Laundry

FINALLY, I got the washer and dryer I have been wanting for what seems like forever. John and I bought a washer and dryer after we got married and bought a house together. It did a wonderful job but had for sure run its course. My husband, bless his heart, was always willing to help out with the laundry, but thought it was perfectly fine to stuff the washer with EVERY single piece of dirty clothing he owned. He did manage to separate whites and darks. BUT, the washer would do a little dance across the laundry room. To top it off, our dryer would get super hot and our clothes would be too hot to fold. Yeah, time for a new set.

So, I did alot of research and found a nice set. I didn't want all those bells and whistles because to be honest, it's just more stuff to break and need repair. We are a family of four (plus two dogs) with alot of outdoor activity and grass stains, etc., so we just needed something that would clean alot of clothes in the most effective and efficient way. So, we found a nice set, had it delivered and the old set hauled away. I love that it cleans so well (our socks come out super white without me needing to pre-treat them) AND our clothes come out almost dry so it takes less drying time which means less energy spent and less $$$$ spent. Yahooooooo! I think appliances are better than diamonds.

Family pictures

My very good friend Jenny Wohrle came to stay with us a few weekends ago. She was attending a photography conference and we were so blessed to have her stay with us. She's an amazing photographer and offered to shoot our family pictures. I'm including just a small portion of her work.

We had a great time during the photoshoot, although it was freezing outside. Poor Haley and Jack were so cold, but they were troopers. Well, Haley was. Jack wouldn't smile for the first half hour but then "warmed up" and offered his amazing grin.

Good times

John and I have had the opportunity to get away just the two of us TWO weekends in a row. The first weekend, we headed up to Mt. Hood for some skiing and stayed in a friend's cozy cabin. It was the first time in a long time both of us had been skiing, but it was just like riding a bike. You really don't forget how. We had a great time. I loved riding the chair lift and just talking. It's amazing to be able to finish a conversation. That rarely happens when you have small children around. Anyway, it's those time when you can reconnect and remember just how in love you are.
The second weekend was Valentine's weekend. We went to Skamania lodge where we got engaged a million years ago. Our suite was awesome with a fireplace and a private view. We enjoyed a nice dinner and another quiet evening alone. Again, it was nice to be able to just talk and talk and finish each sentence. I forget how funny John is. He makes me laugh so hard. We planned to golf the next day, but it was raining sideways, so we came back into town and had breakfast at one of our old hotspots....The Tillicum. Ah, the old days.
I'm having problems downloading pics from my camera, but I'll try to get them on here soon.

Interview

So, I had an interview yesterday. It was for a membership sales rep position. I found out right before the interview that the posting was for a full time position, but the gal interviewed me anyway which was really great. It's always a good idea to brush up on interview skills. I can't and won't take on a FT position because my main focus is on my children and I want to be available for as much as I can, especially when Haley starts kindergarden. I want to volunteer as much as possible.Up until I had Haley, I always worked, sometimes two jobs at a time. So, I get the itch to work and lately it's been stronger than ever. I've done a lot of the "Independent Rep/Consultant" type jobs and still do. I am an Usborne Book Consultant which is awesome. Someone throws a book party and I get to sell these amazing children's books and earn money and free books in return. I love that it gets more kids reading which is so important.Well, I'm just babbling now. The point to this post was to tell the story of how I rushed from teaching my step class in downtown Portland, all the way to Tigard so I could get ready in the locker room for my interview. Of course, I was a sweaty pig so used the hair dryer to remove most of the persperation and then applied deoderant which was directly deposited ALL OVER my new black interview dress. Damn it! Another instructor pointed it out to me, so I had all of 5 mintues to try to remove it which you know is impossible. Good thing I had a blazer to cover it up and my interview was conducted sitting down, so it wasn't all bad. I do however wish I would have been offered the job, working only 15 hours a week (the hours of my choice obviously) and lots of good pay. HA. Life doesn't work that way. So, I'll keep checking back on the job posting board every day hoping for something to open up. I really, really love this facility and hope to become more and more involved in the future.It's funny because I've been wondering how I can help my family survive these economic times, and have been stressed a little. THEN, I opened my "Mother's Daily Prayer" book and this it what it said. 'Gracious Father, I have often asked myself this question: How do I make my home a place of joy? A place where my children and husband can relax and be happy? Now I know~the answer lies with you, O Lord. Our Hearts are restless until they find their home in you. Joy begins when we let you in. Life seems steadier, brighter, friendlier, safer. Your presence fills us with music. Awesome, huh?Joy is the presence of God in our lives, which brings music to our souls.

Feeling good.

My friend Jenny left and I miss her already. It was so nice having her here to visit. She's a photographer so she took our family pics the last day she was here. Unfortunately, she dropped her camera and broke it. Good thing it's insured. Anyway, I'll be posting our awesome family pics once they are ready.
I've been feeling pretty good the last couple of days. Other than Jenny visiting, last week was somewhat of a downer. My sister-in-law has been having heart problems and underwent an angioplasty. She was doing well and then had chest pains again so was checked back into the hospital for evaluation. She's such a trooper, but I'm worried for her.
I also didn't get a class that I have been wanting. I was more bummed out than I thought I would be, but I'm hoping there will be more openings in the future and I'll try again then.
This week my husband and I are going to the mountain for an overnight ski trip, so that's really brightened my week. It's been a long time since I have been skiing and my husband and I need the time away.