REAL DEALS!

So, if you haven't been to Real Deals, you need to get out there! This little holiday diddy was only $7.50!
The candle set is out at Real Deals for a really good deal of course, and the rest of the stuff actually came from my load of Christmas stuff and ribbon from the craft room. The silver charger came from Target last year after Christmas for $1.00. Find something old to add to something new to make something uniquely pretty for your home this holiday season!
This is actually Sheldon's favorite decoration thus far!

a few other Christmas decorations so far....

I'll share more pics of decorations as we get them up. It's quite a process decorating a NEW home as nothing has it's "normal place" yet. :)

Our advent calendar

So, this is the little masterpiece I made on Saturday with my buddy Becky across from me in the craft room.

I have a special note in each day's box that is a pseudo-date type thing for us to do together. (I might add here that Sheldon did not think putting up the Christmas stuff was anything like a date on December 1!) Some include little gift certificates for ice cream for us or a trip down to see the lights or taking Bailey on a walk together. Some of the ideas came from Bex and others came from things Sheldon has mentioned that he would like for us to do together - so, for the countdown to Christmas we are having a mini and inexpensive date together.

We are so blessed to even be together this year as we were seperated last year at this time. God is faithful! We are thrilled to get to celebrate the birth of our Savior together in just 24 days. If you are one of the "saints" that prayed for us, THANK YOU!

The church question

Well, Miss Ange, you asked a very good and valid question on a recent blog of mine. And, actually you are the very first one to ask from RCC, so I will give you the very first answer. :)

Sheldon and I are now attending Warner Alliance Church. We have been there for the past 5 months. As you know, Sheldon and I were really struggling a number of months ago in our marriage and felt strongly that we needed to change up some things in order for us to have a healthy and meaningful relationship with one another. We bought a new home together, I quit my job and took one that involves much less time and travel, Sheldon changed his hours at work as well as some other pertinent changes that needed to occur in his life, and we chose to seek a church body that we both felt would keep us accountable to each other and feed us the Word of God. In no way am I suggesting that River City wasn't doing something they were supposed to - it was much more about us. We just really needed people to invest in us and it's hard when you've been known for years as the one to give out as apposed to receiving.

It was a pretty desperate time for us as individuals and certainly for our marriage and we basically sought God until we felt we had heard from Him as to where He would have us "plug in" and we feel completely blessed to be part of a church that has embraced us. We didn't "visit" numerous churches; in fact, we both felt strongly to go to Warner and so we did. Neither of us had any connections there but had heard of the qualified, Godly and self-sacrificing leadership and that Pastor Paul teaches the Bible in depth and has a passionate love for Jesus and we also had heard that the congregation is one that supports each other and ministers to each other.

It's so difficult to "leave a church", especially when it's been home for so long. We decided to "leave" as quietly as possible in hopes of not causing any disruption or criticisms or judgements to occur toward RCC, Warner or us. :) Desperate times call for desperate measures and we were desperately seeking people who would walk out our marriage with us for awhile.

We believe that ultimately, God is looking for biblically qualified leaders who are eagerly seeking an intimate friendship with Him and as a result are shepherding the men and women in the church. We see this being done at Warner. One of the most significant functions of the leadership team at Warner is that they are good Bible teachers and they are teaching meat each week. The leadership team is mentoring and training men and women to be the future leaders in the church as well as how to love one another. That is true mentoring.

Sheldon has found some wonderful friendships and is part of a men's group that requires him to report on how well he is loving his wife/family each week when they meet. Let me just say - it's a good thing! Sheldon and Paul (the pastor) have met a couple of times to pray and discuss life. I am part of a fabulous women's Bible study each week as well and we also have joined a small group through the church. Our small group focus is how to evangelize in a meaningful way every day. I have connected with a handful of people as well and am so thankful for the gift of friendship.

We certainly miss River City and everyone there, but in a desire to have a marriage that is Godly, we knew we needed changes in ALL areas of our lives and were longing for deep friendships - for Sheldon especially.

Again, in no way do I suggest that River City is anything but great. We just were in a place where we needed something specific for US and needed frienships for us as a married couple that would challenge us and walk with us in this zany world of ours.

I hope this all makes sense. We just recently ran into Ron and were able to talk with him briefly about the "reasons" why we went to Warner. We love him and his family and are thankful for years of friendship that will stand the test of a change like this.

Mr. Bailey's Christmas Photo

So my puppy ALWAYS SMILES until you put a scarf on him I found out. Anyway, we are gearing up for the annual Christmas letter, which Bailey authors and he needed a new pic this year.
I can't seem to get the "red eye" off of his naturally reddish/brown eye without making the whole eye turn black...
Ange? Thoughts? :)

