The World of the Tyrrell Jrs.

2010 Holidays

2011-01-09T21:29:00.000-08:00

We had the perfect Christmas, starting with the whole wonderful Christmas season (I think the majority of Christmas is preparing for it), and we couldn't have asked for a better season, especially after last year's!

I kicked the festivities off on Christmas Eve morning with a trail ride with girlfriends and horses. Here are Andrea and Sandra, on two of my school horses: (as in many years past, I was on my faithful friend Sweet P.)

It was important to celebrate Christmas at home for Nick and I this year and start our own traditions (based on past traditions) as a family. For the first time ever in our married lives, we did not rush from household to household. Instead, we had people come to us! On Christmas Eve, Nana, Paco, and Aunt Michelle came to our house. We had our traditional dinner of pizza, and then a massive gift exchange! Lilah was bouncing off the walls with excitement...

Paco & Lilah read Christmas stories:

The Tyrrell Jrs:

Growing up my neighborhood did "luminaries", which lit the whole neighborhood and in some cultures symbolizes lighting the way for the Christ Child. Lilah and I worked on assembling the luminaries (which I suddenly remembered from my childhood as "not fun") and then set them out for lighting. The result was beautiful and we had many people driving by on the road stop to check it out. It was another fun tradition:

Christmas Morning was very anti-climatic as Lilah and Nick went through their stockings:

Santa brought Lilah a kitchen and a new bike (which was mysteriously kept in the garage since summer. Lilah had noted the bike, but if she ever made the connection between that one & the one from "Santa", she's being a good sport and not saying anything....)

Then we had our dear friends Jake and Carol over for a yummy and filling breakfast of biscuits & gravy. As mentioned in our holiday newsletter, Jake and Carol can cook. Can you imagine the biscuits and gravy Carol (who in addition is from the South) made?

Jake, Carol, and Heather:

Carol later snapped this picture, which I absolutely adore:

This one is just as cute. Lilah sure loves her bike!

We left Christmas Day for the Roundhouse. We were the first of the family (from Nick's side obviously!) to arrive, and we enjoyed watching the fire in the fireplace from a mound of blankets on the floor Christmas night. We also enjoyed family walks in the woods: (Don't worry -- we had scanned the snow Lilah is eating for color as Lilah learned this trip about not eating yellow snow...)

And Mommy and Lilah enjoyed making snow angels:

Nick's sister and family, as well as Nick's parents arrived the following day. Lilah had a blast playing in the snow with her cousins Tara and Corbin:

Lilah, age 3, worked very hard playing "catch-up" with her older cousins, ages 9 and 12 . When everyone went sledding during the holiday, Lilah (who is a very determined child) insisted she was going to sled down the hillside "from the VERY, VERY top" as her athletic and fearless cousins were doing. Out of sheer speculation, Nick and I followed her up this hill, and sure enough, she made it to the top:

The other side of Lilah's hill. Believe me, it was astounding a three year-old climbed up it:

Corbin, Tara, and Lilah sledding down part of the hill with the assistance of the family dogs:

Lilah was very proud to be included in Tara and Corbin's games. A big THANK-YOU to Tara and Corbin for taking Lilah along for the ride. Literally.

Another run with Tara:

After a brief contemplation of a spur-of-the-moment road trip to more friends and family (which we ultimately decided AGAINST after hearing a weather report) Nick and I returned home. We enjoyed lots of time together during the day, and went out with different friends every night of the holiday break. On New Years Eve we once again got together with Jake and Carol for some in-home celebrating. I took this picture, and then Jack and Carol brought out more food

Our favorite party guest? The Lilah-burrito!

We loved celebrating the 2010 holidays in good health and surrounded by friends and family we love. I cannot believe 2010 has come and gone. It was the end of a decade, and yet I feel like it should still be the year 2000! Here's to 2011, and to you and yours!

Zoolights 2010

2010-12-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

This holiday season, (I'm blessed to say), is going much better than last! I don't think I could ever describe in words what it feels like to have your spouse going through cancer one holiday season, and the next to have it be a distant worry! Last year I went to the Zoolights by myself with my girlfriend and her family because there would have been no way Nick would have made it through the lines, onto the train, -- let alone just getting into the zoo! This year, we went to the Zoolights again (with the same girlfriend Andrea too!), this time with Nick in tow! We've also been taking advantage of as many other holiday traditions as we can, and are looking forward to much celebration this year over Christmas!

The fam on the train ride:

Group shot of Nick, Mark, and me with the kids Zander, Chloe, and Lilah!

Another group shot with Andrea:

This isn't a very good picture of the Wilson family, (sorry Andrea!) but Andrea, Mark, and Zander:

Isn't Zander sucha cutie?!? Lilah has really enjoyed developing a friendship with Chloe and Zander. And the adults enjoy it too because the kids play so well together!

Now onto more holiday traditions!!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-30T18:10:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday celebrated with friends and family on both sides of the Tyrrell Jrs! The week kicked off with extra-cold weather which made me cancel the last of the riding lessons that hadn't already been cancelled due to the holiday weekend. As a result, my horses and I got a much-needed week-long break from teaching. I spent my down-time catching up with family, including my sister who was visiting from out-of-state.

We spent Thanksgiving at my mom's, then journeyed across the street to a Thanksgiving party that my childhood best friend's family was holding. I got to catch up with several people from my childhood, then we traveled to the Davi pad for more family get-together time.

Cousin Miranda and Lilah get their pilgrim-groove on:

Lilah liked the turkey! Yum, yum!

The master chef and Paco!

Nick carved the turkey while Michelle looked on. Starting a new tradition perhaps?

Unfortunately my sister had to leave town a day early to beat out the arrival of a new snow storm, but as a result we got all ready for Christmas by the time Thanksgiving weekend ended. (The lights look much better in person, and it was nice to have Nick's help this year with the lights!)

