Our "Non" New Year's Resolution

Call it what you like---over-eating, gluttony, binging, self-indulgence, porking-out, unrestrained gratification---Here are just a few of the excessive items we ate over the Christmas holiday (and this only includes foods from the past week!):

• Crown roast of pork with sausage apple cornbread stuffing
• Turkey, mashed potatoes and all the fixin’s
• Lobster bisque (made with real cream I’m sure!)
• Lasagna
• Artichoke dip and chips (gotta love the artichoke jalapeño dip from Costco)
• Berry pie ala mode
• Bundt cake with whipped cream
• Chocolate peppermint brownies
• Chocolate mints
• Chocolate peppermint bark
• Frosted sugar cookies
• Egg-nog french toast
• Chai tea topped whipped cream

Wow. Typing all of that out makes me realize it’s even worse than I thought. No wonder my jeans are feeling even tighter.

Now that we've gotten that all out on the table (no pun intended), our family is jumping on the bandwagon. No, not the “make-a-New Year’s-resolution-to-get-fit-only-to-fail-later” wagon but rather the “make-a-commitment-to-get-fitter-starting-now” wagon. Technically, since it’s still 2007 we have slightly increased our odds to succeed. Based on the definition in the infamous Wagner dictionary, early-declaration automatically disqualifies this from being considered a sure-to-fail New Year’s resolution.

Hubby is planning to start riding his bike a few days/week to work (yep, for those of you still wondering, he is starting a new job in January). We’re super thankful that he will no longer have over an hour commute each direction. Now, it will only take that long when he’s biking! We bought a new lighting system for his bike (who knew those could be so expensive?). I just couldn't convince him of my idea to duct-tape flashlights to the front and back fenders.

For my part, I’m planning to run a ½ marathon with some friends this Spring. Running should theoretically motivate me to eat less (though it's not worked to date). How much nicer would it be to have less weight for these short legs to carry as they pound the pavement over and over and over again? For Christmas I got a new heart rate monitor gadget, running tights (I feel sorry for the poor souls lagging behind when I'm wearing those) and custom orthotics. I have all the gear so I really have no good excuse. Yet.

One final disclaimer: Since we still haven’t gotten our backyard in as we’d said we were going to, and obviously don’t always follow-through, feel free to ask us how we are doing in say…another year or two.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. This is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We are so thankful for all that He has done and continues to do. His faithfulness cannot be shaken.




P.S. The Christmas shopping did indeed get finished (today!).

Count Down to Christmas

For those of you who read this post from last week, rest assured that our "busy-ness" and the resulting feelings of overwhelming stress are starting to settle down. Our family was down to only 2 physical therapy appointments, 1 doctor's appointment and Hubby negotiating 1 new job offer this week. Plus, I'm happy to report that the Christmas shopping is progressing (still not complete but advances have been made).

Now, rather than giving into the holiday rush, we are looking forward to celebrating Christmas. Let the count-down begin!

Slowing Dowwwwnnnnnnn...

Is anyone else feeling the rush of the Christmas season? I have to confess that this week, I'm guilty of giving into the overwhelming feelings of stress. It's not that I've been busy trying to make our home look like this (wouldn't that be lovely?!):


Instead, it is the stress of normal L.I.F.E. In one week, our small family has had one job interview, 3 doctors appointments and 2 Physical Therapy appointments all on top of our normal daily activities and work. Add preparing for the upcoming holidays, needing to clean a messy house and dealing with a backlog of laundry and "POOF!" my brain cells start to vaporize. All of you moms out there with more than one kiddo, I don't know how you do it this time of year. I have total admiration for each of you.

All this "busy-ness" has reminded me to step back and sit quietly for a moment. To listen to what Jesus really wants us to reflect on during the holiday season. To remember that Christmas really is about Him coming in human form, as a child born to the virgin Mary, to later die on the cross and be raised up again so that we may have eternal life.

I still have a lot to get done before Christmas approaches (I'm always such a procrastinator when it comes to Christmas shopping). I'm sure I'll continue to have moments of anxiety due to all my "to do's". Many of you are probably feeling likewise. Even in all of this, let's do our best to remind each other to slow down, focus on Jesus and enjoy this holiday season.

It's Game Day!

Our apologies to the millions of readers that we have out there in blogsphere (ha! ha!). We really haven't gone away, we've just been busy like everyone else with the Thanksgiving holiday. Honestly, I'm also suffering from a bought of writer's block. I haven't exactly recovered from the block but we did want to recognize the big "Civil War" game today.

