three first names

Some Summer

2011-09-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Going To The Post Office

2011-06-04T19:02:00.001-07:00

Day One In New England

2011-02-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

That's a shame.

2011-02-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

I uploaded these pictures in June. I'm sure that I had some witty commentary all planned out at the time. Oh well. Here are some pictures from June 2010. And yes, the last three pictures are very nearly identical.

I Had A Birthday- This Is What It Looked Like

2010-07-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

Trivial, Yes, But When Did This Game Become Heartless?

2010-05-19T14:59:00.001-07:00

"What diabetic funk legend got his last Jheri Curl in 2004?"

Another Glamorous Thursday

2010-05-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

"Mom! You Barely Parked!!"

2010-05-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

-- Exasperated nine year old in the parking lot of Mimi's Café.

Congratulations Erin & Tyler!

2010-05-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

Dunk This.

2010-05-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Pretentious? Maybe, but I sure did enjoy that free Venti iced Caramel Macchiato.

On This Edition Of Lisa's Globe-Trotting Youth Groupers-

2010-04-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

We have souvenirs from Mariah's trip to China- a beautiful basket and cappuccino-flavored gum. Thanks Mariah!

Je Voudrais Plus De Café! Je veux plus de café?

2010-04-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

My friends Kathy and Amber recently returned from a trip to London and Paris (I offered to dust off my high school French and come along as a moderately useful translator- they didn't bite) and bought a mug for me while visiting the Eiffel Tower. Not only is it beautiful, but it holds four cups of brew- when it's full I have to hold it with both hands. I love it.

Sarah's Birthday Lunch

2010-04-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Could these two be related?

I Had Almost Forgotten...

2010-04-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Jambalaya!

2010-04-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

2010-04-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

Last week my friend Marin invited me to see the Aspen to Santa Fe Ballet Company down in the desert. It was a collection of four "experimental" pieces, which basically means that no one wore a tutu and Vivaldi played a much smaller role. I'm a sucker for the staples of traditional ballet- huge jumps and seemingly endless fouettés- but this performance was quite beautiful.

Even the intermissions were entertaining, as I imagined what quips these two ladies in the balcony might cook up were they Waldorf and Statler, the cranky, old Muppet hecklers.

Happy Birthday Emily!

2010-03-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

Bonus picture from the Herb Jeffries room last week-

Egg Yolks Should Be Orange.

2010-03-30T16:00:00.001-07:00

Trust me. I have chicken experience.

Sitting On The Counter And Dollar Taco Night-

2010-03-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Both are fun for all ages.

Because Food Posts Are Kinda Boring, This Is A Spelling Post.

2010-03-30T15:58:00.001-07:00

I'm never sure how to spell "strudel". I always want to throw another 'e' in there.

Let's Confer

2010-03-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

This year's sectional conference was held at The Oaks in Lake Hughes, which is about thirty five miles from my mom's house in Frazier Park.

Because I'm a blue/green (hang tight- that'll make sense shortly) I cringed during all of the ice-breakers. C'mon people. We're all in the same field. We'll make friends organically. Please don't make me cluck like a chicken! Oh, to have Nancy's social grace...that's her donning styrofoam and toilet paper.

We stayed in 7B.

There is a long flight of stairs up to the dining hall. After dinner the first night as we headed back down to our cabin, we realized how poorly lit the stairs were. We had the aid of a flashlight, and I advised the group that there were forty four stairs. Erin made fun of me for the rest of the week- not for counting the stairs in the first place, but for remembering the number several hours later.

We spent a lot of time lounging around in these sitting areas, which reminded us how badly we need places like this at our camp.

What do nerdy people do during free time? Strength Deployment Inventory tests which assess one's motivational value systems, patterns of motivation, and conflict sequences, of course! Sarah and I attended the seminar in which this assessment was given, then promptly tested Josh and our friends from Camp Alandale.

Mike and Lisa

Dave

As a blue-green, I have a "cautious- supporting motivation and a concern for thoughtful helpfulness with regard for justice", but as conflict increases I go from "simply being prudently cautious" to "trying to escape from the opposition" to "having to retreat completely". Oh boy. And on a completely different note- there were inflatables!

Jeannie, Erin and Diane

Maria, Miles, Sarah, Josh and Rey

What Have I Become?

2010-03-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

What was my Target splurge today? This giant spice rack. Yes, it rotates and makes me happy. Yes, it's an odd thing to be excited about. A year or so ago, I began to pray that I would be better at my job. I was expecting to suddenly acquire a long list of mad skills, but He, not shockingly, is accomplishing this in me in a way that had not occurred to me. He's making me like to cook. I've never disliked it, I just didn't really care about it. Go figure.

2010-03-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

On my walk to the post office yesterday I wore flip-flops. They kind of hurt my feet. The disappearance of my flip-flop calluses is a sure sign that winter has stuck around for too long. It's more reliable than that old groundhog.

Grillz

2010-03-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

Found this picture of Hot Tub Man #1 and I in my picture folder today - I clicked on the file to investigate its title: Psycho Teeth. We were at a Fall Out Boy concert of all places (I know. But the tickets were free, it was August, and I really needed to get off the hill. I was impressed that they covered Michael Jackson and Sinead O'Connor- nailed them both) and felt like celebrating our post-braces smiles with a picture. While it is true that the quality of color is not perfect in cell phone cameras, I believe that my hair is, in fact, lovely chlorine green.

Dear HSBC Auto Finance,

2010-03-03T12:56:00.001-08:00

We're over. This is the last you'll hear from me; you've been trying to control me for far too long. Don't try to contact the car, either. We'll both be happier without you. I'm sorry if that hurts, but it's the truth. You know where to send the pink slip.

Goodbye forever,
#500040047893

Four Down,

2010-02-26T17:55:00.000-08:00

thirteen to go.

Our MMAPer ladies have painted our punch- stained tables. They look great, but the paint won't be completely set for a few days still, and we are about to be swarming with Girl Scouts, so we're hoping that plastic tablecloths will prevent any chipping. Bring on the masses!

I'm A Bit Of A List-Maker.

2010-02-26T13:34:00.001-08:00

Placa Azul Especial

2010-02-25T20:02:00.001-08:00

Because cooking and dish-washing is a big part of my job, I tend to shy away from recipes that require multiple shallow dish filling, dipping and excess- shakings when at home. I am glad, though, that I wasn't deterred from the pistachio crusted chicken recipe that I tried tonight. It was a little ridiculous. I just wish that Stater Brothers hadn't been out of coriander.

Ausgezeichnet!

2010-02-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

Our last two summers here at camp have been internationally seasoned, as we have had kids come all the way from Germany to be a part of the staff. This winter Dominik sent some Kinder Eggs our way. Kinder Eggs are made of delicious German chocolate and house a huge variety of little toys and figurines like those pictured above. My prizes were surprisingly appropriate.

2010-02-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know the person that they used as a model when designing Ipod earphones, but one of us is freakishly misshapen.

There Goes My Quick Bank Run On Payday.

2010-02-06T20:52:00.001-08:00

Highway 74 is, as my friend Katie says, "Out of order".

2010-02-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

Jeannie Oleson, a longtime Camp Maranatha employee, brought me a bag of coffee today from her daughter Rebecca. Rebecca lives in Costa Rica where she teaches the kids who live in shanties along the river in Jaco.

2010-02-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

I was a week late, but got to celebrate Jen's birthday with lunch at Mojito, pedicures, four games of Catan, some Wii Fit and lots of visiting. I love being there for longer than a night or two- we even had time to get my car's oil leak fixed!

Miranda wanted in on this photo op.

Jen made delicious chicken piccata for us; I forgot to steal the recipe- next time.

One of the Wii Fit games asks that you flap your arms like a chicken. I caught the kids flying alongside their feathered father.

Seventeen?!

2010-02-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Lacey is one of the few youth groupers who we've been able to talk into being on summer staff. She moved down to Hemet last year, so is no longer in our youth group, but fortunately is still available for coffee dates. She wanted to hang out on her birthday- what a sweet girl. After Starbucks and a quick trip to Anady's Trophy Shop, we realized that we were hungry, so we made like Del Boca Vista residents, and early- birded our way to Red Robin for a 4:15 dinner.

