Category Archives: Events

Excellent Eighteen

April 15, 2015 Tim 8 Comments

Today, we celebrated Daniel’s birthday. It is hard to believe that my middle boy is legally an adult. I suppose it is about time I made my peace with it, since he has towered over me these last several years.

We bought Daniel an older black VW Jetta Wagon (2003) to celebrate this momentous occasion. He was rather surprised, as you can imagine. After the little Honda was rear-ended and totaled (not Daniel’s fault), I had promised Daniel a share of the insurance money toward a replacement car, with the understanding that he would save a matching amount. But as his birthday approached, Kathy and I determined to surprise him with a car of his own.

Daniel was quick to embrace his surprise birthday gift.

We’ve had the car for more than a week, craftily parked at our friends’ house. I ran around replacing one of the tires and getting the radio antenna fixed. Then this morning we wrote a birthday message on the car and parked it in the driveway.

Kathy sent Daniel out with some recycling — his reaction was priceless.

Daniel’s reaction

We are so proud of Daniel. He is making good choices, being faithful in attendance to his classes at Clover Park Technical College, pursuing his relationship with the Lord and cheerfully helping around the house.

And now he has his own wheels. No more waking up at the crack of dawn to drop me off at the train station. No more sharing a van with Kathy.

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

Project 365, Day 105
Tim

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He is Risen, Indeed!

April 5, 2015 Tim 3 Comments

We spent most of the day at The Refuge, visiting my parents. Daniel got up and went to the early service, and then David and Sarah volunteered at church during the middle service. (This was in response to the “Sit One, Serve One” initiative — our church had five Easter services, two on Saturday evening, and three today).

Kathy and I stayed home, having been to one of the services last night. Kathy had a bunch of food items she wanted to contribute to the feast, so we spent a couple of hours assembling those dishes. Then off to the Duckabush!

Arriving at the Duckabush, this was the sight that greeted us at the top of the driveway.

We had a lovely visit — feasted on ham and lamb and a host of other things. We chatted with my folks, helped them get their new cellphone set up, and even had time to film some of David’s student government commercial. It was sad not to have Joshua and Rachel with us, but I hear that they spent time with Aunt Liz and the cousins, so they were not neglected.

Mom made her traditional lamb cake for dessert, which was warmly appreciated.

Now we’re home again, and the new week starts tomorrow — back to work, back to school, back to regular life.

At lunch, my Dad asked this question: “What difference does it make to you, that Jesus rose again from the dead?”

We spent quite a bit of time talking and thinking about that. I guess it is no surprise, that one of the not-so-secret code phrases that Christians around the world exchange at Easter is:

“He is Risen!”

“He is Risen, indeed!”

If Jesus did not rise, then we would have no assurance of being resurrected ourselves. We would not know that God had accepted Jesus’ death on the cross as payment-in-full for our sins. We would presumably have no relationship with God, and no reason for hope.

But He is risen, indeed. So everything is different.

Project 365, Day 95
Tim

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Rock & Worship Roadshow

March 13, 2015 KME 3 Comments

Yesterday’s blog was unfinished and then accidentally uploaded than deleted. Technical difficulties so to speak. Pause, pause. Okay, I fell asleep in the middle of blogging. So this is Thursday’s blog and Project 365 pictures, posted on Friday. Heh heh.

We had great seats!

Sarah was invited to go with a friend from our homeschool co-op to the Rock & Worship Roadshow. The price was incredible – $10 for a concert featuring 8 wonderful Christian artists. And how could she resist the offer to be with a big group of co-op friends AND spend the night with one of her besties? Look how gorgeous they were, all dressed up for the masquerade dance in November.

Allie, Tarah and Sarah are so beautiful!

The same day Sarah made plans to go to the concert I got a text message from one of my sweet friends asking if we wanted to go to the concert. Oh dear, nothing tempts me like the chance to go on an adventure with one of my awesome girlfriends. Here’s how the dialogue usually goes in my head:

Me 1: That sounds fun. I should go.
Me 2: Are you kidding? Concerts are loud and long and I’m old.
Me 1: Nah, I’m young and cool.
Me 2: :snort: Bwahahaha
Me 1: Well, I’m sort of less young and only semi-old?
Me 2: Right. And co-op is the next day. Thursday night is PREP time.
Me 1: I’ll do the work ahead of time.
Me 2: Convulsions of laughter.
Me 1: Harrumph

So the next step, and this is a classic Kathy move, is to do nothing. Procrastination and lack of action accomplish something in and of itself. Typically that results in a nice, quiet day/evening/afternoon at home. Ha. But I am very fun-friend driven and can not resist the persuasive, contagious encouragement of one or more of my BFF’s asking me to join them. Throw in the knowledge that my kids will have a great time as well, and I’m sunk.

