Happy Halloween!

This was just too cute to not post.... hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

Green Goodness

So I came into work really early this morning (6:00a) and could hardly wait to eat when lunch rolled around. I figured I need something... desperately need something cozy and comforting for lunch. Something to rid the cold, damp and satiate my rumbling tummy. Aha! I know just just the thing:Yum. It's delicious.

Matt is the Sound Designer for this show! George Fox University Theatre Department Presents: Thoroughly Modern Millie The Broadway hit Thoroughly Modern Millie, winner of six Tony Awards, will be performed as George Fox University’s fall musical starting Thursday, Nov. 6. Showings will be Nov. 6-8 and 12-15 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. in Wood-Mar Auditorium on the Newberg campus. Tickets may be purchased at the University Store, over the phone at 503-554-3844, or online at theatre.georgefox.edu. The price is $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors and George Fox alumni, and $6 for students and children under 12. To read more about this production, click here. Remember, all George Fox alumni may purchase discounted tickets to all George Fox Theatre productions.

Kitters!!!

Matt and I took a few photos of the kitties... and I couldn't resist sharing them.

Above: Clementine is a total couch potato... she loves to cuddle. Above: "Um, do you have anything I can eat?"

Above: "What!?"

Above: Clementine and Mya

Fall Foliage

In an effort to capture the beauty of the fall colors, we went out and took a couple photos.

Above: Brooklynn held on to her pinecones as long as possible... they were her favorite item of the day.

Above: This rock had water flowing out of it, which is an instant source of entertainment.

Pumpkin Patch Time!

Julie, Tory, Brooklynn and I went out last Saturday to enjoy the season.  We headed out to Baggenstos, outside of Sherwood and enjoyed the sunshine, pumpkins and cart rides.

Above: Tory was gracious enough to provide Brooky some comfort on her rough cart ride.

Above: Baggenstos has these steele figures throughout the produce stand.  Quite interesting.

Above: "Aunt Beth, will you hold this please?"

Above: Brooky was wedged between pumpkins in the cart.  She loved it!

A Role Model for the Nation

1. Portland, OR If you live in Portland, you might want to think twice before complaining about the 40-plus inches of rain dumped on your head every year. It might be the only thing keeping the entire country from moving to your city by the Prius-load. Portland retained its title as SustainLane's number one city to beat this year–not surprising given that it got a 30-year jump on the rest of the country. That’s right: city-planners in Portland have been thinking green since the 70s, when the rest of the country was still embracing the strip mall. The city enacted strict land-use policies, implementing an urban growth boundary, requiring density, and setting a strong precedent for sustainable development. The city's natural beauty is hard to beat, too. But Portlanders aren’t resting on their laurels. According to the city's sustainable development director, Portland aims to be a "20 Minute City" -- where residents spend 20 or less minutes traveling from home to work, shop or play. "Portland's support of local farmers and farmers' markets; its explosion of green buildings and commitment to renewable energy, and its emphasis on mass transportation, including light rail and bicycles, shows that a city can not only be kind to the earth, but also flourish economically and grow by being green." --Mayor Tom Potter, September 2008 (Photo courtesy of the City of Portland)

http://www.sustainlane.com/us-city-rankings/cities/portland

It's hard not to miss it...

... Cincinnati, that is.  Last week, I mentioned to a couple coworkers of mine how much I miss Cincinnati in the Fall.  Being native West Coasters, they of course, could not understand.

My reason for missing Ohio in the fall is for the foliage.  Oh how beautiful MLK is when the trees that line this hostile road begin to turn flaming shades of red and orange.  The only time Cincinnati was beautiful to me, was during this time of year.Above: Eden Park, which is located in the suberb and is one of the largest parks in the area. Above: Mariemont Park, which is near the Old Church and downtown Mariemont. Very quaint. Above: Mariemont Park

Portland Trail Blazers

Last Wednesday Matt and I had an opportunity to attend a Portland Trail Blazer's pre-season game against the Golden State Team.  Our friends, the Duncan's, invited us to sit in a suite with them, which was much fun.

Evidently, there is a social class that resides in these small apartments of entertainment within the  Rose Garden arena.  The majority of this class are wealthy and upper class citizens.  Most of them wore polos and loafers (dorks) and all had neatly combed hair.  One of them even rolled his eyes as we entered the elevator (I'm not sure why... maybe my GAP jeans were just too white trash for him).  There were attendants in the hallways with white towels and bottle openers, ready to serve those who are unable to serve themselves.

Matt and I left the game with many thoughts and considerations about those who have more money to spend and the type of human beings they appear to be.  There is a very shallow and superficial part of us that would enjoy being a part of this crowd... as life appears easier when you have additional amounts of scrilla around.  In reality, Matt and I realize that having simplicity is far more attractive to us.  We appreciate the smaller things in life, such as our marriage and our families.  Both Matt and I find having more possessions draws us farther from God and we become close to losing ourselves in the things of this World.  Both of us desire to have meaning and purpose in life, which does not include the temporary trappings of items and things.

So, needless to say our light-hearted outing with John and Tiffany turned into a week-long mental processing for myself.  Granted, I tend to over-think many things in life... but someone should.

:)

Oh yea, the Blazer's lost to Golden State... which was disappointing.  

Better late than never...

I can't believe Brooklynn turned one (September 28th) already!  I don't want to sound cliche' but my how time flies.  Just seems like yesterday she arrived... precious as ever.

Here are a couple pics of her 1st birthday: