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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
6 Adults, 2 fighting cats, 2 pudgy dogs and 1 two year old
We couldn't resist sharing snow pictures. We are quite aware that anyone in the Portland area has pictures that are very, very similar, but we've never had this much snow before!
I think it was my mom's secret Christmas wish that brought in all of the snow. How else would she have convinced both her children and their families (including pets) to spend hour after hour, day after day in her living room? We have definitely enjoyed our family time- even if it has involved running interference between the two cats, being booted off the couch by the dogs and being woken up at 6:30 in the morning by a little boy with a very high pitched voice saying "Jill! Gake! Get up! Light on!"
Sometimes, Jake wonders why he married me.
To get out of the house, we took about a mile and a half walk to Fred Meyer. I ended up being the pack mule and had to carry home all the stuff we bought in my sweet purple Jansport. For some reason, neither of the boys volunteered to wear it.
Cute little snow boy.
Chloe had a little too much fun playing in the snow with dad. Don't worry she was wearing a sweater, so she was completely frozen by the time we went inside.
Here's the group- minus Bailey, Reeser and Jazzer. Apparently Chloe was the only one who was picture ready.
We're off to Lakeview (if we can dig ourselves out) on Wednesday! Call us if you happen to be one of the three other people who may be traveling there as well. :)
I think it was my mom's secret Christmas wish that brought in all of the snow. How else would she have convinced both her children and their families (including pets) to spend hour after hour, day after day in her living room? We have definitely enjoyed our family time- even if it has involved running interference between the two cats, being booted off the couch by the dogs and being woken up at 6:30 in the morning by a little boy with a very high pitched voice saying "Jill! Gake! Get up! Light on!"
Sometimes, Jake wonders why he married me.
To get out of the house, we took about a mile and a half walk to Fred Meyer. I ended up being the pack mule and had to carry home all the stuff we bought in my sweet purple Jansport. For some reason, neither of the boys volunteered to wear it.
Cute little snow boy.
Chloe had a little too much fun playing in the snow with dad. Don't worry she was wearing a sweater, so she was completely frozen by the time we went inside.
Here's the group- minus Bailey, Reeser and Jazzer. Apparently Chloe was the only one who was picture ready.
We're off to Lakeview (if we can dig ourselves out) on Wednesday! Call us if you happen to be one of the three other people who may be traveling there as well. :)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Thank You, Jane Fonda
A few of you may have already seen this picture, but we thought it was time to show everyone how cool we truly are.
What inspired this look? A 33 cent Jane Fonda 1989 Workout VHS from Goodwill, or at least that's what inspired my look...Jake's is definitely an original.
And, yes, I am already aware of the fact that my midair kick is not a midair kick at all.
What inspired this look? A 33 cent Jane Fonda 1989 Workout VHS from Goodwill, or at least that's what inspired my look...Jake's is definitely an original.
And, yes, I am already aware of the fact that my midair kick is not a midair kick at all.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
This family's Got Talent!
We're thinking of going on tour. What do you think? The little one might need to invest in some pants first.
Check out the video to see our mad skillz.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Pumpkin Pie
For all you pumpkin pie enthusiasts, here are a few must try recipes. My five year olds promise they’ll be great.
Recipe 1
You cook a pumpkin
Add seeds
Put it in a pan
Put it by a heater for five…
Then it’s done
Recipe 2
Pie
Seeds
Little tiny bit of string
Juice
Put it in the oven for 12 minutes
Recipe 3
A pumpkin
A frog
Stir it, then eat it up.
Recipe 4
These are the grediants
Pumpkin
Crack and egg
Yellow flower
Potatoes
Sugar
Put some meat in ti
Add some seeds
Strawberries
Marshmallows
Some milk
Pepper
Water
In the microwave for 59. That’s the grediants. Gonna be gooey and good.
Recipe 5
Pumpkin
Sandwiches
Noodles
More pumpkin water
Put it in the oven for 12 minutes.
Eat it with chicken legs and roast beef.
Recipe 6
Pumpkin
Seeds
Green grass to let it grow
A yellow flower in the middle.
Put it in the oven for 1,2,4. Slice it to eat with the whole family.
Yum oh yum!
