more snow...sort of

I worked from home again today...with the promise of below-freezing temps and icey roads, I didn't think it was a great idea.  So I had the chance to see the girls playing in the snow!

Snow day. Really? Really.

It started snowing yesterday, and by the time Doug got home (at almost 2am) and reported that the roads were pretty slippery.  The weather forecast called for more snow and low temps, so I decided to work from home.  I love having that option!

These are some of the things we saw today...

the snowhead that Aubrey and Audrey made

icey snow in the backyard

Malcolm at a coldy-freezey lacrosse practice

more views from here

Today I took Laurel and Aubrey to Bright Horizons backup care.  So our drive was even a bit more different than usual.  I couldn't give up my drive up the Viaduct:

Which made me so happy because I got this new view:

the view from here

Ever since I switched my drive to work, I've been enjoying the view so much more!

Of course, my drive home hasn't changed and this is still one of my favorite views of Seattle.

another sunny Saturday

the sun was awesome today (even though it was SO cold).  and when I saw the theme for my Project 52 ("the view from here"), I knew I needed to get out.

I'm not sure if  any of these will be my "final" photo for the week, but it felt SO good to be outside with my camera in hand.

and the drive to the nearby views was lightened by The Show (starring Aubrey and Audrey) that I was invited to just before leaving to take pictures:

take note of what they are wearing, how the wind is blowing, and see if you don't feel cold.

new bath soap

This Mr. Bubbles bath soap was on sale and I couldn't resist. Laurel had fun getting Dana's bath ready for her tonight!

I needed some inspiration

I bought a photography session from GroupOn.  It's a hands-on 4-hour "how to use your digital camera" workshop, followed by a 2-hour guided "photo safari" at The Museum of Flights.  I am looking forward to some intensive time with just me and my camera and a ginormous workshop full of other people.  I'm glad that Sarah and Jenni bought it, too.

In the meantime I felt compelled to take pictures...and why wouldn't I?

the crocuses are blooming

the girls are silly, beautiful, willing models

  

and now I can say, "I've been to the ditch!"

Plus, I got to scale a chainlink fence with Becca...we were wearing flipflops and pajama pants.  Too bad our cameras were busy taking pictures of other things.  But I do like this picture Aubrey grabbed of Becca while I was hefting myself to the far side of the fence.



lacrosse valentines

Malcolm has been asking for two years to play Lacrosse instead of baseball.  I finally decided that this year he could chose, so he opted for Lacrosse.  I know NOTHING about the sport except that he will wear helmet, pads, and cleats to games, and he carries a stick with a net.  Practices  start Monday, and Aubrey wantd a picture of Malcolm's game face...

I was in a baking mood this weekend.  I don't know why, but I felt like i HAD to make sugar cookies.  Alison's old-fashioned sugar cookies (my favorite).  And I asked Sheila for an easy frosting recipe.  And then we were up to our ELBOWS in cookies and frosting.  I guess I'll take them to work.  Because I can't eat anymore without getting violently ill.

Shadow has been very strange lately

not that she's a "normal" dog or anything.  But the last few days she's been begging to be OUTside ~ for long periods of time.  And when I tried to get her to come in last night, she tried to play "Lassie" with me...acted like I needed to follow her.  But I didn't.

Instead I waited until today to take this picture of her.  She sat on the table like that for about 40 minutes.  just looking.  and watching.  SO STRANGE!

but strange or not, I like this version of her (over her normal hyper self).

Aubrey gave us a heart attack...

...I suspect this will be easier than any she gives us as she gets older!

we love our Bauber!

drive to work with me

it was beautiful today.

as expected there was fog on Hwy 169.

But by the time I hit the viaduct the sun was out and so were the ferries.

I got to go out for a walk today and I was so excited to get out that I forgot to grab my camera.

But on the drive home the Space Needle looked awesome against the sunset.  I sure wish they had vista points on I5 southbound...

my first YCL retreat

With my new calling at church (Assistant Stake Girls Camp Director), I got to attend the YCL retreat last night!  I'll admit that I was nervous ~ teenage girls make me nervous.  I think I revert to all my teenage securities when I'm around them.  But I actually had a fun time, and I was very impressed with how they went through the process of choosing the theme for this year's camp.

Dinner, games, music, snacks, and much MUCH talking. I loved it!

 And I met Bethany...she's such a sweet girl.

Maple Valley Stake Girls Camp | 2011

Mission: Possible

Mark 9:23  Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

As Zion's Youth in Latter Days

As Zion’s youth in latter days,
We stand with valiant heart,
With promise shining in our eyes,
Resolved to do our part.
Upon a noble past we build;
The future fills our view.
We face the challenge of our day
And pledge we will be true.

The truths and values we embrace
Are mocked on ev’ry hand.
Yet as we listen and obey
We know we can withstand
The evils that would weaken us,
The sin that would destroy.
With faith, we hold the iron rod
And find in this our joy. 

Thru test and trial we’ll have our fears,
But we will not despair.
We’re here to serve a righteous cause;
Truth gives us strength to dare.
We’ll love, and learn, and overcome;
We’ll sing a joyful song,
As Zion’s youth in latter days,
Triumphant, pure, and strong.

dana hearts monkey

She loves LOVES having Monkey come home from preschool.  And he seems pretty happy to spend time with her, too.  This time she took a LOT of pictures of him (and one of herself).  Here are a few that made the cut.  ;)