We took Lilah to a Christmas tree farm, thinking perhaps we would get a real tree this year. I've been wanting a real tree ever since we bought a fake one. But our fake one looks just as great as a real tree and is low cost and easy maintenance. Once at the tree farm, Nick and I decided not to pay the high price of a real tree (it would have been over $75) so we left the farm telling Lilah that Daddy would come back later for it. Later I took Lilah grocery-shopping while Nick pulled the fake tree out of the attic and set it up in the living room. She doesn't know the difference. And neither do our house guests who usually ask if it's a real tree or not!

Sorry we lied to you Lilah. We were lying about the Santa thing too.

The beautiful tree Lilah picked out. It's probably still standing there....

The Lost Camp Tamarack Pictures!!

2010-11-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe it's been over a year since we've moved home from camp, and it's been a year and a half since camp ended. The 2009 horse staff and I all still talk -- we have an on-going email thread catching each other up in our lives. Recently one non-horse staff member sent me some pictures she had taken but never shown me before.

This pic was my birthday dinner, when everyone went out to Mexican food and the horse staff gave me this helmet (love!):

A Tattler night, the theme was Candy-land and I was the .... Lollipop Pricness! I love L's hair in this pic, plus Nick's in the background!

And another Tattler night, the theme this time was Cavemen. Jiri came very nicely dressed and told everyone to wait until he evolved! Oh, Jiri!!

Lilah peaks over my head (with sticks in my hair) during the dinner meal:

That same night with horse staff members and Carol:

At the 4th of July party in Madras:

Still no word on if Camp will be open this year again....

Little Dog (the addition??)

2010-11-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

About two weeks ago, I walked with a girlfriend and our kids to a local elementary school where they were holding a "read and play." Along the way, I noticed a little black and white dog following us. It was very adamant about following us into the school, even after I kicked it (not literally) back outside. To make a long story short, the dog came home with Lilah and I that afternoon. Since then, I've left my information with the humane society, posted several ads on Craigslists, searched surrounding neighborhoods for missing dog flyers, scanned it twice by two different vets for microchips, even called the local Boston Terrier breeder to see if she knew of any missing Boston Terriers. To all the efforts made we have come up empty-handed. It seems impossible no one is missing this sweet little dog, but yet no one has come forward.

Meanwhile, the little dog (even with some bad behavior) has blended right into our family. We had been talking about another dog, and we're still not sure this is the right dog for us, but she definately seems to have adopted us. One of her redeeming qualities she that she is amazingly patient and tolerant of Lilah.

Her real owners have until December 19th (30 days from when I found her) to claim her, although I doubt that will happen. Nick and I would then have to make the decision on whether or not to keep her. There are some training issues to work through, but she's intelligent enough. She is now house-broken and sits on command!She doesn't bark very often, but she does snore and pass gas frequently!

The vet thinks she's about a year old and she is believed to be a purebreed Boston Terrier. Nick and I have been reading up a lot on this breed as of late....

Beautiful Fall

2010-11-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

After Summer, Fall is my favorite season. The crisp air, the wonderful smell of leaves... We've been having a great Autumn this year with lots of beautiful weather. Our neighborhood is great for walking around in and checking out all the colorful leaves.

We recently did a family trip around the 'hood. Lilah donned her rainboots to splash in the puddles, then learned the hard way about wet feet and wet clothes. She's also really getting into gathering up the leaves!

Happy Autumn!

Kate's First Show

2010-11-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I took Kate to her first show. Kate is my project horse, and while she has many positive attributes, she IS a training challenge. She's got a bossy mare attitude you can see a mile away, PLUS with her age she's going through the rebellious teenage years. I think she's going to be an amazing horse someday, but heaven help me get through the next couple of years with her!

Nevertheless, she did do amazing for her first show. (Minus cow-kicking my assistant at one point)

She was so laid-back about being posed in photo set-up that Lilah got to sit on her:

The show had four judges for each class. I went into three western pleasure classes (hence the cowgirl outfit) and got ribbon placings in two out of the three.

I also had an amazing turn-out of people to come watch. Originally I was just going to sneak over to the show by myself, then decided to ask for an assistant's help, then told the owner of the barn, a couple students, Kate's former owner, ect... and next thing I knew I had a grouping of about 15 people cheering me on. I feel like a special girl!

(Left to Right) Mckenzie, me, Lilah, Annie, Jessica, and Blake

I showed Kate under "Kiss Me Kate." Her registered name is Oklahoma's Max Factor. I think I need a show name for her!

I'd like to get her to more shows soon!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

This year's halloween was a lot like the Christmas season -- long and drawn out. We celebrated several different times with different activities, starting with Foundation Riding Academy's first annual Halloween Horse Show. I had 17 riders show, followed by games on horseback, and then a costume parade. Sweet P. dressed as "Hippie Halloween" and won Judge's Favorite, and Barry went as a "unicorn with a fairy rider." He won best All-Around. I was busy running the show so unfortunately I didn't get any real pictures.

Like her two cousins, Lilah choose this year to be a kitty-cat. This is her getting ready to go to "school" (daycare) a few days before Halloween:

We attended two different pumpkin patches this year and carved our pumpkins as a family:

Lilah did not like the "goo" (pumpkin innards), so this is how she spent the carving time:

We had a nice dinner at my sister's house the night before Halloween and then attended a "Harvest Party" at the school she works at. Lilah rocked the potato-sack races, and enjoyed the inflatable bounce house:

10/30/10

On Halloween, Nana and Paco came over. Nana took me on a legendary Costco run (my hopefully annual-only stock up on house supplies and food) and then we were joined by the Willis family for dinner at our house.