One of our nearest and dearest friends, Jack, is an avid Duck fan (don't hold that against him, other than that, he's next to perfect!). Since Jack is so important to us, we've really been trying to feel sympathy for the Ducks this year. To go from being ranked #2 in the nation to losing their starting...and 2nd string and potentially even their 3rd string...QB's is a serious roller coaster ride and does deserve a little emotional outpouring. So we, along with our Beaver fan friends Robert and Samantha, even walked into a Duck store last weekend to buy Jack a birthday present. It was painful, but we made it happen. It wasn't hard to find a cheezy gift there. Take a peek:

Here's our Little Miss with Jack's present. Poor girl, notice the look on her face? She's thinking "Mom! WHY am I holding this thing? The colors are just so wrong! Who would choose that tone of green and yellow? Yuck!"

More..."I can't do this. I'm soooo embarrassed by the 'O'. Cover it up, cover it up!"
Well Jack, we tried. Guess the Little Miss is just too smart to pose with a fuzzy "Ducky" stocking. She did have one last thing to tell you though, "Go Beavs!"

(I know I very well may regret this post after the game today but I just couldn't resist. We do love you Jack!)

Thankful for the little things

As Thanksgiving Day approaches I’ve been thinking more and more about the “little” things in life that I’m grateful for. Of course I’m most thankful for God, family, friends, health, our country and the provision of all of our physical needs. I’m thankful to be a wife and mom and daughter. When I reflect back on last November 20th, I’m extra thankful to have our Little Miss home with us as it’s been exactly a year since she was discharged from the hospital.

Even with all of that, I keep being reminded of the less important things in life that bring a smile to my face. It’s these things that I often take for granted and overlook as I go about my day. Here are just a few things that come to mind. I am thankful for:

• Our Garage. It’s so nice to be able to park in a warm, dry place (thank you Hubby for the sacrifice that you make by parking your car outside!).
• Chai Tea. My latest addiction. What a great treat to have a cup of steamy, decaf Chai in the evening while sitting next to the fireplace in a comfy chair, covered with a soft chenille blanket (add Norah Jones playing softly in the background and it would be perfect).
• Drive-thru Coffee Stands. These little businesses are an incredible invention! I so enjoy stopping by the one near our house to order my “soy latte with sugar-free vanilla and hazelnut syrup” (It may be a strange order but I do feel special when the servers have my order memorized. Really, I only stop once…maybe twice…a week).
• Migrating Birds. We get thousands this time of year flying over our house and resting in the fields nearby. I am fascinated by the sounds they make and their meticulous formations. How DO they do that?
• Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Soup. Yum! Enough said.
• My Bed. I love climbing into our comfy bed at night and snuggling under the down comforter. Webster should have that as the definition of C-O-Z-Y!
• Sweaters. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an obsession for soft, warm sweaters. Turtlenecks, cardigans, V-necks or crew-necks. Plain, stripes or patterns. Cashmere (I wish), lambs wool or angora (wait, not angora. I must be allergic because it always makes me sneeze). Sweaters are one clothing staple that I wouldn’t want to do without.
• Elliptical Machine. Odd to be thankful for something that results in sweat and hard work but I am happy that my Hubby agreed to let me get one last year. That way I don’t feel too guilty when I skip my runs because it’s cold and wet outside.

There's obviously a "theme" here. Can you tell it’s been raining and chilly lately? Since it’s almost Thanksgiving, I’ll even sum up the courage to be thankful for THAT. This week.

Boy Crazy Already?

Oh no, our little girl already has a boyfriend! (actually, she's got a couple of boys to pick from right now). My hubby is convinced that our Little Miss isn't going to be allowed to date until she's 40 (yeah, a tad drastic!). I think her Daddy is going to have his hands full because this girl already has a crush on her friend Logan. A younger man nonetheless!

Here's the Little Miss moving in on her man (right in front of his mom, can you believe it?!)...

Already to the hand-holding stage...

Oh boy, this is getting serious! She's gazing into his eyes...YIKES! Time for parental intervention. It's a good thing these two have early curfews!

Harvest Carnival Fun

My mom will tell you, I never have been a fan of Halloween. Oh, don't get me wrong. I had some cute costumes growing up and of course I enjoyed the candy. I just never really liked getting dressed up, especially if that meant face paint (yuck!). Plus, I'm known for being a bit scared of the dark when I'm outside so trick-or-treating is not for me.

These days I really don't like Halloween or anything that it stands for (with one exception, I sure would like a little box of Dots right now!). I know I'll continue to struggle as our Little Miss gets older with the entire thing. For now, I'll be thankful that our church has a Harvest Carnival each year with the intent of inviting our local community. It's always a great turnout and fun to see the kiddos dressed up in "clean" costumes. We had a good time tonight hanging out with the Booths as well as Tim & Sophie Hanson.

