Splish Splash

Babies find everything fascinating. DVD cases, rolls of toilet paper and other common objects become endless sources of amusement. Today I thought we would beat the heat with common items used in the kitchen. I filled a large bowl with water and gave the baby different objects to play with in the water.

                                             Julianna is having fun with the cup.

Right after I showed Julianna how to fill the kitchen items with water she became fascinated with the water. Here she is taking a break from getting her hands wet.

This activity proved to be a fun bonding experience and a way to promote learning cause and effect.

Baby's First Trip

The Worden clan recently made a trip to Seattle for a family gathering in honor of my great great aunt Grace's 100th birthday. Like any busy mother, I loved having a break from laundry, dishes and housework while staying at a hotel. Jesse enjoyed going out of town to see his favorite city, and Julianna took in all of the new sights and faces on her first out of town getaway. Here are some of the highlights from our trip.

Julianna and Xavier are playing with Grandpa Johnston. Mastering the art of sharing is still a work in progress.

                           The family is enjoying a cookout at my sister Brianna's house.

                           Julianna is fascinated by the fish outside the Seattle aquarium.

                                                     Off to visit Pike's market.

Everyone loved the chocolate milkshakes and cheeseburgers served at a nearby diner. Julianna seemed more interested in playing with the food.

                            My aunt Grace is getting ready to enjoy her birthday bash.

Decorations for Aunt Grace's party. Here you'll find important events that took place over the past 100 years. The picture is of my aunt Grace as a child.

   Julianna is spending time with her cousin Xavier, auntie Brianna and of course the birthday girl.

                                       Five generations of the McKenney/ Johnston clan.

Julianna is visiting with her Nana before eating lasagna at Liz's family gathering.

                  Julianna is spending some quality time with Grandpa at breakfast.

My aunt Michelle surprised us with a beautiful hand sewn quilt for Julianna.

                                        If you look closely you'll find owls in the quilt.

Here's to even more memorable events that allow us to bond with the family!

Six Years and Counting

On August 19, 2006 Jesse and I exchanged our vows at Lyon Falls Bible Fellowship church. Our journey together in marriage offered much excitement, some hardships and most importantly a chance to grow closer to God and each-other.

          Here are some of the major highlights that took place in the past 6 years.

- We took advantage of rewarding opportunities to volunteer at church and within the community.

- Jesse and I left behind life in the rural northeast and moved cross-country to Vancouver, WA. Although I miss life on the east-coast, being closer to family has certainty been a blessing.

- God helped us survive unemployment.

- On September 29, 2011 a beautiful baby girl entered our lives and continues to bring us much joy.

- The first 9 months of our daughter's life were spent at doctor offices, feeding clinics, hospitals and with the community health nurse. God glorified the situation by answering prayers and sending a loving team of doctors and nurses.

- Although we miss living in rural America, God led us to a house with nearby country settings.

- Christmas 2009 was spent southern style with my in-laws in Mississippi.

-We made a round trip train ride to California in order to celebrate my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary.

- We welcomed new nephews into the family while mourning the loss of our grandparents.

In order to celebrate our love to one another, we escaped to Multnomah Falls for breath taking scenery and gourmet meals at the historic lodge.

                  A view of the Columbia River Gorge while driving to our destination.

                                                    God's amazing handiwork.

                                             The historic lodge where we had dinner.

                         Eating at the lodge felt like being inside of an enchanted castle.

                                                              My tasty meal.

                                                              The happy couple.



                                                    Here's to even more adventures.

Just for Fun

I stole this questionnaire from a blogging buddy. This should be a fun way for us to get to know each-other better. If you want to participate, feel free to join in the game.

1. What color are your socks right now?
I'm not wearing any socks. It would look goofy with my ballet flats.
 
2. What are you listening to right now?
More Like Falling In Love by Jason Gray. It's a beautiful song about loving the savior.


3. What was the last thing you ate?
  a bean burrito I made for lunch.

4. Can you drive a stick shift?
  No, and in my case it truly is a lost cause.

5. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Someone calling to sell me something.

6. How old are you today?
  31 years young.

7. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I'm not a huge sports fan but I do love gymnastics.