Then it was onto trick or treating with Nana amd even Addie's grandma in tow too!

Addie and Lilah:

Vancouverites definately like to go overboard for any and all holidays. This is a house in our neighborhood:

It was much more impressive in person. We took Lilah just so she could see it all! :)

After everyone had gone home and Lilah was to bed, Nick and I did our yearly tradition of watching a scary movie. It's the one time of year where we'll watch one!

I'm glad Halloween is done and over with now. It seems now that we have Lilah (and the other kids at Foundation Riding Academy) that our lives get busy celebrating the holidays. Now it's onto Thanksgiving, and then my favorite -- CHRISTMAS!!

Pizza at Paco's

2010-11-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

The other night we drove to the grandparents with pizza in hand. After a yummy pizza dinner, we enjoyed some quality family time. Lilah got her bangs cut (Thanks Nana!) and she showed Nana and Paco her new card game:

Look at Me!!

2010-11-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

Look who's big enough to use the bathroom sink without a stool!! (sniffle, sniffle)

Fall Riding

2010-10-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite times of year is the fall. I love the crisp days and all the beautiful colors. I also love taking advantage of the last few nice days to hit the trails!

One of my other favorite things is a solitary ride on my favorite equine partner. I won't mention names (he-he), but she enjoys it just as much as I do. Thanks to my wonderfully supportive who lets me sneak out for these rides.

I recently also organized a friends trip to Beacon Rock. (Which sounds like a place NOT to ride horses, but they do have GREAT trails that go for miles)

Andrea's in front:

Susan and Hombre:

The view of the Columbia River Gorge:

Happy Trails!

Pomeroy Farms

2010-10-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Before our friend Emily had her second baby, we decided on one last outing -- an all-families trip to the pumpkin patch! Emily picked Pomeroy Farms, a beautiful farm nestled in the quaint countryside outside of ...... well, I'm not sure. It was definately further out in the country than Nick and I antipicated, but well worth the drive!

We got together with the Willis family as well. Between the three families, we have four beautiful girls (counting Baby Mira, Lilah's obsession)

Addie, Naomi, and Lilah

A Green Pumpkin!

The Daddy-Os: Chris & Nick

Matt (Naomi's Daddy):

Group shot of all the girls:

And the girls with a new friend:

The farm had other activities as well. We went on an extended hay ride, and played with wooden cut-outs:

Of course the girls tore through the hay maze:

And Lilah got eaten by a clown:

Cheers!! (And CONGRATULATIONS to Matt and Emily on the birth of their second daughter, Mia, who arrived a few days after this trip) :)

The Surprise Horse

2010-10-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

After a year of running my own business, I got started on buying and selling horses. To be honest, I've developed a reputation for always knowing horses for sale -- now I've just gotten more into the selling part myself. To date, since the beginning of 2010, I have sold 11 horses, bought five, and hopefully permanently secured a long-term care lease on one. (Sweet P.)

One of my most recent purchases was a Draft/Morgan mare, purchased at an auction, bidding against the meat buyer. (Because of her bulk, the meat buyer was VERY interested in taking her to slaughter) I had a chance to look at her before I bid, but there was no information on her. I would like to think I know a good horse when I see one, but I also realize I lucked out too. As it turns it out she was broke to ride: (there's only one way to find out....)

And she was pretty to look at too!

She also had a clever sense of humor. I left her one night tied up while I rode another horse. She did not care of this idea, and calmly dismantled everything within her leg/hoof radius. She even turned herself around (she should be IN the stall area), and this is what I found when I returned to her: (It's hard to see all my grooming brushes strewn everywhere -- but they are there littering the floor!)

I called her "the draft mare" in order not to get attached. She came with no name, but others called her "Surprise", because it was a surprise this is the horse I picked to buy at the auction. But I lucked out in the end -- I owned her for three weeks and sold her for twice what I paid for her. Wish I could do that with every deal....

The Great House Project

2010-10-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

After four years of living in our house, Nick and I have finally decided to settle in. Jake and Carol moved out of our basement over Labor Day weekend, so we moved our bedroom and Lilah's bedroom downstairs into the basement. Then, we turned our old bedrooms into a playroom for Lilah:

and a new office for us:

It's been a couple of weeks now since we've made the change and WE LOVE IT!! Suddenly our house feels much more spacious and the lay-out makes a lot more sense for our family. It's wonderful having an easily-accesible office, it's lovely having the bulk of our laundry all on the same floor, it's easier to feed the dog, the house seems to stay cleaner longer, ect, ect.

Honestly, we should've done this sooner!!

Zoo Day!

2010-10-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

Now that my friend Andrea is a stay-at-home-mommy, we've been able to get the kids together. Last week Andrea (who's also a zoo member) treated us to a day at the Zoo.

The girls playing on the grass while Zander looks on:

I will go on record and say I was a Bad Mommy. I told Lilah to let me get this picture of her quick before the dinasour tried to eat her. You can imagine how that ended. I barely got this picture before the tears flew. That was one realistic dinasour exhibit....

Of course she got over it just as quickly and moved on to pretending to be a slithering snake:

Chloe and Lilah:

Lilah and I came home and passed out after this trip. But it was a lot fun and hopefully we'll be able to get the kids together again soon...

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lilah!

2010-09-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Lilah,

On September 13th, 2010 you turned three. We celebrated your third birthday the day before with a small pony party for you and your friends. You were so convinced that your birthday was the 12th that when Daddy and Mommy whispered "Happy Birthday" in your ear on the 13th you got mad and said, "It's not my birthday!"

You are still a busy, fearless girl. You are imaginative, strong-willed, and super-sweet to your parents and friends.

