Beachy Keen

Ethan had been asking for weeks to go to the beach and the answer has always been, "If it's not raining on the weekend." We finally got a bright and sunny Saturday, so we headed to the kids' favorite spot, Indian Beach. Every time I see this place I wonder why everyone doesn't live here. I guess they don't know what they're missing. Then I laugh when Caleb says he's going to stay in car and read a book while we play on the beach (he didn't) and when Hiram asks to stay home. I could feel my body producing Vitamin D as we watched the sun set . . .ahhhhh.


Of course we didn't have the foresight to bring a frisbee or ball, so Jason and Caleb played "catch" with a rock. This is one of Caleb's "under the leg" moves.

This shot could go straight into a Land's End catalog.

Ethan and his friend Chris were the only ones brave enough to get their feet wet in the freezing water.
A romantic walk along the beach
Hiram poking around
Look how blue the sky is!

The far off Tillamook lighthouse

Coming Up Roses

Much has happened since I last posted. I was only one week into my floral design classes and I have since finished the four week course. Here are some of the things I made:








Our instructors encouraged us to go out and get a temporary job in a flower shop during Valentine's week so we could see what it's like and get some real world experience. Last Wednesday I set out with my fancy resume and a list of 15 flower shops in Vancouver to visit. On about the fifth one the owner proceeded to tell me that the money I spent to go to the Institute of Floral Design was a waste and that I didn't know anything. As I was walking out the door she said she wanted me to make her an arrangement and then she would rip it apart. I was so nervous, all I was trying to do was not cut myself with my knife. The arrangement was totally pathetic. I guess she was desperate because she said I could work there until Valentine's Day. It was hard work. I cleaned and cut so many flowers and mostly greened in baskets and vases for a dozen roses. I learned so much just by seeing what goes on in a shop right before their busiest day of the year. I also learned that I really don't want to be working in someone else's shop. Right now I am thinking about applying to sell my arrangements at the Vancouver farmers' market and I am kicking around a couple of other ideas. My business name is Chickabloom. My fellow students in my floral class thought the name fit my personality. I think it's kind of clever myself. :)
In other news, Jason took two weeks off while I was in flower school (and did a fabulous job holding down the fort) before he started a new job with US Bank. He is adjusting to his new job and is really looking forward to being able to work 2 days a week from home.