And Hamster wannabees.
This is my town.
Well, sort of... pretty much... we won't get into all the details.
A bunch of my friends posted this on facebook and I think it's pretty much the greatest thing ever.
Probably because I think this town is pretty much the greatest thing ever and this just rocks that point out. Pretty much.
Bellingham State of Mind
Monday, September 13, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Paint, Plants and Plastic Plates
Before going on to the afore-mentioned subjects - I have to mention that I'm listening to Voddie Bauchum while perusing the internet and writing blog posts tonight. I think every Christian couple would benefit from listening to this and considering what he says.
Child Training - Voddie Baucham
I'll let him do the preaching
Moving on...
As promised, I got my craft on today.
I spray painted a thrift store frame and put one of my grandma's old tea towels in it. She used to use it to cover her dough with. I love that it still has oil stains on it.
I also put together a wall arrangement that I'm still not quite sure about. I painted the round frame and will get a mirror made for it. The Home Sweet Home plate is from the new John Derian for Target. Our local Target didn't put everything out on the release date and I called every day after until it had been put out for fear I wouldn't be able to get one.
Finally, to my delight, I tore out my summer annuals and planted some fall foliage. I finished two planter boxes and can't wait to do some more.
I love being able to have the time to do this! It was the perfect end to our successful first official week of home schooling.
Child Training - Voddie Baucham
I'll let him do the preaching
Moving on...
As promised, I got my craft on today.
I spray painted a thrift store frame and put one of my grandma's old tea towels in it. She used to use it to cover her dough with. I love that it still has oil stains on it.
I also put together a wall arrangement that I'm still not quite sure about. I painted the round frame and will get a mirror made for it. The Home Sweet Home plate is from the new John Derian for Target. Our local Target didn't put everything out on the release date and I called every day after until it had been put out for fear I wouldn't be able to get one.
Finally, to my delight, I tore out my summer annuals and planted some fall foliage. I finished two planter boxes and can't wait to do some more.
I love being able to have the time to do this! It was the perfect end to our successful first official week of home schooling.
The Skinny on the Skinny
On Wednesday morning I posted this on facebook:
And guess what? I got 46 comments. 46!! I think that's even more than I got when I announced that Xochi was born. I guess people have a lot of opinions when it comes to skinny jeans.
Out of those replies, along with recommendations on brands and stores, here is a smattering of what people thought (anonymously to protect the innocent... and the large-thighed):
Skinny jeans and my welsh warrior legs don't get along. No matter how hard I try...
Boots or ballet flats. I really don't like it when people mix sneakers with skinny jeans. I don't wear skinny jeans. It's for the good of humankind.
I think you're suppose to be "skinny" to wear them so, NO, I will NOT be wearing them! You're welcome!
If you get a pair, I'm getting a pair. Then we can have matching mother/daughter outfits. Just kidding.
From what my wife says and I can attest to... you have to spend some money to get jeans that look good and that actually fit. Nothing out there for less than $75 for the most part from what I hear. I know this conversation was all ladies but I figured I would join in!
I think skinny jeans are best left to the teenagers...
Cutz, you should totally do skinny jeans! Personally, I only think they're flattering when worn with a long shirt, but they're so cute with boots. I get the fake Uggs from Costco and wear them with skinny jeans all winter long. SO comfy!
I say go for it! I agree with Gertrude (name changed to protect the innocent, skinny-thighed) though...only with a long shirt or layers on top...you know what I mean right? GAP has some great ones, I agree. I was just in there and some of them are super soft. Skinny jeans are kind of all you see in NYC, and its also the same look with lots of stretchy pants that have zippers, etc on them. H&M has loads too. I say with boots or ballet flats, depending on the weather.
And so... I decided I would give them a try.
Now don't laugh at this next part. Here was my thought process. One night when I was at Walmart I thought to myself, "I think I'll try a few pairs on. Then, I can see how they look and if I think they'd work for me. If I'm not really sure, at least I didn't spend a lot of money on them."
This was WRONG thinking, my friends.
The skinny jeans at Walmart were, as my friends so readily shared, only for skinny people. They were too low, too tight, too.... weird.
At which time I posted this on facebook:
I decided my next stop would have to be the Gap or Buckle. Both got high ratings on my little facebook poll.
Until I came up with a brilliant plan based on a blog post I recently read (which I would post if I could find).