Little Miss wore her OSU cheer leading uniform and made sure to "kill the duck" just for her favorite Duck fan (yes Jack, that's you!).

P.S. Before anyone asks, I hope our Little Miss doesn't follow in my footsteps and want to be a cheerleader. I'm pulling for soccer or track. If she's actually graceful (unlike her mom!) then gymnastics or ballet sounds good.

I admit it...I'm a health freak

Before you read on, I must make a disclaimer. I am a native Oregonian.

We all know that Oregonians are stereotyped as being liberal environmentalists who are health freaks. I don’t exactly have the liberal part down but our family is “environmentally aware” (Meaning that we feel strongly about recycling, reducing waste and caring for our environment. No, we don’t camp out in trees overnight to protect spotted owls). Health freak…well, not entirely (I have a sweet tooth and definitely have poundage to lose as a result)…but yes, I admit I have a slight obsession with healthy eating and healthy living. Isn't the first step to recovery admitting it?


I’d buy all organic, free-range, hormone and antibiotic free, grain-fed, all natural, 100% whole grains, no preservatives (etc., etc.) items if healthy food wasn’t so darned expensive. It’s frustrating that you have to pay MORE for foods processed LESS, is it not?

I make as much of our Little Miss' food as possible (obviously she must really like to eat since she seems to love my concoctions), try to make sure my family gets plenty of veggies (we still need to improve in that area), usually limit my meat consumption to one time/day or less, have been progressively decreasing the portion sizes of our meat and try to limit red meat to a couple times a month at the most (much to Hubby's dismay).
I’ve always been sort of a health-nut related to nutrition but most recently, I’ve even taken my obsession as far as to try buying environmentally friendly cleaners and all-natural, paraben and sodium lauryl sulfate free beauty products (with the exception of make-up. There are just some things a girl cannot, and should not, give up).
Who knows how long my health freakish obsession will last but for now, we’ll continue to increase our tofu and tempeh consumption (sorry Honey), shop more at the local Co-op, buy the
most highly-recommended organic foods …and be happy that we live in a state where even these changes still leave us feeling “mainstream”.

P.S. There are some things that humans just shouldn't try to live without. Notice the bib that says "I love chocolate" (thanks Mel!). Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants after all!

His & Hers...Enjoying our Differences

I enjoy figuring out how Hubby and I are created "uniquely" as man and woman. Some may say that males and females are the same (with exception of the obvious physical differences). We would beg to differ. Equal in God's eyes, yes, but created with very different characteristics, gifts and roles.

It's been enlightening for us to figure out even the simple differences such as our "tastes" and "likes". For the most part we have very similar tastes so things stand out when we have opposite preferences. For you husbands and wives out there, what are some of YOUR differences? Here are just a few of ours:

"HIS" Favorites - Lots of Pulp OJ, Milk Chocolate, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Strawberry Lemonade, Thick crust pizza, Soft bread, Miracle Whip, Colby Jack Cheese, Mexican Food, Math, Movies: Action and Suspense, TV: How It's Made, Extreme Engineering, Modern Marvels, Store: Home Depot

"HER" Favorites - No Pulp OJ, Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Creamy Peanut Butter, Peach Iced Tea, Thinner crust pizza, Crusty-on-the-outside french bread, Mayo, Provolone, Thai Food, Any-subject-other-than math, Movies: Romantic Comedies, TV: Divine Design, House Hunters and Moving Up, Stores (plural!): Macy's, Anne Taylor Loft, Old Navy, Potterybarn, IKEA....

Regardless of our differences we are so blessed. Thankfully we share similar views for important topics like our beliefs, values, morals and politics. We also love the outdoors and enjoy doing a lot of the same hobbies together. And unlike many couples, we recognize how blessed we are to have many of the same close friends.

So, we will continue to buy "His" and "Hers" orange juice, peanut butter and chocolate chips. We will race to the remote when we both want to watch TV and will humor each other by watching the other's favorite movies. Most importantly, we will continue to enjoy learning more and more about our similarities and yes...even our differences...for as long as we both shall live.

Celebrating Our Southern Ladies

Happy Birthday!!! this week to our two favorite Southern gals! Tonya, Hubby's sis, as well as Savannah, Tonya's daughter and our niece, both celebrate their birthdays this week. We only wish we could be there to celebrate in person!