8. What is your favorite drink?
  Starbucks white chocolate and peppermint mochas.

9. Have you ever dyed your hair?
  yes but I don't like messing with touch ups so it's my natural auburn color.

10. What is your favorite food?
Anything Mexican or Italian. I'm also a huge fan of french onion soup.

11. Do you sing in the shower?
    No
 
12. Favorite day of the year?
Christmas

13. What is one place you want to visit?
California, Mississippi, North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, New York, Maine or Connecticut. It's where my family and close friends live.

14. What was your favorite toy as a child?
It's a tie between my turtle tot and my American Girl doll Molly.

15. What is your favorite season?
Summer, because I love the sunshine and warm weather. It's when families make fun plans for vacation, the time the county fair opens and when smells of BBQ cookouts linger in neighborhoods everywhere in America.

Baby's First Trip to the County Fair

In my family the county fair is a fun summer tradition. The fun exhibits, smells of fried dough and adorable farm animals always give us something to look forward to. This year was extra meaningful because it meant Julianna got to experience the fun for the first time. Here are some of my favorite pictures of this year's trip to the  county fair.

                         Grammy is showing Julianna how fun merry-go-rounds can be.

                                      Eric is enjoying the fair's legendary kettle corn.

                                         Julianna sees a cow for the first time.

                                        Julianna is making friends with barnyard critters.

Julianna loves her stuffed bunnies and any picture books that feature rabbits. Imagine her excitement when she got to pet a real live rabbit.

                                                         A close up of the rabbit.

                                                         Being silly with Grandpa.

                                    Here I am introducing Julianna to Mr. Ed.

Julianna just might have mommy's horse crazy gene. Hmm....mother/ daughter riding lessons might be in the future.

A Cheap Date

Many raid the Sunday paper for coupons, but little do people know that other goodies sit buried under the news articles. A couple months ago a white paper bag appeared in the Sunday Oregonian. On the Border is a popular Mexican restaurant chain known for their mouth-watering cuisine that recently had an anniversary. As a way to show customer appreciation, the company offered free dinners to locals. Each bag promised one meal not to exceed $9.99. On the Border is famous for their unlimited supply of chips and salsa, as well as their legendary large meals. We figured that for $9.99 we could split a meal and leave happy.

For $9.99 we created our own south of the border combo. Jesse enjoyed chicken tortilla soup while I feasted on a chicken enchilada with rice and refried beans.

The atmosphere at On the Border makes dining in an enjoyable experience. I love the restaurant's colorful walls, pottery and other lively accents that reflect a beautiful culture.

 

Our date didn't end with a tasty entree from one of our favorite restaurants. As a special treat we decided to take a scenic drive into Oregon's countryside. Our escape from suburbia included mountains, evergreen trees and ended with a view of Multnomah Falls.

Fourth of July Fun

                  Here is how the Worden clan celebrated our nation's holiday.

Julianna, my mother and I chose to wear patriotic colors to show pride for the USA. Jesse claims his outfit is patriotic since green and black are used for BDUs.

I live for bargains and couldn't resist taking advantage of Macy's holiday sale. Now Julianna has a Christening gown for her baby dedication. My mother went with me to pick out some items for the home.

Jesse, Julianna and I had a late lunch at my parent's house. My mother decorated the table with fun summer colors.

Lunch included delicious grilled veggies along with gorgonzola cheese burgers, corn on the cobb and ice-cream for dessert.

Jesse and I accepted an invitation to a neighborhood block party. Our neighbors supplied hot dogs, chips and salsa, veggies, soda and fireworks. I decided to make deviled eggs to share with everyone. I prepared both traditional style deviled eggs and the Paula Dean inspired southwestern version.

Here are the neighbors enjoying the cookout. Jesse is a big kid at heart who loves to play baseball with the boys on our street.

Every fourth of July leaves me with much to be thankful for, but this year the holiday left me with extra gratitude. The neighbors hosting the party immigrated from Russia and some of the guests are originally from Ukraine. The family hosting the cookout suggested that we  think about why we're thankful to live in America. Once the Russian family spoke about being able to make trips to the supermarket without worrying about their personal safety, I felt humbled. It also amazed me to hear how grateful they are for our medical care. Maybe to some the 4th of July is an opportunity to miss work, have a barbecue and watch fireworks. To others it stands for a better life where their children have more opportunities. As for myself, I know I'll start a new tradition with our family. Each year I'll ask my daughter to think about what it means to live in America and why she should be thankful.And while I raise my daughter to have pride for our country, I'll also encourage her to form friendships with those living in our multicultural neighborhood.