A Thanksgiving Update

I am so sad to report that I did not get my camera out for the 1st OFFICIAL HOLIDAY in our new home! We had a total of 20 people for Thanksgiving Dinner and it all came off with no hitches at all. I had never cooked a turkey before, so Sheldon and I decided to do a trial run on Wednesday in preparation for Thursday. (AND, we got a rip-roaring good deal on turkey number 2 only after we thought we'd gotten the best deal possible on turkey number one!) Someone should have mentioned to me that the turkey would only be about 2.5% of the actual Thanksgiving dinner budget.
I was responsible for the turkey(s), stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, 2 salads and 1 dessert as well as the fun pre and post treats. Turkey number 2, which became Wednesday's trial turkey which we chose to BBQ turned out SO GREAT! Thursday's turkey was brined (is that word able to be used as a verb?) for 16 hours before going into the oven. It came out juicy and oh-so-good. I used my friend Alicia Finch's Mom's rub which she sells along with brown sugar and smokey paprika. We also went down to Sage to get the best croutons for the stuffing we could find.
Sheldon's entire family came down from Spokane and my gang plus some extras came from around the valley.
Entertainment included 2 little darlings!
I also had little questions placed under each plate to start conversations after the plates were loaded. The questions were mostly about holiday memories. Each person also got a raffle ticket with and we did drawings throughout the day for giveaways (mostly leftovers from the craft fairs plus some food things for the guys). I also found these super cute plastic wishbones that looked incredibly real at the $1 store and tied a poem to them semi-written by me and a cute bow that matched the bow on the back of their chairs.
The garage was transformed and heated to be our Thanksgiving dining room. We borrowed 6 foot tables from Faith Tab and chairs, too, and I already owned a number of twin size sheets that I had purchased on sale that were used for the table linens. The color theme was sage, rust and tan and the center pieces were little wood crates with a plaid cloth napkin, indian corn, baby pumpkins and little candles in sage green votives.
Everyone had a grand time. After the dinner, some watched football, some watched the girls, others played card games and still others took naps.
Everyone was full in their tummies and their hearts. A good time was had by all, but boy, Sheldon and I were wiped out when the last of the gang left! As Sheldon's M.O. would suggest, we had to have it all cleaned up prior to heading to bed. :) Gotta love a CLEAN(ing) husband!

I hope all of you had a wonderful day spent with family and friends and remembering how much we all have to be thankful for! We are a blessed group for sure!

Here are a few of my favorite things...

Okay, okay, I know, I should be thinking of OTHERS during this - the beginning of the holiday season! Instead I offer you a "favorites" list. These are all things that have been tested and have been found to be TRUE special treats for yours truly. Some are spendy and some are cheap and virtually all can be found on sale somewhere on the web! But, these are probably things I won't be indulging in these much anymore since the tax bracket change occurred with my recent departure from higher education. :)

None of this stuff is "must haves" but all are great treats and if you are needing some ideas for your Christmas list, I offer you some of Polly's favorite things.

White hobnail milk glass containers and vases - My Gram gave me all of hers and now and again my Mom will find me something really special at an antique store or off of ebay and I love the versatility of it - white is always in style!

Woodwick Candles -this is actually Sheldon's favorite household thing and I really love them, too. We have quite a few stocked up from ebay finds.

Vera Bradley notepads and bags

Silk ribbon from Bella Lucia - amazingly soft and incredibly spendy, but I made 1 yard of a couple of my favorites last forever!

Bath & Body Works Kitchen Spice Scent (which has sadly been discontinued!) - If you see this scent offered during one of the BIG sales, CALL ME!

Schwan Man's Peppermint Ice Cream (among other delightful things!) - ONLY offered during the holiday season! If you don't have a Schwan man visiting you, please contact me and I'll hook you up with our friend Dean. We LOVE our 3rd Monday of the month with him!

Kate Spade Pencil Set - Truly a waste of money unless you just really like name brands and then it's just kind of a fun thing to have.

Baekgaard leather wallet/business card holder/picture holder - Got my first wallet from the Diamond Shop and then have found a couple of other fun and bright colored goodies on ebay. This brand is owned by Vera Bradley's cousin.

Paula Prass for Michael Miller and Amy Butler fabrics - favorites for sure, especially when making special little diddies for my favorite two girls!

Bass Instant Shine Sponge - For $5 you can make every shoe look new! Eddie Bauer may have this, too!

Biscoff Cookies - THEY NOW HAVE THEM AT SAFEWAY! I used to have to talk the flight attendant into giving me extras when I knew I wouldn't be flying for a week or so! - That's how good they are!

**I promise my next blog will be a bit more meaningful. **

m & j InspIrEd dEsIgns

Mom and I have been having a great time making as many cute things as we can fit into our free evenings. We were inspired by our darlings (above pic) to make little girl and mama cuteness. We have done 2 holiday sales and have been incredibly thrilled to have a perfectly wonderful neighbor next to us (Becky with Josie Girl Bowtique) both times. It makes for fun Saturdays for sure, but it is alot of work. If you live in the valley and are in need of a baby shower gift, please let us know - we can help! I also have lots of cute little signs, too! It's been funny to confuse everyone since our little pseudo-business is m & j inspired designs and Becky's is Josie Girl - people think it's rude that we've left Maddie out of the picture. BUT, as most of you know, Becky has her own Josie and we have our Maddie and Josie.

Pend Oreille Shores Resort

This is where the Blasko/Rippee gang spent the weekend! Some of you already know this, but I bought a time share a number of years ago. It has become one of my all-time favorite purchases. The beautiful condos are located just outside of Sandpoint in a place called Hope, Idaho. We had Mom, Dad, bro, sis-n-law, the twins, my hubby and me all crammed into our two bed, two bath home away from home and we had a blast! I'll add some special pics soon as cameras were flashing left and right all weekend.


The only bad thing that happened was my back went out...so much so that I was in great need of pain pills and muscle relaxers. Luckily, a friend with the license to perscribe called in a couple of powerful pills to the local Safeway for pick-up and they helped tremendously.


We get to go here for a week each year and it's usually one of the best weeks of the whole year.

I have no excuse....

Well, I kind of have an excuse...I have not been blogging because I recently got bit by the sewing bug. I know, I know - can you spell DOMESTIC??? P - O -L - L - Y!

I will post pics soon of my masterpieces. You can probably already guess that they are inspired by the cutest set of twins I've ever met. Mom and I have signed up for a craft fair (and we hope to add another to our repertoire if all goes well this holiday season) and we have been crafting and sewing freaks lately!

For now, I will offer you my answers to an e-mail Bex sent my way last week (yes, I'm that far behind in my e-mail responses, too!)