Recipe 1
You cook a pumpkin
Add seeds
Put it in a pan
Put it by a heater for five…
Then it’s done
Recipe 2
Pie
Seeds
Little tiny bit of string
Juice
Put it in the oven for 12 minutes
Recipe 3
A pumpkin
A frog
Stir it, then eat it up.
Recipe 4
These are the grediants
Pumpkin
Crack and egg
Yellow flower
Potatoes
Sugar
Put some meat in ti
Add some seeds
Strawberries
Marshmallows
Some milk
Pepper
Water
In the microwave for 59. That’s the grediants. Gonna be gooey and good.
Recipe 5
Pumpkin
Sandwiches
Noodles
More pumpkin water
Put it in the oven for 12 minutes.
Eat it with chicken legs and roast beef.
Recipe 6
Pumpkin
Seeds
Green grass to let it grow
A yellow flower in the middle.
Put it in the oven for 1,2,4. Slice it to eat with the whole family.
Yum oh yum!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Cat Pee
It has recently been discovered that when we run our 1979 coin operated dryer, it smells of cat urine. Any suggestions? And no, we do not have a cat, nor do any cats have access to our garage. Help!
Monday, November 3, 2008
October Flashback
It's funny to think this time last year, our lives seemed so dramatic. NOVA had just declared bankruptcy and were about to be thrown out of our apartment and onto the mean streets of Japan. That may be a bit over dramatic, but when compared to last year, we have had a very tame (never to be called boring) month.
Here's what we've been up to...
Jake tried out his teaching skills on 60 middle schoolers (no major mishaps so far) while Jill entertained kinders with songs and rhymes (no complaints about her singing, yet).
Jill chopped off her hair just in time to celebrate the last two weddings of the year. We are officially done with weddings until spring- unless anyone has any news to share with us.
We went to Bend to see Lindsey, Neal and their new beautiful house. Check out their amazing kitchen. They're quite sophisticated folk.
We visited Lakeview and learned that big remotes are the new thing. As you can clearly see, it really ups Darrel's cool factor.
We of course carved pumpkins. Betcha can't tell whose pumpkin is whose.
Happy November!
Here's what we've been up to...
Jake tried out his teaching skills on 60 middle schoolers (no major mishaps so far) while Jill entertained kinders with songs and rhymes (no complaints about her singing, yet).
Jill chopped off her hair just in time to celebrate the last two weddings of the year. We are officially done with weddings until spring- unless anyone has any news to share with us.
We went to Bend to see Lindsey, Neal and their new beautiful house. Check out their amazing kitchen. They're quite sophisticated folk.
We visited Lakeview and learned that big remotes are the new thing. As you can clearly see, it really ups Darrel's cool factor.
We of course carved pumpkins. Betcha can't tell whose pumpkin is whose.
Happy November!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Six Quirky, Jerky Things About Us
We were tagged by Becca to describe six quirks that we each have. Seeing as how, we have no children and are no longer living in a foreign country, we welcome any new ideas for posts. We've decided to split it up and list three or four quirks each.
Here are some of Jacob's most loveable quirks.
1. He cannot sit at a table without rearragning everything on the table. He does not care if it his house or not, anything on anyone's table is fair game. The table does not look better when he is done.
2. He compulsively stacks change. Should he ever eye a pile of pennies that is not in a nice pile, he will get to work. Should you casually knock this pile of change over, he will re-stack it until someone finally removes the pile of change from his line of vision.
3. He is obsessed with beat boxing. At any place and any time he will beat box. This includes the grocery store and while on the pooper.
4. Jacob is a sleep shouter. Anyone who has ever slept in the same room or house with him is aware of this little quirk. He literally yells in violent gibberish every night. I'm surprised the neighbors have never complained.
Now it's Jill's turn.
1. Jill has problems with spontaneous laughing. People with Turrets Syndrome shout uncontrollable cuss words. Jill starts laughing uncontrollably without any provocation, and then starts laughing even harder at the fact that she's laughing. Traditionally, this problem originates in groups of at least 2, when you have somone to play off of. Not with Jill. Last week, she laughed about ice cream treats for 25 minutes.
2. Jill sometimes speaks with an English accent for no apparent reason. For example, I will say, "Hey, Jill, I'm in a good mood." She will respond, as though she's a British nanny, "Oooh, are you happy?" Inflection and all.
