Mason's Birthday

My dear friend Jessi's son turned ONE last week.

I can't believe it...I feel like I was just back home sitting with her family in the hospital waiting room and doing a mini counted cross-stitch of a teapot to help pass the time.

That's one thing I've learned from the births I've been fortunate enough to attend. Even when labor is "moving quickly," it's still s-l-o-w, especially when you are so excited to meet the new little person!

Mason is hilarious. He will be just like his mom and dad - so funny that I usually end up laughing through tears.

Jess put together a barnyard-themed party with so many creative ideas: bales of hay, salad served in toy wheelbarrows, candy in tin pails, etc. She's also a pastry chef and created a cow-themed chocolate peanut butter (although I had to eat around the PB) cake that tasted divine.

How did I get such creative friends?

He enjoyed the tissue more than the gifts.

Oh, and he got his first drum set.

coast trip part II.

We had a lovely weekend in Brookings with Andy's family earlier this month in celebration of his grandma Jean's 80th.

It was my first time being at a "full" family gathering; I have spent time with everyone, but just never all together in one place. It made me thankful to be a part of such a wonderful family.

Everyone gathered at a little motel near Smith River, and since we rented out all the rooms, it was like our own private "estate." Each family had a separate studio or one-bedroom, and Andy and I stayed with his parents and sister on a futon that was surprisingly comfy!

In the back, lawn covered the cliff overlooking the ocean, a perfect retreat for when the wind picked up down by the water. Two benches were set up right on the edge for relaxing and taking in the views...

A stairway led down to the beach, which we had mostly to ourselves the whole weekend....

and had driftwood fires both nights and a softball game one afternoon...

with s'mores from the largest marshmallows I had ever seen....

and the first night, we roasted hotdogs and sausages over the open flames. Yum.

And everyone was content...

and the kids had the time of their lives in the "fort"...

and with their s'mores...

and the next day, a fresh tuna was filleted and made ready for the grill...

which turned out to be the best grilled fish I've ever eaten, rivalling maui, with fresh peach salsa, salad, roasted potatoes, and bread...

and good company...

and once again, happy kids!

Grandma's gift was an album full of pages that all the families had made. It was ginormous and so touching - Jean is a "cropper" who always has her camera ready and can scrapbook for hours on end. It was the perfect gift.

And the dog who put up all the cuddling and chasing was much loved by the kiddos...

and there was plenty of space to be silly...

and to blow bubbles...

and then back down to the beach for the last sunset and bonfire before heading back to real life...

a good weekend.

spring break part three (jam-filled cupcakes with tangelo glaze)

We got together with our Meddy friends for American Idol night that also included steak, green beans, bread, and these little beauties. Only they weren't so little.

One of my dearest friends, Jessi, is a pastry chef. She makes amazing treats and beautiful cakes. If you're in the Rogue Valley, you should call her next time you need a cake. You really should.

These jam-filled delights are from Martha Stewart's cupcake book. There is a version of the recipe on Martha's site that you can visit HERE. These are covered in a tangelo-glaze.

Ahhhhhh...

spring break part two (cemetery hill)

One thing I love about visiting my family is the daily walks that we take. Jacksonville is a beautiful place to stroll (or powerwalk), and "cemetery hill" not only gives you a great view of the little town, but it's also great for the glutes! The cemetery is also a great place to learn about the history of this small but very important mining town.

Jacksonville was founded following the discovery of gold and a rush of miners from 1851 - 52, and the cemetery was founded in 1860.

The front circular road at the top of cemetery hill...

There are so many infant and child graves...

And many prominent families...

This poor baby gets me every time...life was so rough out here...

Mom and Charlie following the winding path that volunteers keep clean...

Want to climb up on this seat with Caitlin, Charlie-boy?

Okay! Good boy.

Third installment coming soon!

spring break part one

Want to come home with me?

It is beautiful this time of year...

The pear and apple orchards are just waiting for their cue to bloom...

Jacksonville appears over the hill, amidst the forests, vineyards and new olive groves...

The road weaves through the old mining town and then out into the mountain communities...

Part two tomorrow!

two ways to feel refreshed and recharged.

We always feel refreshed after 1) visiting our family 2) a trip to the coast. So blessed to do both in one weekend!

Andy had the weekend off to relax before the coffee shop grand opening next weekend and things get really crazy. We decided to drive down to Jville to visit the family, including the newest member, Charlie Samuel Houdini Lee. He has everyone smitten. And my sister is starting 7th grade! How and when did this happen? She is our baby-it's a little traumatic for us all.

Our in-laws situation is unique in the best kind of way. My parents moved in next door to Andy's parents when I had just graduated high school, so they have been friends from even before Andy and I were even introduced two years later. We had a BBQ in the Kimmelshue backyard with a full moon rising over the mountains.

The last of Kay's hydrangeas - her yard is always beautiful.

From there we drove over to the coast and stayed at a little B&B in Seal Rock. We travelled up Highway 101 and enjoyed the majestic beauty that is the Oregon Coast.

Yaquina Head, half-mile hike up to the lighthouse...

What did I see? This...

Andy amongst the trees. Enjoying a beautiful afternoon beach stroll...
And a few leaps of joy!