A picture is worth a thousand words... or in this case a video. I agree that the singer of the national anthem isn't quite American Idol material, but good gravy -- show some respect man!!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
MONSOON!!!!
Monsoon season is upon us -- in full force. Last night we experienced one of the strongest ones I can remember. Monsoon rain and lightening mixed with a Monsoon microburst made me very happy I was safe inside my house.
For more information on this storm, and to see more pictures, visit the local News sites... listed below.
Winds reached up to 60 miles per hour and we recieved about 2 inches of rain in the course of the storm. I was inside with the kids when I heard some loud crashes and banging. Once the storm had calmed a little, I went to survey the damage.
Our street became a river in only a matter of minutes. I walked across and in the deepest parts, my ankles were covered -- so that is about 2 1/2 to 3 inches.
Our porch swing was blown off its resting place -- the brick below -- and back against our wall. Some thoughtful neighbors were kind enought to place it right for us.
In spite of our effort to prevent this, our old tree just couldn't withstand the 60 mile per hour winds. Thankfully, this is all that broke off the tree and it missed the windows.
It could have been so much worse for us so, thankfully, this is all we had happen.
For more information on this storm, and to see more pictures, visit the local News sites... listed below.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Penguins on the Wall
So, I decided S's room needed a make over. Considering his love of penguins, I drew some abstract penguins on the wall. Once I started, I realized this job was too big for me. So, I called in some reinforcements to help finish the job. Thank you to my friends at All About Painting! A short time later, here is what turned out as the finished product.
Now I need to do the other boy's rooms... :)
Now I need to do the other boy's rooms... :)
The Least of These -- What I am learning
My dad was born in 1920. In a time when people didn’t lock their doors and it was safe to stop and help a stranger. He also was given such a good heart that he wanted to help those in need. He would always stop for the hitchhiker, help those stranded on the side of the road and pray for those he couldn’t help.
Today is a different world. It isn’t safe to stop for hitchhikers any more. I worry about the safety of myself and my family if I were to stop. Most people these days have cell phones, so is there really a need to stop and help someone who is stranded with a disabled car? Could I even help with my lack of automobile knowledge?
When I was 17, I stopped for a lady who needed work and food so she could help her kids. I was sure that I could fix the problem. I invited her over to our house for dinner. I offered to take her where ever she needed to go and to help her find a job. I had a solution for everything. But she only wanted cash, which I didn’t have.
I talked with my mom about this. Now that I am a mom, I can’t believe she didn’t freak out that I had invited a stranger over for dinner. But she taught me about charity. Saying the Lord was pleased with my efforts. She also told me that sometimes people who are asking for help don’t have as noble intentions with the money as they say they do. I was shocked. She carefully explained that it wasn’t safe for me to stop and help some of these people. I needed to follow the promptings of the spirit and be more careful.
There are many times I see people on the street corners that need help. They are homeless, hungry or in need of work. My heart aches for them but I think, “what can I do?” or “ do they really need help or are they looking for drug money?” More often than not, I drive by in my air conditioned car, thinking about them until the next stop light, heading to my comfortable home.
A few years ago, I saw something that I will never forget. I was driving past another corner on a typical Arizona day; one hundred plus degrees. On this corner was a man dressed as though he was prepared for the world’s worst blizzard. He had donned a scarf, hat, several layers of heavy clothing followed by an open coat. His bearded face was barely poking through the layers of clothing. It was obvious from the appearance of these cloths and this man that neither had been washed in some time. In fact, it took some effort to differentiate the man from the cloths, as they were both so dirty. He had sunken down, half laying, half sitting, to the cement, leaning against the stop light. He is what I imagine the Savior meant when he said “the least of these”.
Next to this poor man was another man. Maybe in his 20’s, although I didn’t see his face. His arm was around the fallen man and with his other arm he held a yellow Gatorade to the man’s mouth. I could tell by how the younger man leaned in to help, that he wasn’t worried about smell, filth or safety. He was worried about a fellow human. I felt as though I had seen the story of the Good Samaritan. I have seen the painting, one man leaning over another to help, but this was a real life version of it. I wondered how I could get to that point in my life where I do not worry about what is unpleasant for me and worry more about what my fellow man needs.
Yesterday, as we were driving, I saw yet another person in need. We didn’t have any cash with us and we stopped beyond her view. So it was easy to not help. But the look on her face haunts me. She had a sign that told her story. “mom of 3 children, need your help or prayers” How could I pass by. I tried to justify in my mind that her kids were probably with CPS and she needed money for other things. But as I pondered this a while, some scriptures came to mind. In Mosiah chapter 4, it covers everything I need to know about these situations. Verses 16 -19, 22 & 26 say:
I know that all that I have, the Lord has given me. It does not belong to me, but to Him. It is my sacred duty to share with those around me. Who am I to turn them away?
Today is a different world. It isn’t safe to stop for hitchhikers any more. I worry about the safety of myself and my family if I were to stop. Most people these days have cell phones, so is there really a need to stop and help someone who is stranded with a disabled car? Could I even help with my lack of automobile knowledge?
When I was 17, I stopped for a lady who needed work and food so she could help her kids. I was sure that I could fix the problem. I invited her over to our house for dinner. I offered to take her where ever she needed to go and to help her find a job. I had a solution for everything. But she only wanted cash, which I didn’t have.
I talked with my mom about this. Now that I am a mom, I can’t believe she didn’t freak out that I had invited a stranger over for dinner. But she taught me about charity. Saying the Lord was pleased with my efforts. She also told me that sometimes people who are asking for help don’t have as noble intentions with the money as they say they do. I was shocked. She carefully explained that it wasn’t safe for me to stop and help some of these people. I needed to follow the promptings of the spirit and be more careful.
There are many times I see people on the street corners that need help. They are homeless, hungry or in need of work. My heart aches for them but I think, “what can I do?” or “ do they really need help or are they looking for drug money?” More often than not, I drive by in my air conditioned car, thinking about them until the next stop light, heading to my comfortable home.
A few years ago, I saw something that I will never forget. I was driving past another corner on a typical Arizona day; one hundred plus degrees. On this corner was a man dressed as though he was prepared for the world’s worst blizzard. He had donned a scarf, hat, several layers of heavy clothing followed by an open coat. His bearded face was barely poking through the layers of clothing. It was obvious from the appearance of these cloths and this man that neither had been washed in some time. In fact, it took some effort to differentiate the man from the cloths, as they were both so dirty. He had sunken down, half laying, half sitting, to the cement, leaning against the stop light. He is what I imagine the Savior meant when he said “the least of these”.
Next to this poor man was another man. Maybe in his 20’s, although I didn’t see his face. His arm was around the fallen man and with his other arm he held a yellow Gatorade to the man’s mouth. I could tell by how the younger man leaned in to help, that he wasn’t worried about smell, filth or safety. He was worried about a fellow human. I felt as though I had seen the story of the Good Samaritan. I have seen the painting, one man leaning over another to help, but this was a real life version of it. I wondered how I could get to that point in my life where I do not worry about what is unpleasant for me and worry more about what my fellow man needs.
Yesterday, as we were driving, I saw yet another person in need. We didn’t have any cash with us and we stopped beyond her view. So it was easy to not help. But the look on her face haunts me. She had a sign that told her story. “mom of 3 children, need your help or prayers” How could I pass by. I tried to justify in my mind that her kids were probably with CPS and she needed money for other things. But as I pondered this a while, some scriptures came to mind. In Mosiah chapter 4, it covers everything I need to know about these situations. Verses 16 -19, 22 & 26 say:
16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.So, I have concluded that the Lord wants me to learn a lesson. What can I do to help these poor people? Who am I to withhold what I have from them? Of course, I don’t think the Lord expects me to compromise the safety of my family or myself. But how difficult would it be to stock up on bus passes, Wal-mart gift cards, or even Gatorade. These are things I can do… these are things that “the least of these” need.
