more pictures

Okay, so this is WAY more pictures I would normally put on my blog. BUT, I still don't have my computer back (remember the hard drive crashed), it's still getting fixed. And I have to use the biggest piece of junk right now. (Think thankful thoughts Heather, at least I have a computer to use! ) Anyway, my sisters and parents have been begging for pictures of the house. And I can't send them with my present piece of junk...I mean my lovely computer. So, if you aren't my parents or my sisters, sorry to bore you!


These pictures are of the loft upstairs. This is where I'll put my desk, bookshelf and "stuff". It's big enough, I want a computer/creating desk. I want to have a nice big spot to...I don't know scrap book or something. There won't be lots of toys up here. This is Momma's spot. WELL, and Dad's spot too, I guess :)

View from the upstairs balcony.
This is really the dining room, the sales person uses it as an office right now.
These pictures are of the downstairs great room. Enough room there for a ping pong table. We get to keep the big TV, score! This room has three closets connected to it, one is a huge walk in-all for toys!! I'm in heaven there. I"ve never had a place to REALLY put toys before.

This is the living room. My piano will go where the couch is.

View one of the kitchen. I love the big windows I get to look out of.
View two. I love the big pantry, that I can actually stand up in. (In Texas my pantry was under the staircase, so it got short...real fast.) I have double ovens, I can wait for that feature! Holiday baking will be a dream ;)
Family room, right off the kitchen area. No beautiful Russian built-ins, but l like it! Yes, that is a fax machine...don't forget they are using this house right now for the office/model. They hadn't even moved all the way in yet, no kitchen table or dining room furniture yet.
My room. Hannah checking out the fake stuff on the bed.

The new house!

I'm in a WAY better mood...

let me tell you why...WE FOUND A HOUSE!! I'm so excited. We literally had seen every house in the Prune Hill Elementary boundaries. And nothing was exactly what we wanted. Sure, I could have found something...but it was either out of our price range (that happens to me a lot :), or it just didn't quite fit what we wanted. There is this little cul-de-sac with new houses kind of within a neighborhood, that Scott put feelers out for on Monday. In December (on a house hunting trip) we had tried to get in and see it with Janis, but there was no key in the little box thing. It wasn't done inside anyway. But it's done now, they just moved all their stuff into to make it the model a few weeks ago. Lucky for us, they will move things right back out. We can be in on April 15th!!!! SO, it is literally one street out of Prune Hill Elementary, but we can send them to PH anyway. We already checked. They are more relaxed about that here. I went to take pictures yesterday and got in a couple when my camera battery died. I hadn't charged that battery since Christmas! So, it was bound to run out...just my luck though to run out on the exact moment I really wanted to take a picture. ha I'll be back later today. I'm sure the sales person will be so glad to see me...again. :) Pictures to come.

Oh NO not the blue screen of death!!

Yesterday, as I was JUST turning on my computer...I got the blue screen of death. Yes, my hard drive crashed!! We think we can salvage some/most/hopefully all the stuff that hadn't been backup on my external hard drive. Because...of course that is packed. Doesn't that suck for me? Yes, it does. (I am now using an old lap top of Scott's while mine gets fixed???)

Just go ahead and say it, it kind of sucks to be me right now all the way around. Ha. I'm kind of joking. I need to go back and re-read all my positive thought blogs. It looks like the bank isn't budging from it's "new and improved" higher price. We went and looked again at a couple of houses last night. It's just that with those I would be kind of "settling". NOT exactly what I"m looking for, I feel like I could make (there are currently 3) one of them work. There are even a few that I really do like certain things about. But not everything. Like this one...it's got the game room and the media room, storage, and a big laundry...but the kitchen is smallish, the master bathroom is kind of stinky AND the master closet is SMALL. Do you get my point?? Sometimes, I wonder if we are being too picky, or if we just haven't found our house yet. I have made a whole new list of houses to see. I'm sure our realtor is ready to poke out our eyes. At least she and Hope have a good bond now. Hope LOVES Janis, and wants Janis to hold her when she is around. I'm sure Janis LOVES that too, hahahaha.