A) Four places that I go to over and over: Life Choices Clinic, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Real Deals and Safeway

B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly): My mama, Bex, Ange, and Betty (my board chair)

C) Four of my favorite places to eat: Main St. Grille, Zany's, Southway Pizzaria and Arby's (yes, I grew up with the Finch family and my Happy Day VIP card!)

D) Four places I would rather be right now: Our timeshare(I'm going this weekend!), sleeping, my craft room or on a cruise ship going wherever it wants to go

E) Four people I think will respond: I believe my faithful followers on my blog include: Vix, Bex, Ange and, well, I really don't know if I have any other people who read it frequently...perhaps if I would WRITE more frequently I'd have a better following! :) This was originally designed to meet the needs of all of my out-of-town friends/family who want to keep in the "know" - but, as you can see, only Vicky lives out of town and everyone else is within a 10 minute drive.

F) Four TV shows you watch: Paula Dean, Oprah when it's a good one, and basically anything on DIY or HGTV or FOOD Network (seriously??? did you ever think in a million years that I would be this domestic????? ME NEITHER!)

Special thanks to a few of my Amiga/os:

Bex - thanks so much for the bow party! It was a blast to have so many women over to my new digs and see people partake in the bow-fever! I'm excited to use my HUGE bow credit earned by having my bow party. I can put bows in many girls' hair with almost $50! I'm also excited to be your neighbor at the craft fairs!

Ange M. - You are a total star for helping me out so much with my need for professionalism at the Life Choices Clinic! Your design-savvy and your heart to donate your time and talents is amazing. Thanks for the photos of me to use on future pubs and finding us stellar deals on printing!

Sheldon - (not even sure if you read my blog, or for that matter, know about my blog, but in the case you do...) thanks for your diligent work in getting some organization set up at the Clinic. Your willingness to serve with me there is an enormous blessing to your wife and I hope you know how much I appreciate you.

Okay, enough sappiness for one post...I'll be back sooner than later this time - I promise!

Madison Grace & Josie Ann

A quick update...

Hey bloggy friends! I truly have no idea where the time has gone between the last post and this one, but whatever. :)

So, I'll give you the highlights of my little world for now and plan to expound on them when I have an opportunity to do so. It may be sooner than later as currently I have a 12 hour layover in the Salt Lake City airport tonight....ugh!

But, for now, this is what I know:

• I am the new Executive Director of Life Choices Clinic - this is a pregnancy care center that is a Christian-based ministry supporting women in crisis. It's our goal to love on them, pray with them, serve them and honor them with the TRUTH of God and of life. (I don't have the Mission Statement memorized, but it's not as "real" as my spin on what it is we do anyway.) I have served on the Board of Directors for this ministry for the past couple of years and am well aware of the need and opportunity that is before me. It will indeed be fewer hours and very little travel and certainly an opportunity to literally save lives.
• My darling princess girls turned 1 on September 25. They were so cute at their birthday party (with a pink with brown polka-dot theme!). My mom made them the cutest headbands ever and they sported them and a little dress from Auntie Polly for all to see. We had to wake them from a nap for their party, but after a bit of time, they were totally into it. They each had fancy little cakes made by the one and only Danielle of Danielle's Cakes http://www.freewebs.com/danielleirby/.
• Maddie and Josie completed a perfect check-up (with shots unfortunately) just two days ago. Other than being incredibly healthy (and noisy while the poor doc was using his stethoscope) it was a clean bill of health. It's hard to believe that a year has come and gone and it's also amazing to think that they are in the 90th percentile on height and weight. They continue to amaze all of us with their brilliance and candor.
• I'm in Atlanta, Georgia! It's actually a wonderful city. I've been here for nearly a week and have been attending the Care Net Pregnancy Center Annual Conference. There were nearly 3,000 women and men here together learning from each other about best practices for the many centers and clinics across the nation and in Canada that are working to not only save lives but save souls. We heard so many incredible testimonies from so many amazing women and men who have walked before us in this fight for life. I heard too many statistics to even remotely recall which number goes with what fact; however, what I did experience was a new understanding as to why I am joining this team of people who have declared that the sanctity of life is precious and the fact that the US has declared it legal does not in anyway make it a lawful practice to murder our unborn. There's so much more to share on this, and I know that not all of my dear friends are on the same page with me regarding abortion, but one thing we can't deny is the pain and hurt and sorrow that occurs in the lives of the women who have chosen abortion in their past. Perhaps above anything else, I have such a new desire to see these particular women set free and find God's healing and restoration.

I hope you're all having a great week. I'm always amazed at how fast time goes by these days. I'm back in town sometime on Monday and then I don't leave again until I choose to! How nice indeed!

Hugs to all of you and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
~Polly

Yes, they're reading...already! They're so SMART!

It's hard to believe our girls are going to be a year old next week! They are still the delights of our lives. They are so full of joy and show all of us so much love. I can't believe how much they've grown in just one year. They are brilliant and as you can see, absolutely beautiful!

These are a couple of fun little dresses I got them in Hawaii and they were "reading" their new book from me in our living room.

a few more pictures

this is the "other" wall in the tv room that I did a Ralph Lauren finish on (I did one in here and one in the living room) which I LOVE and now I'm debating what to put on the wall. I have a machine that can do vinyl lettering, so I want to do some fabulous saying. So, if you have some ideas, let me know!

the other side of the kitchen


the TV room


the girls' room and guest room
(you can see Mr. Bailey trying to look like a stuffed animal here, too)

I LOVE our new home!

So, today is the first day of vacation and let me just say I'm loving it! I have lists started on things that I need to do this week, but I love not feeling the pressure of getting it all done in what usually is the only day in the week that I'm home.