17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—
18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.
19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?
22 And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but
to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.
26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor,
every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing
the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually
and temporally, according to their wants.
I know that all that I have, the Lord has given me. It does not belong to me, but to Him. It is my sacred duty to share with those around me. Who am I to turn them away?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
So Many Birthdays!
Summer is a great time for the kids! Friends to play with all day, video game rules are more relaxed, vacations to great places and of course BIRTHDAYS!!!
I don't know how we planned it but somehow all our boys have birthdays within 2 months of each other, and all during the summer. While they may feel the pain of not knowing what it is like to have mom bring in cupcakes to their classroom on their birthday, I am secretly glad I don't have to worry about that. :) I should apologize in advance if any of the following embarrasses my children. :)
S was born in May. He just turned 13 and so far, he hasn't hit the typical teenage attitude. He is helpful and kind. He loves his baby sister and melts every time he sees her. He is growing up into such a wonderful young man.
J made his entry into this world in July. He is 11 this summer. Ever since he was a baby, I could hardly refuse those big blue eyes.He has a sincere heart and solid determination, which will help him through his life. J has a simple and strong sense of belief.
R arrived in June. Ryan had tried to enter the world upside down, but a skilled doctor prevented that. That should have been a sign to me that R would forever be an active mover: Whether it is climbing, jumping, running, spinning, or -- just like his fetal life -- upside down. R is so sweet and has a quiet calmness about him that can rub off on those around him. He is 9 this year.
T is our youngest boy. He was also born in July. Although he is 6 now and going into first grade, he is not afraid to call my mommy and give me hugs and kisses. He is on the boarder of "too big" and still "so small". He always has a hug for me and still melts my heart.
Last is B. Even though her birthday isn't in the summer, I couldn't leave her out of the birthday post. She was born in September. She came making noise and hasn't stopped. She cried for an hour after she was born, purred all night that first night and then on the next day began talking... OK, not really, but it seems like it. She is always talking or singing. Either to her family or her babies. We love it.
I don't know how we planned it but somehow all our boys have birthdays within 2 months of each other, and all during the summer. While they may feel the pain of not knowing what it is like to have mom bring in cupcakes to their classroom on their birthday, I am secretly glad I don't have to worry about that. :) I should apologize in advance if any of the following embarrasses my children. :)
S was born in May. He just turned 13 and so far, he hasn't hit the typical teenage attitude. He is helpful and kind. He loves his baby sister and melts every time he sees her. He is growing up into such a wonderful young man.
J made his entry into this world in July. He is 11 this summer. Ever since he was a baby, I could hardly refuse those big blue eyes.He has a sincere heart and solid determination, which will help him through his life. J has a simple and strong sense of belief. 
R arrived in June. Ryan had tried to enter the world upside down, but a skilled doctor prevented that. That should have been a sign to me that R would forever be an active mover: Whether it is climbing, jumping, running, spinning, or -- just like his fetal life -- upside down. R is so sweet and has a quiet calmness about him that can rub off on those around him. He is 9 this year.
T is our youngest boy. He was also born in July. Although he is 6 now and going into first grade, he is not afraid to call my mommy and give me hugs and kisses. He is on the boarder of "too big" and still "so small". He always has a hug for me and still melts my heart.
Last is B. Even though her birthday isn't in the summer, I couldn't leave her out of the birthday post. She was born in September. She came making noise and hasn't stopped. She cried for an hour after she was born, purred all night that first night and then on the next day began talking... OK, not really, but it seems like it. She is always talking or singing. Either to her family or her babies. We love it.
Monday, July 14, 2008
OBFY -- A great little place
I just had to blog about this great little place that just opened up by us. It is on the corner of Brown and Greenfield -- in the Walgreen's center and next to Dr. Beaver's Dentistry (yes, that is his real name and he is actually a great dentist). The owners of Ocean Blue are in my Sister In Law's ward.