I don't know where she learned "The Job", but she shows much promise, no?

This Is Real.

2010-02-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

Really. I received these directions tonight: "Okay, well you go down Tollgate pretty far, and then you will pass a street, and then keep going straight, then you will see a semi- big, red house, and mine is the bright blue one right after it." After a few follow-up questions, I learned that her house would be on the right, and the street that I would pass "might be" Delano. Break the cycle. Teach your kids their addresses. Thanks.

I'm A Sucker For Packaging.

2010-01-27T13:04:00.000-08:00

I'm Thinking Maybe Some Weather Stripping?

2010-01-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

2010-01-27T12:45:00.000-08:00

A lot of last Thursday didn't go well. It poured during the food deliveries. I went up to my house for a shovel when Sysco arrived, as there was a pile of slushy snow on the loading dock that needed to be cleared. On the way back down to the kitchen I stepped in a hole, fell, tore my jeans a little and the skin on my knee a lot. With my furry snow boots filled with mud, I finished checking in the order. I went up to the house, changed, and washed the rubble from my bloodied knee. I went back down to the office- LL Cool J style- with one pant leg rolled up, to get a giant band aid. While still en route, I got a text from my dining hall moppers saying that they couldn't come because of the weather. I grumbled. Then my umbrella blew inside-out just as it began to hail. To my own surprise I yelled "OUT OF THE OVERFLOW OF A MAN'S HEART, HE SPEAKS!" which is a jumbled translation, but it made me smile and feel a bit less pathetic.

A Trip To The Store

2010-01-26T12:54:00.001-08:00

Olives- mine.
Perrier- mine.
Half-empty bottle of 409- Fairway Market's.

Happy Birthday Jen!!!

2010-01-23T14:35:00.001-08:00

On the very last day of my years as a teenager something wonderful happened- Jen became my sister. That milestone is easy to pinpoint- there's a video and everything- but somewhere between then and now, she became my dear and irreplaceable friend.

I hope that you are having a wonderful day, and I will be invading Casa-taic soon, even if I have to use my blow dryer to thaw out the igloo that swallowed my car. Love you!

January Sixth

2010-01-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

Ethan's seventh birthday- I did some shopping in the morning, and eventually found myself at Office Max buying envelopes and a mouse pad. The cashier asked to see my license twice and my credit card thrice. I asked if he perhaps needed a vial of blood or a hair follicle for the transaction. He didn't think that was funny at all.

I picked this little crowned fellow up from school. He informed me that the teacher had to measure his head BEFORE she stapled the crown on. We thought that we might squeeze in some Wii time before Jen got home, but she beat us there, and homework was the first thing on the agenda. Fortunately, Ethan really likes homework.

We had plenty of time for games before Jim got home. This distracted him from the mountain of presents that had been calling to him.

The birthday boy with his bodyguard, Mr. T.

We went to Macaroni Grill for dinner. It still kind of kills me to pay full price at a Brinker concept, but my dinner was particularly delicious so I dealt with it.

We had one too many passengers, but didn't want to split up the party, so I was breakin' the law, breakin' the law in the very back.

Brace yourself- here comes a turn!

Sometimes Youth Grouper Text Messages Make My Day

2010-01-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

- Can i ask u a serious question???

~ Sure.

- What is ur opinion on elton john???

~ Pro- Tiny Dancer, anti- Candle in the Wind.

- Good opinion.....

Jack's Got My Number.

2010-01-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in front of the log house, I stood with Sarah, Katie, Marin and an assortment of kids. An invitation to the coffee shop surfaced, but I had an order to place.

Jack: "Isa! You go coffee shop?"

Me: "No, not today."

Jack: "Oh. You go Starbucks?"

I love that kid.

It's All About The Exit Row, Baby.

