Remember when I posted about driving to Washington to partake of the culinary delight that is Weinerschnitzel? Well, there was a Krispy Kreme right across the street that was feeling a little left out.
And the gluttony continued
28 - 12:06 pm - Um...YUM. I can't remember the last time I had KK....lucky girls who got to go on that little road trip. :) (and O)
Footwear
I love the taste in footwear a couple three-year-olds of my acquaintance have. Both fashionable and serviceable for the Pacific Northwest weather.
28 - 11:26 am - Cute footwear fo sho!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
28 - 4:54 pm - Over the past month or so that she has been picking out her own ensembles, I can report that those cowboy boots are worn EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I love Owen's camo boots. He informed us that day that he also wants a camo outfit.
Trike riding
Miss this funny girl. Miss all my kiddos.
31 - 8:14 pm - she's a sweet pea thats for sure!! B sure loves her too.
31 - 11:07 am - What's really funny is that although she treasures this trike, she's really only riden it...two or three times because "it's just too slow" compared with her hot rod skuut bike. Funny.
31 - 11:20 am - AND, the trike isn't actually very sturdy, or at least not on your sidewalks and she was upset when it tipped over and pinned her down. :-)
Inked: Part 2
So who was the second person to get inked during our girls weekend away? Well, as you already saw, Molly was first, and Ginger was second.
As Ginger’s blog is private, I’ll share a little bit about the history of her choice in tattoo. Ginger and I have been friends for nearly 14 years and during that time I’ve seen her deal with the deaths of every almost every family member, including her beloved father, leaving Ginger, her mother and her brother. Throughout those deaths she showed remarkable strength and faith, a faith that was inspiring to others. She has struggled with one medical anomaly after another, and even had a bout of skin cancer, which she was able to overcome. She struggled through all of the health problems with tenacity and honesty. Although I don’t believe in people being cursed, I begin to have doubts when I consider all that Ginger has had to deal with since I’ve known her, from family deaths and health problem to great professional and personal upheavals along the way. But what Ginger has always been known for amongst our friends is her joy. Her joy despite the crap that keeps getting thrown at her. Her triumph over all this crap is among the truest testaments I’ve seen to what faith in God brings, how it has the power to help us prevail over those things that threaten to lay us low. It hasn’t been easy but in every situation Ginger has made it her goal to prevail with joy. And lest she forget and start to doubt, she figured that was a good motto to have on her body.
Prevail with Joy
Here’s a peek into her tattoo experience beginning with a glance around Luke’s office. The Koi fish drawing is one Luke is working on and will eventually apply on his body.
The paperwork and waiting for things to begin is when the nerves start.
After Luke has completed drawing the design onto the transfer paper, he applies the transfer to the body to be sure of placement.
Placement is good, about ready to begin.
The location of Ginger’s tattoo along her side is also one of the most painful areas of the body to be tattooed, mostly because of the ribs & hip bones. She found it helpful to grip the table with all her might. Other than an occasional catch of the breath or “Yeah, that does hurt,” Ginger was silent much of the time.
It is finished!
31 - 11:56 am - You described her/the journey perfectly! As my friend who had only briefly met Ginger said "she is joy wrapped in skin" -yes!! I'm so glad I got to be there for this moment Ging, you were a rock star! (and of course, awesome capturing, Kels). xo
31 - 1:15 pm - Kelly! This is perfect - The pictures did capture the moment (or the hour :0) This is the first look I have had straight on of it since the mirror shows it differently. I love your pics and I can't wait until we get to walk with you through the process. I wasn't really silent was I - I distinctly remember saying a couple of choice words when he hit my ribs :0) Love you and I miss you!
31 - 11:16 am - Ginger!! You are THE WOMAN! I love your choice.
31 - 10:50 pm - Ginger, this is a very cool tatoo and you are extremely brave. But still loco i la cabesa (probably not spelled correctly but I never had a day of Spanish in my life.)
The Nines : Recommended
As a Christmas surprise, my friend Abby’s husband Tim gave her a couple days away, free from any obligations as wife or mother. Fortunately, that time away coincided with the holidays when I and another friend, Ginger, were going to be in Portland. Add in Molly who currently lives there and we’ve got ourselves a girl’s weekend! To top off the sweet surprise, Tim remembered one longing-filled comment from a year or so before, when their family had walked past a chic boutique hotel in downtown Portland. Someday, Abby hoped to have the opportunity to stay there. As it turned out, it was the perfect location for our weekend away.
The Nines. Portland, Oregon. I highly recommend it. Between the ridiculously large plasma television with dvd player, the very comfortable beds, chairs and plush chaise lounge, we didn’t need to leave the suite.
Girls, I’m all for making this an annual tradition.
31 - 6:53 pm - ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was gorg, I can't wait to go back!
31 - 10:35 pm - Definitely will check that out for my wife. Love the decor. Just never up in Organ much.
31 - 9:15 am - quite lovely.
Christmas 2009
Ah, Christmas! I love Christmas and this year I was able to spend it in Portland with BAM. Following Christmas Eve services but before heading to bed, Audrey carefully selected a variety of Christmas cookies for Santa, along with the requisite glass of cold milk. Also left was some sharp cheddar, a favorite, I hear, of the Christmas Mouse, Santa’s trusty companion.
After demolishing the 2000+ calories in cookies, Santa left Audrey a lovely thank you note.
And of course, the stockings were filled to the brim.
Though a state away from the rest of our family, B and I put out heads together and attempted a recreation of a Shaw family Christmas Breakfast tradition, Federico’s Maple Pecan Coffee Cake. Although not exactly the same, our version was DELICIOUS.
A Christmas puzzle
Present-opening brought many great things.