I'm seriously so excited about this I can barely type fast enough. The pictures are crappy but, like I said, I'm just too excited to wait and take better ones.
Since I wasn't sure I would actually like them and since we just spent an insane amount of money on home schooling curriculum and an unexpected car repair - I decided to take a pair of my OWN jeans and make them into skinnies. I took ones that fit me well on top, drew a few lines, sewed a few seams, ripped a few seams and finally! Success!!
So without further adieu... Cutzi's skinny jean re-fashion. (Made from a pair of Old Navy Sweetheart jeans that I got for $12)
Ok... what's the skinny on skinny jeans fb friends? Has anyone out there found any that aren't skin-tight or too low-rise? Comfortable? I'm thinkin' I need some to wear with boots.
And guess what? I got 46 comments. 46!! I think that's even more than I got when I announced that Xochi was born. I guess people have a lot of opinions when it comes to skinny jeans.
Out of those replies, along with recommendations on brands and stores, here is a smattering of what people thought (anonymously to protect the innocent... and the large-thighed):
Skinny jeans and my welsh warrior legs don't get along. No matter how hard I try...
Boots or ballet flats. I really don't like it when people mix sneakers with skinny jeans. I don't wear skinny jeans. It's for the good of humankind.
I think you're suppose to be "skinny" to wear them so, NO, I will NOT be wearing them! You're welcome!
If you get a pair, I'm getting a pair. Then we can have matching mother/daughter outfits. Just kidding.
From what my wife says and I can attest to... you have to spend some money to get jeans that look good and that actually fit. Nothing out there for less than $75 for the most part from what I hear. I know this conversation was all ladies but I figured I would join in!
I think skinny jeans are best left to the teenagers...
Cutz, you should totally do skinny jeans! Personally, I only think they're flattering when worn with a long shirt, but they're so cute with boots. I get the fake Uggs from Costco and wear them with skinny jeans all winter long. SO comfy!
I say go for it! I agree with Gertrude (name changed to protect the innocent, skinny-thighed) though...only with a long shirt or layers on top...you know what I mean right? GAP has some great ones, I agree. I was just in there and some of them are super soft. Skinny jeans are kind of all you see in NYC, and its also the same look with lots of stretchy pants that have zippers, etc on them. H&M has loads too. I say with boots or ballet flats, depending on the weather.
And so... I decided I would give them a try.
Now don't laugh at this next part. Here was my thought process. One night when I was at Walmart I thought to myself, "I think I'll try a few pairs on. Then, I can see how they look and if I think they'd work for me. If I'm not really sure, at least I didn't spend a lot of money on them."
This was WRONG thinking, my friends.
The skinny jeans at Walmart were, as my friends so readily shared, only for skinny people. They were too low, too tight, too.... weird.
At which time I posted this on facebook:
Skinny Jeans Round One. Bulging thighs: 1, Cutzi and her hopes of cute fall outfits with boots, scarves and tunic sweaters: 0
I decided my next stop would have to be the Gap or Buckle. Both got high ratings on my little facebook poll.
Until I came up with a brilliant plan based on a blog post I recently read (which I would post if I could find).
I'm seriously so excited about this I can barely type fast enough. The pictures are crappy but, like I said, I'm just too excited to wait and take better ones.
Since I wasn't sure I would actually like them and since we just spent an insane amount of money on home schooling curriculum and an unexpected car repair - I decided to take a pair of my OWN jeans and make them into skinnies. I took ones that fit me well on top, drew a few lines, sewed a few seams, ripped a few seams and finally! Success!!
So without further adieu... Cutzi's skinny jean re-fashion. (Made from a pair of Old Navy Sweetheart jeans that I got for $12)
With flats
With awesome $50 leather boots from Target
(Now in more colors. Run! Get yourself a pair!!)
With fun cowboy boots that my husband found for $5 at a garage sale
with intentions of re-selling until I promptly stole them
Now, I agree with my commenters. I think these will be worn best with a tunic shirt or a tee and a cozy, thigh-length fall sweater. I do still kind of think they look better on, how shall we say, less hour-glassed figures? But I am pleased. While searching for the Sweetheart link I found out Old Navy actually sells them in a skinny! I just might have to try those next.
And now? This sunny Pacific Northwest Saturday is turning out to be full of creative opportunity. I'm off with a can of spray paint!!
With awesome $50 leather boots from Target
(Now in more colors. Run! Get yourself a pair!!)