Well, I really do need to go get my fanny in gear. Today, is early release day. Elementary school gets out at 1:10 every Wednesday. That means Hayden goes IN early to half day kindergarten. I LOVE Wednesdays...can you hear my sarcasm???? Today will be kind of interesting. I'm going to be in a commercial, not really, it's a demo tape really. Let me quickly explain. This lady I met at church, Julie, whom I have been chatting with and really quite like, asked me on Sunday if I would help her out with something. She and her Dad have this company, eCompass Connection (they do webinars). So I have a bit to say that lasts about 1:50. It's complete with a teleprompter, videographer, the whole bit. At first I thought I was going to have to memorize the whole thing, but she does have a teleprompter. I don't know why she thinks I can do this!! I don't really know why I agreed, something new I guess. What was I thinking?? Wish me luck.

What the Heck??

Where to start??

First of all, I went to the US appointment on Friday. The tech said, that my "lump" looked like a lymph node. Hopefully, a normal one at that. But, I will hear from my doctor (in Texas, because she is the one that ordered the test) hopefully, in "about a week". Hayley and I both had good feelings after the appointment though.

Friday was just a big day, because we finally heard something about the house. Not good news really either. The bank came back and said they want to increase the price of the house $65,000!!! @%@$#&*!! Can you believe that? Soooo, needless to say, we went house hunting this weekend, and found a few lovelies. We told the bank late Friday night (too late they are east coast time) to take our price or we walk. We also, put in an offer on another house that is currently EMPTY, so we should be hearing something in the next day or two. Hopefully, one of these houses works out. But, if not, there are more houses out there. We'll just keep looking. How stupid can the bank possibly be?? If they let us walk, the house goes into foreclosure. (April 15th) They will have to pay legal fees and auction the house AKA get LESS money for that house. But whatever. I'm not paying more for that house. Just not going to do it. The other house isn't as big, but it has a way better yard, and it has some really pretty built in features. Something I have learned, a house is a house. We can make a home of it. I just not worried about that. As long as it has a few "must haves" we should be good to go and make the other things work.

All my family is gone. We had a GREAT time. You wouldn't ever have guessed that we were all "crammed" here in this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo/apartment. We made the most of it. Well, they really made the most of it. Scott and I had our own room and bathroom. The kids had a great time having sleepovers with my Dad on the sofa bed. Easter dinner was great. Even though I only had a hand full of pots and pans to cook in, and some people had to eat on paper. We only have 6 plates. Towels?? We did lots of washing :) It was so fun, and I loved house hunting with my Mom and Dad, Hayley, Scott and kids. I really did. It's was nice for Scott and I to have 3 more adult opinions to hear. We'd be like "No really what do you think?" My parents are politically correct. Hayley...she's not so PC, but I love her. hahaha

We finally saw Horton Hears a Who, very cute...if you haven't seen it you better go soon. The theater we went to was in downtown Camas. It was built in the 20's. Newly remodeled, so very nice. BUT it had a cry room. Scott ;) liked that feature!! Then we had some delish pizza (at that place we wanted to go to for Scott's birthday but it was closed on Mondays) SO good!! And totally cool ambiance! Fun time. I miss my family already! Thanks guys for coming.

the films have been located!

Finally, my mammogram films have been located, and I have an ultrasound appointment scheduled. Finally!! They were "lost in the system" at Vancouver Radiologist. Apparently, I wasn't "in the system" right, and they didn't know who this Heather Gray person was. Little Mr. Vince in the records department helped me out though, and talked to his supervisor. Good thing I have a little bit of Marleen in me. I wasn't satisfied today when he told me they still hadn't arrived. "Vince, that just can't be", I said. And what do you know, they have been there since the 13th!!! UHHHHGGGG. Now let's see why my intramammery lymph node is showing up on the mammo!!!

It was also funny, I talked with somebody that had all kinds of answers to my questions today. First of all, why the HECK couldn't they just digitally send my films?? Well, you can. But you have to have the same software from office to office. Mine didn't. Lucky for me. Also, why can't you just say, "her lump is in the upper quadrant of her left breast , ultrasound her there"?? According to the woman in the know, breast tissue is so dense that it has to be SO exact. I started to laugh to myself. Not THIS breast tissue. Let's just say I don't have much going on up there. If I had a huge tumor, it would stick out of my skin!

Hayley is on her way, and I can't wait!! My parents are coming out tomorrow. We hope anyway, flights don't look good because of weather. But it will be one fun weekend her in Washington. Can you believe I now live in WA?? Crazy.

moon sand

I'm one of the "crazy Moms" that actually let their kids play with Play dough and Moon Sand. Hayden got the above pictured set of Moon Sand, complete with the sand box, and he LOVES it. In fact, he loves it so much, he told me he loves IT as much as he loves me. And THAT's saying a lot, because yesterday was his birthday...and I saw to it he had one heck of a day ;). So, if you too are one of those "crazy Moms", look for the Moon Sand Castle set with the sand box. It's a good one, and it slightly less messy because they keep their mess, somewhat, contained! Yippee. If they do make a little mess, you can easily wipe it up and vacuum. Really.

FIG girls went very well yesterday. I have a group of cute little girls. No big red flags- first thing. I had a large sigh of relief, that's for sure. Today is clean up day around here. I've got a pot of water boiling on the stove this morning. I'm missing the Houston humidity a little bit today. (lots of static)

Happy Birthday Hayden!!

Hayden turns 6 today!! Happy Birthday to my little crazy boy with a heart of gold. I love that kid! Happy number 6 today Hayden!!

those darn eggs

Yesterday, I had a hankering for some Easter candy. I bought some stuff for Sunday morning, and bought an extra bag of Reese's peanut butter eggs to open up-early...a special bag to get us in the Easter spirit. I really wanted the Cadbury solid chocolate eggs with the candy shell. BUT they were sold out at Walmart AND Target. Apparently, the folks here in Washington are fans as well. So, I "settled" on the Reese's. Not really a settle mind you. Those are probably my favorite. ANYWAY, last night at dinner Hunter asks if we can have root beer floats for dessert. "Dessert" I say, shocked and amazed,"you guys had tons of the Reese's eggs, we don't need dessert too." Hunter's reply, "No Mom, I only had a few of those..." So, "apparently" I was the one that had tons of the Reese's eggs. I'm just glad that are gone now. Yes, G-O-N-E. Gone. Those darn eggs won't be haunting me anymore, in fact the thought of them makes me a little sick. Maybe I did have one or two too many.

The clinic here STILL has not received my films. More waiting. I'm going to call this afternoon. Still nothing on the house. The people get foreclosed on mid April. I don't know what will happen if they get foreclosed on. Best case scenario, it will just take MORE time. So darn sick of this. WHAT lesson am I supposed to be learning here? I wish I could learn it already and MOVE on to a new lesson.

****Do any of you have any great ideas?? Tomorrow is my first Faith in God activity. The Primary President met with me today and gave me this garbage bag full of eggs (you know, the multi-colored plastic ones that open up??)she told me I could have. Well, thanks! I said. We have a FHE lesson for the girls to put together, but that will take 5 minutes. (I have an hour to fill) We can have an Easter egg hunt. Got that, but I want to do something else...like a get to know you game involving the eggs. The girls don't know me or Hannah, and we certainly don't know them. Any super fabulous ideas? Come on...don't be shy. Anything helps!!

The last day pictures

The last picture of Hayden in his tree. When Hayden saw these pictures he said, "Oh my tree!! I miss climbing my tree, Mom." It kind of has me teary right now.

The last picture of my kids at the top of the stairs. This is a "must" shot for any and all holidays.

Last shot of us right outside our door.

Attempt at self portrait to show you my new hair cut...on the "last day".
Hope the morning of...the last day. She had no real clue what the heck is happening to her.

