Five-Words Friday: On Hygiene

BRUSH YOUR TEETH - or else!!

The Fire: My Story

"It's just a building."

Last Saturday, just before 6am, Dave's phone started buzzing. He quickly grabbed it and I thought to myself, "who could be calling at this hour?" I heard the words church and fire, but the way the conversation was going, it sounded like a minor brush fire started on the side of the building. Then Dave repeated back the bishop's startling news: the church is gone.

I really can't remember what I did - it was one of those moments where time just seems to stop. It was so hard to believe, almost like a bad nightmare that I could not wake up from - yet, I was very much awake. Shortly after the phone call, Dave was worrying about the thousands in climbing equipment that were being stored in the building for "safe keeping". I just kept trying to wrap my mind around the thought that this was our new reality - in an instant, we were without our church. As I continued to think about it, my mind drifted to many treasures in the YW closet; all of those things we had made, donated or purchased for the girls. My stomach was sick at the thought of all that was lost.

Then, I thought of the pianos, with their familiar touch - and the organ. I kept thinking I needed to pinch myself... it couldn't be real.

But it was.

We had a bunch of work, packing and chores to do at home, but watched the news or checked the internet for updates. Watching the video of the fire as it licked at the bricks, eagerly consumed the walls and gleefully collapsed the roof, made me physically ill. That afternoon we had our family pictures taken at Marina Beach in Edmonds. On the way home, Dave suggested swinging by the building. Initially, I didn't want to go, but figured it would be important to see what had happened. As we drove along Chennault Beach Road, which runs parallel to the building, I came face-to-face with reality. The building was still smoking and the parking lot was taped off, while firefighters, investigators and reporters swarmed the scene.

We parked the car at the high school, put Benjamin in his stroller and walked over to see the damage up close. I could see into the foyer - windows were broken out, but you could still see the hallway. I looked up at the second floor classrooms - some of the interior walls were still standing, but the roof was completely gone. The YW room's roof was half collapsed, but the corner of the room (the location of the closet) looked to be completely intact - the roof was still there too.

We stood and talked to the Valentines (our bishop), as well as several other members from both wards. A risk management rep from Salt Lake flew in that morning, and Dave chatted with him while I walked around the lot to get a look at the back of the building. While I gazed at the extensive damage - it looked like someone just came along and ripped off the exterior east wall - one of the fire chiefs came over and chatted with me, asking if I had attended church at the building. By that time, the news was reporting that it was not an accident, and in fact, an arson case. He explained to me that the federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms had found some strong evidence that told them it was arson. I asked the chief when he had arrived at the scene, to which he replied, "3am"; I glanced at my watch and it was nearly 7pm. I thanked him for his help and with a firm, respectful nod, he said, "You are welcome" then strode off.

As we were leaving (& as I soon discovered we were some of the last members to take off), I was approached by a news reporter from Fox News. She asked several nice questions, but it seemed her intent was to incite some emotional response from me. Basically, I said it was a sad event, but we would likely rebuild. And, while many of us had sweet memories tied to the building, we could take those memories with us.

Church followed the next day; same time, different location. Fortunately, a neighboring stake was holding their stake conference, so we had full use of one of their smaller buildings. As we drove up to the building that day, reporters, cameras and news trucks with satellites greeted us. After church, FoxNews had a cameraman onsite, interviewing folks on their thoughts as well; fortunately, I able to slide by without getting interviewed a second time.

A few days later, I had an errand to run close to the building, so Benjamin and I dropped by the site. By that time, fencing surrounded what was left of the church and workers were taking notes and pictures, as they prep the building for demolition. I ran into a young girl armed with a Starbucks cup, who approached me near the front of the church. She looked at me, clenched her coffee, and with very sad eyes asked, "Did you go here?" I nodded yes. Then she asked, "Uh, do you guys have insurance?"

I explained what I had heard, which was that the church did not have insurance due to the high cost to cover such a large amount of real estate across the world. However, funds were in place, plans were being drawn up and the building would be replaced within the next year, or so.

