jltitus » things we do

Summer – Part II

jltitus — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:11:46 +0000

As if my last post wasn’t long enough.. here’s the rest of the story.. er… summer. Can you say busy?

The middle of July Eric and I headed up to Deer Lake, near Spokane, Washington for a wedding. It’s a long story but Israel and Penny are pretty much like family to us. Israel and Penny have triplets and a onelet all 6 or under. My mom has been there for them and their kids, since the kids were born. The kids even call my mom “grandma Crosier”. Gavin is Penny’s son and it was Gav

in’s wedding that we were going to attend. Israel and Penny have a cabin on Deer Lake that Gavin and Heather, his wife, decided they wanted to get married at. I don’t think I’ve even gone to a wedding on a lake before. I have to say this one was beautiful. Israel, Penny and Israel’s family did such an outstanding job getting it all looking beautiful. When Mom, Eric and I got there they were wrapping the trees with white lights. It looked gorgeous at night with all those lights. I have to say it was a lot of fun being there. I got to meet more of Israel’s family and get to know them better. I think the best was seeing everyone all dressed up. The boys in their tuxes and the girls in their dresses looked beautiful. I can’t wait for the next time we all go up to the cabin for another visit.

Helping Steph move and trip to Saturday market

Stephanie, a friend of mine and Eric’s has lived in downtown Portland since February. She lives in this great new apartment building, Cyan with her two black labs, Frodo and Kelly. I helped Steph move in and even helped build the many Ikea cabinets she used in the place. Early this summer, when the weather was nice, Steph, Eric and I hit the Portland Saturday market. I haven’t been down there in ages. In some ways the place hasn’t changed at all and in others, it’s not even the same place. In any case… we all had a great day there. Later on in the summer, we helped Stephanie pack up a pod with all of her things. She was moving to Austin, Texas. I have to say I was really bummed that she was moving, Steph and I get along great, but I was happy for her too. It’s always nice to turn the page in life and start a new chapter. Now she’s in Austin, loving it and enjoying her new job!

July Relay for Life

This was my third year participating in the “Relay for Life” in my home town, Othello, WA. I love going back home and supporting such a good cause. We have a small team of retired teachers, Israel, Penny, and myself.. but we have a lot of fun every year. This year was no exception. It’s so much fun to walk to track seeing people I haven’t seen in years, supporting the community and raising money for the American Cancer Society. I think the best part is when they turn off the lights and all your see are all the luminaries lit.

Trip to the cabin at Deer Lake

Every year in July Eric and I spend a week or so in Washington state visiting my mom and his parents. This summer it finally felt like a vacation. I think the thing that helped were the four days we spent at the cabin with Israel, Penny, my mom, and the kids. It was so totally relaxing and fun I couldn’t believe it. I think we’ll have to do that every summer. Eric and I went Kayaking, I’d never done that before, rode a jet ski, and went tubing. The tubing was super fun! We were on this huge tube thing you sit in and it had handles to hold on. I just have to say.. Eric fell off twice.. and he’s been tubing WAY more than I. Every day was so much fun. I loved paddle boating with the kids.. and just relaxing. One of the other fun things was when the kids were all on the paddle boat playing Pirate and drenching Eric and Israel as they were in the kayaks. It was so cute and fun. Everyone got soaked.. but had a good time at the same time. I love hanging out with the family!

July vacation to Washington

After the Relay for Life and spending time at the cabin.. the next stop was Ellensburg to visit Eric’s parents. It also happened that Bruce and Kathy, Eric’s aunt and uncle, were going to be in town too so we got to catch up with them too. We only spent a couple of days but it was really nice and relaxing. Eric go to go golfing with his dad out at some new resort area but Roslyn.. and Julie and I got to hit the quilt shop. OH, the picture, that’s Eric mom, uncle, and aunt. We’re sitting in some brew pub Eric found online in Ellensburg. I think that’s some sort of sample there on the table.