3. Jill is a deep-sleep Sit-com laugher. For example, she'll pass out during the first three minutes of a Seinfeld episode. 20 minutes later, she'll awake to the laugh track, and she'll burst out a short laugh, as though she understands the joke. Sometimes, she'll do the same thing during a death-bed scene of a tear-jerking drama. Apprently, death is funny to this woman.
Here are some of Jacob's most loveable quirks.
1. He cannot sit at a table without rearragning everything on the table. He does not care if it his house or not, anything on anyone's table is fair game. The table does not look better when he is done.
2. He compulsively stacks change. Should he ever eye a pile of pennies that is not in a nice pile, he will get to work. Should you casually knock this pile of change over, he will re-stack it until someone finally removes the pile of change from his line of vision.
3. He is obsessed with beat boxing. At any place and any time he will beat box. This includes the grocery store and while on the pooper.
4. Jacob is a sleep shouter. Anyone who has ever slept in the same room or house with him is aware of this little quirk. He literally yells in violent gibberish every night. I'm surprised the neighbors have never complained.
Now it's Jill's turn.
1. Jill has problems with spontaneous laughing. People with Turrets Syndrome shout uncontrollable cuss words. Jill starts laughing uncontrollably without any provocation, and then starts laughing even harder at the fact that she's laughing. Traditionally, this problem originates in groups of at least 2, when you have somone to play off of. Not with Jill. Last week, she laughed about ice cream treats for 25 minutes.
2. Jill sometimes speaks with an English accent for no apparent reason. For example, I will say, "Hey, Jill, I'm in a good mood." She will respond, as though she's a British nanny, "Oooh, are you happy?" Inflection and all.
3. Jill is a deep-sleep Sit-com laugher. For example, she'll pass out during the first three minutes of a Seinfeld episode. 20 minutes later, she'll awake to the laugh track, and she'll burst out a short laugh, as though she understands the joke. Sometimes, she'll do the same thing during a death-bed scene of a tear-jerking drama. Apprently, death is funny to this woman.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sand in Crevices
Hello, all. I'm (Jake) making a long-delayed return into the Blog world. You'll probably notice the style elements of the Blog disappearing quite quickly, as I've completely forgotten how to use this website.
Anyway, Jill and I were finally able to make a trip out of Eugene to Florence, Oregon this weekend. We both badly needed to get out of the routine, and what better place than Florence, which is one hour away from Eugene.
I'll use summary to describe the boring parts. We walked on a jetty, we walked on the beach, and we ate Mo's famous clam chowder. Now for the good part:
Jill and I were walking on the beach, when she saw a sand dune to our right. She said, "I want to roll down that sand dune." I said, "have you forgotten you're not 10 years old anymore."
Apparently, this fact was lost on Jill, who raced up the sand dune and rolled for about 40 feet until she puddled at my toes in a dizzy mass of sweatshirt and sandy teeth. She said, "I can't really stand up straight." I said, "that's because you just rolled down a sand dune."
However, I've never been one to back down from peer pressure unless it involves copious drug use or wearing women's clothing. Therefor, it seemed natural to me to be the next to roll down the hill, and to top Jill's roll by getting a jumping start. Jill said, "that's fine, I'll take a video." So, I went up the hill, and jumped from the top into a roll, landing on my shoulder and leg. Now, I don't know if any of you practice blunt force trauma regularly, but I will tell you that landing on a sand dune at 25 years old feels like a train wreck more than a Disneyland ride.
Anyway, we both survived, and have some sweeet photos to prove our athleticism and grace. I hope that you all will get to witness, live, Jill in an upside down somersault position with butt placed high in the air. What a marvel.
Until next time,
Jake and Jill
Sunday, September 7, 2008
August Weddings
Jake and I closed our summer breaks with two amazing weddings.
Congratulations Derek and Liz on August 23rd and Brian and Morgan on August 30th.
Liz and her dad coming down the aisle.
Jake and Derek. They've been friends forever.
Michael and Sara. They are currently on a three WEEK backpacking trip.
Brian and Morgan, the newlyweds.
Jake and Diane catching up on sports and entertainment- two things Jill never has much to say on. This was shortly after Jake was asked to give an impromptu groomsmen speech in front of 350 guests.
The mohito queens. Jill and Lindsey made mohitos for reception. Neither of them had any experience mixing drinks, nor had they even had a mohito before. As a direct result, there were a lot of full mohitos glasses left on the tables at the end of the night.