So, I finally got a cord so I could download my pictures I had taken right before and after the move to WA. I have "sort of" been looking all day. Then, I couldn't stand it anymore and I just flipped through them all. Pictures of friends make me a little teary. I flipped through those very fast. I'll be posting more pictures tomorrow. Blogger is taking FOREVER to load pictures. So this is it for now.

In other exciting news...

Scott and I woke up today to this, and I quote "the former male stripper David Hernandez"...for those of you who aren't in the know...it's a reference to the American Idol voted off last evening. I must admit I laughed out loud. 6:10 must have been the perfect time to set my alarm clock this morning. It was good to have a laugh, I haven't really felt like laughing the last day or so. You see, last week I got the results back from my mammogram that I had taken a few days before I left. Apparently, I have some intramammery lymph nodes that have showed up on the films, and they don't know why. You aren't supposed to see these little suckers on a mammo. For a whole week, I have been able to hide my fears someplace in the back of my mind. Really, we don't know what it is, it certainly might not be anything at all. But it's the unknown. It could be something,.. But when I get bored, I start thinking. The day before yesterday I got a little bored and started thinking too much, so Hope, Scout and I went and worked a big hill. It's was either that or eat the whole bag of Dove dark chocolates. I think I made a good choice. haha. So that's that. I was told to get myself into the radiologish ASAP to have an ultrasound done. But of course, I need to wait for my ORIGINAL films to get MAILED (not FedEX, or emailed!!). It's a week today since I requested my doctor to release my films. I should be hearing the new doctor has them today, I should!! Regardless, I'm calling them today, just to check. After all, it's the mail, not the pony express!

For any of you who really know me, you know I HATE waiting. And I feel like I'm getting lots of practice lately. We did hear yesterday, that the bank is sending out an appraiser for the house. Things are moving, slowly...but they are moving!

In other exciting news, Hayden overflowed the toilet last night. I don't know why one little pooped required soooo much TP, but apparently it did. It all went down (or should I say it all came back up) when I was meeting with the 2nd counselor in the bishopric...yes I do have a new calling. Since I'm not supposed to actually tell anyone what the new calling is I'll let you guess... let's just say Hannah will be very happy, and I only have to do 2 meetings a month. Any guesses??? I was pretty relieved to tell you the truth, seems like a pretty easy job. I need to call my buddy Michelle up, she was this back in Houston and did a fantastic job. Any of you have this particular job? I did expect a little more time off though, but no such luck.

Anyway, Hayden, Hope and I are staying home this morning. It is actually raining today, and I need to clean this joint up.

Leatherheads

I want to see this movie. With George Clooney and John Krasinski, how could you go wrong?? Watch a clip here.

Well duh!

This morning at the gym, I go into a "ball blast" class. I enter the studio 12 minutes before the class starts. There wasn't anybody in there when I first got there, but the whole room was set up. I think to myself, this is my kind of instructor! They come in and set the whole room up. There was a lot of stuff too. Wow! Well, at 9:03 a whole ton of people come in. This lady comes over and tells me I'm in her spot. I say oh, okay, I'll just jump over to the next set of stuff. Still thinking she is just kind of lame and she isn't flexible...and that I'm in her "regular spot". All of a sudden it hits me, she has set all this crap up. It never even dawned on me, duh!! I don't know when these people set up there stuff, but apparently it was earlier than 15 minutes before the class starts. I'm used to "setting up early" meaning...like 5 minutes not 15-20. I just left and did my own thing. I'm sure that lady was thinking, "hello lady??" Better yet, I wonder what the other lady in there thought when I switched out one person's ball for another, and grabbed somebody else's red tubing!! haha hehe. How was I to know! Plus, in my defense, the set up was VERY uniform. Everything was placed in the same spot in all the different spots...much like ONE person had set everything up. I just thought we had a really on the ball instructor (no pun intended).