Here are some recent photos (like 12 minutes ago) of our new digs. I can't take any of the upstairs yet, mostly because it's still a bit of a mess. The master bedroom is complete (with borrowed furniture) however, Sheldon is sleeping in there since he's on nights right now at the hospital. I would most likely get in trouble if I photoed him sleeping and put it on my blog.

Anyway...you'll be able to see my little helper. Mr. Bailey, although not asked, posed for most of the pictures. He's as excited about me being home as I am!

Once upon a time...

there was a couple in Lewiston who just purchased a new home and who were incredibly tired of waiting for their new bedroom set to arrive....

in the case I somehow forget (not a chance!), please remind me to finish this story as we really don't know the outcome yet.

a new title for now

As you can see, The Tales of a Working Girl got a new name today! I can imagine the name will continue to morph as I do...so, for now, it's rest that I'm after and it's rest that I shall have.

a new day

Well, friends, this is it! Today is my pseudo-official last day at the UI! (I say pseudo because of a bit of a misunderstanding that will actually keep me on the books at the UI for one more week, however, I will be taking annual leave this final week.) I feel completely liberated for some crazy reason! Over the past twelve or so years I have become progressively more immersed in a workaholic lifestyle. My workload has always proven to be excessive - and for some reason I thought that was a good thing. As a result of too many trips, too many hours at work and too many hours sitting on boards, I am exhausted and burned out. I am so excited for this season of rest as I intend to see some good things come to my well being in all areas - physically, emotionally, spiritually and relationally.

I consider this a divine intervention in many ways, as it took a miracle for me to figure out that I was not who I wanted to be anymore. My joy, my peace, my enthusiasm were slowly slipping away. (Please know I don't need any "amens" from the blogging gallery on this point!) But, God is full of grace and loves to redeem and make new.

I am excited about a new opportunity around the corner, where I can use my gifting and talents for life-changing things. I'm also overjoyed to get to have friends again! I know that sounds a bit funny, but you have no idea what it's like when you have only 5 minutes left in the day and have cute stationary out and feel more compelled to write a quick note to a potential donor than one of YOU (my friends!) who may be celebrating your birthday or anniversary or whatever...I am so thrilled not to be forced to manage 180 relationships for the sake of yet another major gift!

God, I'm listening now. Teach me about Your rest that I might rest in YOU! Prepare me for this new journey where there is joy in the little things, peace in the big things and balance in EVERYTHING!

Time for a change...

Well, I don't even know if anyone still reads this since I'm the worst Blogger in America! Anyway, I guess I'll find out soon enough if this is still a good place to post the happenings of my life as soon and very soon there will be much more time in my life to BLOG or basically do whatever I want!
Today I am just 5 work days away from being unemployed! So, THE WORKING GIRL might need to change her blog name! :) After much time of thinking and praying about what's important to me, I have decided to resign and take a bit of a sabatical from work. I think perhaps I climbed the ladder a bit too quickly as I shouldn't be quite this burned out, nor this much of a medical mystery at my age (still consider myself EARLY 30's!!!). So, for the sake of my health, the sake of my marriage and the sake of my joy factor, I am going to do only what is going to make ME a better person (not RICHER for sure!) in that I just want to be totally healthy in every way and LOVE getting up in the mornings again. I have been a professional in this field of work for over 11 years and am leaving as an Assistant Dean at the same university where our hopeful vice-president got her degree. (This is our newest and nearly only claim to fame at the UI!)
There is no doubt that God will open up new doors and windows and I am going to WAIT until I know for sure that it's the right thing for me to do.
Until then, I will be spending time with family and friends, crafting and reading and just enjoying being me again.
So, the suitcases are now officially in storage for a season and my frequent flyer miles will be in a holding pattern as well.
I appreciate the wonderful send off my colleagues have offered me - they have all been so kind to encourage me that I'm doing what they wish they could do. :) Who knew quitting could be so popular among the professionals!

Montana Retreat!

So, this is absolutely one of my all-time favorite parts of my profession. Each year I get the opportunity to go away for 4 days to an island with about 25 people who are all advancement professionals. We serve on a board together and work to offer training opportunities and experiences for our colleagues in our profession who reside in most of Canada and 7 of the western states. Seriously, this has to be one of the best places EVER! The accommodations are fabulous, the food is too amazing and the fun of being on an island LITERALLY (they deliver you by boat!) makes for a great time. Plus, I love the people on the board - they are hilarious!

I return middle of next week only to leave again. Back down to Boise...

Can't wait to be home long enough to throw a party together at our new home.

I know, I know...

So, I'm a terrible blogger! I'm the first to admit it and I know I'm getting a bundle of "amens" right now. There has been MUCH going on and I promise to send pictures soon of the new home (which I totally love!), the darling twins (new pics just arrived!) and what life is looking like these days. Mostly I just wanted you all to know I'm still alive...sometimes it feels like I'm BARELY alive, but indeed, still alive none the less. Look forward to sharing more soon.

The twins are growing up!

Where does the time go?

How can it be that we are in July? I feel like time literally flies these days. I have had lots of things to do as of late:

• Prepare for an open house hosted by my fabulous realtor.
• Plan some travel for work.
• Find a new mortgage company to use for our new house loan (LONG STORY!)
• Schedule a haircut for my darling Bailey - he LOVED being shaved last year, so it will happen again.
• Love on my precious baby girls and find a few new treats at Target in Boise for them.
• Line up interviews for my new admin assistant.
• Spend some quality time with my husband sorting through the messy details of life.
• Look through tons of other apps for 2 other search committees I landed on. (ugh!)
• Catch up with two of my great friends - 1 in Seattle and 1 near Portland.
• Interview an amazing woman for Life Choices Clinic (I'm on the board) and have her turn us down for very valid reasons.
• Learn the ins and outs of using my Cricut!!!