Ocean Blue Frozen yogurt. Everything is self serve. You select what flavors you want and proceed like it were an ice cream buffet. Then you can add any toppings you want. At the end, you pay by weight, priced by the ounce, instead of by size. So you can get as much or as little as you want.
The best part? It is much healthier for you than other treats of this nature. There is only fat in the creamy version and that is only 2 grams. Everything else is fat free. BUT it doesn't taste like it. It is SO yummy. It is also made with Fructose which is supposed to be better than regular sugar.
Anyway you look at it, it is a great deal and very yummy. Great for family night!!! Web site is http://www.obfy.net/
Have fun!
Ocean Blue Frozen yogurt. Everything is self serve. You select what flavors you want and proceed like it were an ice cream buffet. Then you can add any toppings you want. At the end, you pay by weight, priced by the ounce, instead of by size. So you can get as much or as little as you want.
The best part? It is much healthier for you than other treats of this nature. There is only fat in the creamy version and that is only 2 grams. Everything else is fat free. BUT it doesn't taste like it. It is SO yummy. It is also made with Fructose which is supposed to be better than regular sugar.
Anyway you look at it, it is a great deal and very yummy. Great for family night!!! Web site is http://www.obfy.net/
Have fun!
Friday, July 11, 2008
New additions to the family
All my kids have their special things they love. Anyone who knows S knows he LOVES, on the verge of obsession, penguins. J loves all animals, especially tigers and dolphins, but lately his greatest love is Alvin & the Chipmunks. R, collects rocks, loves maps and pokemon. When T was little, he slept, ate and breathed trains. Now he loves Pokemon also. B has her bear... a little bear attached to a blanket that she will not part with. B has also had favorites that change as often as her shoe size. She has loved (and still does) babies, Elmo, Tinkerbell, Cinderella, Dora and now the Backyardagains. In fact, she loves the Backyardagains so much that is pretty much all she watched on our trip.
I went to Basha's the other day with B and made the mistake of walking by their display of Nickelodeon plush figures... Backyardigans included. They had 4 of the 5 characters and B instantly reached for them. Her little arms could barely hold them and she kept kissing them, how could I resist?
That was three days ago. She is still hugging them, kissing them and pretty much doing everything with them. The first couple days we had to give her Backyardagian friends a special bed because she wouldn't go to sleep with them next to her. Last night she was able to sleep by them and woke up early saying, "Oh, Tassa (Tasha)!Ploblow (Pablo)! -Tyrone! Hi, Neekwa! (Uniqua)" followed by kisses.
She has carried them with her everywhere the last couple days... almost forgetting about her bear (not really, but almost). She pushes them in her little stroller, tucks them in bed, rocks them, calls them by name and watches the actual show with them sitting by her. Yesterday, I caught her reading to them. Take a look at what we saw when we walked in her room. Yes, as a matter of fact, I have already ordered the 5th member of the gang.
I went to Basha's the other day with B and made the mistake of walking by their display of Nickelodeon plush figures... Backyardigans included. They had 4 of the 5 characters and B instantly reached for them. Her little arms could barely hold them and she kept kissing them, how could I resist?
That was three days ago. She is still hugging them, kissing them and pretty much doing everything with them. The first couple days we had to give her Backyardagian friends a special bed because she wouldn't go to sleep with them next to her. Last night she was able to sleep by them and woke up early saying, "Oh, Tassa (Tasha)!Ploblow (Pablo)! -Tyrone! Hi, Neekwa! (Uniqua)" followed by kisses.
She has carried them with her everywhere the last couple days... almost forgetting about her bear (not really, but almost). She pushes them in her little stroller, tucks them in bed, rocks them, calls them by name and watches the actual show with them sitting by her. Yesterday, I caught her reading to them. Take a look at what we saw when we walked in her room. Yes, as a matter of fact, I have already ordered the 5th member of the gang.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Plastic was supposed to be easier
Summer time came and so did the insurmountable amount of dishes. We decided that for the summer, we were going to get plastic and paper everything to cut back on dishes. I personally want to apologize to all the Dolphins and rainforest inhabitents for our contribution to your demise. That being said, it has really made things easier... for the most part.