SCHOOL UPDATE....
Both Jill and Jake have survived the first week of school and both are willingly returning tomorrow.
Congratulations Derek and Liz on August 23rd and Brian and Morgan on August 30th.
Liz and her dad coming down the aisle.
Jake and Derek. They've been friends forever.
Michael and Sara. They are currently on a three WEEK backpacking trip.
Brian and Morgan, the newlyweds.
Jake and Diane catching up on sports and entertainment- two things Jill never has much to say on. This was shortly after Jake was asked to give an impromptu groomsmen speech in front of 350 guests.
The mohito queens. Jill and Lindsey made mohitos for reception. Neither of them had any experience mixing drinks, nor had they even had a mohito before. As a direct result, there were a lot of full mohitos glasses left on the tables at the end of the night.
SCHOOL UPDATE....
Both Jill and Jake have survived the first week of school and both are willingly returning tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Four Days, Two Nights
A good portion of the last two months has been spent collaborating with our good friends, Michael and Sara, an end-of-the-summer backpacking trip. Plans were made, additional gear was purchased, we were ready to go. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had plans of her own. Here is how our original five days, four nights in the Diamond Peak Wilderness turned into four days and two nights....
Day 1:
Spirits are high as we enter the Cascade Mountains. Subway fills our bellies, we are ready for an adventure.
Fast forward to about 4 miles down the trail. The mosquitoes have spotted us and they are relentless. We can't even stop to take water breaks. Jake ends up with 38 bites on one shoulder. Mosquitoes nets, Deet, nothing works.
Another .5 miles and we are breathing in mosquitoes. The group vote is unanimous. Let's quit.
The lake was nice, but not nice enough to keep us going.
At the end of our 9 mile hike. Who doesn't love to go on a day hike with five days of food and gear on their back?
It's back to Eugene to watch the Olympics, drink some beer and sleep on the tempurpedic. With the Cascades out of the picture, we decide to take on the Columbia Gorge the following morning.
Day 2:
We're pretty sure we aren't going to turn around today.
Jake seems to know a lot about this part of the trail.
Enjoying some delicious Top Ramen at camp.
Day 3:
Beautiful waterfalls. You can't tell in the pictures, but the trail behind and around this waterfall was really narrow. One tiny little slip and you'll find yourself at the bottom. Jake was very aware of this fact and took about fifteen minutes to walk 30 feet. At this point in the hike, Jill was still very confident in her walking abilities and didn't think once about falling.
This is the last picture that was taken where Jill is confident on her feet. A mere five minutes later while crossing a stream, she managed to step off of a log and slip on the rocks. It wouldn't have been so bad if either her hands or knees, or perhaps even an elbow would have broken her fall. Instead, she decided to test out how strong her mouth was. It turns out that indeed her mouth is quite strong and she still has all her teeth. Her gums are quickly healing, her confidence not so much.
Today's hike was gorgeous.
We have now survived three days and one night. Jake victoriously enjoys some sausage log.
Day 4:
Our packs are feeling lighter, our legs are feeling weak. We've run into a few mosquitoes, but so far so good. Today we started off with a walk around the lake.
At the top of Chinidere Mountain. The view from the top was amazing. Jake tried to give Jill a heart attack by venturing out on the edge to capture the "perfect" picture. Also, while atop the mountain, Michael was bitten by a nasty spider. Jill would rather fall than be bitten.
Our original plan was to spend a third night in the wilderness. Benson Plateau was to be our home for the night. However, we were once again attacked by mosquitoes. Not wanting to donate too much of our blood we decided to hike the remaining six miles back to civilization. Unfortunately this consisted of:
Steep downhill switchbacks (they of course are much steeper in real life).
AND
Rocky paths- a great place to hike when it is 104 outside.
Back at the car anxious for fresh clothes and Burgerville.
Day 1:
Spirits are high as we enter the Cascade Mountains. Subway fills our bellies, we are ready for an adventure.
Fast forward to about 4 miles down the trail. The mosquitoes have spotted us and they are relentless. We can't even stop to take water breaks. Jake ends up with 38 bites on one shoulder. Mosquitoes nets, Deet, nothing works.
Another .5 miles and we are breathing in mosquitoes. The group vote is unanimous. Let's quit.
The lake was nice, but not nice enough to keep us going.