What I haven't been doing:

• BLOGGING! ;)

The plane! The plane!

So, I'm in Salmon, Idaho right now for work. It's absolutely beautiful here! I'm staying at an adorable bed and breakfast called Syringa Lodge. It looks very rustic on the outside, but it is like Pottery Barn opened a store on the inside! Anyway, that's not what this post is about. It is about my flight to Salmon yesterday.



My boss (the dean of the college) and I flew to Boise from Lewiston and then had reservations to fly on Salmon Air to Salmon, Idaho. So, we picked up our luggage at the carousel and walked down the corridor to an area that has a big Salmon Air sign hanging above it. A man was sitting there with his legs crossed reading a book. He appeared to be in his 60's and had on old jeans and a shirt that read "Salmon Air." He asked if we were looking to get to Salmon and we nodded and he said "follow me." We headed out to an older car and put our small luggage in the trunk and headed about a mile or so down the road from the airport. There we climbed out, retrieved the luggage and walked out to the tarmac area where a teeney tiny little itty bitty plane was sitting. Russ, our pilot (aka - man reading book in the airport) asked us each to sign a waiver and write our weight next to our name. UMMMMMM!!!! YA...this is when it all started getting a bit scary for me. My boss told me to go first...I told him no way! He could write his weight down first! I just think that's too much information to be sharing with a boss (or for that matter, ANYONE!). Russ then went over the safety features (it was a quick speech!). He said that the emergency exit was the door from which we enter. Okay, seriously? How in the world am I going to get through that door if there's an emergency. It is like the size of my dog's doggy door! So, then I was asked where I wanted to sit. I chose the back (it officially seats 4 people including the pilot) as I just thought it best that I be alone and not able to see all of the gears. Mind you, I've been in similar sized planes before, but never with a stranger as the pilot and never for this far of a trip and, quite frankly, not at my ripe old age! Things weren't so scary when I was younger for some reason. So, my boss and Russ sit up front and the journey begins. Russ told me he thought it may be a bit bumpy and that's when he handed me the throw-up bag. He said he'd rather me have it and not use it than not have it and puke in his plane. (How thoughtful!) His plane wasn't anything to write home about (well, I guess that's what I'm doing, but...) as it looked to be from circa 1973. I didn't have the heart to ask how old it was. I did see a sticker that said the plane needed to be inspected in 2022. (Is this concerning to anyone else????) I asked Russ how long he had been flying and he asked me why it mattered. I now know he was joking, but didn't find it at all funny last night. After what seemed to be a lifetime, we were finally up in the air. The plane sputtered and spattered and sounded as if it had a very bad chest cold. Russ kept pulling this notebook off the dash (not sure if it has the same name in a plane) and reading it. I kept thinking it would be better if he would look outside! We climbed to 10,000 feet and I didn't realize how tense I was until I noticed my hands turning white from holding on so tightly. There was turbulence - enough that my boss hit his head on the ceiling of the plane! It took over an hour and then finally I saw Salmon, Idaho ahead out the window. I kept thinking that I hadn't packed very well in the case we went down in the mountains as there is still snow up there! I had on flip flops. I was very glad to land and get out of the Cessna 210. I get to get in it again tomorrow morning to fly back to Boise after we drop my boss off in McCall. I'll share that story when it happens with great hopes that it won't be very exciting at all!
One thing for sure, it is so incredibly beautiful from up in the sky! I was amazed at the number of trees and springs of water all over the land and for the most part, very little has even been touched by man in much of the area. It was captivating indeed.

While I was out...

Well, the big news in my little world is.....(is there a drummer in the room? Start drummin' now!) I'm buying a new home!!!! Yep - it's true! Everything came together quickly and I found out while traveling in Boise last week that it was going to happen. As all of you can attest to, this is news to most. I didn't tell anyone because I didn't know if it was going to work out. (The picture is of my NEW home!!!)

So, now the work begins! My home is for sale! It's on the MLS listings and I have it listed for $169,000. As most of you know, it's been a fun home for me to make my own and I've spent lots of time and money to make it super cute. So, friends, help me sell it! :)

Selling my current home is not mandatory for the purchase of the new home, but it would be nice to get it done quickly.

Anyway, I'll be anxious to show off the new digs in a few weeks. I don't want to put addresses on here, but will share that individually with each of you.

The power of judges in this country!

I just heard on the news that rather than allowing the citizens to vote on same-sex marriages to be “legal” and valid in California, judges went ahead and made the decision for the entire state! And, they have chosen to accept same-sex marriages. What in the world is happening in the judicial system?

We used to be a democratic nation, a constitutional republic where the power was to reside in the people and in a written constitution, but things sure seem to have changed. Now power resides in the hands of unelected judges (well, some are elected I guess) who are pushing their concepts of social order on our society and because of their decisions we have the “full faith and credit” in the constitution which says if California is doing it, then all states have to accept and acknowledge and uphold what it is they’re doing despite the opposition that so many citizens have shown on this matter.

Not that I’m totally political (anymore), but one of the biggest things in my mind to consider in our next President is who he might choose to appoint to be judges for our nation. This factor is more important than nearly anything else…in the end they are the ones who decide on the legalization on such things as same-sex marriages, abortion, the raising of taxes, and many other powerful and timely and life-altering topics. They just make “us” think we are helping in making those decisions, but don’t be fooled. We average folks (particularly in a state that doesn’t even get our election votes counted prior to the new President being announced) really don’t decide on much these days. Isn’t it the Gettysburg Address by Abe himself that says “…a government of the people, by the people, for the people…”? I sure wish that was still the case.