DH and I were in the front room when we heard a HUGE crash. It sounded like plastic so I wasn't worried. Hubby went to examine and between fits of laughter told me to get my camera... this is what we saw.
I eventually had to put the camera down and help S.
DH and I were in the front room when we heard a HUGE crash. It sounded like plastic so I wasn't worried. Hubby went to examine and between fits of laughter told me to get my camera... this is what we saw.
I eventually had to put the camera down and help S.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Day 10, Going HOME!
Today started off with a little adventure. After a quick trip inside Wal-Mart to get necessities, Hubby drove to the Chevron Station next door. Just as DH was putting the RV in park, we heard sirens and saw a Police car pull into the station. The officer, carrying his club and gun, rushed inside. We were blocked in and couldn’t get out so our only option was to watch. Soon, two more officers showed up, guns at the ready, and they also ran inside. We were torn between telling everyone to get away from the windows and straining our necks to watch the action. Actually, there wasn’t any action. We could only see the figure of one officer filling the frame of the doorway. Other than that, nothing. After a few minutes, the three officers led a handcuffed young man into their car. Hubby said, “Hey, I saw that guy inn Wal-Mart!” DH figured by the way the guy had been acting in Wal-mart that he was either high on drugs or mentally insane. I figured that we had some guardian angels looking after us. Thankfully, it wasn’t worse than that. What if DH had been inside paying for the gas? Or what if the guy had had a weapon? The kids were pretty excited to see officers in action.
We are headed home today. It will be nice to be in our own beds. Unless more excitement happens, this is the end of our road trip blog.
UPDATE: We made it home... Thankfully. After a few hiccups along the route home, we were all grateful to get back home. As nice as it is to get away from regular life for a while, it is always nicer to come back home. we arestill trying to get things back to normal after our trip.
We are headed home today. It will be nice to be in our own beds. Unless more excitement happens, this is the end of our road trip blog.
UPDATE: We made it home... Thankfully. After a few hiccups along the route home, we were all grateful to get back home. As nice as it is to get away from regular life for a while, it is always nicer to come back home. we arestill trying to get things back to normal after our trip.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Day 9, 4th of July!!!
We went through a variety of choices of what to do today. We had thought about taking a train to one of the beaches, nearby where we were staying, for the fireworks. But when we woke up this morning, DH and I both felt like it was time to head home. It could have been that B being awake all night influenced that decision. So now we are bringing our trip to a close.
I sure love my little family – I love making memories. I go out of my mind most the time because each one of these children has a steady will and strong spirit. But that is the way I want them. That is what they need for the tough days we live in now.
We pulled a 13 hour drive day, the longest yet. After catching a spattering of fireworks along the way, we pulled over at a Wal-Mart and settled in for an uneventful night.
I sure love my little family – I love making memories. I go out of my mind most the time because each one of these children has a steady will and strong spirit. But that is the way I want them. That is what they need for the tough days we live in now.
We pulled a 13 hour drive day, the longest yet. After catching a spattering of fireworks along the way, we pulled over at a Wal-Mart and settled in for an uneventful night.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Day 8, Sight Seeing
We rented a minivan today so we could go sightseeing. We went to the Cape Meares lighthouse. It was a beautiful drive; the roadways being lined with trees so thickly that you could barely see the sky above. I was so excited to see the lighthouse and imagined all the breathtaking photo ops I would have with the kids.
We also saw the octopus tree which was really quite amazing but it needed a tree house. This was a tree that was definitely made for Swiss Family Robinson. I guess since it was some sort of state monument that we would have to enjoy just looking at the tree and it really was pretty cool. 
