Archive for the ‘Fun Things’ Category

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Pt.Reyes pics

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Hello, dear friends and family! Rick, Debra and I arrived in Inverness, CA late Wednesday night. Our flight took us to San Francisco International Airport. From there, we took the bus to Larkspur, where Gramma Taron picked us up. After one hour of driving on winding roads, late at night, we arrived safely here. Thanks so much to Rick’s mom for doing that for us!

We spent a low-key day Thursday, conversing, going for walks and reading. The fog, which I find to be cozy, remained all day.

Today is another story altogether: The sun is shining in a brilliant blue sky, and a lively breeze is blowing. I snapped a few photos on my cell phone when I rode along with Gramma Taron to run some errands in Pt. Reyes:

I love PtReyes

This sticker expresses my sentiments!

old ptreyes garage

I snapped this photo of the signs decorating the wall of an old garage in Pt. Reyes. Notice the Highway 1 sign? Have any of you ever driven along this old, winding route? It hugs the Pacific coastline.

ptreyes post office

The post office in Pt.Reyes reflects a common architectural style you see here. It’s lovely, I think.

Inverness Post Office

A little closer to “home” is the Inverness post office.

dad fixed the chair lift

How many older folks do you know who install their own chair lift? That’s what Dad and Mom Taron did. Rick fine-tuned it today, and replaced the light switch behind it.

model ship for Laura

Dad Taron built this model ship for our daughter Laura. It is currently sitting on the fireplace mantel, awaiting such time as Darren and Laura are able to come here to fetch it home.

That’s all for now, folks!

Posted in Family, Favorite Photos, Fun Things | 4 Comments »

Give Me Five Monday

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Give Me 5 Monday logo

The question this week for Give Me Five Monday is:

Give Me Five random things you’ve never done before.

  • I’ve never traveled by railroad, though I would like to do so.
  • I’ve never smoked a cigarette. I think all the smoke bothered me when I was growing up, so I just never wanted to try it.
  • I have never traveled to the East Coast of the U.S. or to the South.
  • I have never lived where there are hurricanes or tornadoes.
  • I haven’t been to a spa (yet)!


Hostess Becca says this about the meme:

The ‘Give Me Five’ Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here’s how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn’t have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.
Sign up for weekly reminder emails @ beccagirl@charter.net

Posted in Blogthings, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Give Me Five Monday | 5 Comments »

Seven Amazing Things meme

Friday, August 7th, 2009

I have been tagged!

My friend Linda, whose blog is Remote Treechanger, tagged me to post 7 things about myself that I think are amazing. Those of you who know me well may not be AMAZED, but I will try:

  • As my late 20s approached, I thought I would NEVER get married, though I desired to do so. I was a member of a very small Presbyterian church. My husband-to-be also wanted a wife and family, and was also a member of a small Presbyterian church two states north of me.
  • We were introduced by mutual friends. His college roommate had married one of my favorite working-girl roommates. They kept after us for about a year before we agreed to meet.
  • I travelled north with a girlfriend, stayed with Rick’s pastor and family, and so we met. After that visit, we continued to get to know one another mainly by writing letters, and talking on the phone. Remember, this was prior to the ease of email and chatting online.
  • Though we had no one to supervise us, we really wanted to honor the Lord in our relationship, so we were very strict with ourselves during the times when we did see one another: no holding hands and no kissing. When I met Rick’s folks just prior to the wedding, they wondered if we really even LIKED one another, since we were both so reserved.
  • Rick and I both believe that children are a gift from the Lord, and were so thankful to receive six daughters and three sons into our home. Maybe it’s not amazing that I’ve never used birth control of any sort.
  • Seven of our children were born naturally, our twin daughters were born by C-section. Six of the natural births occurred after the C-section.
  • I love and enjoy our children so much! I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be a wife and mother. I’m thankful the children all have come to their own faith in God, work hard, and enjoy one another!


That’s all, folks!

Now, I am tagging seven friends:

Please, if you’re reading this and want to do the same sort of post at your blog or on Facebook, do join in!

Posted in Family, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, marriage, Things for Which I am Thankful | 10 Comments »

Give Me Five Monday is Back!

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

Give Me 5 Monday logo

The Give Me 5 meme is back! The question for today is:

Give Me Five words that describe your blog!

  • Occasional
  • Family
  • Positive
  • Photos
  • Christian

Hostess Becca says this about the meme:

The ‘Give Me Five’ Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple short list! Here’s how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn’t have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.
Sign up for weekly reminder emails @ beccagirl@charter.net

Posted in Blogthings, From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Give Me Five Monday | 5 Comments »

Portage Island Playtime

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

On Thursday, Rick took two of the children, plus two of their friends, out in the little Pelican sailboat. They set sail from the Fairhaven launch in Bellingham, WA, heading for Portage Island. They enjoyed a good stiff breeze of about ten miles per hour. Here are a few photos of their outing:

leaving Fairhaven launch

Here are the children, just setting off. Rick jumped in after snapping the picture.

looking back to chuckanut

Looking back to mainland, the Chuckanut area.

pelican on portage island

On the beach at Portage Island

mystery bird

Can anyone identify this bird?

portage island bull

An unwelcome sight while exploring the beach: Mr. Angry Bull.

