Looking Back

Here is a picture of the house I grew up in,

in Bend. Well, not exactly "grew up in". I lived there from birth to eleven years old. Even though we moved to Salem when I was fairly young, I have so many good memories from my time here. We didn't have a TV when I was a kid, so my two older brothers and I spent every spare minute running around outside, riding bikes, making forts, climbing trees, sleeping out on the back deck in the summer, skiing to the grocery store in the winter. I remember even jumping off the roof of our house into the snow. Just looking at this picture brings back so many memories. In fact, every time we drive through Bend, I am always flooded with memories....Good times!My brother Jeremy on our back deck.

On Mother's Day weekend my two brothers stayed at our house. Nate flew in from Texas and Ben drove down from Seattle. On one of the nights, my adorable little brother Ben cooked an authentic organic, Seattle-hippy-style dinner for all of us. :) I was so impressed: Grilled eggplant with humus, spinach, red peppers, kalamata olives and feta cheese. And it was actually amazingly delicous! Both of my brothers are actually very talented musicians, and can sing VERY well. So the three of us competed against each other singing High School Musical songs on the Wii. Nate was undefeated, so Ben and I kept trying and trying to beat his high score, but no such luck. Although, I did take them both to school in Wii sports as we played into the "wii hours" of the morning. And I must let you know I'm the undisputed tennis champ! Olivia absolutely adores my brother Nate and followed him around everywhere he went.



Daniel and Sarah had their big Spring Piano Recital, and they both did so well. We kept our tradition, and had a big after-party at Konditorei, where the kids get to pick out the biggest, yummiest piece of cake they can find. It's a hoot with Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts & Uncles, because we all order a different kind of cake, and then sample each others...yummmm! I'm so glad I started this tradition. Pure genius, if I do say so myself.

On Mother's Day we all went to my mom's graduation ceremony at Willamette University. I'm so proud of my mom and her amazing accomplishment. She worked very hard for that degree!That's my adorable, little sister Abby on the left. And once again, we celebrated with more food!

It's been a busy, but good last two weeks. Looking back, I have so much to be thankful for.


Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18