2010-01-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

If you want to avoid traffic on your way to LAX, leave at 5:15 on a Sunday morning. Aside from accidentally pulling into the employee parking lot of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery instead of the Van Nuys Flyaway (the sun wasn't up yet, okay?), my trip to Colorado was perfect. All went smoothly through security. Once on the plane, though, the man next to me seemed a little put out by my existence, and I was leery of the couple in front on me passing slices of stinky, cured meat to one another across the aisle- just then I became aware of the empty emergency exit row. I couldn't believe that both seats were free! I pounced immediately. There is something really wonderful about crossing your legs on a plane.

Look at all that room!

Real. Live. Scrabble.

2010-01-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's easier on Facebook with its dictionary and two letter word list, but then we miss out on table talk.

We Get Our Fair Share Of Candy Wrappers And Used Kleenex, Too,

2010-01-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

but I like this kind of litter.

The Irvings Came For A Visit. I Heart Them.

2010-01-01T10:59:00.001-08:00

Catan!

Waiting for banana splits

So sad. God bless you and your crew!

It's Official.

2010-01-01T10:55:00.001-08:00

The Tates are no longer shacking up with IBC.

Ottoman Empire Indeed

2010-01-01T10:48:00.001-08:00

By Christmas evening all flat surfaces were occupied by heaps of presents or wrapping remnants, so our game of Catan moved to the ottoman.

Jim, Jen and the kids unwrapped a Wii, so we had to do a little bowling before I headed back up the hill.

Christmas

2010-01-01T10:37:00.001-08:00

2009-12-31T20:15:00.000-08:00

Here we are before getting ready for church on Christmas Eve. I had planned to prove how nicely we clean up with an after picture, but of course didn't take any. I am still posting it, though, because I love this picture of my mom. Just before Bob took it I said :"Look frumpy" and this is what we got.

My Resistance Was Low,

2009-12-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

I didn't want to go to Hemet. I never do. But it was three days before Christmas and I was two gifts short (I am still two gifts short- hello Martin Luther King Jr. Day presents). Chris and Katie called to invite me along for dinner and shopping. Dinner was a lot of fun, but we ended up going to Marshall's and Big Lots, and I didn't think that there was anyone on my list who would couldn't live without this Elvis guitar filled with "gourmet" popcorn.

...Then Jack Stabbed Me In The Face.

2009-12-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, that statement is wildly sensationalized, but you are reading this post now. My nose had a run-in with his broken Starbucks stir stick, but I was still able to enjoy my coffee. Sarah, Annie, the chickenheads and I went Christmas shopping yesterday. On the way into El Torito the kids found this wall irresistible. Bowden suggested that I take a group shot, then individual portraits. I complied.

After lunch we stopped at the same wall for silly poses. Remembering our first go 'round of these shots well, Jack said to me sternly as I lifted him into place: "DON'T FALL!" .

The mall was crazy. Lines were long. We took a scooter break.

Bowden lost a tooth at the mall!

Palm

2009-12-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I should blame the wild stitching on my first few panels on this bumpy fabric or my lack of skills. Okay, I am sure. I should have practiced on an old t-shirt or something.

My second filling of the bobbin took about a minute and a half. I was relieved because the first filing of the bobbin took three days.

I finally produced an even stitch.

My pinning area

The blur of concentration

So, apparently, spools of thread do run out. The handful housed in my grandmother's old sewing basket have lasted for many years of mending.

Tree trunks

2009-12-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

Out of the six Christmas cards I received at church tonight, only one of them was for "Lisa Richards". Not bad.

Big Chair, Big Doughnut, Little Boy

2009-12-15T16:23:00.000-08:00

2009-12-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

These were taken on the drive home from visiting my family. Nothing exciting- I was just surprised by how clean the freeways look after a few days of rain.

Aw, Man. I Wish He Was Pro-Lisa.

2009-12-14T17:29:00.001-08:00

I May Have Made A Huge Mistake

2009-12-10T10:05:00.001-08:00

Our church's Living Nativity event is being held on the 18th and 19th of this month, and I have agreed to help make the palm trees. My sewing experience is pretty much limited to the time I turned a thrift store muumuu into this shirt. This project should be easy though... everything is pre-cut, and it's all straight lines. I just need to figure out how to fill the bobbin.