She smiled and said she was a student at Kamiak High School, which is adjacent to the church - she even knew a few of our YW. She said that she and many other students wanted to hold a benefit concert to raise funds, assisting the church in the rebuilding effort. I smiled and said that I thought members would be delighted to hear that that was happening, but perhaps the funds could be donated to another cause. Fortunately, Chad (the other counselor in the bishopric) happened to drive by. He took down her name and number, noting that many others in the community expressed similar ideas.

After that touching interchange, I snapped a quick picture of the front fenced area, where others in the community had left flowers and a potted plant, which held a card addressed to "The church family". I opened the card and it contained the signatures of people I did not recognize.

It's so wonderful, and sweetly overwhelming, to have such strong community support, in a time of such loss. But, as many other church members have already expressed via the numerous news stories, Facebook messages and blog posts, it is just a building. The fortunate thing is no one was hurt and a physical structure can be replaced; the truth we know and importance that the gospel holds in our lives can never be destroyed.

Five-Words Friday

A Woohoo-Kind of Moment!

Contemplations

"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything."

~William Shakespeare

Yesterday, Dave was asked to preside over the graveside service for an inactive man from our ward, who had recently passed away. Because the service would be held at 2pm in Auburn, Benjamin and I offered to come along as HOV buddies. For those not from Seattle, the rush hour traffic is out-of-this-world awful.

The interment was held at Tahoma National Cemetery, a very large VA cemetery situated right smack dab in our own Bermuda Triangle of southeast king county, otherwise known as the middle of nowhere; I swear that without our navigation system, we would have been lunching with Amelia Earhart today. But, the drive was gorgeous as we headed up the Cedar River canyon on Highway 169 towards Maple Valley. The opposing hills looked they like were set afire, thanks to the blazing colors of the leaves. And we bopped along quite nicely, with competing sounds of our navigation lady’s semi-pleasant voice and the Fisher Price® Little People: 50 Sing-Along Classics cd. Plus, the sky was blue, the air was crisp and the sun was shining.

It was a beautiful autumn day for a funeral.

As we listened, sang and took in the beautiful scenery, we turned off the highway and wound our way up the south side of the canyon. After a lot of zigging & zagging, and ascending & descending, eventually we arrived at our destination point. Sweeping green lawns greeted us, with elderly folks dressed in austere military dress standing guard. They didn’t really look that menacing, but I’m sure in their day, they were a force with which to be reckoned.

Dave introduced himself to one of these cemetery officials, noting that he was the clergy representative for this gentleman’s service. The official quickly declared something to the effect that Dave would have very little speaking time and that, “the military takes precedence here”. When Dave told me that, I said, “Little do they know, God really takes precedence here!”… to which Dave said, “Oh, no – they are definitely in charge.” And he wasn’t kidding.

After everyone arrived, we were kept to 10 mph and passed by a line of saluting veterans. That nearly brought a tear to my eye because it made me realize the sacrifices that each of these people made, and they were due such solemn respect. The procession meandered for about a mile before coming to a tall wooden pavilion. Apparently, the cemetery does not allow mourners at the actual gravesite because it is considered a construction zone. So, everyone huddled under the pavilion while an honor guard stood at attention and a military servicewoman/chaplain performed the service. Dave got to introduce the family member that gave a prayer and dedicated the grave (remotely).

When we arrived, one of the elderly officials had pulled me aside as soon as I stepped from our car. He said they would be firing off shots, so I needed to cover Benjamin’s ears to protect them from damage. Initially, I thought it a bit silly, but then I quickly understood and appreciated the word of warning. The honor guard didn’t stand very far from the service, so when the flag was raised and the guns moved into firing position, I quickly clamped down on both sides of his head (he was not a fan of being held in such a way). I’m glad I did because when the 3-volley salute commenced, the sound was deafening – I would have covered my own ears, if my hands weren’t busy protecting Benjamin’s.

In the end, it was a nice service and the grounds were absolutely gorgeous that day. As we left the cemetery, with Mt. Rainier looming large in the distance, I was a bit surprised to feel the spirit so strongly, despite the lack of spirituality during the service. The experience made me grateful for life, for ordinances, for all of god’s creations, and for the Gospel.

(Photo courtesy of Tahoma National Cemetery)

The Perfect Ten

10/10/10

OK, folks - I can't help myself. This special date is calls for a top ten list... and because the opportunity will not come around again for a very, very long time, I felt compelled to do my part to commemorate this lovely day.