At the end of our 9 mile hike. Who doesn't love to go on a day hike with five days of food and gear on their back?
It's back to Eugene to watch the Olympics, drink some beer and sleep on the tempurpedic. With the Cascades out of the picture, we decide to take on the Columbia Gorge the following morning.
Day 2:
We're pretty sure we aren't going to turn around today.
Jake seems to know a lot about this part of the trail.
Enjoying some delicious Top Ramen at camp.
Day 3:
Beautiful waterfalls. You can't tell in the pictures, but the trail behind and around this waterfall was really narrow. One tiny little slip and you'll find yourself at the bottom. Jake was very aware of this fact and took about fifteen minutes to walk 30 feet. At this point in the hike, Jill was still very confident in her walking abilities and didn't think once about falling.
This is the last picture that was taken where Jill is confident on her feet. A mere five minutes later while crossing a stream, she managed to step off of a log and slip on the rocks. It wouldn't have been so bad if either her hands or knees, or perhaps even an elbow would have broken her fall. Instead, she decided to test out how strong her mouth was. It turns out that indeed her mouth is quite strong and she still has all her teeth. Her gums are quickly healing, her confidence not so much.
Today's hike was gorgeous.
We have now survived three days and one night. Jake victoriously enjoys some sausage log.
Day 4:
Our packs are feeling lighter, our legs are feeling weak. We've run into a few mosquitoes, but so far so good. Today we started off with a walk around the lake.
At the top of Chinidere Mountain. The view from the top was amazing. Jake tried to give Jill a heart attack by venturing out on the edge to capture the "perfect" picture. Also, while atop the mountain, Michael was bitten by a nasty spider. Jill would rather fall than be bitten.
Our original plan was to spend a third night in the wilderness. Benson Plateau was to be our home for the night. However, we were once again attacked by mosquitoes. Not wanting to donate too much of our blood we decided to hike the remaining six miles back to civilization. Unfortunately this consisted of:
Steep downhill switchbacks (they of course are much steeper in real life).
AND
Rocky paths- a great place to hike when it is 104 outside.
Back at the car anxious for fresh clothes and Burgerville.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Backpacks, Smoking and Music Etiquette
We're not quite sure how the following photo failed to make an appearance on our blog while we were in Japan. It is a classic.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Riding in Style
We thought it was time to show all of you just how cool we look when we are out riding our bikes in Eugene.
In this particular situation, Jacob definitely has the upper hand on style. His expensive sunglasses, and newer and flashy red bicycle really add to his look.
Jill struggles to keep up with her Target brand sunglasses and Huffy-like bike from the mid 90's.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Five Days of Becca
Anyone who really knows me, knows that there was someone before Jake. Becca. Becca who Jake is constantly competing against for my love and affection. That might be a little extreme, but nonetheless she is my best friend and I love spending time with her and her two little girls.
This get together involved two 6-hour drives with her girls, a Jenks concert, relaxing in the sun in Coeur D'Alene and best of all, our good friend Brian's wedding. Check out the pictures to see the highlights.
Having fun with Abbie and Lauren. I must make a good seat.
Lauren teaching Audrey how to brush her teeth. What sweet friends!
Congratulations, Brian and Rachel!
The wedding was at the Jewett House with the ceremony taking place facing the lake. It was beautiful.
Audrey, Noelle, Jill, Diane and Becca with the handsome groom.
A few of my favorite girls. After having such a great time at the wedding, we have decided to have a college girl's reunion every year. I can't wait until Spring when we start our first official weekend away together.
This is Lauren on our ride home from CDA. This girl sure does love her Ranch.
This get together involved two 6-hour drives with her girls, a Jenks concert, relaxing in the sun in Coeur D'Alene and best of all, our good friend Brian's wedding. Check out the pictures to see the highlights.
Having fun with Abbie and Lauren. I must make a good seat.
Lauren teaching Audrey how to brush her teeth. What sweet friends!
Congratulations, Brian and Rachel!
The wedding was at the Jewett House with the ceremony taking place facing the lake. It was beautiful.
Audrey, Noelle, Jill, Diane and Becca with the handsome groom.
A few of my favorite girls. After having such a great time at the wedding, we have decided to have a college girl's reunion every year. I can't wait until Spring when we start our first official weekend away together.
This is Lauren on our ride home from CDA. This girl sure does love her Ranch.
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