I’ve been blessed to know Holly and Nancy for nearly 10 years.

It was a beautiful day. And, no, I didn’t plan my class ahead of time (sorry students!). I dropped Sarah off early with her friends then David and I worked on math until Nancy and her crew came. Daniel decided to join us, so piled into our van and set off for places north. The sun was shining! The kids were silly and rowdy and eager for a fun concert. Nancy and I discussed hope and life and everything in between.

Party time!

We dropped the kids off to get in line while we went in search of food. Our order at Subway was enough to make the people behind us crazy.

That will be a BLT toasted. No tomatoes. Lettuce on one. No lettuce on the other. Olives on half and pickles on the other half. Yes, we know that makes it a BL and not a BLT. Thanks!

And so on. Thankfully the woman making our long row of sandwiches was patient and cheerful and did a great job. A quick run through Starbucks, and we were ready to meet up with the kids. Of course, by then the line had started moving and they were calling us, a little concerned about how they were going to buy all the tickets with NO MONEY!! Into the parking lot we went, down the side walk we rushed, and then we heard the cry of the security guard outside the concert hall.

“No FOOD allowed! Dump all your food and drinks into the garbage before buying your ticket!”

Ugh!! We had two bags of foot long subs and two containers of veggie salads, not to mention my venti (yep, VENTI!) Americano to gulp down. Not the best planning. Still, we ate our delicious food, drank the coffee and went into enjoy our concert.

So much fun!

Here are the amazing artists we enjoyed:

I Am They – love their sound!
Jon Guerra – bought this cd
Jamie Grace – Jamie came and sat two rows behind us near the aisle while she “waited” to go on stage. Fan moment!!
Group 1 Crew – one of David’s favorites!
Matt Maher – amazing time of worship!
Crowder – so much energy!
Tedashii – managed to get us non-young people up and dancing
Mercy Me – closed out the show with beautiful words about grace and wonderful music

Daniel was so moved by Shaun Groves talk regarding Compassion International that he signed up to sponsor a boy from Rwanda. Love it when God moves in the hearts of my children!

Daniel’s cd & my earplugs (cough, it was LOUD at times)

What a great evening! Holly found us fantastic seats. The HUGE group from co-op was right near by. The younger kids were way up at the top behind us. It felt like we were surrounded by friends, dancing, shouting, and worshiping together. Afterwards we lost Daniel (briefly) or he lost us. We bought a cd by one of the new artists. We photo bombed Group 1 Crew. We ate all the snacks and made it home by midnight.

Our group with Jon Guerra.

Should have stood in line for a real picture, instead we settle for this fun shot.

Should have stood in line for a real picture, but this shot was fun!

I’m thankful for friends who drag me off on adventures.
I’m overwhelmed by the talent God has given to people.
And I was blessed by the music, words, and teaching of the artists at Roadshow.

Project 365 – Day 71
Kathy

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Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2015 KME 4 Comments

Tim surprised me with a lovely evening out last night. Saturdays are often crazy in our house these days with VERY frequent teen overnight guests, kids who like to go to youth group, and other activities, so, Tim was clever to pick Friday (Valentine’s Day Eve) as our date night. A long drive in our Valentine Red car, a thoughtful movie, and some delicious Mexican food, what more could a girl ask for?

Presents from Daniel and David

This morning, on Valentine’s Day itself, I slept in. Ah, it was wonderful. When I finally meandered downstairs, Tim told me David and Daniel were off on a secret mission. Shortly after they walked in with a Venti Americano and beautiful red roses for me and pink carnations for their sister Sarah. Such thoughtful boys!! They win the prize for sure.

You’re never too young for flowers and chocolate on Valentine’s Day!

Following my family’s tradition, we love to celebrate Valentine’s Day with little gifts for each other. Tim usually buys something sweet or special for the girls and I buy for the boys. The sun was shining today, and we were all glad for a lazy morning.

Daniel loves his Vanilla Clusters from Trader Joe’s.

I think David knew what his gift contained.

Dark chocolate for my Sweetie!

Since it was my turn to take a picture and write today, I couldn’t resist a search on the blog for old Valentine’s Day posts. It turns out Tim and I both like to write about Valentine’s Day. In 2014, Tim shared how Sarah gave him the best Valentine ever. And I blogged in 2007, during our first Project 365, about all our Valentine gifts & God’s LOVE. And how could I forget our romantic Valentine trip to Leavenworth in 2010.