So, here it is: The Top 10 Things I Love About Autumn:

1. High school football games - the energy and sounds are so electrifying, you can't help but get caught up in the excitement as you cheer on your favorite team.
2. Sweaters - I love a good, cozy sweater, especially as the seasons change.
3. Apples - whether it is apple pie, applesauce, apple crisp, or even a freshly sliced Honeycrisp, this fruit is just a natural part of autumn for me.
4. Falling leaves - a few years ago, I gathered several colorful leaves from a Japanese maple, dried and pressed them, then framed them. Those frames sit on a shelf at my work; one golden leaf, one burnt orange leaf and one fiery red leaf allow me to experience autumn all year round.
5. A crispness in the air - that coolness takes my breath away and makes me giddy for the future months, filled with wintery holiday fun.
6. Corn fields - transformed into winding mazes, they are a fun place to celebrate the harvest, take in some of that fresh country air and relish time spent outdoors with family and friends.
7. Hot chocolate or cider - sipping frothy sweetness from a warm mug; warms your hands while warming your belly.
8. Crafts & reading - with the cool weather, it's the natural time to shift activities indoors. Making things by hand is absolutely enjoyable and relaxing, but the idea of curling up with a good book is equally appealing.
9. Holidays - Halloween means that Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner.
10. Parties - whether a costume party or a dinner party, I love spending time with the important people in my life. An added bonus? Good conversation and good food are an outstanding combination.

So here's a big question for you: What do YOU love about this time of year?

So Here's Why...

I always seem to find some sort of lame excuse (erhm, I mean reason) for my post absences. "I'm too busy" is a favorite, to be sure.

But this time, this one is good; it is so NOT an excuse, but a very valid reason.

My lack of posts is due to one big fat, lovely reason: a SOLD sign swinging in the wind outside our house (Cue the woohoo's/audible sighs of relief/raucous applause & cheers!). After six months on the market, and nearly two weeks before we pulled it off, our little townhouse decided it was going to have a new owner - just like that.

The mere fact that we no longer have to live in a constant state of staging is cause for the most grand of celebrations for me. But lest you think I'm not grateful about the actual sale, it is the creamy, deluxe, milk chocolate icing on top of the cake.

Needless to say, "fevered pitch" is our current state of being. When the dust has settled, I hope to bring you back to a more regular posting schedule.

Forgotten Holiday

Did you know you missed a big holiday this week? Yeah, you did - but so did I. Sunday, September 12th. National Grandparents Day. Totally missed it... but here to rectify the matter.

Benjamin is so lucky because he has two sets of grandparents that love him very much.

During the week, Dave's parents (mostly his mom) watch Benjamin on the days that I work. Cannot begin to describe our gratitude for this, as it allows us to have health insurance. Lucky boy, lucky family!

And tonight - and most every Friday night, my parents drive down to babysit him so that Dave and I can go on a date night. What luck to have a babysitter that makes house calls! But, I think they do it for completely selfish reasons... they want to spend their Friday nights with one awesome kid! Lucky boy, lucky mommy & daddy!

I don't always do such a great job of documenting the every day, but here is a photo essay on his grandparents from my side of the family:

So, to all of those grandparents out there, Happy Belated Grandparents Day! We tip a melting, half-eaten popsicle to you!

Celebrate Good Times - Part 2!

It's official - Benjamin is one - again!

We had a day-long celebration on his actual birthday, a birthday party two weeks ago with Dave's family and a birthday party last Sunday with my family. So, hooray - he's One! Now that all of the celebrations are over, we need to start bracing ourselves for the "Twos".

Egads.

A picture tells a thousand words; four pictures and a phrase tell even more.

Filled to the Brim

Each time I log on to Blogger, I try so hard not to get overwhelmed by all of the back-blogging I need/want to do... because, you know, there is A LOT! But, I'm also trying to be better about getting up the latest info; I'd hate to have you reading about what we've been up to around here, only to realize that it is last week (or last quarter's) news!