My buddy Josh just graduated a month ago with his Law degree and he made it out successfully (meaning still having morals and a relationship with God) J and (of course) at the top of his class. Hopefully someday he will remember his promise to his friends and family from years ago where he stated in his parents’ living room that his goal in life was to someday sit on the Supreme Court Justice. Josh, if you’re reading, we could sure use you soon!

And by the way, if you wonder where I stand on the Presidential election, you really don’t know me well (nor do you know the color used by my party). I’m sure it will all become clear as we progress onward toward the big November day as I'm pretty certain I'll have a few more opinions to share. :) One thing for sure, we really need to be praying not only for the President but for the judges - both on the state level and on the federal level - they are powerful people!

I'M BACK! (said with that Jack Nicholson "Joker" type voice)

Well, one would think I would have had some crazy adventures for leaving my blog unmanned for days - weeks - well, a long time. Unfortunately, it's just been incredibly busy. Some of it has been good, some of it has been bad; and so life goes. I'll offer a few topics that I would love to share with you in depth when time permits:


I threw my parents a surprise 40th Wedding Anniversary Party where over 150 people showed up to tell them how terrific they are and how much of a blessing they've been to those around them. I also took on the responsibility of scrapbooking their 40 years together....ummmm....do not try this at home in 1 month's time! I did around 50 pages! UGH! I'll share more pics soon from this event. It was much fun and I had some incredible help mostly from my parents' pastors. They are amazing and incredibly hard-working. Most importantly, Mom and Dad were blown away by the love and friendship represented in that room. I think we at least owe them a party for being married for 40 years! THAT IS NO SMALL JOB!!!


While I was on a business trip a bird took up residence right on my front door! Yep - she built a very sturdy nest in my wreath and now has 3 eggs she is tending to. My first night home was difficult to say the least as she did not allow me to enter my house through the front door. Since then, we've made a deal...I tell her when I need to leave, she flies away for a few minutes; I ask her nicely when I need to enter my house and she moves over to the railing. I understand completely why she thought she was invited to move in...(I'll post THAT picture soon!)



My amazing rose bush is in bloom - not FULL bloom - but certainly in bloom none the less. These are Eden roses and a dear friend gave a little root baring rose to me 3 years ago and it has gone crazy. It is seriously in love with its location and I LOVE it because it blocks out the view of the neighboring backyard and offers tons of privacy for my little garden and patio area.



One of my best friends got married last Saturday! It brought out the spirit of Martha Stewart in me for sure as I was put in charge of a few details that were new to my resume of wedding planning the-day-of. I'll wait for pics for this, too. BUT, I do know how to change frosting color on 15 cakes in 45 minutes (YES, there is a story here!).

I head out for more travel soon, but hope to be much better at my blogging...until next time my friends....

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Mary Poppins on Broadway...
I have no idea why this is on my mind right now, but I just want you all to know that if you have children you MUST take them to the New Amsterdam Theatre, New York City (42nd and Broadway) to see the BEST musical on Broadway I have ever seen (and, trust me, I have seen quite a few!). I had the chance to go see this amazing 2 hour 45 minute show on my last 3 day trip to New York City. I got my ticket from the hotel concierge, so it was indeed a spendy venture, but WORTH IT!
In 2006 Disney took a chance on New York, and spent $34million to renovate the crumbling New Amsterdam Theatre, located on 42nd St. -- the first street of a decaying Theatre District. People avoided the area as they passed through this once-great section of New York, but Disney was the first to help bring it back.
This show was awesome. It follows the books closer than the Disney movie, so some songs are gone, some added and some have new verses. The characters were played well. Bert is great, he even dances on the ceiling! Mary Poppins flies and George Banks' old nanny steals the show with her bottle of medicine!
The sets, as you would expect, are imaginative and complicated, an engineering feat to be sure, the choreography inventive and spirited, and the music. . . well . . . supercalifragilistic -- you know.
When my girls are old enough, AUNTIE will be buckling them in to their seats to fly across the US to enjoy the wonderfully imaginative musical. You can take this promise to the bank!

On the road again...

Well, one of these days, when I'm stuck on a very long flight somewhere and am not in the mood to do the real work at hand, I'm going to make a list of the best and worst hotels in the northwest as it seems I've been to nearly all of them. :) Tonight I sit in one of the worst...much more to come on this little adventure another time, but I really want to share with you what I took away from the Beth Moore conference. It always takes me a couple of days to let things soak in and settle when it comes to what I've learned from something or someone.

As some of you know, I have been in a bit of a battle in my heart and soul lately. It has nothing to do with my belief in God, but it certainly has caused me to need Him more than ever before. It has also taken a toll on my physical body and certainly, my emotional being as well. One thing I really felt I needed to do for the weekend was to forget about the problems and issues going on in my life and just elevate God to the highest place - right where He belongs. In focusing ONLY on Him, everything else is able to be faded out and it's much easier to "see" what is important to our Creator's heart for me. God was very good to make me recognize just how important I am to His heart. It was a great weekend of worship, of teaching and of feeding my soul on the TRUTH of who JESUS is and how much He has done to prove HE IS TRUSTWORTHY!

Beth spoke primarily out of 1 Timothy 1. Some of my favorite bits that I took away from this weekend include the definition of GIFT. The greek word for gift is charisma. charis means grace and ma means the result of. It says in verse 6 that we have been entrusted with an extraordinary gift. In other words, we are graced of God to fulfill a holy purpose. We are prepared to fulfill this giftedness through not only our physical line (our family), but also our family of faith. Every single bit of pain in my life will help my purpose and gift come out. (YAY!!! What a great reminder!) Our sufferings are part of the trust that serve the gift. God is guarding the TRUST (what we've given Him) and my suffering never leaves my God's brain. He is wearing my pain for me and is guarding me even in the midst of this trial in my life. If we are willing to entrust God with everything, he promises that He will be a jealous guard over His cherished gift.