August mom’s trip with kids to Portland

After a great summer mom brought the little kids; Alex, Cade, Drake, and Gabriella for a log weekend. We had a great time together. We started out at the Portland Children’s Museum Friday morning. The kids love going there to play grocery store, the water stuff and the stage. This time there was a whole set about being a vet. Banfield provided much of it. The kids loved it, especially Alex and Gabriella. They were all over the place taking care of the dogs, looking at x-rays and well…. Being vets. The boys headed to the air ball toy with Eric and played with

that for a while. The last stop was the building area where there were tons of bins wife all sorts of things for e kids to use toiled a house or structure. I was a little nervous because they gave each one of e kids a hot glue gun, but the kids did great. Each of them made a structure they were proud of. While the kids were here we also hit the Portland zoo, the water fountain in Beaverton, yes, that’s Cade in the water. I think the best was the trip to “Pump It Up”. It’s an indoor location that has something like 6 bouncy structures. We all got to play on them, even the adults. It was a total blast! Going down the slides you got going super fast. I was glad that they had a stopper at the end otherwise us adults might have slid right off onto the floor. The kids had a blast there too. I think the best for them was when they turned on the music, turned off the lights and turned on the black lights and disco balls. I was so glad they had a blast and enjoyed themselves. I think mom needs to bring them down every summer. There are so many things to do and see for kids here in Portland!

Well, that was my summer. It was fun, it was busy, it was a lot of driving (thanks Eric).. but it was a blast! I can’t wait for next summer!

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Relay for Life

jltitus — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:01:00 +0000

For the last three years I’ve been taking about a week off the end of July and heading to Othello, Washington (my home town). I go and hang out with my mom, visit with friends, and just enjoy being there for a time. This time was no exception.

I got to visit my friend Cyndee and her family. She and I had a great girls day in Tri-Cities while Ryan and Daniel went to the Puz’s so Daniel could play with his friend. Cyndee and I went to Tri-Cities and got a pedicures. It was so much fun. It’s not often that I get pedicures so it was a nice treat.

I think after that we ran around to a few other places and then headed back to Connell to work on dinner. Once we got back to Connell Cyndee and I chilled and chatted about everything from what’s she’s doing now, to old teachers we’ve worked with, and more. I miss being closer and visiting her more. I’m so glad she’s lovig her job and working in Connell. It’s great too that Ryan is working there iin town too, so much better than the trips to Walla Walla.

We ended up BBQing for the night. It was so much fun! Cyndee was running the grill while Daniel and I were playing on his swing set, trampoline and soccer. Daniel is such a cutie pie and so full of energy. After dinner we headed to the pool so Daniel could go swimming. I decided I wasn’t going to goo swimming so no suit for me. I was so surprised with Dainel. He’s walk up the four flights of stairs to the top of the slide. He’d then slide down. I couldn’t believe it. he’s only 5 years old and he just does it by himself. I would be totally freaked out if that were me. He’s just fearless! It was an awesome visit! Now I just need to convince Cyndee to bring Daniel down here for a visit. I think he’d love the Children’s Museum, the Zoo, and OMSI.

Friday July 24th was the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life. I’ve been going every year for the last three years. Our team is a bunch of teachers, friends, and family. I love the relay it’s such a great community event. Othello is a small town, about 6K, with a lot of heart. There are so many people that come out for this event every year. I’m always surprised at how many come out. I think we started out about 7pm with a few words from people that have survived cancer. One of those that talked this year was my mom’s friend, Kristi Spohr. She was actually my French teacher in high school. She did such a great job talking about her experience in finding out she had cancer. I stood there listening to her tearing up and thinking I should really go and get my mammogram done soon. After the talks those that have survived cancer did the survivor walk. It’s the first round around the track and done by those that have survived cancer. It’s really cool because you see a sea of purple shirts walk the track. It’s neat, and yet bitter-sweet to see all those survivors. I know so many of them too. Some are even people I’ve gone to high school with. I’m so glad they’re survivors.