So, I give you a post from this week - Labor Day 2010 - or our Jam-Packed Day of Holiday Fun:

Morning Adventures at Maltby Cafe

The day started out with a visit to Maltby Cafe with Mark and Linda. When it comes to fun - and to a hearty breakfast - they are always game to join us! The picture above is just one of the many beautiful dishes the cafe whips up. Dave and I opted for a vegetarian omelette, with whole-wheat toast and a side of sausage (I love meat, what can I say?). I cannot recall what M & L dined on, but it smelled absolutely divine. And if you ask any of the locals, there isn't a bad dish in the place.

Professional Foot Analysis

After a filling breakfast, Dave suggested driving to Greenlake so that I could get fitted for some new running shoes. I was excited because I've been meaning to do this for a long time, but just kept putting it off. They measured my foot balance (how pressure was dispersed across my feet), arch analysis (I'm right in the middle), video of my running technique (running barefoot feels weird) and finally, determining what kind of shoe will 1) work best for my feet and 2) fix the alignment issues that have been causing my hip issues.

So, after measuring, videotaping, making notes, hemming, hawing, more notes, followed by trying on several pairs of shoes, and wa-laa: the perfect shoe for Michelle!

It's the Saucony ProGrid Guide 3, which is especially helpful for:

Stability

Medium Arch

Uneven Peak Pressure

Semi-Flex

Straight Foot Position

And they were a size 8. I usually wear an 8 1/2 or 9, so this was a bit of a suprise too. But they fit so well - and running in them? Dreamy. They were a tad spendy, with the addition of the arch supports, but I am hopeful that they will be my miracle shoes and that I won't have to deal with any more PT due to cheap running shoes.

Ranger Cookies

When we got home, we were in serious need of a little treat - I think we spent nearly 2 hours at the shoe store! Per Dave's request, I made my healthy cookies which are a variation of the Betty Crocker Ranger Cookie recipe. I omit the coconut (bleh) and dried fruit - and add chocolate chips. I omit white flour for whole wheat, throw the oatmeal in the food processor until it is very fine and then add some unsweetened applesauce to moisten things up. And the result is fabulous - and a bit healthier than the average chocolate chip cookie. Which works for us, and fills that little treat void.

Family Home Evening

At the end of the long day, we held Family Home Evening. Dave gave a lesson from the Ensign called, "Growing Green Beans and Families". If you have a moment, check it out - a definite must-read if you want to cultivate a healthy family.

12-Months, and Counting...

SAY CHEESE!

On Tuesday, we went to the dreaded “Six-Shots-of-Death” appointment, otherwise known as the annual Well-Baby visit. It ended up only being the “Four-Shots-of-Death” appointment, but still – ugh.

Here are Benjamin’s stats, for those keeping track at home:

• Height: 32” (95% - holding steady at “very tall for his age”)
• Weight: 23.2 lbs (50% - up from 30% at his last visit!)
• Head Circumference: they never tell me after they’ve measured it, and I keep forgetting to ask at every appointment. It looked like 18”, but I’m really not sure.

Everything is looking good, with the exception of his belly-button hernia. Our pediatrician gave us a referral to a Children’s Hospital specialist; from the sounds of it, he will have to have it surgically repaired… blah.

But, other than that, he is tracking well, eating well and we are always running to keep up with this active kiddo.

Current favorites:

• Foods: red grapes (shovels these in to the point they are bursting out the sides), grape tomatoes, cheese, juice and pancakes.
• Books: “Goodnight Moon”, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” and the Dr. Seuss ABC book.
• Words: Go! Go!; Dadda; Momma
• “Lovey”: he snuggles up to all blankets we have, but I think his favorite is a light-weight monkey print blanket, which he drags everywhere all of a sudden.
• Toys: Dusty, the talking vacuum & his trusty friend/attachment, Brushy; the tool table set; talking Elmo; singing puppy dog (teaches songs, words, rhymes, colors); and singing bug with lights (teaches colors and shapes).
• Climbing spots: stairs, chairs, beds, bathtubs, showers, computers, fireplace, toilets and – the oven! He hangs from all of them like a little monkey, with his crazy long and strong fingers.

The picture above is his 12-month portrait, which we had taken last week. It’s amazing to us how he is looking less like a baby and more like a little boy each day.

Celebrate Good Times!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY!

Well, it took us a while to get the celebration together because it seems that everyone decided to be on vacation in August. I know, shocking, huh?!

