Treasures in the Bathroom

Please, let me show you my dream bathroom...

Truth be told, I googled "spa-like bathrooms" and came up with this.

If this was in my house, it would take up half of the main floor's square footage. 

Even though it looks like you could eat off the floor of this bathroom, 

it might be a touch awkward when guest came over for a meal.

"Welcome to our home! [said with Martha enthusiasm] 

We juts remodeled and added a 700 square foot spa bathroom. 

The living room, dining room, and kitchen had to go... but isn't it beautiful?"

I'm temped, but will keep our modest accommodations (all 28 square feet of them) in the washroom.

Especially when my house's bathroom is perfectly adequate. 

Toilet.

Tub.

Sink.

What more could a girl want?

There is a lot of danger in letting my mind dream of "what if...?" in the terms of remodeling my adequate, functional, quaint farmhouse into a chic spa.

Because reality is.... 

I live in a farmhouse.

With a farmer.

And three farm kids.

Today I found a plastic bug in the tub and I thought it was real.

[Thank you Jr. Master Gardener Camp for providing my daughter with such a "fun" toy]

I also saw turkey lunch meat on top of the toilet lid and I screamed.

*I'm not sure what my brain went to first as it tried to process the site... a pile of fleshy skin maybe?!! 

That isn't realistic at all. 

Lunch meat makes a whole lot more sense.

And then there are the dirty hand prints. Dirty foot prints.

We LIVE in this space. I clean it, get freaked out by what I find and move on.

And what more could you want out of a bathroom?

Bitten By Busyness

As an avid blog reader, I don't usually appreciate the "I've been too busy to blog" posts on other people's blogs.

Why have a blog if you are too busy to update it?

That's what I think. Judgmental soul that I am.

And here I am, too busy to blog. 

Passing judgement usually has a way of coming around and biting me in the butt. 

I'll watch that next time.

Summer's goodness is throwing a lot at us.

We've been busy pulling socks up to knees and fastening shoes on the wrong feet.

Counting Blessings

Mismatched socks in with the pots and pans.


One pair of training pants in the around-the-world puzzle game.


Cheerios that crunch under my feet after I just swept.


Laundry that never ends.


"I'm hungry," heard all day long.



These are things that show that my children are healthy, active, creative, and silly.


Can I be thankful for the messes because I am thankful for the children?

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I Thessalonians 5:18

How You Do'in?

This is how we've been feeling:

Spend enough time cooped up in a house full of germy people and you might end up looking like this.

We have all battled what we call the "Mack Truck Flu." So called because it feels as though you've been hit by a Mack truck. And then, just when you think you are over the worst, the truck turns around and hits you again. It started with Mandy and then it went down the line and we all fell, unceremoniously into a pile.

The above picture is an example of how the men in the family feel.

Through the achy breaky symptoms, I am still reading "One Thousand Gifts." It is about choosing thankfulness. Amidst anything. Even sickness. Trusting God means being thankful in everything (I Thess 5:18). It is kinda a book I wanted to throw out the window in this instance. Instead of moaning and dwelling on how much I was suffering (there was a Mack truck in the neighborhood), I forced myself to make this list:

1. waking up to snow, 

2. waking up next to my beloved, 

3. down blankets, 

4. hot tea for sore throats, 

5. energy to play in snow, 

6. camera to capture moments, 

7. sunshine so bright, 

9. sunflare, 

10. red noses, 

11. the smell of bread baking,

12. fevers that burn away germs,

13. extra snuggles....

"Holding my head in my hands, I ask it honest before God and children and daily mess: 'Can we really expect joy all the time?'

I know it well after a day smattered with rowdiness and worn a bit ragged with bickering, that I may feel disappointment and the despair may flood high, but to give thanks is an action and rejoice is a verb and these are not mere pulsing emotions. While I might not always feel joy, God asks me to give thanks in all things, because he knows the feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving." pg. 176, One Thousand Gifts.

I hope we are all on the road to recovery. I'm feeling better today. More like I was hit by a Geo Metro instead of a truck. Jeff is up and about (ish). The girls are bored and dressing their feverish brother up like a butterfly. Things are looking up....

Finding joy,

Merry Christmas! (plus video highlights)

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Photo credit: Kellie Parry Photography

Blessed Rainy Day

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the wedding. I even got in one...

Melanie is a beautiful girl, accustomed to working in rural Africa where makeup is definitely not required. She had fun dressing up for this special occasion. Her friend did her hair and I enjoyed being a fly on the wall -- a fly with a super big camera and jumbo flash. Don't mind me. Just act natural.

The wedding was at Black Lake Bible Camp in Olympia. It was a fantastic location for a wedding because all the out of town guests were close an stayed on site. Melanie and her family and friends shared a large house at the camp where all the girls got ready together.


Emma came over to get ready from my parent's house nearby and when I opened her bag, her dress and accessories were not inside. I knew, knew, knew I put them in there. I quizzed her and she didn't remember where they were. She had tried on the outfit every day since buying it a few weeks ago and I had no idea if she had taken it out after I packed it. My heart stopped beating. A quick call found the dress hanging up at my moms.

Next time I photograph a wedding, if there is a next time, my family is not invited. Whew.

The ceremony was at the Harmony Springs Chapel. This section of the camp is designed to look like an Old West town. I loved this location for a wedding.


The wedding started at noon in the little chapel. The family and friends who were gathered were all very excited for this event. Phil is working in Kenya and Sudan with Samaritan's Purse and Melanie just finished a project also with SP in Uganda. Phil and Melanie were engaged in December in Paris. Distance and time couldn't stop their love. This day felt blessed. I was in awe that I got to capture their wedding day.








Benton was the ring bearer and I love this look he is exchanging with his mom. "I'm totally good at this," he is thinking. Emma was concentrating hard on her role as flower girl. Too bad we didn't rehearse the actually flower sprinkling. The isle was clear, but she put them on the stage instead.









The ceremony included 2 beautiful songs, communion, and the exchanging of the vows. And there is Emma eating her flower basket.

Afterward I took pictures of the wedding party and the families. Phil and Mel chose to wait until the wedding to see each other, it is always so special when couples do that. It leaves less time for pictures, but who cares. The first glimpse as the bride comes down the isle is sacred.

It was still raining hard, but we escaped outside for pictures. This huge golf umbrella was a fabulous prop. Where was my umbrella? Hmmm. Getting soaked was worth it.

It was a terrific day. I'm very happy that I was able to go along for the ride. Phil and Mel are off on their honeymoon and will then return to Kenya to work with SP.

I put together a photobook of the wedding pictures, you can view it here: AlysunPetersPhoto.com

"Vacation"

Vacation \Va*ca"tion\, n. [F., fr. Latin, from vacatio, a being free from a duty, service. 1. leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure.


We went to Eagle Crest in central Oregon for a few days this week. My family (parents and sister's family) like to get away for a trip together every year. Cancun didn't count because we were missing the lively little ones. The ones who need constant entertainment, don't sleep in, and need to go swimming 3 times per day even though they don't know how to swim.

Jeff and I and our children went ahead a day and stayed in a 2 bedroom condo on Sunday night. We played games, watched the cartoon network, went on walks, played on the play structures, and of course went swimming.

The constant sunshine in central Oregon is divine. Even when the temps are cold, the sun feels great. Remington enjoyed taking a back seat and my back enjoyed this position wearing the Beco. This carrier is far more comfortable than any I've used in the past, i.e. Bjorne or sling. It takes a bit of practice to put it on quickly, but I love the versatility of wearing the baby on the front or back. The baby is also very snug, so I can go about my life easily, almost like I don't have a 15 pound baby on my back.

These two watched something fascinating on the history chanel. I love these guys!

I've heard tales of husbands who aren't very helpful and leave the wife with all the work. For those women, I don't know how you survive. I am woman enough to admit I can't do it alone. I married a great man. I didn't know how great until we started having children. Jeff is in the trenches with me, playing, care taking, and occasionally shoveling out the crap.

He makes vacationing very enjoyable. "I've got this covered. Go enjoy the jacuzzi." Well, he had me at "jacuzzi." My heart is forever devoted to him.






I'm in love with this little dude too. He doesn't make my life easier. Actually, on the contrary, he makes it harder (especially on vacation). He started getting "snuffily" on Saturday and he turned into a snotty, congested, coughing, icky, mess by Sunday. He didn't sleep well, wanting to eat and snuggle all the live long day(s) and night(s). Even in my frustration, I found myself kissing his feverish head, saying "I love you," and "Oh, my poor baby, let me get up 14 times a night to nurse you." It's a strange thing about motherhood.





On Monday, we moved to a 3 bedroom, cute, little log cabin. Emma started to feel feverish and took a 2 hour nap -- first sign things were not right in the world. Mandy started sneezing and coughing and also had a fever later in the day. Mid afternoon we were joined by my parents who came from Washington (5 hour drive) and my sister's family from Salem (2.5 hour drive). The cousins always have so much fun playing together. It was instant fun when they arrived, but both girls lagged behind as their bodies battled whatever germ was attacking.

The nights were the hardest. Remington refused to be put down and wanted to be walked around. Forget sitting, or lounging and letting me get some sleep. He knew in all his 4 month old intelligence that I wouldn't make him cry because 1) he was sick and I felt sorry for him, and 2) the others in the house didn't want to hear him. He's a brainiac already. Mandy cried a lot too, so she was moved into our bed. Those were some miserable night time hours. It is beyond me how some find a "family bed" appealing. Angelina? Brad? Are you reading this? I would really like to know why you do it.





Amazing how perspective arrives with the sun. Good food, good laughs, more good food, a relaxing cabin with 195 cable channels, those are the times I choose to remember.





We usually get a family picture, but not this year. My sister was not feeling well either and gave me a bit of a death stare when I mentioned it. We decided to get one at Phil and Melanie's wedding in a month. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of my parents! They were behind the scenes working hard, waking up at 5:30am with one child or another, telling entertaining stories, making good food, cleaning the kitchen, watching the children, and changing diapers. I love my family. Lots and lots.

I hope they remember that after they catch the nasty sickness we gave them.

Receiving Daffodils

Have you read this book? No? Neither have I. I really want to though. And that should count for something. I own and read the original "Love Languages" book and found it immensely helpful. The book talks about how people express and receive love. There are 5 categories: receiving gifts, physical touch, acts of service, quality time, and words of affirmation. Everyone has one or two that they naturally use to express love. You wouldn't believe the troubles that come up when a "gift receiver" marries an "acts of service" kind of guy. Here is a link: The Five Love Languages. 

I know for certain what my children's love languages are: Emma is a gift receiver/giver and Mandy needs lots and lots of physical touch. I want to see what the authors say about nurturing their individual needs, so I'll be reading the book soon. In the meantime, this is Emma's latest expression of love...

Spring is here early and the Daffodils started blooming last weekend. Every day since, rain or shine, Emma sneaks outside with a pair of scissors to cut flowers for me. Before she leaves, she comes up to me and motions that she want to whisper in my ear. Instead of pointing her mouth to my ear, she presses her ear against mine and says softly, "I need to do something outside. It's something special for you." I love the way she tells her secrets and I'm not about to correct her little-girl silliness. I watch from the window as she sneaks around the yard looking for freshly blooming Daffodils. Often Emma will return and hide the flowers until she's had a chance to make me a card. Presentation is everything with this girl. She hides her gifts behind her back and gets my full attention. I must close my eyes and then she give me her gifts. I "ooh" and "ahh" and say "thank you so much" and she says, "It's your Mother's Day." And my heart melts.

Christmas pictures... 2009

Am I getting old? My favorite gift this Christmas was an electric tea pot. I also got a french press coffee maker and a label maker that made my heart beam. We had some fantastic celebrations. Here are a few of my favorite pictures:

This little girl was excited as any child could be about Christmas. She loved wrapping gifts this year. We now need a line item in our family budget for tape. She is a pro, just a bit enthusiastic with the adhesive.

A fun surprise this Christmas was hearing about my cousin Phil proposing to his girlfriend, Melanie, on top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. They are planning an April wedding. Emma gets to be a flower girl! That is the best present ever in her mind.

The cousins never fail to make me smile. My girls love being with their "friends and cousins," as Emma calls them.

I think grandparents enjoy Christmas almost as much as the kids. Jeff and I are blessed by our parents who all take an active role in spoiling and loving on our kids with their time and with gifts. I don't understand volunteering to sit at the kids' table, but I sure appreciated it!

Watch out for these kids. They are armed and dangerous. Jeff made all the nephews (and Emma and Mandy) rubber-band guns for Christmas. He made them out of the Black Walnut that fell at Grandma's place, so they have some sentimental value to us. It took about 2 nano seconds for all the rubber-bands to be lost. Amazingly just the snap of the clothes-pin triggers were entertainment enough. I have a lot to learn about boys.