Tonya is faithfully serving our country as part of the armed forces, an admirable endeavor for certain! She is beautiful inside and out. Tonya has the gift of compassion and one of the kindest hearts you'll ever meet.

Savannah is an absolute beauty...watch out boys! It's a good thing that she has two brawny uncles to keep 'em at bay! Savannah's laugh is captivating. I'll never forget how she made our Little Miss giggle during our last visit to WI. She would smile and say her name which led to laughing fits by both girls. Too. Much. Fun.

Happy Birthday...we love and miss you!

Under-The-Weather

Wish we had something more exciting to post about but I'm sure all you parents out there will understand. Our Little Miss has been under-the-weather lately so our lives are consumed by mucous, tissue, a humidifier, grape Tylenol, berry-flavored Motrin and a cool new thermometer. Poor girl started off with just a runny nose about 10 days ago. That seemed to be getting better at the start of this week until Wed when she started acting extra whiny and needy, not at all her normal easy-going self.


Yesterday was more of the same so we made an appointment to take her to the doc this a.m. Thankfully she doesn't have an ear infection and it's just a nasty virus that's taking it's time to go away. Little Miss is still running a high temp so it's a good thing that she likes taking her medicine ("candy"). This too shall pass (and we have our whole lives to catch up on sleep, right?). The doc said that kiddos her age tend to get 2 viral infections each month during the late Fall/Winter months. Yippeee!

We're supposed to be getting family pics done tomorrow morning but we'll have to see how the Little Miss is doing. Other than that, we are going to lay low for the weekend. Maybe I'll actually take the time to think of a more interesting blog to post eh? :)

P.S. No, our girl doesn't have jaundice, I just forgot to turn the flash on. As for her temperature, it finally broke Friday evening (PTL!) and she's quickly starting to return to her normal happy self. Phew!

The Doors Are Open!

The Pastors and other leaders of our church had been waiting for 13+ years for a building. The church started meeting as a small group in a Senior Center and has since grown and met in a variety of "remote" locations, including several schools. That equates to a lot of time and hard work to set up and tear down for multiple services a week.

Our leaders had been looking for property for years and yet the opportunities that would present themselves just never seemed to be God's timing or perfect plan. Jesus continued to say "wait", so they waited. Hoping to find at least 7-10 acres, God exceeded those expectations. Praise the Lord!!! for His provision a year ago of an amazing piece of wooded property on a hilltop with a beautiful view and 56 acres!

Thank you Jesus for opening the doors (quite literally)! Not only did the property clearly come from God's provision, but our new sanctuary is officially complete.




We dedicated the building to the Lord this weekend with our first services. Pastor Chuck Smith, founder of non-denominational Calvary Chapels, came and shared the Word.


It was an awesome time of giving God the glory for all that He has done and all that He has yet to do through our church family and in our community. We're praying that many, many, many people (current and future generations) come to know Jesus personally within the walls of this building.

Rain, rain, go away

The rain is officially here. "Good-bye" Summer, "hello" Fall. I know I'm supposed to be thankful for the rain and really, I am, deep, deep down inside (I do thank God for the clean air, green grass, trees and natural irrigation for the harvest season). Superficially though, I am not a fan of rain. Hubby always makes a point of thanking God when it rains and I do agree, yet I confess I often have more of a "grumbling" spirit about it.

It's not that I don't like precipitation. I LOVE snow and all that comes with it (snow-covered mountains and trees, skiing, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, etc.). Cold, rainy, and windy weather is a different story. Unless I'm inside looking out, snuggled up in a blanket next to a fireplace, I much prefer when it's dry. Hard to believe that I've lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life eh?

Instead of giving way to my grumbling spirit, I'm going to focus on the beauty that God brings through rain. Like these flowers (speaking of flowers, remember my "not-so-green-thumb"? Well, we now have marigolds in our window-box and yes, half are almost dead. I'm hoping the rain revives them). Oh sorry, I digress, back to my more "positive" outlook.

I will be thankful for the mud puddles that our Little Miss will get to stomp through and the extra laundry that will bring. Oh, again, I digress. Rain, I will be thankful for the streams that are filled and the yellow jackets that are killed (sorry little guys!).

Rain, I will be thankful for football season (I'd like to be thankful for our alma mater's team but so far they are not making us proud). Humpf!!! Being thankful for these large, wet, drops is sure hard today. Guess it's a good thing that I'll have about 5 months of rain to work on that?!

Shopping, Eating and Celebrating

Is anyone else looking forward to the upcoming weekend? I sure am! We don't have a lot planned other than a much-needed trip to...