I'm Not Sure How Or Why This Started...

2009-12-07T21:25:00.001-08:00

but Jen just sent these to me, and they sure made me giggle.

Want To Get The Temperature In Your House Above Sixty Degrees On A Snowy Day?

2009-12-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

First, pick out a bread recipe, then wish that you had more upper body strength at around cup seven of flour,

Choose the smallest amount of counter space possible so that you repeatedly bump into the coffeepot.

Make some room on your entertainment center because it's likely the warmest spot in the joint.

Go to work for a few hours down in the office and hope your dough rises.

Bake, and relish all sixty-seven degrees!

Jen Calls This Look The "Alberta Einstein"

2009-12-07T17:29:00.001-08:00

My Years As A Goat

2009-12-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Each day that passes as I live here on a mountaintop stands between my current self and that Oxnard girl. The change in me from one day to the next may be inappreciable, but I am astounded by what the Lord has accomplished in my heart over the last three years. I praise God for His faithfulness and grace as I walk.

Lately I have been hearing a lot of people talking about the "scary" verses of the Bible, like Matthew 7:23 in which Jesus delivers the chilling "I never knew you." And although I was introduced to the Lord at a very young age, I have seen myself in the description of those who have the appearance of godliness but deny its power- who understand but have not fully surrendered- who are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. I grew up in a church that boasts being saved by grace with a wink and a nudge. While this mindset is certainly not responsible for any of my poor decisions or pet sins, it gave some leverage to my rationalization of them, as I settled comfortably into self-sufficiency and an apathy toward relationship with my Savior. If you had asked me how I was doing during these years, of course, I would have said "Great!", and meant it.

Years ago, on a particularly slow day at Chili's, I was talking to Zach, who I had worked with for a year or so, about an event being held at his church. I asked where and when it would be, thinking that I might check it out. He smiled and asked: "Oh, are you a Christian?" and my heart just broke. Seriously, I felt like I had cracked apart and crumbled into a heap right there by the chip machine. How was it that this coworker of mine did not know to Whom I belonged? How was I conducting my life?

God used Zach's question to spawn an examination of my heart. Because He is merciful, He brought me out of the noise and into this quiet little town. He loves me enough to equip me to abide in Him, and to turn me into who He wants me to be. My wool is dingy, and my limbs are weak, but I'd rather be a runt in the flock than a big, fat goat.

From Dining Halls To Banquets And Balls

2009-12-03T14:06:00.001-08:00

Welcome to your virtual tour of the oh-so-swank Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs. One of my favorite things about these conferences is watching camp people try to blend in at a luxury hotel and act like they're really not impressed by each of its niceties. It's also pretty entertaining watching them (well, us) open doors for Broadmoor employees and wipe down the counters in the restroom.

This is the best bed ever. I am now in the market for a two inch down mattress topper.

We camping folk only booked four days and three nights, but I took four showers and two baths in that time.

Keith and I both wondered just how grand their ballroom was. He went over to sneak a peek, but was shooed away by the sounds of the wedding being held inside.

I'm not sure how this fits into their decorating scheme.

Many, many, many famous people have stayed at the Broadmoor.

You should have come Josh!

It was really nice whenever the sun was out, even with the bit of snow that fell, but it was a painfully cold 16 degrees the day we left.

It always takes me two or three days to get used to chitchatting with everyone with whom I make eye contact. I get the hang of it just in time to garner some strange looks at LAX.

I'm Lisa Richard. I carry a badge.

Um...

2009-12-03T14:01:00.001-08:00

is my lotion trying to tell me something?

Colorado Here I Come!

2009-11-28T22:50:00.000-08:00

It's 3CA conference time again. I wish Sarah was coming.

And There Was Also Turkey

2009-11-27T18:47:00.000-08:00

G. Love And Special Sauce

2009-11-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Find yourself with a short to-do list and forty or so tomatoes lying around? Make some pasta sauce for campers who will book sometime in the future.