Mandy made a new friend in Michelle, my sister-in-law Kelly's sister. Mandy made a point to chat with Michelle throughout the day and then cuddled up to her after lunch. She even fell asleep beside her new friend. I have no doubt that Mandy will be our wild child. Already at 2 years old, she loves the unexpected and enjoys being different. I think Mandy will look totally cool and beautiful with pink hair (just preparing the grandparents now :).

And this leads me to my favorite picture from this last week. Cousins, Remi (almost 3 months) and Jamin (5 months) hanging out together at their first Christmas.

(Yes, that is Emma in there taking a picture with her new digital camera)

If you follow my blog, you read about Jamin's struggles after he was born in July. There were several times that Jamin was brought back after he stopped breathing. I learned so much through the ordeal. It is hard for me to think about those days when losing him was a very strong possibility. God is ultimately in control and I imagine we have not even begun to see His purpose with Jamin's life. Having Remi and Jamin snuggled up together for a picture was precious. These two smiling boys are such a blessing to all of us.

I am working on the tree today. It is always a bit sad to say "good-bye" to the season, but we have really good memories and fun presents too. We have one more party with Jeff's family that we are looking forward to. Hope you all had a good Christmas!

Best of 2009.... sister

I have an older sister. She's always been 2 years and 9 months older, if I recall correctly, until she stopped counting birthdays. Now she is younger by a few years. Her birthday is today and I believe she is 25... again. Happy Birthday, Sis!

(Andee and Nathaniel at the beach last Christmas)

I have mostly good memories with my sister growing up together. We played barbies in the huge mansions our dad made us under our bunk bed, listened to Adventures in Odyssey while going to sleep every night, played My Little Pony in the back of the Datsun pick-up all the way to California, and waited until our room was hazardous before we thought about cleaning it. The golden years ended when I was about 12 (read annoying). Oh, we fought, yelled, and screamed at each other! Sharing a room didn't help. I could not fathom how she could be so crazy about DC Talk and Michael W. Smith. Their music made me nauseous. It still does actually.

We moved into a new house and separate rooms when I was 12 and my sister was 15. I think the fighting lessoned at that point. Just don't bring up her most fantastically wonderful, triangle sleeve sweater that I got paint on or the white denim shorts that she charged me $3 per hour to borrow. By the time she left for college on the East Coast, I was ready to see her go. I had the place to myself. The bathroom we shared all to myself. Her CD player all to myself. It was good for about a month and then I missed her terribly. I recorded every episode of ER for her to watch and sent her cards and letters. I have some of the notes she sent back to me. I read them the other day and remembered the girls we were, growing into the women we would become.

(Andee sporting the apron I made for her as a birthday gift this year. It's Martha!)

Our lives veered in different directions when she got married in '99 and I was away at college in Canada. I remember talking to her on the pay phone in my dorm frequently. I was so young and naive and she had a husband! Somewhere along the way she became a wealth of information on boys and fashion. In a few years time, I caught up to her and got married too.

I promise we didn't plan it, that would just be weird, but we had our first babies just 5 weeks apart. Being pregnant together was not what I would call fun, but I'm glad we were. We didn't have any sympathy for one another, both claiming to be more miserable. Funny that we would both now agree that we had no idea what difficulty looked like. I saw a picture that was taken of the two of us at our joint baby shower, decidedly pregnant, looking uncomfortable and +100 extra pounds between the two of us. You could not pay me enough money to post that picture on my blog. Sorry folks. Some things do not need to be repeated.

Living near each other and parenting children of similar ages is a huge blessing in my life. I call my sister for all sorts of things these days from parenting tips to cooking questions. Sometimes I just need to whine and she lets me. No one understands me like she does because she knows it all. I think she even forgives me for being annoying. And the whole paint on the sweater thing. Now that I am the older sister, I am thinking of charging her to borrow some of my clothes. That would be fun. Or maybe I'll come up with some annoying nickname for her like she did to me (her children call me Auntie Snook). There has to be some price to pay for staying 25 forever.

Sunday at the beach

Spending a beautiful Fall day at the beach is my ideal way to relax. Yes, to playing in the sand. Yes, to eating at Mo's. Yes, to napping with the baby.