So, I present: Benjamin's 1st Birthday (part 1)!

A fun collection of the cake demolition, as well as some of our little party-goers! Thanks to the Goodwin side of the family for part 1 of Benjamin's celebration. Part 2 with the Marchant side of the family is this next weekend... with more cake destruction yet to come!

(Yeah, chocolate fudge cake-covered birthday boy = fudgey-fun, muddy bath. Yum-o!)

Sleep: A Constant Battle, An Elusive Dream

This is a typical example of an afternoon around our house:

Benjamin has finally passed out on the floor, on our bed, in his crib, on my shoulder - wherever he decides to conk out after fighting the undesirable sweetness of slumber.

And then there's me - trying to do that everyday stuff I do, while fighting the intense effects of sleep deprivation. Oh, if only we could switch places - how blissful we would both be, I'm sure!

Scaling Another Summit

In July, Dave and his friend, Karl, took a trip to Mt. Adams. They took alpine-touring (AT) skis/boots, which allowed them to hike up the 12,000 ft. mountain... and then ski down from the summit.

From the picture, can you tell how much fun Dave had on this trip?

Yep - it was *THAT* good.

Nature Walk - A Story Collage

A Walk in the Park

A photo essay of a recent walk/run on a local urban trail.

(Still trying to figure out the whole Photoshop collage thing, but you can click on the picture to see a larger image in another screen.)

Forever in Blue PJs, Baby

Look, Ma - I'm camping!

Our little drooling, wispy-haired buddy - gearing up for a night under the stars.

About a month ago, we headed up to Cascade Park for our Stake Campout/Pioneer Celebration... AND Benjamin's first camping experience. There were tons of little kids, loads of smores and nearly more fun than anyone could handle! It was a fun night - and much to our shock and absolute pleasure, he slept through the night, while cutting a new tooth too!

Favorite picture of the trip?

PJs and sneakers: it's a beautiful thing!

Phantom Lake

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Last weekend, we spent one of the hottest days of the year (~97 degrees) in or always close to the water. Dave's grandmother lives in Bellevue, on a private lake. So not only did we not have to fight the crowds to find parking spaces, picnic tables, or prime sunbathing spots, but we were some of the only people in the water that day!

And, as much as I don't like the really extreme hot temperatures, it didn't feel so bad as we dipped our toes in the spring-fed awesomeness that Phantom Lake provides. Ruthie met us at the driveway and helped bring Benjamin down to the lake, while Dave & I hauled down all of the supplies & food. Shortly after we arrived, Bracan, Rachel, Lucy & Alice showed up, followed by Jon, Julie, Matthew & Seth. Dave invited a childhood friend named Scott, who brought his three kids, Tommy, Josh & Cassie. Dave's dad arrived a while later with the rest of the food. We were just missing Dave's mom, who was in UT for the week, and Jon & Aubri who were enjoying the hot summer fun in Hawaii. Despite their absence, it was a wonderful day spent with family and friends.

Everyone took a short break from the water fun to eat hamburgers, BBQ chicken, grilled veggies, tomato/cucumber/red onion salad, chips, raspberry lemonade and loads of cookies. Not long after thr food had been devoured, the kids headed back to the water to play on the giant, inflatable trampoline and take turns in the fun paddleboat.

It was a divine way to spend a hot day in the Seattle summer sun!

Cassie catching some air while Matthew looks on.

Our wide open spaces - just had to choose the best place to set up

Benjamin - taking a moment to ponder the beauty of the lake, and prior to jumping into the water

Benjamin - enjoying the new float toy and the cool waters

I'm #1!

Well, folks, we need a drumroll...

we have officially made it to ONE.

(Pause for applause, shock, and awe.)

It's crazy to think that a year ago, our little guy looked like this:

And now?

Mr. Stylish Dapper Dan, complete with pinstripe suit, handkerchief, bowtie AND saddle shoes. Can you even handle all of that cuteness?

Happy Birthday to our not-so little guy!

Due to everyone being on vacation this week, we are postponing the grand festivities for a bit... but you can rest assured that pictures of cake + ravenous boy will be coming soon, to a blog near you!

Hanging with the Guys

The Cousins

Seth, Benjamin & Matthew

Jon & Aubri: A Beautiful Day