With fun cowboy boots that my husband found for $5 at a garage sale
with intentions of re-selling until I promptly stole them
Now, I agree with my commenters. I think these will be worn best with a tunic shirt or a tee and a cozy, thigh-length fall sweater. I do still kind of think they look better on, how shall we say, less hour-glassed figures? But I am pleased. While searching for the Sweetheart link I found out Old Navy actually sells them in a skinny! I just might have to try those next.
And now? This sunny Pacific Northwest Saturday is turning out to be full of creative opportunity. I'm off with a can of spray paint!!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Missing My Blog
Hey guys!
Wowzers. There is A LOT going on in the J family and I want to share it all. The problem is that with so much to tell, I often don't know where to begin.
And SO many pictures to get caught up on! A whole summer of them.
Maybe with fall and a more predictable schedule I'll be able to get into a better blog routine.
For now, I'm hoping this will give me a bit of accountability to get back here.
It also doesn't help that I have been up late at night doing who-knows-what. I prefer to blog in the morning but I've been too exhausted when I wake up.
There are some very exciting prospects up ahead. Can't wait to see what God has in store. My mom thinks I should write a book... and maybe I will.
Wowzers. There is A LOT going on in the J family and I want to share it all. The problem is that with so much to tell, I often don't know where to begin.
And SO many pictures to get caught up on! A whole summer of them.
Maybe with fall and a more predictable schedule I'll be able to get into a better blog routine.
For now, I'm hoping this will give me a bit of accountability to get back here.
It also doesn't help that I have been up late at night doing who-knows-what. I prefer to blog in the morning but I've been too exhausted when I wake up.
There are some very exciting prospects up ahead. Can't wait to see what God has in store. My mom thinks I should write a book... and maybe I will.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
A Letter to Local 106 President
*Update*
Evidently the domain administrator of the disparaging web site, who declares they have no affiliation with Local 106, has blocked my google account from linking to his site. An independent internet domain search firm was hired with interesting findings which you can make an informed decision about here. A quick google search of the domain administrator's name turns up some interesting information.
Bellingham and Whatcom County citizens - do not be fooled!!
I have also copied the exact web address so you can go to the site yourselves.
Many of my local friends have asked for some clarification regarding this situation. You can find a helpful timeline of events here.
As another side note, while I e-mailed both the union president and vice-president - I have not heard back from either of them.
Dear Local 106 Firefighter Union President (Bellingham, WA),
I am writing in regard to a web site I was recently directed to along with a political cartoon and article in Cascadia Weekly.
http://sites.google.com/site/scabmedics/
Cascadia Weekly Article
As a union firefighter's wife and local county resident, I feel compelled to tell you how embarrassed I am to be associated with fellow union members such as yours who have shown such a lack of integrity in the midst of this local debate. Your union members' actions speak for themselves - when have mud slinging and name calling ever accomplished anything positive in a community? It displays a complete lack of maturity and professionalism. No matter what side of this issue one is on, as fellow citizens and servicemen, we are compelled to treat one another with dignity and respect.
In regard to boycotting the September 11th Firefighter competition - I will not. District 7 firefighters have faithfully served my family for many generations. I see no disrespect to fallen firefighters - in fact, what better way to honor them than to showcase their service and abilities at a firefighter competition? In my opinion, this is just another means by which Local 106 is displaying their lack of integrity with hateful and disparaging actions.
Being a parent, I know that I am not solely responsible for the actions of my children - those I have been given the responsibility to lead. Taking that into consideration, I also know that it is my attitude and example that sets the tone of our family and sets the precedent for their behavior. I hope that you will consider the way in which you have led those you have been given responsibility over and the example you have set for them. It is my desire that as you take genuine inventory of your own actions and the actions of your union members, that you will be able to stand before this community knowing you have acted only for their betterment.
Finally, with all sincerity I would also remind you - your voters are watching.
Sincerely,
Cutzi (I included my last name here)
Evidently the domain administrator of the disparaging web site, who declares they have no affiliation with Local 106, has blocked my google account from linking to his site. An independent internet domain search firm was hired with interesting findings which you can make an informed decision about here. A quick google search of the domain administrator's name turns up some interesting information.
Bellingham and Whatcom County citizens - do not be fooled!!
I have also copied the exact web address so you can go to the site yourselves.
Many of my local friends have asked for some clarification regarding this situation. You can find a helpful timeline of events here.