Posted in Family, Favorite Photos, Fun Things | 5 Comments »

From the Lincoln Memorial

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Rebecca just emailed me another cell phone pic from Washington, D.C. I can tell from the mischievous smile on her face that she’s thinking of the latest Night in the Museum movie where President Lincoln’s statue is a major character.

lincoln memorial

Posted in Family, Fun Things | 4 Comments »

Ah, A Sailor’s Life for Me!

Saturday, July 11th, 2009

Today we’re enjoying a truly warm day, which is a rare thing so far this summer. To celebrate, Seth invited one of his school buddies over, and Rick took them out sailing on Bellingham Bay. That’s Seth at the tiller. Looks like Tyson is enjoying his first time out in the little Pelican sailboat.

sailing boys

Rick snapped this photo with the cell phone and emailed the image to me just a moment ago.

Posted in Family, Fun Things | 4 Comments »

Summertime

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

I found this meme over at 4EverMom’s blog, and decided to play along. If this catches your fancy, please play, too!


What’s your favorite day of summer (June 1-Sept 1)?

Well, our wedding anniversary is July 3rd, so that’s a favorite day for us as a couple.

July 4th is a favorite family day, as we enjoy going to a local park for a concert, and then watching the firework displays.



What’s your favorite indoor activity during summer?

Firstly, I enjoy getting the house clean and organized, with the children’s help.

After that, we often enjoy relaxing together watching a funny or slightly romantic movie.

Favorite outdoor activity?

Close to home, I enjoy going for a walk, preferably with some of the children.

Further away from home, we are enjoying sailing in our 12-foot Pelican sailboat. I am solely a passenger, but it’s still a lot of fun.


The pool or the beach?

Usually we have a pool in the backyard, for quick refreshing dips. The beaches around here are rocky, so No to the beach.

Have you ever camped in a tent during the summer heat?

It is rarely hot here in the Pacific Northwest, even in the summer. The closest we came to camping during a summer was staying in a yurt along the Oregon coast. That was quite enjoyable, but the weather was a bit chilly, not hot!

Popsicles or ice cream?

Definitely ice cream!


What flavor?

Vanilla in first place, followed by intense chocolate, then by coffee flavored.

Do you help in your church’s VBS?

Our church takes a break from Sunday school during the summer, so NO.

Do you get bored during summer?

No way. I appreciate the extra time to get cleaning done, and do special things with the family. I also do more reading than during the school year.

Are you going anywhere this summer?

We will do the ‘staycation’ idea this summer, such as going sailing locally, and visiting with friends who don’t live too far away.


Is summer your favorite season?

Autumn is my favorite season, but I appreciate summer’s warmth and relaxed pace.

Posted in From a friend's blog, Fun Things, Things for Which I am Thankful | 5 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, June 15th, 2009

simple-woman-daybook-small1

Hosted by Peggy

For Today…June 15, 2009

Outside my Window…We’re enjoying a mild ‘almost summer’ evening. The skies are clear, but it’s only about 62 degrees out, and there’s a moist feeling to the air. I notice the foxglove, a native plant here, is blooming. At green, growing times like this, it’s difficult to really remember winter’s chill.

I am thinking…what a welcome break summer vacation is for our busy school children.

From the learning rooms…I attended a behavior management class for paraeducators today. Suffice it to say, many things get in the way of learning for some kids.

I am thankful for…this calm evening. At times like this, I truly believe we are privileged to live in the most beautiful part of the planet.

From the kitchen…I made a spicy vegetarian chili this evening, which was enjoyed by all the family. Condiments were olives, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, hot sauce, with tortilla chips on the side.

I am wearing…long sleeves still. We have had some really warm days this season, but not very many. Summer weather will come to stay very soon.

I am reading…something light and humorous: Norah’s Ark: Love Me, Love My Dog by Judy Baer.

I am hoping…to be done with hay fever soon. I’ve developed a nagging cough with it this year. Blech!

I am creating…this blog post before looking at the bills or doing dishes. So there!

I am hearing…the train whistle off in the distance. Do any of you know the song where the words go something like this: “Train whistle blowing makes a sleepy noise. Underneath the covers go all the girls and boys. Rockin’, rollin’, ridin’, up around the bay, All bound for Morning Town, many miles away.” I believe Peter, Paul and Mary sang that song.

Around the house…My husband has been doing some woodworking. I enjoy the sound of his projects underway, but our dog hates the sound of the power tools. When Rick comes in the house, she walks up to him and stares at him with a sad expression. Poor dog!

One of my favorite things…is the children enjoying one another’s company. Rebecca and Lydia spent last night with older sister Kayla, and today went on a picnic to beautiful Boulevard Park.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…We are going to a potluck good-bye dinner on Friday for a young man in our church who is going away to begin seminary training. I enjoy those social times.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

sailing

I finally went sailing with Rick recently, and enjoyed the experience. I think I’ll be able to share this hobby with him.

at-the-tiller

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Please visit Grandmother Wren to sign Mr. Linky if you are continuing with Simple Woman’s Daybook for the summer. Thanks!

Posted in Books, Education, Family, Fun Things, Hobbies, Homemaking, My job, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 7 Comments »

Where In the World is Matt?

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

Posted in Fun Things, Music | Comments Off on Where In the World is Matt?

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