Oregon

Since we now live in Oregon, we need to know a little more about out home state. =)

Nickname - the Beaver State

State Flower - Oregon Grape

State Fish - Chinook Salmon

State bird - Western Meadowlark

State Tree - Douglas Fur

Motto - Alis volat Propriis (She Flies with her Own Wings)

Oregon, My Oregon

Land of the empire builders, land of the golden west;

Conquered and held by free men, fairest and the best;

On-ward, upward ever, forward and on and on;

Hail to thee, land of the heroes, my Oregon.

Land of rose and sunshine, land of summer breeze;

Laden with health and vigor, fresh from the western seas.

Blest by the blood of martyrs, land of the setting sun;

Hail to thee, land of promise, my Oregon

The Black Trap

There is a black box that sits innocently on a desk in Momma and Daddy's room. When I pass by, this trap waves its bait. "There are unopened emails in your inbox!" I sniff at the bait. It smells good. I stick my hand in the trap. I type the pass word, open Google Chrome, open my email and type my email and password. "I'll just check my email. I won't reply to any emails, I won't check Buzz, I'll check read the emails, then get off." I think. My email opens up and there are four deliciously bold, white emails. I click on the first. "Ah, a survey! I love surveys!" I read through it and several more like it since several of my friends have filled it out. Then, I fill it out. Next, Krista wrote me a long email, so I write an equally long one back. And I read the other emails and reply to them. And I check Buzz, then all the blogs, and post on my own. And, by that time, it's been two hours!!! It's then that I jump off and vow never to spend that much time stuck in that trap again! But, it happens the next day, and the next.

In fact it's happening to me RIGHT NOW!!! I NEED TO GET OFF THIS TRAP!

Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson

I've been having fun trying out different tips and ideas from "Home Comforts". It's a hard book to read through, but I'm so glad that I am taking the time to do so! I'm now about 2/3 of the way through. I've learned a lot about food, food safety, cleaning the kitchen/washing dishes, cloth, how to launder practically everything, stains and how to remove them, cleanliness, how to dust, vacuum, sweep, mop, clean anything, and so much more! This is a GREAT book for all homemakers!

Here are a couple ideas I've tried -

I mopped the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. The pros - the floor gets way cleaner and it's great exercise! The cons - "homemaker's knee" and it takes a bit longer than mopping with a mop. It's not something that I'll want to do every day of even every week. Just when the floors are really dirty. =)

To get rid of mineral build-up around faucets - wrap a rag soaked in vinegar around the faucet handles and let sit for about an hour. It worked moderately well, taking care of two smaller stains, but not the stubborn one. =/

I've also improved my sweeping and mopping, washing dishes, and how I handle chemicals like ammonia and bleach, changed my views about vinegar and soda, and I've got some great ideas about how to launder, what soaps and chemicals, etc.

Although the book looks daunting, being about three inches thick, it's definitely worth your time! It is a great reference book, too. Every homemaker should own one! (Thank you so much for giving it to me, Weese family!!)

-Susi

Eating while Working on the House

In the midst of paint, putty, caulk, etc., Laura and Bekah cooked baked sweet potatoes and we sat around the pan, eating like Indians. Bittersweet memories. =)

The Lennon Sisters

Growing up, Rebekah, Susanna, and I loved watching and pretending we were the Lennon sisters.

These are a couple of our favorites... enjoy!

The Cats

Hensie and Susi

It's windy outside!! 

Snow is Predicted...

....tonight!!! Winter comes a earlier than Lynden, it looks like!!

A few old snow pictures -

Matthew about to go down the hill

Making a snowman

Matthew's Photo Shoot and Birthday Party





Reading "Battle of the Bulge".

 

Windy day! =)

Sarah, Stephen, and Gracie came for the party. While Sarah helped with the meal, we turned on "Richard Scarry's Best ABC Video Ever" for Gracie.

The ceilings in this house are too tall for me to hang the streamers, so Phil helped me with them.

Matthew's dinner - enchiladas, cooked broccoli, and salad.

Military themed table.

(Sorry, L, had to steal it. =) 

The Oregon Dean Crisses.

Are You Proud of Your Country?

"In God We Trust" is on every penny, in every hand, every pocket, and every cash register. This was a nation founded on God. But are we still proud of that?

When I see the beautiful red, white, and blue waving gently in the breeze or hear the words of The Star-Spangled Banner sung, my heart beats with pride. I am proud that the U.S. is the most benevolent country in the world, helping many countries and people in need. I am proud of the policemen and soldiers protecting and promoting justice through our land. Going back, to our nations start, I think of the Sons of Liberty; men who cared enough for their freedom to die for it and who believed that God was the source of their freedom! Families and individuals who spoke out and acted about the injustice and fault in their land. Now unfortunately, people accept many things that should be spoken against.

You ask, "Am I proud of this country?" In some areas I burst with pride. But sadly, in others, I cower in shame. I am shamed because, even though this country was founded on God, this nation has chosen to turn away from their Maker. The United Sates of America has allowed 1.21 million abortions to happen in 2008 along according to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, which does not include the impact of the birth control pill. Is American now a country that thinks children are such a nuisance to kill them off like flies? God designated marriage to be between one man and one woman. Why does this country allow any other? What about the Second Amendment that allows every man to take up arms? Why do people want to do away with the guns that protect our Country? God is not honored by these things, for this I am shamed to be an American.

"The God who gave us life gave us liberty..." stated Thomas Jefferson. God gave us this freedom that we now have and I am proud that I can express these things that are wrong to hopefully benefit this nation. I am also proud that I can tell others about my great God and the nation that needs to turn back to Him for wisdom - a nation that can honestly say, "In God We Trust."

by Marie McDonnell