Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Our 9th Place Together

Truth.

1. Apartment in Troutdale
2. House in Washougal - Purple Carpet
3. House #2 in Washougal - amazing flower garden
4. House in East Vancouver - slate on gray house/red kitchen countertops
5. Gov't Camp - Our cabin
6. East Vancouver - The ranch with a big backyard
7. West Vancouver - 1940's gem
8. Seaside - ocean front beauty
9. Gresham - big, quiet, lovely

This was the first time my sister wasn't there to help us move. She is incredible. I can't put into words how great she is at moving people. For those who don't know, my sister, Kelly, moved to Moses Lake, WA after a job transfer. Going to see her this August! Yay!

Here's some pics of the move...
Of course, I snapped a gorgeous picture of our Seaside view before we left...








Cannon's First Trip to the Zoo

















We too the MAX to the Zoo! We missed the Zoo stop and had to get off and ride back to that stop...then on the way home, we jumped on the red train when we needed the blue train, but simply transferred at Gateway and then headed back to the park and ride.

I have a general aversion to public transportation; mainly the stenches and different smells from others. Mostly it's B.O., sometimes it's a strong cheap perfume...Chris and I chatted afterward about how Jesus wouldn't have focused on the smells, but the hearts of the the people.

Flannery noticed a thin black woman crying and yelling at seemingly no one as we passed a station downtown...and another woman talking loudly to herself as she stumbled along near the library. I whispered to her what happens when I see those things. "I pray," I told her. "Just a silent prayer to God that He would care for them and give them peace."

Chris and I decided that we're going to head downtown and have a date night. We both love the Square area, especially around the holidays.

So weird. When I was 16 & 17, I spent a lot of time in downtown Portland with friends. I remember going to the St. Patrick's Day Parade with fellow Irishmen Chris & Ryan Murphy. Amy Grant was the Grand Marshall that year, and as she passed, Chris yelled out, "When are you gonna go Punk Rock?" She laughed and smiled and yelled back, "NEVER!!!" Chris quickly yelled back, "Then I'm never gonna listen to you!"
Some things just stick in your mind...ha!

Long story just to say, this was Cannon's first trip to the Zoo. Oh, and Chris decided we should be annual pass-holders. So we are. Even got the obligatory animal sticker for the family truckster. Cannon wanted the Ape sticker because it looks like Harry from Harry and the Hendersons. Done.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Relay for Life 2011

Good Grief raised over $3000! That is the highest amount yet! The tutus were a total hit, as were the wands and circus wagon rides. Online fundraising was high also, as Crystal Neill joined our efforts and raised $335. Next year, it would be great to have a group solely committed to online fundraising for us. We're still raising money until the middle of August, so if you want to contribute to this year's efforts, we would so much appreciate it! The link to my page is: HERE






The Luminaria ceremony was incredible, as always - and I was choked up at the thought of dear friends, Amy Brown and Tim Fadel...early thirties...gone too soon.