The Zoo & Old Friends

Friends

We took the kids to the Oregon Zoo yesterday. I have said this before, but I am torn about how I feel about zoos. I want to like them, but at the same time I feel for the animals. I am imagine they just want to run free.  But, what if they were in the wild and did not live long. I know some of the animals at the Oregon Zoo are rescued from their natural habitat. There is an elephant that had her eye shot from a farmer that took over her rain forest. The made me like it more. Colin was so distraught over that story.

Silly

My shadow

Anyways, we went to the zoo to meet up with some of Will's old friends. His fire academy buddy, Joel and his wife, Bobbie. For the past 12 years or so, I have heard stories about some of Will's favorite people. It took us this long to finally meet up. We had tried in DC, but it did not work out. I am so glad it did! What a sweet and lovely couple! Their kids are adorable too! It was nice seeing Will in his element and get a glimpse to him in his Air Force days.  We talked about a few other meet ups this summer... I hope it works. Fingers-crossed for Leavenworth and Seattle.

My babies

She loves this thing

Alligator

Puppet show

Owl

                                                          ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
                                                                 The B Family

A Mama Break to Lincoln City

A few weekends ago, I was able to take a weekend mama break and head to Lincoln City with some of my longest and dearest friends from school years. Two I had met in 3rd grade and the other two in Jr. High. All except one, was able to make it from our group that went to Disneyland for our senior trip. It was so nice seeing everyone. I am not always the best at keeping in touch, but it was so much fun and I love being around everyone - so I need to be better. I am glad that we are able to meet up and just pick up where we left off. I really felt like I was back in high school!

We had a great time though. We stayed busy! We did a morning run (well three of us), then shopped, ate at some amazing restaurants (Side Door Cafe, Blackfish Cafe and Kyllo's -  I loved all three), hiked (Drift Creek), relaxed in the hot tub, and enjoyed late night drinks. To make it even feel more like high school we watch a little bit of Grease!

I am so thankful for great friends and a time to step away from the busy and just breathe.

                                                        ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
                                                                The B Family

A Wonderful Soul

The kids' drawing

Yesterday evening was the first time I had to tell my kids (Meli did not quite understand) that someone they knew had passed away. Our family has lost some dear family members (Will’s Uncle Ed and my Aunt Kathleen) since the kids have been born; but they were either too young or had not met the person to truly understand what that means. It makes a difference (when that young) to explain that someone they had seen fairly often will no longer be there.

When we first moved back to Oregon, we were staying in Cottage Grove with my dad until we figured out where to next. While we were there, I was told about a program (resource center) that helps families figure out all things "children" in the area. They also had a place where kids could come and play while the parents visited. This place, APC, really was a life changer for me. It introduced me to three very, very special ladies (who work there) and connected me with some fabulous families in the CG area. Most of the people that I met in Cottage Grove were from that one location. I am so grateful for my time there!

One of the ladies, Ms. Peggy, was so helpful with any questions I had about the kids and the stages they were in. She truly was a wonderful instructor, person, and friend. She dedicated her life to children and supporting families. My kids adored her!!! They thought it was awesome that she had white hair with a dyed purple streak (it was pretty cool). Whenever we were in the area, the kids would ask to go visit Ms. Peggy, Ms. Lesly, and Ms.Ana Maria.

I found out a little later that Peggy was and had been battling cancer for several years. You would have never known from her attitude and patience with the kids. She would come back from a chemo session and be so happy to see the kiddos. The last time I saw her when visiting, I could really see a difference in her physical appearance and energy. That was around Christmas time. Now she has gone on to the next part of her journey. I am so sad to say goodbye, but I know that her suffering is no more and she can find peace.

Colin was very sad to hear about her dying. He did say that we needed to say a prayer for her family and friends. He also thinks that she is able to watch us now from heaven and is happy.

Peggy –

My prayer...is that you know how very loved you are. I pray that our goodbyes and tears reach up to you. A little community was so blessed to have been a part of your journey. You will be forever missed. Thank you for your patience, guidance, and love for our children.

Here is a link to her cancer story that she shared. 

Renewed Inspiration

Taken with my iphone

Anyone that knows me fairly well, knows that I love taking photos. Since moving back to Oregon, I have put it on the back burner. I was focused on rekindling all sorts of old hobbies that I forgot of my new found ones. 

Last week, a friend of mine wanted to go take photos. I am so glad I went. It was exactly what I needed to awaken my inner creative goddess!

SLR

SLR

The top pictures were taken while hanging out with my friend at a place known as Turtle Pond. The pictures below are from my garden the next morning. 

SLR

SLR

SLR

SLR

Until next time...

Velorossa Design

When we first moved back to Oregon and were living in Cottage Grove, we met some amazing people who make beautiful lights and furniture. The company is called Velorossa Design. We just adore their family. The pieces of art they create is just amazing. Check them out at http://www.velorossa.com/.

 

 

 

 

Below is a picture of our grandfather clock they made. I just love this piece. It is so neat to have an original piece of work.

 

This is the top half of our standing light. The centerpiece is an antique French thermometer. I love old lanterns, so this is perfect for me. We also have a little desk lamp.