We made memories in our own home this year as it’s the first Christmas we’ve spent in Oregon, and the first Christmas that we’ve owned this house. I’m so happy we have a fireplace, and we took the chance to use it quite a bit this holiday season–even roasting marshmallows in the family room {not… Read More Christmas by Firelight
OMSI is one of our favorites so much that we became members this past fall. On the first day of Silas’s winter break we met up with some friends at OMSI and made a day of it. The boys are not only fascinated with the science playground, but also with the science labs. The physics… Read More Of Gingerbread, Science, and Snow
Stephen and I made time for a Christmas date and got to experience a slice of our quirky city. First, we drove over to Milwaukie along the east side of the Willamette River to see the Christmas ship parade. When we got there, a bonfire was roaring on the river’s edge, and we stood watching… Read More PDX Christmas Date
When looking for Christmas events in the area, I instantly knew I wanted to visit Ft. Vancouver over in Washington. Having grown up near Prickett’s Fort in WV, my family and I would often visit the Revolutionary-War-era stockade for their Christmas event. Each year they served wassail and molasses cookies–a favorite of mine! So, a… Read More Christmas at Fort Vancouver
I’ve been so busy doing nothing this Christmas break, that I just haven’t had time to blog! Early in December I had my wisdom teeth removed (finally!), and a friend of mine came over for two days to take care of me and the kids. Debbie is such a sweetheart to serve us so selflessly.… Read More Zoo Lights & Other Celebrations
The first weekend in December was GreenLoop’s holiday party. Since there’s only one other GreenLoop employee in Portland, he and Stephen (& all of us) were invited to Bend for the weekend to celebrate. Bend is an inviting mountain city in Oregon’s high desert about three hours southeast of Portland. We took the western/southern route… Read More Weekend in Bend
We made a memory and cut down our first Christmas tree this year. Furrow Farm is a cute little family farm up the road that we visited Thanksgiving weekend. The day was cold and a little rainy, but it felt like winter, so that was a plus! The kids were all bundled up, we pulled… Read More Cuttin’ Down Our Christmas Tree
Cooper Andrew has had a season of birthday celebration this fall. It began when Grammy and Grampy threw him an early birthday party in Indiana this September. Then {since his November 27th birthday usually falls on or near Thanksgiving} we hosted his party on the 18th–before all our friends were partied-out! Finally, we gave him… Read More He’s Finally 5!
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV Thanksgiving is a sweet holiday. It’s a time to pause in reflective thankfulness to God our Father. It’s a time to enjoy family and friends… Read More Thankfulness
Fall in Oregon is dazzling! This October has been dry, warm, and sunny–especially compared to last year. By now, most of the leaves are either gone or have turned brown, but it’s been a beauty of a season! We explored Sauvie Island (an island in the Columbia River) one weekend. Though it’s just across the river… Read More Autumn Activities