The lighthouse was nestled in a well maintained park. We were able to look through telescopes to view sea life below. The lighthouse itself was small, but interesting. There were things I wouldn’t have ever thought of that involved visiting a lighthouse… climbing 40 feet straight in the air on a 3 foot wide spiral staircase into a small room where the only place to walk was a narrow walkway around a fragile lens that was not supposed to be touched. Now add five children. Yup, we got right back down and began to rethink our lighthouse tours for the trip. Maybe the lighthouse thing is more for older people, not little ones that want to do a blowfish on the historical monument. We decided to change our plans.
We went back to the cheese factory for lunch then to the RV Park for a nap. While we were at the Cheese Factory, we got a nice sampling of their yummy fudge for us all to share… a decision we came to regret later.
Later we visited Munsen Creek Falls. It was another gorgeous drive followed by a short hike to the falls. The vegetation was amazing and was obviously a self sufficient eco-system. After we worked up an appetite on the hike we decided t
o head to a resaraunt called “Pirate’s Cove”. It was right on the bay in the small town of Garibaldi, Orgeon. We had been told that this was the place to go for fresh seafood. After our last experience, we just hoped for food we could recognize. We were not disappointed. The clam chowder by itself (obviously loaded with butter) was worth the trip. We enjoyed crab, shrimp, scallops, crab cakes and even oysters (cooked). Those of us who liked sea food were in heaven. However, S still looked miserable. Even though his plate was plain Fettuccini Alfredo, he could hardly bare the sight and smell of the seafood. 
The kids, having loaded up on fudge while DH and I slept, were bouncing off the walls – literally. In the course of our meal, in which DH and I wrestled the whole time with at least one child, we had an ice cube fight, oyster shells hidden in peoples water, B shouting at something, kids hiding under the table, two bathroom trips, a salad dumped over the booth to the other side and so much more. It wasn’t a shining moment for the Penrod family. Feeling on edge, we shepherded the kids back to the car and headed back to the RV Park. As four children (S refused to sing) joined in a never ending chorus of “this is the song that never ends."
Eventually, their energy waned and they drifted off to sleep. As I covered them with blankets while they slept, I remembered how I ended up with 5 of these little people. Who can resist such sweetness?
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Day 7, All Things Bright and Beautiful
We had rested overnight in a beautiful RV Park called Mounthhaven RV Park. Its website is http://www.mounthaven.com/ . The whole park is heavily wooded. It is as if nature just carved a little spot for man to come enjoy. The staff helped us back in between two fantastic trees that must have been over a century old. For those who don’t want to RV, there are cute cabins also available. I would recommend this place highly for someone going to visit Mount Rainier.
We awoke this morning to 5 baby deer feeding. Evidently, these deer come every morning to have a snack right there in camp. The camp host put out some seeds for them and even fed them from his hand. They came so close to us. In fact, there was a few moments where I thought J might be kicked by one of them while all five frolicked right around him. He was in heaven, and also a little scared. But he loved watching the dear. It was so amazing.
We spent the day driving through Oregon. I have come to the conclusion that this is really the most beautiful state EVER! I don’t ever want to leave. We drove by the Portland Temple. Hubby and I had a wonderful idea of walking around the temple with the kids and letting them experience the spirit of peace that is there. However, about the time we pulled up to the grounds we had about three kids screaming as a result of hitting, spitting or kicking… B was saying, “oh no, Renran (T) sad?” I have tried to block out those long moments of chaos, but I do remember that DH and I decided we should keep this spirit of contention contained. Eventually we got everyone calmed down and we began our journey to Tillamook, Oregon.
Let’s just say that once we got here, we decided to alter our trip. Not only was the drive over here amazing, once we arrived there were so many things we wanted to do, we figured we would have to amend the plans. Our first stop was the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory (http://www.tillamookcheese.com/) This was a great place to take the family. Food and ice cream was very inexpensive but ever so tasty! The kids could watch cheese being made and have free samples. And of course there were a hundred ways to spend your money at the cute gift shop. Somehow, in a “country themed” gift shop, S managed to find yet another penguin to add to his collection. J got a very powerful sling-shot (oh my) and R and T added to their “animal collection” They have created some sort of game where they collect all their stuffed animals, imaginary beasts and miniature creatures and “verse” each other with them. I don’t know exactly what they are doing, except when they do it, they can entertain themselves for hours.