Every year we raise money and every year we try to do better than the last year. This year we raised $1,700 from our team, the Studs and Duds. I was so happy we’d done so well. I’m always happy if we make more than 1K, maybe next year we’ll make 2K. This year was a ton of fun too because “the kids” (Alex, Cade, Drake, and Gabriella) got to spend the night with us. I think they had a great time! I was proud of myself too because I walked 13 miles straight in the relay. I could have walked farther but I got a blister on my foot so the last 3 miles were hard.

Once the relay was over mom and I headed home. Saturday was a day of sleeping and relaxing since we’d not slept the night before. It was so nice not to do anything. Saturday night we went out to Penny and Israel’s place to have dinner and visit with the kids. I love hanging out there with them. The kids are so full of energy and just fun to play with. Cade had recently gotten a new goat so we went out to the pasture to see his new goat and everyone else’s goat too. We also got to see the new chickens.

Monday I headed to Ellensburg to visit with Eric’s parents. I think it’s so great that we have such a great relationship. I love my in-laws, they’re the best. Tuesday I got to go with Julie to her book club luncheon. It was so much fun. I love Julie’s friends. We all enjoyed a great potluck luncheon and chatted about all things from books, to movies, to computers, to potatoes. I can’t remember everyone’s names but here’s a picture of everyone in attendance at the lunch. A bunch of great ladies.

Later Tuesday night Greg, Hollie, Miles, and Beth came over to Bob and Jullie’s to visit and play for a while before we headed to dinner. I can’t believe Mile’s is going into 2nd grade this year. I think Beth has one more year before she starts school. I just can’t believe how much time has flown by. It seems like just a bit ago when they lived up the street from us and we saw them more often. I really wish we saw everyone more often but that darn work just gets in the way of it all.

I had an amazing vacation! I actually extended it to include Thursday and Friday so I could spend time with Eric. I was go glad I took the time off.

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Making your own magnetic picture frame

jltitus — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:54:05 +0000

My mom has these two frames in her house that are magnetic and super cool for pictures. I love the idea of having a place to share pictures with visitors and that is easy to change. I like my framed pictures but I thought this would work well and easy to change. I saw her frame and thought, “I could make that for a lot less.” So here are my directions to do, just that.

What you’ll need:

1 12×12 frame
1 12×12 sheet of magnetized metal
1 flour sack towel
double-side tape

Note: I got my supplies at Craft Warehouse for under $15.00

Step 1: Place double-sided tape along one side of the 12×12 metal sheet.

Step2: Lay the 12×12 metal sheet on top of the white flour sack towel.

Step 3: Adhere the flour sack fabric to the double-sided tape.

Step 4: Complete steps 1-3 for each of the four sides.

Step 5: Flip the 12×12 metal over as shown below.

Step 6: Flip your 12×12 frame over and remove the backing.

Step 7: Remove the glass too.

Step 8: Place the covered metal in the frame.

Step 9: Place the cardboard backing back on your frame.

Step 10: Your project should look like this.

I can’t believe that it turned out so great! I can’t believe the money I saved either. The original frame, that my mom has, now costs $50.00. I spent $15.00 and about 30 minutes.

I’ve made two of these already and put them up on the wall as you come into our home. I love them because I can put new pictures there for a while. Once I’m bored with them, I print new ones and post them… the best thing is I can use the pictures for my scrapbook pages later.

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Berry picking with friends

jltitus — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:28:29 +0000

Every year about this time, I go berry picking as a local farm. I love berries, specifically I LOVE raspberries. In any case, every year I go out and pick a ton of berries so I can eat some and freeze some so in those awful, rainy winters I have some great summer berries. This year my friend Natalie came along with my neighbors, Sammy, Pla, and their cutie son Matthew. We went to West Union Gardens.