Of course, not all Valentine memories are sweet. In painful, recent history, was the holiday I was far away from Tim and the kids. In 2011, I spent a month (missing both Valentine’s Day and David’s birthday) in Minnesota with my mom at the hospital bedside of my beloved father. Tim, ever the thoughtful husband and son-in-law, had flowers delivered to our hotel. Sigh. Little glimpses of God’s creation and beauty in the midst of our deep, deep sorrow. When we are weak and mourning, we need those around us to bring care, comfort, and sometimes beautiful flowers.

A bouquet for each of us.

Oh the tears we cried that February.

Looking through these old posts, savoring the pictures of our family over the years, and thinking about God’s blessings in our life, I remember why we blog. We want to capture the tapestry of all that God is doing before our eyes, around and through us, amidst the pain and the joy. These simple posts we share are like a living, growing journal of our family. As the Psalmist David cries:

I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Ps 143:5-6

Happy Valentine’s Day 2015

Project 365 – Day 45
Kathy

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Nutella Valentine Mailbox

February 12, 2015 KME 4 Comments

Each year our homeschool co-op has a fun Valentine’s Day party. The halls or sides of the gym are lined with creative Valentine Day boxes – from small paper bags covered with hearts to large Dr. Who’s Tardis. Last year we made a tall Starbucks cup out of a laundry basket with a pvc pipe wrapped in green paper as the straw.

And we won a prize, oh yeah we did.

This year we decided to make something chocolately and silly in honor Tim.

A Nutella Valentine’s Day Mailbox

We started with a tall rectangle laundry basket – it was the perfect shape. We searched and searched for brown paper. Who knew that would be the difficult aspect of this venture. We went to The Dollar Store – no brown poster board or table cloths. Next, on to Michaels – no brown poster board or table cloths. Next a trip to Target. We looked again. Nothing. Seriously? Seriously? I suggested Good Will for a brown curtain or random piece of fabric. David thought maybe Hobby Lobby. Sigh. We’d already been to Michaels. Thankfully all of these stores are close by.

Laundry baskets are versatile – useful in so many ways!

Of course, this was AFTER a long day of school, mentor visits, Trader Joe’s shopping, science projects and cooking at a friend’s house.

We decided we’d try Hobby Lobby and, if we couldn’t find anything brown, we’d switch to silver wrapping paper and make a large diet Coke can. Sarah didn’t want us to give up, but David and I needed a Plan B. Ha.

Hobby Lobby proved to be a treasure trove of BROWN products. Who knew! First we found a package of dark brown napkins on clearance. “I think we can wrap the laundry basket in napkins if we have to,” I told the kids. At this point they were ready to agree with anything just to get started. “Mom, you do realize it’s almost time for dinner and we haven’t STARTED making this?”

What’s your point, children? Dinner can wait, we have a mailbox to make! There are prizes on the line here.

After napkins we stumbled on 12×12 pages of scrapbook paper in the PERFECT shade of brown. We gathered enough to cover the basket and matched them to the napkins (just in case). Before checking out, we wandered around the store a little longer. In the clearance section, in the back aisle we found a collection of poster size paper. What color was on the bottom of the stack?? Beautiful brown. And on sale. Hooray. Jumping up and down in the middle of Hobby Lobby is totally normal, right?

We (okay I) designed some Nutella Valentine Day cards and printed them out. Sarah organized them all and then David taped a Pixy Stix to each card.We’ll put them into the mailboxes tomorrow during the party. We didn’t have the time to make homemade Nutella brownies or cookies, or the funds to buy little Nutella single packs for all 69 families (or the 167 kids) at our homeschool co-op. Even I draw the line at some point.

Homemade Valentines are so much fun!

While the boys played computer games, Sarah and I wrapped the basket in the brown poster board. Using some leftover foam board, we made a lid (cutting a hole for Valentines and treats). Sarah divided a piece of white poster board into strips, drew on lines and fashioned an edge to our lid. After taping it all on, we printed out Nutella logos and even found a place where we could request personalized Nutella labels. The kids kept exclaiming over the tape, “Mom, this tape is amazing! It works so well.” Oh dear, I guess that Dollar Store tape we used at Christmas was NOT the best. LOL.

Sarah and David's personalized Nutella labels.

Sadly we are out of real Nutella.

Finally we were all done. So festive! We were all pleased with the final product! Maybe we’ll win some sort of a prize this year. I hope the kids will share it with me.