often when Ran returns home from work in the early evening we are able to do family bike rides. I'm enjoying that alot, and it ends up being great fun and exercise for Rogs too as he runs beside Ran on his bike. My goal is to find some more bike riding trails around here to go to.
-We've gone to see a few houses in the past few weeks. There are a few possibilities, we are going to see another one tonight with our realtor. It's actually the original house we were interested in many months ago, that is back on for even less. Not holding my breath, because many of them are already in foreclosure, so usually there are multiple offers on the table, but I'm guessing sooner or later one will work out. We are re-looking the short term flip idea, with the instability of the economy right now, but we'll see. We are keeping all options open.
-We did our second small group night this past Friday, and it went well. It is a nice group around our age, so we'll see how it progresses. We are still very much in the beginning stages of getting to know everyone, and them us, as we are the newbies.
- Saturday we did some yard saling. They seem to regularly have whole subdivision/community sales here, so you can sometimes just park and walk around numerous ones which is convenient. We got a great deal on an executive leather office chair for $10, we've been needing one since moving, so were very happy with the find and price. I also, in the afternoon, went to a holiday craft fair with my friend Carol. It was held at my gym and it was quite large. I bought a few Christmas presents, it's a little hard for me switching in the Christmas mode already, but I know it's going to come quicker than I realize.
That pretty much gets me up to date to Sunday, which was our trip to the apple orchard!
This week we are looking forward to a visit from Randy's mom. Ran is taking this Friday off, to get a little extra visiting time in, so another long weekend will be great.
- Had two little visits with my parents, one was a 2-day visit and one was just a dinner visit (& movie with my dad). It seems like the new company they just signed on with will be giving them regular trips south, which will be great!
- Everlea wrapped up her Pre-school I swimming class. It was a rough start that first day, but it got better each class and by the end she was doing awesome. Her final class she surprised us all by going completely under water numerous times, something that was a challenge for her all along. I was very proud of her. We decided to skip Oct. and do the Pre-school II class in Nov.
- The weather has turned quite beautiful here. It's consistently in the mid-to high 70's, and right now I'm sitting outside while Ev rides her bike, and it's glorious.
- And speaking of bike riding, Ev is doing great on her bike, and even convinced me to pull out mine last week (I haven't ridden in many many years). It's worked out well because often when Ran returns home from work in the early evening we are able to do family bike rides. I'm enjoying that alot, and it ends up being great fun and exercise for Rogs too as he runs beside Ran on his bike. My goal is to find some more bike riding trails around here to go to.
-We've gone to see a few houses in the past few weeks. There are a few possibilities, we are going to see another one tonight with our realtor. It's actually the original house we were interested in many months ago, that is back on for even less. Not holding my breath, because many of them are already in foreclosure, so usually there are multiple offers on the table, but I'm guessing sooner or later one will work out. We are re-looking the short term flip idea, with the instability of the economy right now, but we'll see. We are keeping all options open.
-We did our second small group night this past Friday, and it went well. It is a nice group around our age, so we'll see how it progresses. We are still very much in the beginning stages of getting to know everyone, and them us, as we are the newbies.
- Saturday we did some yard saling. They seem to regularly have whole subdivision/community sales here, so you can sometimes just park and walk around numerous ones which is convenient. We got a great deal on an executive leather office chair for $10, we've been needing one since moving, so were very happy with the find and price. I also, in the afternoon, went to a holiday craft fair with my friend Carol. It was held at my gym and it was quite large. I bought a few Christmas presents, it's a little hard for me switching in the Christmas mode already, but I know it's going to come quicker than I realize.
That pretty much gets me up to date to Sunday, which was our trip to the apple orchard!
This week we are looking forward to a visit from Randy's mom. Ran is taking this Friday off, to get a little extra visiting time in, so another long weekend will be great.
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