I'm in the market for a jogging stroller. I have made it through 3 other kids without one. In fact, I always thought, when I go run...I want to go alone. But now...Hope and I could go for run/walks a lot. Hayden could even ride his bike on all the trails around here. Plus, a jogging stroller is what I need on all the trails, anyway. My little stroller is just not doing the job. I've been on Craigslist, but they are like $75 for a used one, I can a new one for $120. Call me crazy, but I'd rather just get a new one. If I was talking $50...that might be a different story. Am I off on that??

Things are getting back to normal, I found a gym!

Beacon Rock

Things are getting back to "normal". First of all, we did move into the townhouse on Saturday. And yes, I'm not homesick for the Residence Inn anymore haha, I knew it wouldn't last. There is more room here, with a normal kitchen so all is well. I even worked out at my new gym today. It's LaCamas Swim and Sport. Let's face it, it's NOT Lifetime, but it's good. I have forever been spoiled by Lifetime. But I will survive. Hey something I did notice and enjoy...there are a lot of "normal" flat chested women here. Yiiippppe. Fake boobs were just a part of life in Houston, you see, and they just aren't so popular here. I'm normal again ;) hahahaha. I jumped on a spinning bike and I did a little bit of a Pilates class, so life is good. I EVEN saw somebody that I knew. You've got to love church. Friendly faces are already starting to pop up. They have a cool program for kids Hayden's age (no extra charge, bonus!) called Kid Fit. He got to go play in the gym the whole time I was gone. They had organized games of soccer, football, and freeze tag. He loved it, and wants to go back tomorrow. Thank heavens, cuz you know I'll be back.





We took two fun trips this weekend. On Saturday we went up to Beacon Rock. We hiked all the way to the top! We (aka Scott) pushed Hope in the stroller part of the way up. He parked the stroller at one point and just carried her up the rest of the way. I carried her down. But the hike up and down took about 2 hours. BEAUTIFUL. Loved it. Great views from up top. Then yesterday we went up to Livingston Mountain, and let the kids play in the snow. We DO need some proper equipment, like shoes. Poor Hayden had on his Keens and his feet were freezing. But that didn't slow him down too much. We took Scout with us both days and he was in heaven. Even Hopey loved the snow. It was a cool and refreshing..snack for her. Gross, I did make sure it was clean snow-at least.

Jamie, my sisters' friend used to live in Portland. She said that the beauty of the food here in the Portland area, is that it's a bunch of Mom and Pop type restaurants. I can already see that's true. On Saturday, on our way back from Beacon Rock, we ate at Lou's Texas BBQ. Total Mom and Pop BBQ place, owned by a true Texan, Lou. We had the pleasure of talking with Lou. He left Texas in '92, but was from the Houston area, of all places. He knew Tomball pretty well, and even was talking streets! Tonight for Scott's birthday, we are going to this pizza place in downtown Camas. Scott has eaten there, and says they have good Chicago style pizza. If it even comes close to LouMalnati's, then...oh boy I don't know what I'll do ;)

Happy Birthday Scott!!

Today is Scott's birthday. Help me wish him a happy day. I love that we are on this new adventure together. Love you, bunner.

Just a couple of issues.

Okay, so I am really liking this place, but I do have a couple issues.

First of all, there are NO gas stations. I'm used to Houston, where on every corner you have three things...a gas station, a donut shop and a dry cleaners. I needed gas the other day, and I swear I almost ran out looking! But alas, I found a Fred Meyer and they had gas. The WALMART didn't even have gas.

Second issue=restaurants. We went to the Olive Garden tonight for dinner. Scott is back in town and we wanted to "celebrate" ;). We chose Olive Garden not because it's the best Italian food around (it certainly is not) but it is close to the Residence Inn. We went in at 5:15 and had to wait 40 minutes. This area is certainly under served in the restaurant area. We will certainly be traveling over to Portland for our fine dining...aka anything other than Red Robin, Chipotle, Olive Garden or Burgerville.