I guess this year has been slow for berries to come on, sort of like the grapes I guess. In any case, we got our boxes from them and were off. I am always amazed each year just how big the farm is. We walked down past the currents and went straight for the raspberries. I picked one row, Natalie another, and Sammy and Pla took the row behind me. I was picking and eating and picking and eating. Ok, did I tell you I love raspberries? As we picked Sammy, Pla and I talked about picking berries. I guess they’ve never done it before. This was their first time I think. Matthew loved it. He’d pick a berry and eat it, dig in the dirt with a small stick, and then pick another berry. What a cutie! So we were picking along and my box got about half full when Natalie and I decided to head to the Marionberries. I guess her husband, also named Eric, loves them. So we went picking while Sammy, Pla, and Matthew continued on and walked around. I picked over a half a flat of Marionberries and realized I had no way to carry any more with me and I wanted to get blueberries. I went over to the blueberries and started picking. The blueberries weren’t ready. There was like one ripe one per bushel. So I decided to stop…. that’s when I lost steam. I mean we’d only been picking for about 2 hours but I was done. Ready to pack it in. That’s about the time Sammy and Pla did too… and Natalie wasn’t far behind.

I ended up with a flat and a half of berries. I could have had more if I wouldn’t have lost steam. I’m going to get back there on Saturday for a “super” run and get several flats and call it good. So I came home with all the berries and was thinking about what to do with them. Well, I washed half and stuck them in the freezer and the other half went in this great fruit crisp I made for dessert that we’d eat when Sammy, Pla, and Matthew came over later for a BBQ. I love my recipe. I think I love it because a lot of crisps don’t have oatmeal and that’s one thing I love.

So here’s the recipe (Just for you Pla.)

Jona’s Fruit Crisp

Ingredients

Fruit (about 2 1/2 pounds)
1 cup flour
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 – 3/4 cup of butter

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Have ready an un-buttered 13×9 pan.

Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Scatter the topping evenly overs the fruit. Tap the dish on the counter once or twice to settle the crumbs. Bake for 30-50 minutes until the toping is golden brown, the juices are bubbling, and the fruit is tender. Serve with ice cream.

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The dredded elliptical

jltitus — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:48:08 +0000

I think I’ve told everyone I know that I’m working out, trying to get healthy, and yes…. loose some unwanted pounds. I’ve been walking with a couple people from work and attending WeightWatchers. Well I was doing really good before the trip to Victoria, BC. I haven’t been doing as well since I got back. I mean I haven’t gained, but I haven’t really been loosing much either. I know the month just started but I’m committed to getting back into the grove and back into the gym because, well, the more I work at it the more the weight will be removed.

Enter the cross-training elliptical machine at my gym.

I don’t know how many of you have seen this, I hadn’t until I joined my new gym. This elliptical kicks your tail. I mean between the walking and the arm thingy you’re never without something to do. I’ve been trying to get on this thing and just “rock it” and last night I did. I actually worked out on that machine for a full 60 minutes… at one time. By the time I was done it said I’ve burned 400 calories. Just think, if I do that for 10 days that’s a pound of loss.

So far I’ve lost a little over 15 pounds and I feel great! It’s so nice to be able to fit well into clothes. I’ve gotten lots of compliments from people too that I look good. That’s so nice and something I wouldn’t have expected with just a 15 pound loss so far. I’ve still got another 15 pounds or so left to go. I’m hoping I reach my goal weight before Thanksgiving and then maintain it so I make Lifetime member at WeightWatchers.

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Election 2008

jltitus — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:36:56 +0000

I can’t believe that it’s taken me this long to post about the election results of last week. This year the presidential election was different for me. I’ve been voting since I was 18 and old enough but this year was just totally different. I was more engaged in the election than any other that I could recall.