If I had remembered to capture the faces at our Christmas dinner, which included two couples from BAM’s church, you would have seen satisfaction from the delicious food we partook of. Honey-baked ham, two kinds of potatoes (USA vs. EU gratin), two kinds of cornbread (North vs. South), roasted root veggies, green beans, and of course cranberry sauce from a can. In honor of baby Jesus’ birthday, we celebrated with a dessert of homemade pizzookie topped with vanilla bean ice cream.
Hope everyone’s Christmas was filled with great family & food as well!
31 - 5:07 pm - I think I just drooled on myself. Looks fab, esp love A's pink boots!!
Inked: Part 1
While in Portland, a few friends and I were able to get away for a girls weekend where we stayed at a fabulous hotel downtown (more to come on that). A little shopping, a little movie watching, plenty of eating, and finally, convincing two of the four of us to follow through on longtime desires to get tattoos. Molly was the first victim brave soul to get inked.
Molly wanted her tattoo on her foot, requiring a quick repaint of the toenails so as to better show it off. She chose “Evidence of Grace” in Greek, which you can read more about on her blog here.
Forms to fill out and a redesign of the tattoo from a straight line into a circle allowed for many minutes waiting in anticipation.
The tattoo is first inked on from transfer paper to ensure proper placement, which Luke of Patron Saint Tattoo then traces on top of with the needle & permanent ink.
After the first prick of the needle, Molly remarked, “I could do this all day.” As Luke continued, she changed her mind. The top of the foot is among the two or three most painful places to get a tattoo. (I believe a bad word was uttered in the last photo on the right.)
All done!
Molly & Luke
Who was the second person you may be wondering? Stay tuned!
31 - 7:39 pm - Ahh, you captured it perfectly, Kels!! THANK YOU for being there, not only to capture the moment but for your support. :) Love you. xo
31 - 9:18 pm - ahhh... such good memories from such a fun weekend. you need to send this post to luke! i love the pictures of molly in pain. you captured it perfectly. thanks for letting me share ladies! a
31 - 10:00 am - Oh. my. goodness. That's enough to make sure I won't ever get one!! =) Kelly, what great pictures. I'm so glad that Molly had her besties to be with her for this event. Y'all crack me up! ~rachel~
31 - 11:27 am - I've been waiting for this post, and it didn't disappoint. Molly, you rock. And Kells, well, you managed to make pictures of 1) someone in pain 2) in a tattoo parlor still look elegant and beautiful. Wonderful work, as always.
31 - 11:13 pm - Y'all are just straight CRAZY is what y'all are. Why in THE HECK anyone would voluntarily put themselves through that is beyond me. But it looks cool, Molly. You went from Gap-chic to Portland Poster Girl in one night. You're just insane.
31 - 5:24 pm - How did I not hear about this when I saw you? Can't wait to read about the rest!
31 - 11:31 am [...] who was the second person to get inked during our girls weekend away? Well, as you already saw, Molly was first, and Ginger was [...]
I interrupt this holiday recap for a little balloon violence.
31 - 9:26 pm - loooooove it!
31 - 12:38 pm - that look on Audrey's face in that last shot is hysterical!
31 - 11:21 pm - These guys are hilarious. I know that fierce scrunch-faced look well. Owen: you know how to OWN it, boy. Batman FOREVER.
How I met Santa Claus on The Polar Express
Once upon a time, in the far, far northwest, there was a little girl named Audrey and her little kitty named Bling. On a cold winter’s night there appeared a train outside. But this was no ordinary train, oh no. This was a special train, a magic train that would take Audrey, her mommy, daddy, auntie and friends to the North Pole where she was to meet Santa Claus.
The nice conductor took Audrey’s ticket, ensuring that she had been granted special permission to meet Santa Claus. He clipped-clipped-clipped a special design into Audrey’s ticket and sprinkled the clippings like snow.
Like the other boys and girls, Audrey was given a mug of hot cocoa topped with a pile of whipped cream and tasty ginger cookies to snack on during the long journey north.
During the journey, the chefs entertained by reading the tale of another child’s journey on the Polar Express and his receipt of a special present from Santa.
As the train chugged along, everyone joined voices to sing carols of the season.
And then, after many, many minutes, at least 61 or 83, we arrived. Behold, the North Pole.
Santa was so kind to come onto the train so the little boys & girls didn’t have to go out into the cold in their pajamas.
Santa stopped by Audrey’s table and though she was a little shy at first, she sat in wonder as Santa asked her questions and then listened closely to her answers. And then, just before he left to greet the next child, Santa gave Audrey a bell, so that she may be reminded to always always believe.
For the rest of the journey home, Audrey & her friend Gideon (who had also received a special bell) rang them loud for all to hear and be reminded to always always believe.
And that was how I too got to meet Santa Claus.
The end.
31 - 11:31 am - Awh! This warms my heart.
31 - 12:23 pm - SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fabulous!! Wish B could've come too!! Maybe next year? :)
31 - 11:16 pm - SUPER magical trip. Not so sure that the North Pole is anything to write home about...but I guess that's why they don't have you actually get out.
Seattle Side Trip
While in Oregon, I met up with Molly + family at her parents’ home in University Place, WA and she and I headed into Seattle for a girls day. Among other adventures, we ate made our way through Pike’s Place…
And then took a ride up the Space Needle Elevator
And saw these lovely views.
Thanks, Molls, for a fun side trip and for showing me where you grew up!
31 - 6:32 pm - Ah fun times! Not sure I can condone the fish face pic but fun day fo sho! xo
31 - 10:32 am - Hi Kelly~ I am a friend of Molly's, old college roomies- Just wanted to tell you I love your pics of seattle, you almost got my house in your Queen Anne pic. Thanks for the post :)
by Kelly
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