We have settled in for the night at an RV park between Tillamook and Bay City. We will stay here through the 4th, and then hurry home – somehow in time for Sunday (we hope). The RV park we are at is nice. Staff is friendly and the park is clean and quiet. Their website is www.tillamookbaycityrvpark.com/
hope this link works... Today reminded me of the primary song, All Things Bright and Beautiful.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Day 6, DONT EAT THAT
Today was a memorable day for us. We did some sightseeing as we passed through Redmond, up towards Seattle and then over to Mount Rainier. Redmond is a small town outside Seattle. I had a chance to live there with my sister, Julie for a few months. It was beautiful. I was noticing all the gorgeous vegetation, the variation in the countryside and I couldn’t get enough of the cool clean air.
In reading about the Seattle area, we knew that seatbelt laws were quite strict. We were able to verify this knowledge just as we pulled on the freeway from Redmond. We were pulled over on the ON RAMP. I thought the friendly looking officer was going to tell us a bridge was out or something, but the tone in his voice made me ask if we had done anything wrong. Seatbelts. The officer couldn’t see a shoulder strap belt and pulled us over. After we explained that the RV was only equipped with lap belts and that we had our infant in a car seat, he let us go with a warning. Warning? Warning for what? That we will be pulled over again for not having shoulder straps? We drove off and I began to notice the rain stained brick walls, the old buildings, the heavy traffic. Suddenly, Redmond didn’t seem like such a beautiful place. It was as if the angels stopped singing, birds fell from the sky and someone just told me I had grey hair. Even though Redmond really was just as beautiful and the officer was very nice, a negative experience sure influenced how I felt about the place. It made me think, how often do the words I say or actions I do influence those around me? My children? Do they start out having a beautiful day and I come in like a cop and put a damper on everything. Food for thought… now speaking of food.
We have been told that Seattle seafood is the best anywhere, so we began to look for a child friendly place we could take the kids and enjoy a little comida de la mar. We found a place called Imperial Garden Seafood. We assumed we had struck gold… seafood and Chinese food. YIKES! Were we ever wrong! We had barely warmed our seats before we were ambushed by three non-English speaking servers with carts full of food, none of which I recognized. They just began putting food in front of us, “yes?” I would nod or shrug and there it was on our table. Every once and a while, I would hear a word I thought I knew, like Moo- Shoo… That stuff is delicious back home, so of course I nodded. What they put on my table looked like the intestines of an unidentified animal. Our new friends were gone as quickly as they had appeared, leaving a mound of mysterious food before us. We all looked at each other with wide eyes, trying to stifle our laughter. What had we gotten ourselves into?
None of the meat was in whole pieces, making me think they just ground everything up. R and S both wouldn’t touch anything, so I asked if they had chicken. “no chicken, only pork” Great! Please pass the pig! It looked tasty enough, so I encouraged my seafood shy boys to dig in and I also took an energetic bite. BONES! What part of the pig do you serve that has bones????? The feet? Knees? Jawbone? I couldn’t think of anything that had the bones that I would want to eat. I had to spit that one out, and then the gurgling stomach began. We opted for one last option, in hopes to find some food the kids would eat. Chicken Chow mien – evidently they did have chicken somewhere in the kitchen. Well, it wasn’t horrible, but instead of what we would think was chicken, there was this egg stuff. It was like they got the right animal, just the wrong delivery of it. If there was actual meat in those, it couldn’t be healthy. So, in the end, we all left our cultural experience with no desire to ever return. We ransacked the RV for something that would extinguish the taste and stop the oncoming stomach upset. The unpleasant food outweighed any sense of adventure we had experienced upon entering the restaurant. EWWWW!