I do enjoy Costco (who doesn't love getting to try all the food samples?!) and appreciate the money that we theoretically save there (as long as we don't give into the temptation to buy a lot of the "not-on-our-list-completely frivolous-but-sure-looks-good!" items). We'll manage to avoid the artery-clogging foods at the snack stands when we walk out the door. Of course, we'll get them elsewhere because I think I've talked Hubby into dinner out at...

Chicken Terriyaki Burgers, here we come! Yummy!!!! After dinner we need to stop by...

What better place to find a birthday gift for our friend, Sophie, who is turning the big "3" this weekend? We also need to get a card for the newest addition to the Booth family who was born this morning (Welcome Baby Logan!).

Yep, I'm looking forward to the weekend. Shopping, eating, and celebrating with friends, that just about makes for a perfect plan. For now, I'd best be signing off to workout so I don't feel TOO guilty about the huge burger to come!

A Grandma & Granddaughter's Special Day

Two of our favorite gals share their special day today. Happy birthday to Hubby's mom, Aggie, and her granddaughter (our eldest niece) Elliana!

Aggie is an incredible example of what it means to be a godly woman. She has the most amazing gentle and quiet spirit. She is a living example of a Proverbs 31 woman. Praise the Lord that our Little Miss seems to have inherited her Grandma’s sweet spirit. I know it’s too early to be positive but we’re sure praying that way!

I never had the chance to meet Hubby's Grandma, Lola. From what I’ve heard, she too was an amazing woman and Aggie is a lot like her. I can only pray that God somehow shapes me in a way similar to these women, both of whom have had such a positive impact on their family.

The other sweet birthday girl will always hold such a special place in our hearts. “Elli” is turning 4 today and we so wish we could be there to see her enjoying her day. Elli was born shortly before Hubby and I first started dating. I’ll never forget how her uncle glowed when he talked about his new little niece. The “Manly Man” turned to mush!

Last year we got to spend a lot of time with Elli when her family was living out here (They graciously “hosted” us when our baby girl was in the hospital). We loved getting to spend time with Elli and her little sis, Jess. They were both bundles of blessings, helping to keep smiles on our faces even when we were worried about our Little Miss. Elli was just too cute when she turned three…she thought it was her birthday for a full month. She was excited every time she saw a cake or presents and often sang “Happy Birthday” to herself. It was the BEST. Oh, I so miss our precious niece who calls me “Joey”!

Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma Wagner & Elliana! We love and miss you both!

Family night out

We had a fun family outing this evening, riding our bikes downtown, people-watching and eating Italian gelato.

Little Miss rode happily along in her Chariot and was pulled by her favorite knight (a.k.a., "Daddy"). BTW, if anyone is looking for a jogging stroller and/or bike trailer for kiddos, we highly recommend this one. It's pricey but well worth it.

I know that I promised a future blog about my "healthy eating obsession" and let me just say up front, this is not it. Tonight was splurge time and I enjoyed every minute of it. I figure we burned a few calories on the approx. 6 ml bike ride. Of course, I added those back plus some with the gelato. It was worth it though because Little Miss enjoyed a few bites of the tasty treat too. She has now had gelato before she's ever tried American-style ice cream (if you've never had gelato yourself, you've got to try it. Think really yummy, homemade ice cream in a variety of great flavors). What a cultured little girl! ha. ha.

Party Time!

We had a fun time celebrating our Little Miss' 1st birthday with family and friends. In the days leading up to the party we weren’t certain that the weather would hold out but God answered our prayers and it was fine. We had a lunchtime party at the park just down from our home.

The older kiddos got to play on the playground and we even had a surprise petting zoo (my dad and step mom brought their new puppies).

My mom was a big help staying up late Friday night to prepare food with me and then she was over at the park early Saturday morning to decorate. Thanks Mom!

Little Miss did exactly as we expected, she devoured her cake! (it was actually made from a semi-healthy banana muffin recipe that Hubby's mom provided. Thanks Grandma Wagner, it was perfect!). It was real frosting though and the most sugar Little Miss has ever had. My friend Jen good-naturedly teased me saying that she thought I’d make Little Miss' cake with tofu. I admit, if I had a recipe, I probably would have (stay tuned for a future blog about my “healthy eating” obsession).

Little Miss had a good time "opening" gifts (with the help of her daddy and mommy!). She looked cute in her birthday crown (Thanks Shannon!).

We only wish we lived closer to the Wagner side of our family so we could have celebrated with them in person. Hopefully we'll get to visit again soon. Little Miss did get serenaded over the phone with a Happy Birthday song from two of our nieces and that was priceless! We sure miss you guys!