As another side note, while I e-mailed both the union president and vice-president - I have not heard back from either of them.
Dear Local 106 Firefighter Union President (Bellingham, WA),
I am writing in regard to a web site I was recently directed to along with a political cartoon and article in Cascadia Weekly.
http://sites.google.com/site/scabmedics/
Cascadia Weekly Article
As a union firefighter's wife and local county resident, I feel compelled to tell you how embarrassed I am to be associated with fellow union members such as yours who have shown such a lack of integrity in the midst of this local debate. Your union members' actions speak for themselves - when have mud slinging and name calling ever accomplished anything positive in a community? It displays a complete lack of maturity and professionalism. No matter what side of this issue one is on, as fellow citizens and servicemen, we are compelled to treat one another with dignity and respect.
In regard to boycotting the September 11th Firefighter competition - I will not. District 7 firefighters have faithfully served my family for many generations. I see no disrespect to fallen firefighters - in fact, what better way to honor them than to showcase their service and abilities at a firefighter competition? In my opinion, this is just another means by which Local 106 is displaying their lack of integrity with hateful and disparaging actions.
Being a parent, I know that I am not solely responsible for the actions of my children - those I have been given the responsibility to lead. Taking that into consideration, I also know that it is my attitude and example that sets the tone of our family and sets the precedent for their behavior. I hope that you will consider the way in which you have led those you have been given responsibility over and the example you have set for them. It is my desire that as you take genuine inventory of your own actions and the actions of your union members, that you will be able to stand before this community knowing you have acted only for their betterment.
Finally, with all sincerity I would also remind you - your voters are watching.
Sincerely,
Cutzi (I included my last name here)
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Wrong Side
What seems to have happened at my house this morning is that, while I have woken up on the very right side of the bed... my children have woken up on the very wrooooong side.
Between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.:
Steele has been continually disrespectful.
Adia has used every excuse she could think of to not pick up her playdough.
Xochi threw a fit in her seat and while arching her back and flailing about, she knocked her tray, along with all her food, onto the floor.
Even though I was very proud of myself for making a deliciously, healthful breakfast - both Steele and Adia have decided that they don't like egg cupcakes or sweet potato with cinnamon.
So what's a mama to do? I'm using avoidance techniques. Steele and Adia have been directed to sit in silence at the table until their meals are finished and I have decided to sit down at the computer and post a bit about our weekend. (with a few disciplinary breaks here and there) And then it's off to swim lessons!
Every year our adoption agency, Adoption Ministry of YWAM, hosts a picnic for all their adoptive families. In the past, we haven't been able to attend so I really wanted to make it this year. We have been so blessed by their ministry and love all the staff. It's also a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families. The picnic was three hours away so we decided to combine it with a trip to see Justin's parents. We were also able to fit in dinner with Adia's birth mother Sunday evening. It was a full, fun, exciting weekend. Of course, I didn't manage to bring out my camera at the picnic but I was able to get a couple sweet ones of Adia and Amanda.
Just a leeetle crash.
Between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.:
Steele has been continually disrespectful.
Adia has used every excuse she could think of to not pick up her playdough.
- I'm too tired
- I have to go to the bathroom
Xochi threw a fit in her seat and while arching her back and flailing about, she knocked her tray, along with all her food, onto the floor.
Even though I was very proud of myself for making a deliciously, healthful breakfast - both Steele and Adia have decided that they don't like egg cupcakes or sweet potato with cinnamon.
So what's a mama to do? I'm using avoidance techniques. Steele and Adia have been directed to sit in silence at the table until their meals are finished and I have decided to sit down at the computer and post a bit about our weekend. (with a few disciplinary breaks here and there) And then it's off to swim lessons!
Every year our adoption agency, Adoption Ministry of YWAM, hosts a picnic for all their adoptive families. In the past, we haven't been able to attend so I really wanted to make it this year. We have been so blessed by their ministry and love all the staff. It's also a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families. The picnic was three hours away so we decided to combine it with a trip to see Justin's parents. We were also able to fit in dinner with Adia's birth mother Sunday evening. It was a full, fun, exciting weekend. Of course, I didn't manage to bring out my camera at the picnic but I was able to get a couple sweet ones of Adia and Amanda.
Adia has a wild look in her eye for some reason!
Not completely recovered from smashing her finger in the bathroom door.
Riding bikes down Grandma and Grandpa's sweet hill.
Just a leeetle crash.
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