Treasures

I’ve been spending Spring Break (all one day of it) working on little projects I had been putting off.  One of thosse projects was cleaning the hard drive of my laptop; burning pictures to CD, removing programs I don’t use, and updating the software I do use.

I found some tresures in the process . . .

    
 

They’re not necessarily the best images technically, but I loved finding them.  They remind me of summer time, heat, sand, and sun.  I can’t wait to be able to take some more like this soon (because I can’t wait to see the sun and have the heat again)!

Sweet Girl

Reagan has been having issues lately.  We haven’t been able to figure out what’s going on with her, and why her behavior has changed so much, so for now, we’re chalking it up to “growing pains”.  She’s just kind of been a little stinker.  Not listening at school, not listening at home, and tormenting her brothers and sisters.

When I got off work Friday, I found this note on the counter.  She had made it for her sisters that morning.  She really does know how to spell “girls”, she was just in a bit of a hurry.

This is the inside.  In case you can’t read it, it says, “You are my sisters.  I can be painful alot but I love you and that is alot true!”

It’s one I will file away to give her when she’s older and has forgotten about it.  It is such a sweet note, and it makes me happy to know that she realizes what a turkey she’s been lately.  There is hope . . . 

The Deer Slayer

Anyone who knows our family also knows that Aaron is a hunter through and through!  He eats, breathes, lives, and will die hunting.  Aside from his family, it is the thing he loves most in the world.  That said, I have usually tried to find something hunting-related when I purchase a gift for him.  Valentine’s Day this year was no different, and yet, it was.  I happened to be in Cove with my parents a couple of days before the holiday, and I went shopping at the Union Market with my mom. 

As we strolled past the wine aisle, one particular label caught my eye . . . I couldn’t help buying this bottle of wine, and I will honestly say that it is the most expensive bottle of wine I have ever purchased.  I’m not a wine drinker, and neither is Aaron, so this bottle will probably never even be opened unless we have wine-drinker friends over for dinner some time.  I’m okay with that – I didn’t buy it to drink it.

I bought this wine based solely on its name and label.  I figure any wine with the phrase “Deer Slayer” in it had to be good (though its likely I’ll never taste it).  I love the old picture on the label that shows the deer strapped to the hood of the car with the proud hunter standing next to it.  I have SO many pictures of Aaron that are similar to this one.

    

Maybe someday when Aaron kills a record-sized buck with his bow we’ll open it and celebrate.  Until then, I’m content with enjoying the label.

A Community Grieving

When people ask where I’m from and I tell them Irrigon, they get a blank look on their faces.  Usually I have to explain Irrigon’s location by relating it to Hermiston and the Tri-Cities.  I freely get annoyed because it’s hard to explain where Irrigon is.  It’s not on the I-84 corridor, so most people just don’t “get it”.  It’s frustrating.  I love Irrigon.  I love that my children are growing up in a small community.  I love that our community has deep roots with many families, including my own.  I love that the bonds of our community run deep, thick, and strong.  The bonds of our community have never been more obvious to me than through the events that have transpired over the past four days.

Thursday afternoon, a vibrant, smart, energetic, and sweet sixth-grade boy from Irrigon was killed in a tragic accident.  He was riding his dirt-bike practicing for the races this weekend when the accident occured that ended his life.  Trevor Fox was from a family who touched every person in this community in one way or another. 

Our entire community is grieving for a son lost, a brother mourned, and a friend who will never ride again.  It is in the face of this tragedy that I am reminded, once again, of the love, feeling of family, and deep rooted compassion that is a vital part of our community.  It was never more evident than during the candle-light vigil held in memory of Trevor and in honor of his life Friday night.  I would estimate that nearly one-thousand people showed up for the vigil, and I would not be exaggerating.  It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful boy and family.

  
  

As you move through your lives this week, take a moment to think of Trevor Fox, his brother, parents, and the entire Fox family.

Wild Animal Kingdom

Emma and Reagan’s Room is finally completely done!  My parents came over a week ago and installed the window seat and cushion, and as a surprise to the girls, zebra striped curtains and valances!  They’ve been talking about having zebra striped curtains ever since they started talking about designing their room over two years ago.  My mom had extra fabric and made them each a pillow for their beds, as well, and they are thrilled!

    
   

Reagan was very quick to arrange her new pillow from Nana on her bed, and she loves sitting in the window seat.
 

We spent quite a bit of time Sunday rearranging their stuff and reorganizing.  Their room is very clean and they both *promised* me it would stay that way!  I guess time will tell.