Gather,

Core and score,

Blanch,

Give 'em an ice bath,

Take a quick break to try to get pictures of the deer on the center grass,

Peel,

Chop,

Remove seeds (I'm a pretty unceremonious seeder),

Season,

Compost,

Store,

And clean up.

*Note: the kitchen is a lonely place this time of year, do not attempt without an Ipod.

2009-11-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

Yes, little raspberry, I feel the same way.

Plural Mural

2009-11-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsPrince Is Coming To Town?

2009-11-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

Jim and Jen's neighborhood has undergone a ton of construction this year. Every time I visit I am greeted with bright orange signs that say things like "New traffic pattern- Be Alert" (bossy signs!). There is now a roundabout at the Hasley Canyon exit. I know what roundabouts are, and I saw them all over the place in Norway, but when I pull off the I-5 at an exit at which I think I know what to expect, I'm going to need a little more to go on than this little posted doodle. It might as well be a happy face.

Being The Last One Awake At Jim And Jen's House Means That I Can Rifle Through All Of Their Old Pictures.

2009-11-21T00:22:00.000-08:00

This kid-

Is now this kid-

but it was only six years ago that we blinded this little peanut- the tiniest Richard- with our flashbulbs.

So,

2009-11-21T00:03:00.000-08:00

it's possible that I'm far taller in real life than I am in my head.

My Dad's High School Basketball Picture

2009-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

New At Camp

2009-11-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

Although it was covered up many years ago, I still see the giant pastel eagle when I picture the outside wall of the lower end restrooms. This Teen Camp '95 shot isn't its best showcase, but you get the point. We have a group of MMAPers at camp right now which includes an artist named Charlotte who has been cranking out murals at Bob Ross speed.

This work in progress graces the Birch Lodge, and from what I hear, there is a third mural up on Douglas Fir (I haven't been above the Big Pine Lodge since summer, but this calls for an investigation).

How Can People Be Anti-Avocado?

2009-11-18T16:59:00.001-08:00

It's ridiculous.

Thanksgiving Comes Early At Camp

2009-11-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

75% Fullkorn? Sweet!

2009-11-17T15:24:00.001-08:00

2009-11-17T15:12:00.001-08:00

The nee Paulson girls, two thirds of the chilluns and I had lunch at Cafe Aroma today. Mmm, lavender soda...

Upon seeing this statue, Jack exclaimed: "Dat guy's BROKEN!"

Friends, I Implore You,

2009-11-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

don't let me watch any more documentaries about America's food industry! If I see one more dude reach into a cow's stomach through a plastic grommet in the cow's side, I will not be able to perform my duties as the camp's food service director. Ugh.

1997

2009-11-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

2001

2009-11-12T17:45:00.001-08:00

2009-11-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

I hope that there are people who take all kinds of random footage of Southern California wildfires and then sell it to doomsday movie makers. It would be silly to use special effects to recreate what we see so often.

Monday

2009-11-11T18:21:00.001-08:00

I was asked to make a cake for a surprise party being thrown for Sonya from church. Knowing that I would desperately need a helper to dump all of the measured ingredients into the mixing bowl, I enlisted the help of this little neighbor child, Lucy Tate.

We aproned up and got to work.

Before we got to the kitchen Lucy drew up our plans.

The boys joined us after the cake had cooled, and were the official tasters of all things sugary.

This is when the deadline was creeping up on us, and the wheels started to fall off a little. Deadlines make me cranky.

But we made it! It wasn't as beautiful as I'd have liked, but the mocha cream filling was fantastic. And just so you know, the message was determined by the cake's commissioner, and the ring pops are on there 'cause Sonya loves her bling.

On Monday Two Italians Took Me To Breakfast.

2009-11-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

One's Beard and Bouffant Hairdo Should Be The Same Color- Just My Opinion

2009-11-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, I realize that you're looking at this picture and thinking that it is totally worthless. I took this picture for Chad Irving. I took it because I could not believe my eyes when I saw Stryper on the marquee at The Hard Rock Cafe. That's right. Stryper. This band-

The Wedding Of Derrick And Desire'e

2009-11-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

We took a little break from camp's craziness to go to our friends' wedding last June. It was a very pretty service at a home here in Idyllwild.