The rest of the day was amazing as we traveled through the vivid scenery of Mount Rainier National Park. It was breathtaking. There was still snow on the mountain and on the sides of the roads. The melt off was creating spontaneous waterfalls every few yards. The plant life had greened up and was striking against the snow. Rivers and streams ran along every road we took. 
I just kept thinking, “This is supposed to be the Telestial World??? The LEAST beautiful???” The pictures I have taken don’t even do justice to what we saw. But hopefully you can get the idea.
In reading about the Seattle area, we knew that seatbelt laws were quite strict. We were able to verify this knowledge just as we pulled on the freeway from Redmond. We were pulled over on the ON RAMP. I thought the friendly looking officer was going to tell us a bridge was out or something, but the tone in his voice made me ask if we had done anything wrong. Seatbelts. The officer couldn’t see a shoulder strap belt and pulled us over. After we explained that the RV was only equipped with lap belts and that we had our infant in a car seat, he let us go with a warning. Warning? Warning for what? That we will be pulled over again for not having shoulder straps? We drove off and I began to notice the rain stained brick walls, the old buildings, the heavy traffic. Suddenly, Redmond didn’t seem like such a beautiful place. It was as if the angels stopped singing, birds fell from the sky and someone just told me I had grey hair. Even though Redmond really was just as beautiful and the officer was very nice, a negative experience sure influenced how I felt about the place. It made me think, how often do the words I say or actions I do influence those around me? My children? Do they start out having a beautiful day and I come in like a cop and put a damper on everything. Food for thought… now speaking of food.
We have been told that Seattle seafood is the best anywhere, so we began to look for a child friendly place we could take the kids and enjoy a little comida de la mar. We found a place called Imperial Garden Seafood. We assumed we had struck gold… seafood and Chinese food. YIKES! Were we ever wrong! We had barely warmed our seats before we were ambushed by three non-English speaking servers with carts full of food, none of which I recognized. They just began putting food in front of us, “yes?” I would nod or shrug and there it was on our table. Every once and a while, I would hear a word I thought I knew, like Moo- Shoo… That stuff is delicious back home, so of course I nodded. What they put on my table looked like the intestines of an unidentified animal. Our new friends were gone as quickly as they had appeared, leaving a mound of mysterious food before us. We all looked at each other with wide eyes, trying to stifle our laughter. What had we gotten ourselves into?
None of the meat was in whole pieces, making me think they just ground everything up. R and S both wouldn’t touch anything, so I asked if they had chicken. “no chicken, only pork” Great! Please pass the pig! It looked tasty enough, so I encouraged my seafood shy boys to dig in and I also took an energetic bite. BONES! What part of the pig do you serve that has bones????? The feet? Knees? Jawbone? I couldn’t think of anything that had the bones that I would want to eat. I had to spit that one out, and then the gurgling stomach began. We opted for one last option, in hopes to find some food the kids would eat. Chicken Chow mien – evidently they did have chicken somewhere in the kitchen. Well, it wasn’t horrible, but instead of what we would think was chicken, there was this egg stuff. It was like they got the right animal, just the wrong delivery of it. If there was actual meat in those, it couldn’t be healthy. So, in the end, we all left our cultural experience with no desire to ever return. We ransacked the RV for something that would extinguish the taste and stop the oncoming stomach upset. The unpleasant food outweighed any sense of adventure we had experienced upon entering the restaurant. EWWWW!
The rest of the day was amazing as we traveled through the vivid scenery of Mount Rainier National Park. It was breathtaking. There was still snow on the mountain and on the sides of the roads. The melt off was creating spontaneous waterfalls every few yards. The plant life had greened up and was striking against the snow. Rivers and streams ran along every road we took. 
I just kept thinking, “This is supposed to be the Telestial World??? The LEAST beautiful???” The pictures I have taken don’t even do justice to what we saw. But hopefully you can get the idea.
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