I know most of you who read this are Christians, but I know when I'm in a hard place it's hard to remember that I am wanted by my Savior and He has made me worthy to receive ALL the good things He has in store for me. Isn't it nice to know it has very little to do with us and so much to do about Him?! :) His grace really is sufficient.

Another good reminder that Beth shared about was having a "sure foundation." I know He is my constant source of stability.

None of this is earth-shattering or new information, but just what I needed to hear again in this moment. One thing for sure, I met with Jesus and He was faithful to renew and restore and remind my soul of who HE is, and who HE is is enough.

this is where you can find me....

Beth Moore is coming to Boise!May 16th (7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.) & May 17th (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)All seats are general admission: $55 for 2-eay event.
If you're in need of divine refreshment, want to delve deeper into the Word of God, or just looking for fun and uplifting getaway with "the girls," Beth Moore's Living Proof Live is the place for you!

"well, goats of course..."

So, my brother and Lori are looking to buy a new and BIGGER home for the two darlings to grow up in as they are currently living in a pretty small space. It didn't seem too small until we all pitched in to buy them everything two girls might possibly need/want in their first 7 months of life. Needless to say, the house is full. Anyway, we talked on the phone tonight and he was sharing with me some of the "must haves" and "wants" for the new place. He said he was really wanting to find a BIG lot/house with acreage. I asked him how much acreage and he said it would be great to have like 5 acres. I asked him why he wanted 5 acres and he said, "well, goats! The girls may want goats and I want to have room for those goats in the case they do." So, there it is - one of the most random things I've heard in a long time.
Ange, someday you may be out in a big field taking my girls' pictures with their goats. Who knows!

tHe FrAmEs

As most of you know, I'm completely smitten with my twin nieces (as is the entire family!), so to make their mom Lori's first Mom's Day as special as possible, I had Ange Movius of Ange Movius Photography over for a surprise photo shoot while everyone was working and the grandparents were on a cruise.

We didn't even get caught -well, we almost did because of the cat's water bowl, but my bro soon forgot about it.

Ange was able to get the pics back to me within a couple of days and I made some really fun photo frames and surprised all the family with special shots of our girls.

We did 3 clothes changes and I had fun buying all new clothes for them mostly on my travels where I tend to shop too much for these cuties (but this little cute outfit can be yours at your local Macy's!).

Maddie is on the left and Josie on the right - both sporting pretty traditional facial expressions. They are so sweet and so much fun and are obviously no longer considered "preemies." We love our girls to pieces. My bro and sis-n-law had all of us over for a really yummy shish-kabob BBQ dinner and gave all of us hanging baskets for Mom's Day (why Hallmark doesn't have an AUNTIE Day is beyond me!!!!)

Happy Mother's Day!

So, I have been blessed with an amazing Mom. Some of you who read this know her and know just what I'm talking about. She has been my teacher, my prayer warrior, my sounding-board, my mentor, my personal assistant, but most importantly, my best friend.

This year has brought many difficulties and struggles my way, but the one solid pillar I have here on earth, who continues to lift me up every day to our Creator, is my Mom. She listens to me and hears my heart. She is such a mighty example of a woman of noble character and for that I am very blessed. Happy Mother's Day MOM! I LOVE YOU!

The PARTY!

My dear friend Angie is getting married the end of this month to an amazing guy. So, it was time to celebrate the upcoming nuptials by throwing a party yesterday. I LOVE to do table-scapes and always like to stick with a theme. The invites were fun with bright orange Gerber daisies. I have tons of white dishware and I actually collect the old white milk glass pieces. My gram gave me all of her pieces a few years ago, so I make sure they get used for special occasions like celebrating Angie becoming a bride. Our friend Deb was wonderful to let me throw the party at her house - her view is amazing!

Angie's bridal shower also brought out the "crafter" in me. I made her a recipe box (and asked all the ladies to bring their favorites for her!) and a blessing book for all of us to share our love and wisdom (well...) with her.

The best part of her party was having her mom and sisters come out to surprise her from Indiana. What a great (and beautiful) family!

Working for the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

So, some of you know that I travel all the time for my job and I think in your mind you may believe that it's all fun and games including really nice hotels (which is often true) and amazing restaurants (which is also true sometimes) and tons of really classy people (another mostly true statement). But, what some of you may not realize is that working for the College of Agriculture also brings alot of agriculturally-related travel and events.

I recently drove to Salmon, Idaho, which is forever and a day away from anything. I was going to drive, but realized it would take me 6 flights to actually get there which would also involve me driving 2.5 hours of it. So, I got in my rental car and started on my way.

Hwy 12 is truly beautiful, but LONG! I then headed south on 93 (I think???) and was told I would see the ranch which was my destination on the left hand side about 2 hours on 93.

Here are some photos from this little business trip. It's not all high-class, but it is indeed always an adventure.

Oprah

As many of you know, I've been an Oprah fan for years - following her tips on her favorite things show faithfully, enjoying some of her guests (certainly NOT ALL!), appreciating her weight issues :), LOVING her most recent "BIG GIVE" and finding her ability to interview and be real refreshing at times.
BUT NOW, I ask that you join me in praying for this lost leader.
Read on...
Women in massive numbers across the planet look to Oprah Winfrey as a friend, an inspiration, and a spiritual mentor. In case you’re not aware, she has been taking her worldwide audience of millions through spiritualist Eckhart Tolle’s book A New Earth. Here’s a taste of what they’re proclaiming:
“I am a Christian who believes that there are certainly many more paths to God other than Christianity. . . . I don’t believe that it’s the only way, with 6 billion people here on the planet.”–Oprah
“If you go deep enough in your religion, then you all get to the same place. . . . The important thing is that religion doesn’t become an ideology. . . . The moment you say ‘only my belief’ or ‘our belief’ is true, and you deny other people’s beliefs, then you’ve adopted an ideology. And then religion becomes a closed door.” –Eckhart Tolle
Oprah is on a crusade–in earnest–to help women find hope and “truth.” Millions of people (including many “Christian” women in our evangelical churches) are buying into this tragically false teaching. Here are three ways to pray:
1. Ask God to rescue Oprah and those buying into this line of thinking.
2. Thank God for pastors and Christian leaders who are stepping forward, exposing lies, and giving the gospel in love! (Pray for more to join them.)
3. Ask Him for a widespread reformation and revival among Christian women—for a great return to Jesus—and for a fragrant living out of the faith by these revived women
Thank you for joining in this effort to lift up Christ and to equip women to recognize the difference between Truth and error. Pray that hundreds of thousands of Christian women will rise and stand as true women, and eclipse this “movement” of Oprah’s . . . for the good of women, men, and children, and the glory of God.

When Goliath Doesn't Fall

“Sometimes, no matter how hard you pray, babies die. Sometimes, no matter how much you trust God, doctors find cancer. Houses catch fire; tornadoes demolish entire communities; and terrorists successfully crash airplanes into buildings.” This book, by Jody Conrad, answers the questions: What happens to our faith when our giants defeat us? I’ve only read the first 50 pages or so on the plane today, but this book shows compassion and understanding of the admittedly hard work life is at times. This book talks about the hopeful worship of the prophet Habakkuk.
My goal is to be like her in this season of my life– to be someone who still sings of the joys of heaven even while in the trenches and darkest hours of life and even when Goliath won’t fall.
The author is a friend and neighbor of a colleague of mine at U of I. She lives in Colfax, WA and, from what I’ve read so far, is a woman who hears and understands the cry of humanity to live with abundant faith and amazing grace.
My U of I colleague is a dear, wise friend. He has children my age and we've known each other for 12 years now. He and his wife were at my wedding and he's been a professional mentor for a very long time to me. He wrote in the cover of this book words of great hope and honor for me which blessed me beyond words.

A must-try

Wild Ginger has now become one of my favorite new-found restaurants in Seattle! They offer the best Asian cuisine in the Northwest. Serving up authentic recipes from the Pacific Rim countries lying between India and Japan: Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, South China and Vietnam. Signature offerings such as Fragrant Duck, Seven Flavor Beef, Ginger Martinis and Mango Daiquiris have marked Wild Ginger's indelible presence as a Pacific Northwest dining destination. Local and national food critics and Northwest residents have consistently rated Wild Ginger as among the very finest Northwest restaurants. The New York Times wrote: "...this is perhaps the most provocative, and fun, restaurant in Seattle."

I went there with my CASE colleagues just last night. CASE is a international council for advancement support in education. I sit on our district's board and this group of 20 people are among my favorites in my world of work. We represent all of the northwest and 1/2 of Canada and all LOVE good food. This board meeting was held at the Sheraton Seattle Downtown...just 2 blocks away from Wild Ginger! (I think it was at 3rd & Union)

You MUST try it the next time your travels take you to Seattle! It's super-yummy to say the least. I finished my meal last night with a scoop of coconut ice cream! I'm not sure on the cost per person - they serve family style and for a private party room we had to spend a minimum of $1,000. We all were stuffed when we left!

After the Conference...

For most people, the Weekend to Remember conference is a time of hope and encouragement; a time for marriages to be renewed and refined. Unfortunately, we struggled through the entire time together. Perhaps it was just too much to assume we should take on a weekend like this. But we felt, and had many encourage us, it would be good for us. There's much I could share, but the most important thing to share is that we still desperately need your prayers and your understanding as it is hard to be vulnerable and real with friends and family that surround us both because the feeling of failure and confusion is currently running rampant in both of us. I wait on God as I sit here in yet the third hotel room this week (I just left Seattle after a board meeting and am now in Boise for a couple of days for donor visits.) asking God why we are struggling so much in this marriage.
To be sure, I would certainly encourage any and all of my friends to attend the Weekend to Remember. It has fabulous, Biblical teaching, great times set aside to spend with your spouse, a fabulous hotel (at least ours was!) and offers many resources to ensure future success in marriage and family relationships.
Perhaps I had my hopes set too high for what I wanted to see happen this weekend in our marriage. I don't know what it is I'm supposed to be learning from all of this, but please pray the lessons are learned quickly. This season is a rough one and I am very ready to be back up on a mountain top.
Please, please don't feel the need to share the benefits of being in a valley - I've been in valleys before in other times of my life and I know that God is still holding me and being my All in All. No pep talk needed. :) I also know that God can do the deepest work during the loneliest hours - trust me, I know what I would say to my friends if seats were traded. But, just know, I've already heard it. JUST PRAY!

Hawaii cruise

My friend Vix requested a picture of Shel and I - so this post is for you, friend. :)

This past summer Sheldon and I went on a Hawaiian cruise...here's a shot of us from the 7 day excursion to 5 islands. We got to go snorkeling, see dolphins, tour the famous chocolate factory (YUM!), shop, visit some friends, site see, go to a luau and, most importantly, REST. My parents came, too, which made it even more fun for all of us. It was actually there idea originally until I suggested we tag along. As you can see, my husband is quick to tan, and I just burn, peel, and turn white again. We went on Norwegian and perhaps someday I'll write about the lack of service we experienced. Let's just say we will not be getting on board another Norwegian cruise ship anytime soon. But, one thing for sure, there's no better way to travel than on a big ship! This was my 3rd cruise and hopefully not nearly my last.