2009-11-07T19:24:00.000-08:00

I cannot drive behind this type of truck without imagining its contents spilling out all over the road and enveloping my car. They could have left the little "DANGER" flag off. I already know.

2009-11-06T18:22:00.001-08:00

We love ourchothers.

2009-11-06T18:20:00.001-08:00

Holly and I at the youth group's New Years Eve party between Rock Band songs.

2009-11-06T18:17:00.001-08:00

Jessica Churder and I knocked Rick down while sledding on Mt. Pinos circa 1989ish.

Kids Kamp 2009

2009-11-06T18:10:00.001-08:00

Because My Mom's Not On Facebook

2009-11-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

Okay Josh- you're right. I can admit it now. I have been dumping all of my pictures onto Facebook and ignoring my blog completely. You are an island. You are keeping the blogosphere alive. And although I can count on one hand the "three first names" readers who are not my friends on Facebook, why shouldn't that handful of peeps also be privy to and bored by my snapshots with little or no commentary? Plus, it'll be nice to get last winter's pictures off the bottom of my page.
So, I had a birthday, and here is how things looked:

My Mom's house in Lake of the Woods (the town has no lake, and there are no woods, but it sounds nice, right?).

Mom, and Dave's girlfriend Beth Noel Cooper. She is Swedish and Danish, but don't hold it against her; she's good people.

"ooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOO"

"Stella!"

Bob got a fancy new camera, and threatened us with its zoom.

A la Napoleon Dynamite.

I loooove these girls.

Childhood tradition- waking up to balloons on your birthday

My Mom's citrus chiffon cake is ridiculously good.

The Sweltering Kingdom

2009-11-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

We went to Disneyland for Jen's Uncle Martin's birthday. It was incredibly hot and sweaty.

Ethan laughs in the face of height requirements.

That's Uncle Martin with his hands in the air like he just don't care. The speed of Thunder Mountain did not allow me to aim my camera, so I never got a clear shot of Jen's mom Alicia.

You're right, reader- person. It does seem mean to post pictures of a scared and unhappy Miranda, but isn't she adorable?

Jen worked me over.

At Home At Hume

2009-11-03T17:58:00.001-08:00

These seasoned Hume Lake veterans showed me the ropes at the MADE conference for girls.

Amber and Danika

Mariah

We were kind of excited.

It was a long drive- Danika promised to do her homework on the way.

What? There's an 80's rollerskating night? Mark me down. I am down!

There were icy mornings,

and group initiatives.

Both wore the girls out.

God is so good! We had a great time, and I am encouraged by what He has stirred up inside these girls, my friends and sisters.

The Highlight Of October?

2009-11-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

I went to this house,

and got to hang out with these awesome people. We went to Joel and Christine's church, had a delicious dinner at the Pecks', visited Jobie at work, got pedicures, and bowled ten frames with eight kids under twelve, but mostly we sat around and laughed. It was wonderful. I was a complete failure in the photo department, but fortunately my friends were not. Check in with The Lake House Tates, The Chittenden Tates, The Camera-less Tate (just for kicks), The Olympic Tate, The Wigwam Tate, and The Pringles Tate for complete coverage.

I Think We May Look A Little Alike.

2009-09-16T12:07:00.001-07:00

It Still Felt Wrong.

2009-08-18T21:05:00.001-07:00

Bowling

2009-08-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here are the three pictures I took of the staff bowl o'rama before my camera died. We went to Starbucks= happy. I had the night's highest scores (and even bowled a turkey!) = happy. We got away from camp for a while, and partied on down = happy. At one point I spilled my giant soda, tried my best to clean it up, ran up to take my turn, lurched forward onto the greased lane when my sticky soda shoes stuck, and I ate it hardcore while everyone was watching = not so happy. Got a strike even though I was sprawled out on the floor = happy.

2009-08-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

The turkey has at least another hour in the oven. I'd better get some bloggin' done.