You enjoy going to "school", which is really your day-care while Mommy works. You have many friends there and are "one of the girls" according to the teachers. You also like going to the barn with Mommy to either "help" her teach, or play with the kids there. You enjoy showing off your riding skills to anyone watching. Your best friend is Addie, with whom you alternately fight and love on. You are enthralled with Addie's little sister, "Baby Mira." You try to take good care of Mira whenever you see her.

You also enjoy playing with all your cousins on both sides of the family. We like to see you playing with your cousins and hope you are close to them when you grow up. You also love seeing both sets of grandparents and will ask to go to their houses.

Our hearts break when we realize how fast you are growing up. You continue to be our perfect angel who has brightened up our world since the moment we knew you were on the way. We love you beyond words Lilah.

ROAD TRIP!!

2010-09-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

As an end-of-summer vacation, Nick and I decided to do a road trip of the beautiful state of Oregon. We arranged to meet friends and family along the way!

We used the Roundhouse as our "jumping off" point. From Sisters we traveled to John Day through the fossil beds. Here we stopped to take a look. Lilah was bent on walking Simon herself!

We arrived in the afternoon at Nick's nephew's house in John Day. Cousin(?) Kaitlyn is just three months younger than Lilah, and they had a blast exchanging toys and playing in the backyard:

We later took them to a park:

Lilah's Daddy reads to the two girls:

The next day Nephew Keith (who's only younger by a couple years) took us to see the salmon spawning in the John Day River. Yum, yum.... You spawn Salmon so I can eat you and your children for dinner!

If you look closely, you can see a ginormous salmon in the middle of the river:

The group looking for salmon:

The good friends: (Lilah talks a lot about Kaitlyn now!!)

The day after we traveled on to Burns, where one of my best girlfriends lives. Auntie M & her new husband (as per our June blog) took us out to see the beautiful Steens in Burns' backyard:

This is Kiger Gorge. It's high elevation and very windy, so Nick has Lilah bundled up in his arms while we checked the gorge out:

The newlyweds overlooking the Alvadore Desert

Auntie M!!

After a long day of driving around, Michelle (Auntie M) and Boyce took us to the local hot springs:

Soon it was time to hit the road again. We took a different route home -- constantly taking new roads and highways we've never driven on. Thank you Lilah for being so good in the car!! She was a star.

We saw a lot of beautiful country and a lot of wide open spaces. Makes us want to pack up and move! We are thankful for a safe, fun & interesting trip, and thankful for being able to see people near-and-dear to us. We will have to do it again!

On the way home:

Hood to Coast

2010-09-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

Shortly after finishing chemo, Nick informed me he was going to run Hood to Coast. I was skeptical. Even the doctor raised his eyebrows when Nick told him of his new goal. Racing a major race like Hood to Coast six months after finishing chemo ... But yet there became a quiet connection with Nick's cancer, to Hood to Coast, and Nick was determined to run.

And... Nick went on to successfully finish his first Hood to Coast race!

I did not see Nick run his last leg, or cross the finish line. Instead, I waited at home with Jake, Carol, and Lilah. We decorated the house and made a gift basket (which included hand-designed t-shirts by Carol & fam) for celebrating.

Making Nick's t-shirt: His shirt has our hand-prints and written messages.

Lilah's shirt says "I'm Proud of my Daddy"

Opening the gift basket:

The decorated living room:

We didn't talk about what Hood to Coast represented to us. We didn't even try to think about it because we hope & feel our cancer story is in the past. But having Nick run Hood to Coast was emotional for both of us.

Nick -- we are proud of you and we love you!!

Roundhouse 8/10

2010-08-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh..... the sweet Roundhouse... This year we just haven't been going over there that much. Maybe it's the fact that we lived in central Oregon last summer?? But it seems we have begun a yearly tradition of an August weekend with friends (to celebrate our shared anniversaries/birthdays/ect) so we made sure to get over there for that! This year we were joined by the Heimer and Willis family, plus Willis family members visiting from England. Altogether we had five children and eight adults -- a busy house!

We checked out the local fish hatchery:

and Simon lost his tennis ball (it sank!) in the Metoulis

with the Heimers (they are expecting #2!)

and the Willis family:

Back at the 'house:

and I had to take a picture of this, 'cause it fits the stereotype of British with their tea! We had four native Englanders visiting with us, and this is the first time I've ever seen this used. In its proper entireity. :)

In all the activity, Lilah sacked out. I was THRILLED to be able to have some mommy-snuggle-time. Of course, since Lilah doesn't nap anymore, we paid for this siesta that night -- Lilah didn't go to bed until almost midnight!

At Scout Lake:

The Willis family minus Addie:

I was so excited to go and wasn't let down. I'm looking forward to the next trip over!!

Texas Visit

2010-08-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

We had a nice surprise when my sister Naomi informed us she was going to be visiting with her kids in August. Lilah loves playing with her cousins!

Ava and Lauren put on a birthday party for Dad, here's a cousin shot the night of the party:

We went to a "Sprayground" one day:

Of course fearless Lilah found the tallest thing she could climb on -- she wanted to go to the very top!

We also went to the beach. Lilah was asking tonight when she could go again with her cousins:

Group shot at the beach!

Next time it's our turn to travel to Texas!

Shocking Lilah Video!!

2010-08-09T23:06:00.000-07:00

Have I ever mentioned my daughter is fearless? These were taken at the local county fair this past weekend. We had random people specifically stop and to watch Lilah, impressed with her tiny-ness and her fearlessness. She really had fun! She went, "way, way up!!"

Joe Graham Horse Camp July 2010

2010-08-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the loan of reliable truck, Nick and I managed to pull off a weekend camping with friends and family. Another couple joined us, and an old college friend just happened to camp between us. We had great rides with well-behaved horses, although one trail ride we shared with marathan runners. We got the horses into water and over bridges - great positive experience for my youngster horses Kate and the Dude! We even went swimming one afternoon to nearby Timothy Lake.

The first day we rode up to Little Crater Lake, about an 8 to 10 mile ride. You had to hike in to see the lake, and they had hitching rails for the horses:

"The Dude" with Tom and Jessica Kennady and "Calina"

"Kate", Nick, "Barry", "Sweet P." and Poppa Mike

Little Crater Lake:

"Kate" and I

Back at camp....

Lilah helping Daddy build a fire:

She also enjoyed helping me feed the horses:

The Kennadys brought over a marionberry cobbler that they cooked over the fire. Yummy!

Back on the trail, Day 2

Nanny Tanny got in on the fun the second day.

Shadow-the-dog also joined us the second day for a 4 to 6 mile ride. Simon-the-dog turned around and headed for home almost immediately. Mike enjoyed riding Sweet P. both days. We all found a happy medium in Sweet P.'s side-pull bridle.

Barry faithfully carried Nick and Tania. I expect this to be his last year carrying bigger riders. In fact, I've even been thinking about retiring him completely....

Happy Trails!

Random Lilah Pictures

2010-07-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

Lately I've accumalated cute Lilah pictures I'm going to share in one lump sum!

Lilah LOVES holding Baby Mira (our friends' daughter and Addie's younger sis). Each time we see the Willis family (and we see them pretty often) Lilah begs to hold Mira. Sometimes, however, Lilah's attention wanders and she's been known to drop Mira like a hot potato to chase after the next toy. Which is why I'm in the picture.... :)

The next couple of pictures are taken from Portland's Rose Festival:

Lilah also loves her "Kitty-cat pool". Nick and I refer to it as the "Kiddy pool", which she intreprets to be her Kitty-cat Pool.

The other day we did some art projects. I let her paint green and brown all over her body, and afterwards she was literally running laps around the house in excitement. This was one of the better shots I could get of her -- she wouldn't hold still!

Lilah and Addie at a local park:

Lilah has been playing with her friend Avery at the barn. Avery's a couple months older, and together the girls get into EVERYTHING. Avery's mommy (the other trainer) and I take turns watching them between teaching lessons and training horses, but we cannot prevent the extreme dirt factor. I think this is the dirtiest Li-li's ever been!

Lilah loves Simon as well. Unfortunately for both Simon and I, she is able to pull open my dish-cloths drawer. Simon gets blind-sided as he naps from Lilah, who eagerly puts him "nite-nite" by covering him in my formerly clean dish towels, resulting in more laundry for me and lack of sleep from the dog! :)

Nostalgic Childhood

2010-07-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

I recently found something special from my childhood:

My Charlie-horse!! I had him tucked away with my sewing supplies, meaning to sew his other ear back on. Needless to say he's been waiting in my closet for at least a couple of years until Lilah found him. Now he's her Very Special Toy she's been sleeping with at night.

Something also special from my childhood -- a quilt my grandmother made. I love home-made quilts anyway and wish I had more of them. I think it's pretty cool for Lilah to sleep under a quilt her great-grandmother made!

Hood River July 2010

2010-07-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

With a year away at camp, Nick and I have spent this summer re-connecting with some of our favorite "normal" summer activities. One of our favs -- taking the horses to Hood River!! We get to visit with Nick's parents, and are able to throw the horses out in the neighbor's hay field where they are turned out for 90% of the weekend. (The other 10% we are trail riding them!) We also don't have to worry about feeding or watering them, as the waterer is automatic and the hay is abundant! It's a vacation for everyone! Except for maybe Nanny Tanny, who was left behind to watch Li-li while Poppa Mike, Nick and I went trail riding.

This year we are once again have "Kate" in our possession. She was my project horse the summer after Lilah was born, and at the time belonged to a family/friend connection. I took Kate back this past spring with the goal of selling her for this family/friend, and, to make a long story short ..... we now own Kate.

This is how Lilah spent most of her weekend:

The second day we went on this beautiful ride. See the rock line in the picture? That's the edge line, where the earth gives way to a several hundred foot drop. Creepy when you're on unpredictable animals, although I'd like to think the horses are smarter than that... :)

Barry and I

Barry, me, Mike and Sweet P.

The new horse Kate

Kate and I

Nick, Sweet P, Mike and Barry

On the trail up!

Thank you Nanny Tanny for putting us up and taking care of Lilah while we were out!

4th of July

2010-07-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

After cold weather and getting screwed up on 4th-of-July activities happening actually on July 3rd, Nick and I settled in for a nice holiday weekend at home. We went to the Fort Vancouver activities where Lilah got to witness her first (very small) parade. She also got to run crazily at a concert, get free toy hand-outs, and see real-life "princesses" (women dressed in vintage 1800s garb).

After stopping at a couple other BBQs, we came home to our own private BBQ with Jake and Carol. We heavily sedated Simon-the-dog, who was so looped he literally couldn't walk straight. So we know he couldn't run either!

Each year we are impressed and nervous at the amount of illegal fireworks Vancouver residents put up. At dark we went over to the local school and had an extensive, front-row-seat firework show. Lilah was not a fan. Much later, we returned home and set up our own fireworks, quickly becoming the neighbors you don't want to have. Maybe we've lived here a little too long....

The Tenants

2010-07-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Jake and Carol from Camp have decided to move to Portland. In the ease the transition, they moved into our basement for a few weeks until they can find jobs. Since then, Jake has found full-time employment, and they have begun searching for their own place. In the meantime, we've enjoyed having their company for the following reasons:

1. Jake makes coffee in the mornings before he goes to work. Therefore, Heather gets an instant cup of hot coffee promptly upon getting out of bed.

2. Lilah is entertained and enthralled by both persons. (See pics below)

3. Jake and Carol are amazing cooks. And we've been reaping the benefits.

4. There's almost always an insta-party when everyone gets home from work!

Much love to you Jake and Carol!

My Beautiful Lilah

2010-06-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

Words can't describe how much your daddy and I love you!!

"Beach" Day!!

2010-06-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

Vancouver is such a great place to live. There's so much to do in the 'Couv, like going to "the beach!!"

We met up with our friends at a local city park that boosts a wonderful paved walk along the Columbia River, plus a beach front. After enjoying a stroll along the walk with our adorable girls, we played on the beach and waded in the Columbia. Simon played with anyone and everyone on the beach who would throw the ball for him (even the groups of non-english speaking people) and I got my first sun burn of the year. I can't wait to take Nick back, who still has yet to see this park....

Naomi, Lilah, and Addie

Addie and Lilah check out the wave runner while Simon scours his next play-victim

The mommies Tiffanie and Emily with the girls

Strangely enough, Addie was really into lying still so Lilah could bury her in the sand...

Here's to more sunny summer days!!

Horse Show!!

2010-06-27T09:58:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I took my kids/adults from Foundation Riding Academy (www.foundationridingacademy.com) to their first real horse show! The classes were huge, which up to twenty riders per class, which made the show schedule slow way down. The other riders were pretty competitive as well. Both factors made it a challenging first show, but we did well. One of my adult students was told by the judge she almost won first place in equitation (based on the rider's position on the horse) but took 3rd, and my teenager McKenzie beat out twenty other riders for a fifth place in her Eq class. My young seven year-olds looked great in their leadline class!

Of course, it's not all about the ribbons. The girls had fun preparing for the show and even spent the night at our house the night before. The horses were so well-behaved, and we all learned a lot about showing. I got to experience the flip side of showing by being the trainer supervising clients. I've decided it's equally as stressful! But, I am already searching for our next shows....

Alexis and Barry,

I love this picture of Sweet P. Barry's in the back w/ Marina. I'm going to get this photo-shopped and put up at the barn...

Aliyah loves Sweet P!

Paula and Sweet P.

Group shot of FRA clients, waiting and warming up!

Group shot with Barry!

Go McKenzie!!

Happy Riding!

The Wedding

2010-06-13T21:51:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, Nick and I traveled to a very remote part of northern California for my dear friend's wedding. It was a wedding unlike any other, and I am so glad Nick and I took the opportunity to go. The wedding was held in a very remote part of northern California, in the heart of bear country. It was the most remote I've ever been. Here's a view on the way up:

Michelle and her now-hubby had told us to bring our truck 'cause we would need the four wheel drive to get in. We definately did the truck -- the roads were muddy, narrow, full of steep up and down grades ... The Honda never would have made it. Nick artfully drove us the two hours in and back out:

This is what our truck looked like when we arrived to the wedding:

The cabin is located above a river. Michelle originally wanted to get married on the river, but the day of the wedding this is what it looked like: Her perfect place was underwater....

The wedding was held in another family member's cabin. Here is me, Michelle, and our new friend Nikki before her wedding:

Us girls arrived to the wedding in this: (and yes, you could even see the ground through the floor)

I was stoked to finally be able to wear a new piece of vintage clothing -- a 1950s house smock. :) I love vintage clothes....

The wedding:

The male "bridal party":

The female "bridal party":

Nick and I hadn't brought Lilah to the wedding. Here's a good reason: This little boy had staked out the kegs, and even had a cup in his hand, trying to figure out how it worked!

The wedding lodge:

After the wedding, Nick and I suddenly realized the golden opportunity we had to be spending a weekend without baby. We decided to leave the wedding slightly early and enjoy some quality time together. We took our time driving back up 101 through the amazing Redwoods and we ran into a herd of Roosevelt Elk along the highway:

We stopped in Crescent City for the night, and had dinner along the marina:

Later we were serenaded by sea lions:

Michelle -- Congratulations to you and Boyce. It obvious how much you and Boyce love each other, and we were lucky to be in the presence of that. We loved visiting the cabin and will plan a return visit at some point. Thank you for inviting us and we love you!

Sandpoint 2010

2010-06-07T22:05:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial Weekend the Tyrrell Jrs. visited Sandpoint, Idaho where my sister and her family live. It is always fun to get the cute cousins together! Lilah had a blast exploring all of Miranda's toys, and we all enjoyed visiting around the beautiful town of Sandpoint. We went hiking, swimming, and I even got up every morning to exercise with my sister before the girls woke up! Thanks Nicole for your yummy food and warm hospitality!

The personality picture: Lilah has hers shoved into her mouth with a mess all over while Miranda still contemplates her cupcake:

Checking out some tractors we came across in the woods:

The Horse Scene // Park Meadow

2010-05-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

Last summer after camp ended but before I moved home, a girlfriend and I went riding in the Three Sisters Wilderness area. We found the amazing Park Meadow, and spent some time galloping and bucking through the tall grass and wading through the perfect-picture-like brook.

I had never posted the pictures. So Beth -- here you go. Pirate away. ;)

I could have put this in my Ode to Oregon post:

I really could use a ride like this again. It's been pouring rain for the last two weeks and I've been super-busy and a little stressed with getting the last of the camp horses farmed out. As of tonight, I'm down to two horses (from an original 37) to find homes for. Getting the horses tuned back up and then shown to people has been taking up a lot of my time, plus I've been searching for a third lesson horse to keep up with my lesson demands. I even have been tuning up and showing two additional horses for a friend, and between teaching, riding, and showing, I've been a busy girl!

The perfect horse is hard to come by, but I recently bought a close model:

I now (finally!!) legally own "the Dude", the horse the I've had a love affair with since the first time. He is getting some trail miles under his belt this summer with a friend, but I'm looking forward to getting him back in the fall. With his gentle, quiet nature, he will be our family horse -- for Nick, Lilah, and anyone else who wants to ride. :)

I also now legally own this guy:

His owner's husband died of cancer recently. He had been diagnosed at the same time as Nick, and we grew close. I had told her if there was anything I could do to help ... and now I own her very nice , sweet-natured 15 year-old thoroughbred gelding with soundness issues. And I need to find him a loving home just as fast.

Nick should not trust me -- I left last weekend to go to Sisters, and came home owning two new horses.

Yes, the horse scene has been stressing me out lately but it is a labor of love and the rewards are great. Including this one, born just a week ago at the barn:

Of course we all missed the birth. This is Momma's first baby, and she's a great mom!

Ode to Oregon

2010-05-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Nick and I had recently had the pleasure of showing the beautiful state of Oregon to my southern cousin who was visiting Portland on business. After taking him to Multnomah Falls one evening, I got to reflect on what a beautiful state Oregon is, and how lucky I am to be able to visit/occasionally live-in it.

Beautiful central Oregon with Jessica H. 5/24/10

Multnomah Falls with cousin Jonathan and Auntie Michelle

Whoops, not the picture I meant to post....

And in case you don't immediately recognize this mountain, there's a wooden sign that takes up most of the picture:

Happy Travels to everyone!

Weekend Warriors

2010-05-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

After teaching lessons AND running a successful birthday pony party on Saturday, Nick and I did a day-trip to the beach on Sunday with horses in tow. Originally just a girlfriend and I were going to go, but Nick invited himself and Lilah along, then our friend invited her boyfriend, then another friend and her hubby came along .... and next thing you know we ended up as a group of us going. The men-folk stayed behind at the camp site to man the beer and watch the kid (Lilah), while us girls toodled up and down the beach on horseback at Nehalem Bay.

The camp site which we invaded for the day:

The bestest horses in the Whole Wide World -- Sweet P. & Barry

Once out on the beach, Barry forgot he was an old horse. It was fun seeing him so lively! Beth and I took turns riding him and we had our hands full!

Jessica on Calina:

Group shot. Nothing like scaring the day-lights out of a pedestrian when you approach them on horseback to ask them if they could take a picture....

After Beth and I switched horses:

Hope to go back at least twice more this summer....

Like Mother, like Daugther

2010-05-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

This picture should be like a blast from the past for my mom. It seems like not that long ago when I would climb into saddles placed on the back of couches and pretend I was riding. Well, it WAS about five minutes before I took this picture -- where do you think Lilah got this idea??

Sigh.

Anyway, I used to put saddles on the back of couches as a child as well. Thankfully any pictures my mom took then where in The Old Days when pictures came out on film and can't be easily shared on the Internet.

This saddle, by the way, is now for sale. Slightly used, but otherwise in brand-new condition....

Lilah's Little Flapper Look

2010-05-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

Lilah just can't get enough of dresses -- whether they fit her correctly or not!!

(Exhuasted Daddy just can't keep up with the wardrobe changes....)

Frenchman's Bar

2010-04-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was gorgegous with sun and warm skies. We took advantage by taking a trip to Frenchman's Bar along the Columbia River.

Lilah explored the park's , uh... PARK....

Then we waded two inches in while Simon swam for his ball. Repeatedly.

Lilah loved playing in the sand along the bar!

Hoping for more sunny days soon....

Catchin' Up

2010-04-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

We have been busy these last couple of weeks. I have gotten so busy with my riding academy that I have put Lilah into daycare four days a week, two hours each day. Lilah loves going to her "school", and I appreciate the time it has freed me up to teach and ride. I have also been busy farming out camp's riding string. Since most of the horses are farmed out on care-leases, I have a feeling I will be shuffling horses around for the next couple of years. This picture sums up my week last week -- balancing motherhood with horses. Lilah and I had hauled a camp horse off to a trial period, and I made it back just in time to drop her off at "school" before getting back to my barn to teach.

Here's my rig parallel-parked just outside of Lilah's daycare. Some mommies drive mini-van, this is what Lilah's mommy rolls in.

One of my students gave Lilah a bag-full of clothes. To Lilah's great excitement, the bag included THREE NEW DRESSES. Lilah loves to wear dresses! She also loves to wear her princess crown. Thank you Michaels for this wonderful $1.25 toy.

We recently had our good friends from camp come and visit us for the weekend. Here Lilah and I are enjoying our Sunday picnic with Jake and Carol:

Nick introduced Jake to Disc Golf.... and got him hooked! (mainly because he can do Mickey Mouse ears....)

Lilah went antique shopping with us. I love antique stores, and Lilah has gotten really good about "only looking with our eyes", and not touching anything.

Mountain men in the 'Couv!

We also hit up the Farmers Market. (Have I ever mentioned Vancouver's a great place to live??) Here someone had put a bouquet of flowers in the statue's hand.

We also had a great Cancer-Free party. Nick had his second "cancer-free" diagnosis from the doctor a few days before the party. We had people trickling in and out all day Saturday, and the last people left Sunday at 3pm.

Here was what our recycling looked like. We even added to this stack later.

Guess what all these girls had in common (other than knowing us) .... ? At least they had something to talk about....

One of my old friends from high school and college came. For whatever reason, we lost touch a few years after college and hadn't seen in each other in years. It was great to catch-up with Slick Rick and introduce to some of our other friends, such as Erin. Looks like they were getting along well.

Thank you everyone who came from near and far! It was great celebrating with you!

Easter 2010

2010-04-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

The Tyrrell Jrs. had a very pleasant Easter weekend. On Saturday, we had great fun with Lilah decorating easter eggs. It was a family event complete with spillage and cracked eggs, and Lilah loved it. On Easter Sunday we discovered the Easter Bunny had taken our eggs and baskets, so we went downstairs for an egg and easter-basket hunt. Thankfully, the Easter Bunny remembered I hate looking for the easter egg basket, and "hide" my basket in plain sight.