The weather here has been very nice. No rain for three days. The few days before that, rained some (a little) but nothing terrible. I'm sure since tomorrow is Saturday, and we have lots of fun stuff planned, it will rain all day. Hayden wants to go to "Mount St. Hood" a cross between Mount Hood and Mount St. Helen. He wants to make snow angels, snowballs, snowmen, and have a snowball fight. I'd like to go snow shoeing. We shall see.

So, remember I told you about calling the Residence Inn home? Well, we checked into the townhouse today. It's pretty nice, it's lots bigger than the Residence Inn. But you know what?? If we hadn't already committed to the townhouse, I'd say forget it- we'll just stay here. Scott doesn't get this change of heart-at all! The kids and I all feel the same way. I think it's just because we are homeless right now, and have "moved in" here. I'm sure a week in that place we will feel the same way. Maybe. I won't have maid service there ;)!! Crazy though, feeling home sickish for the Residence Inn. What's wrong with me? hahahahaha. Tomorrow morning (after the breakfast buffet) we check out here, and move all of our crap over. Sounds fun, doesn't it?

Home really is where the heart is.

So, today I have found myself saying we are going "home" or it's back at "home"...meaning the Residence Inn people!! Hayden said, "Mom that's not home, Texas is home". I just smiled and said, I don't know. I have kind of moved into the Residence Inn. I know where crap is now. Life seems very simple here. I don't have to clean, or make a bed. Shoot tonight was the first night I even cooked dinner in quite a while. The last two nights they served dinner at the Residence Inn. Breakfast everyday, and dinner a couple times a week. Tonight they had food, good food...but not healthy. I'm talking nachos, soft pretzels, chips...we went to check it out and the kids were in hogs heaven. I came home and made spaghetti (Prego and noodles) and lots of veggies for our "real" dinner. I could get used to this simple life.


How's this for guts...Hunter told me today he saw this kid in his class getting picked on at recess. So, he went up to the guys being mean and told them to stop. They said, "shut up new kid", and Hunter got his little chest all puffed up and said something back to them. They just walked away. He asked me if he did the right thing?? I said yes, you stood up for somebody that needed it. I kind of wanted to cry, but I didn't. But, inside I was saying, geez they better not be mean to you now or pick on you. He had some guts, I don't know if I would have been that gutsy on my second day at a new school. Way to go Hunter!

the school shuffle has begun

I was up and showering early this morning. We started the school shuffle today. I have a lot of picking up and dropping off to do now. When we move into the house, it will be bus, or walking! But for now, it's me. Yesterday, we met some teachers and toured schools. Everybody had a smile on their face, and this momma felt very peaceful and calm. So far, so good.

First up was Hunter. We had an appointment at 8:00 am to tour his school. There was an ugly accident someplace on the 205 so we were about 20 minutes late. Lovely. No big deal though. So, this morning we left EVEN earlier and were about 25 minutes early. We won't be traveling "across town" for too much longer. We move into the townhouse on Friday (when Scott returns from his "vacation" ;)really, he is on a business trip to Denver and will return on Friday) All of Hunter's classes look great, the kids seem nice. We actually didn't meet Hunter's core teachers, but we did see them. We met his gym teacher Mr. Houston...who will also be his cross country coach. The counselor asked Hunter yesterday if he liked to run. Hunter's face lights up and says "yes Ma'am" (is that how you spell that?? Being that I'm NOT a Southern Bell, I don't really know haha) So, Mr. Houston (don't you loved the name, it was SO meant to be) is doing an intramural cross country club, that is really popular with the kids, and it starts today. What timing, right?? So, Mon-Thurs. I don't pick Hunter up until 4. He has two races in March. Track starts in April. He was thinking about playing baseball, and even went to a practice last night with a new friend from church, but I'm not sure he will do it. Maybe next time. Running is calling to him.

Hannah toured her new school yesterday and got to meet her teacher, Mrs. Hassel She seems very nice. I chatted a little more with her this morning. In between Hope's yelling and screaming. Did I tell you Hope is being a little beast? Well, she is. She is sleeping at night very well, and she is already taking a nap now. Moving is hard on her too, and she is reminding me. She'll get her groove back, I'm sure of it. Anyway, Hannah got to go in and say HI to her new class yesterday. One group of tables had those exercise balls that the kids were sitting on. I asked the teacher about them today and they rotate around the room. She commented about how good they are for the kids and how they really keep the kids on task better than regular chairs. I just smiled, hey you don't have to sell me on those balls. I packed mine up and it should be here with the "second wave" of stuff. This morning when I dropped her off, her new "buddy" Charlotte was there ready and waiting for her.

Hayden is very excited to start school this morning. Hope was such a beast I brought her back for a much needed nap. Usually, we will go to the gym,park, hike or errands. Something, anything besides come back to the hotel. But he is being a good sport. Thank heavens for Starfall and Nick! His teacher was very nice and cheerful this morning. It will be nice having that little fella around again. It's like I'm getting him back for a little while. I get a little bit of his childhood returned to me. I worry he will be bored and not challenged, but when we are back into our groove, I'll make sure he isn't! It's finally getting late enough, I need to go fix lunch for the little guy.

Then, what to do after I drop him off and before I pick up the rest of the group? I haven't been to Fred Meyer yet...or the Target in Camas...I'm sure I'll find something to do. Oh yeah, maybe the library!

Happy Birthday Hayley!

I think this picture about sums up Hayley. Happy birthday to you, my crazy sister. I love you!

This place is prettier than I thought!

I cried yesterday morning, but I haven't cried since. I think maybe the worst of "it" is over. I hope so. I sure was ready to pack my bags and head back home. Part of my deal yesterday morning (we're talking like 4:00 am) was that I was up worrying. Scott leaves on Tuesday night to go to Denver. ( how much does that suck!!) I'm a bit worried about getting around this place. Good grief, I will be carting kids to and from school ALL day. But, I guess I will be kept busy.

Busy is good. We had a fun busy day yesterday. We parked at the kid's elementary school, and went hiking on the trials literally, in our would be back yard. My butt is going to be in such good shape. The hills here are going to be so great to run on. Walking/hiking is fun and quite the workout. I think we walked about 3 miles. The kids were pooped. After that we went to the movies. We saw Spiderwich Chronicles, good flick. Then, I started shopping gyms. I visited 3, the LaCamas Swim and Sports place was my favorite so far. They have an indoor and outdoor pool, baby sitting, all kinds of equipment, and they have Pilate's reformers that I can just come in and use. I about tinkled on myself when I heard that. Very good news to me. Nothing compares to Lifetime Fitness however. I was very spoiled by that gym. Scott and I have both written "Corporate" telling them they are missing out on this market. Hunter and I found this cool music store. He needed some new reeds for his clarinet. WOW. I can rent my cello there AND take lessons. I don't know if my neighbors at the Residence Inn would appreciate me practicing, so I might wait a little while for that ;)

Today, after church we drove for about 25 minutes to the Bridge of the Gods. What a drive. This place is prettier than I thought. It's really something else. The whole drive was in the gorge of the Columbia River. The Columbia is really right in my back yard. So pretty. Even on our hike yesterday, I was a little dumb founded at the beauty here. Hannah came up to Scott and said, "Dad I really love it here. It's so pretty and I love nature." So anyway the bridge is just a bridge over the Columbia, but it lets you off in a cool part of OR, with 3-4 waterfalls off to the side of the rode. Pretty big waterfalls. We hiked around again for about 30 minutes, and then returned to our would be street. The would be neighbors had invited us over for dinner. The would be neighbors are very nice. And she was giving me the scoop on a lot of the people at church. I did take pictures today, but my lap top doesn't read my new camera card. We need an adapter. I'll be getting one soon.

I still feel like I'm on vacation and will be packing up to go home soon. Finally. I'm sure the hotel living helps with the strange feeling. Before I start feeling sad again, I'm going to go get ready for bed. I'll leave things on a good note. One whole day without shedding a single tear. THAT hasn't happened for like...forever.