Election was little more than surreal. I was watching the results come in and hoping against hope that Obama would win. The election began with Obama coming on strong an holding many of the electoral college votes… that lead just kept going and by 8pm the news anchors were calling Obama the winner. I couldn’t believe they did that so early but it was pretty clear Obama would be the winner. When I got home Eric was in the kitchen and elated at the news. We both were. It was so surreal, I couldn’t even absorb what was happening and that we were part of that history. This was something historians would talk about for years.

We watched as Mcain gave his concession speech. He did a good job of being humble and communicating that we as a country need to come together. Not long after his speech, Obama was set to give his speech. Obama is such a great orator. He has such a great command of the English language. I know that he’s got writers but his speech was fantastic. Eric and I sat there in aww and cried. We cried in happiness and elation and hope of the things to come. We sat in talked about how things would change and the hope of better things to come.

After Obama’s speech the anchors showed what was happening across the country. People were happy, cheering and elated. It was so neat to see people so very happy. It reminded me of all those times I’d seen people in foregin countries celebrating that they could vote in a democraticc election. I’d seen those so many times and thought,’that’s good”… I’m glad that they have independance. It wasn’t until this election, until this mooment that I could really identify with all those people I’d seen before. Election night was our night, our night to shine, our night to celebrate and look forward to the future. We have had eigth years of an oppressive governmennt and now.. we’ll strat working our way to a governnment of the people.. not of a person. What a great night!!

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Gotta love this guy!

jltitus — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 20:04:00 +0000

I so hope that Chris Sligh wins, he’s great!

And if he doesn’t hope, I love this guy, Blake Lewis from Bothell, WA

WOO HOO!

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I love packages !

jltitus — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 01:01:00 +0000

Today was like the best ever. I mean, package day. I got three :0

Package 1- the remote for my camera. I can’t wait to use it. I have a million (OK 80) bottles to take pictures of and post to ebay to sell for my mom

Package 2 – Another, yes, ANOTHER font CD. My goal is to have all the Creating Keepsakes CD’s and I’m just about there. One more, coming in the mail. The cool thing, I’ve NEVER paid full price for any of them.

Package 3 -One book, “The Digital Photography Book” I bought because had recommended it at Christmas. The other book, “Photoshop Filter Effects Encyclopedia” I had checked out at a local book store and really liked it because it showed examples and how to use all the Photoshop filters. Can’t wait to use them.

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The Cars quilt

jltitus — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 21:16:00 +0000

Cars Quilt,

It’s finally done, I can’t believe it’s finally done. I want to send a shout out to because without her help the binding wouldn’t have gotten done. Tomorrow we head over to give Ethan his birthday/Christmas present and then on the plane to AZ. woo hoo.

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Been away

jltitus — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 01:19:00 +0000

Sorry I’ve been out for a while. I’ve been busy. Can you believe that? Me, unemployed but keeping busy. For the last week I’ve been helping the local scrapbook store move to their new location so that’s kept me busy. I’m also getting ready for the trip to Arizona and coordinating with my friends while we’re there. Other than that, not a lot going on right now.

Oh, got my new computer about a week and a half ago and have been so happy. I had an issue after I got all my programs, pictures, etc on and the HD needed to be wiped clean so I’ve spent time this week getting everything back on. Finally, that’s done, I think. I’m loving my new computer and got the last of the software i wanted. I was so bummed though because I bought the Adobe PhotoShop Elements for Mac because I loved the program on the PC with the timeline, easy tagging,etc. Well, the Mac version doesn’t even have the same options or GUI so I bought something I don’t even like and probably won’t use. I’m just going to use iPhoto as it’s A LOT easier and better. That’s about the only frustrating thing.

I still have my cough from the cootie sickness I picked up last time I was in Washington. I’m hoping the trip to AZ will dry it out and it will go away. if it’s not gone by the time we get back, I’ll head to to Dr finally and get checked out. It’s just frustrating because Baylee doesn’t like the sound so she runs upstairs when I cough and then at night she sleeps in the other room.

Well, off to clean the house and get ready to leave on Sunday.

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