The Easter Bunny brought Lilah candy and toys, including a new Ariel barbie-like doll that came with Flounder and "Ashton". In exchange, the Easter Bunny (Lilah informed us), took away all her binkies. Apparently the two of them had some sort of second deal going on. It worked great in our favor -- she hasn't had a binky since Easter Sunday! :)

Mom made a yummy Easter dinner with yummy ham!

Happy Easter everyone!

I'll Love You Forever, I'll Like You for Always

2010-04-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

I will admit -- there has been some trying days lately in our household as Lilah develops into an independent two-something toddler. Not only is it the whine, the loud yells, the throwing of toys, the instant it takes for a clean house (which took me ALL DAY) to be transformed into rooms looking like a tornado of toys have swept through it, but it's also the endless bouncing-off-the-wall energy that leaves me wondering, "What on earth possessed her to try that??"

When Lilah was still a "bun-in-the-oven", I got a book from a baby shower called I'll Love You Forever. It's a children's book about a new mommy and a new baby, and follows their lives through all the stages until finally the mommy is an old woman, the son is an old man, and the role of care-taker reverses. In the book, during the toddler phase the mommy says, "Some days this baby drives me CRAZY!", but at night during each life stage, the mommy creeps into her baby's room and whispers to the baby:

"I love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

I thought about this book when, at the end of a looooooooooong day, I came into the bedroom to see Lilah's new feat: climbing up and over our sleigh bed. She then bounced up to our wall-art (which I custom-made) and tried pulling it apart. Sigh.

But Lilah, I'll love you forever, I like you for always. As long as I'm living, my precious baby you'll be.

Thanks for letting me vent!

Lilah's First Hair-cut

2010-04-04T15:35:00.001-07:00

Now that Lilah is older, we don't have "firsts" very often with her anymore, but the other day I did take her to have her First Hair-cut. (sniffle, sniffle -- it's one of the last entries in the baby book!!)

Lilah informed me on the way to the stylist that she did not want a hair-cut, but once we arrived to the salon she marched right up to the stylist, climbed in the chair, and waited PATIENTLY and QUIETLY (who knew she could do it??) while the stylist fawned all over her. Personally, I think Lilah liked it. She was very excited the rest of the day about her new 'do, and I'm happy with finally having the hair out of her eyes!

Happy to be home again!

Put that Kid to Work!

2010-03-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

So far, Nick and I have keep fairly good-to-our-word about keeping the "new" car clean. Yes, I do occasionally drive it to the barn. And yes, it has had horse tack in it now more than once. And yes, Simon has ridden in the car as well.

Despite these things, it's actually still pretty clean on the inside. (Give us a few more months) In the meantime, Lilah will make sure it stays clean on the outside!

The finished product:

Last Weekend....

2010-03-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, after teaching my Saturday lessons, Nick, Lilah and I headed off to a birthday party for Lilah's new friend Naomi. Lilah's other friend Addie was also in attendance:

The weather was beautiful and Lilah got to hunt for Easter eggs outside! Here she is with her "basket":

Lilah hugging the birthday girl! There's only six months and a whole head height between them...

The best picture I could get of the three girlies together:

After the birthday party, we had an "after-party" with the Willis family and several of their friends. In a random role reversal, the kiddies all played pool while the adults watched. Hmm...

It was a great time celebrating our children with new friends!

Waterworks

2010-03-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

Beach Trip with Horses!

2010-03-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

(Me on Sweet P., Jordan on Data, and Bonnie on Lady in Long Beach, WA)

This past week I went on a beach trip with people from the barn I run my riding academy out of. There were four riders, and six horses. We rented a beach house that came equipped with ocean views, a horse barn, and paddocks. I took both Sweet P. and Barry, and had a blast riding both of them (at separate times, he-he) on the beach. I swear, there's nothing better for me than cantering a horse on the beach!

The weather was a little iffy, but I went riding each day regardless. I took Barry out in a heavy rain storm, and I took Sweet P. out in a heavy wind storm the next day. She's a brave little horse, and was having as much fun as I was! I think both of them had a good time.

Can you tell how soaked we both were in this picture? I had three layers of pants on, 7 layers of shirts plus a Carharts jacket, and still was soaked to the bone. It took three days for my Wintec saddle to dry out.... Luckily it's not leather!

If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to run on the beach, here's a virtual video.....

Feel like you were there?? :)

Video from last night....

2010-03-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

Day at the Zoo

2010-03-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, a couple girlfriends and I took advantage of the nice spring-like weather and took the kiddos to the zoo. It was an adventerous trip with four kids, all under the age of two and a half, but everyone behaved themselves well! (Adults included....)

The food critics.....

Lilah, Addie, Jessica H. and Blake!

Here's to more sunny days!

The Ripleys Tour

2010-03-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

Last weekend cousin Miranda visited with her parents (my sister Nicole and brother-in-law Gabe) It was so fun to get Miranda and Lilah together -- they are one year and three weeks apart. They make great play-mates, and we had a good time visiting. Here are pictures (whoops- in backwards order!) of our action-packed weekend:

Paco. The man who started it all....

We took the girls to my barn, where they got to pet the mini horses and ride Sweet P. I got to show off a little too! :)

Auntie Heather's butt doesn't fit in her western kiddie saddle.... (and no, I didn't jump in this..)

Lilah loves the barn cat!! Here she is with Aunt Michelle:

The girls "helped" groom Sweet P. before and after riding:

On a different day we took the girls to a park with a small lake. The girls feed the ducks and enjoyed running together hand-in-hand on the sidewalk trailing around the lake's edge. It was great weather, and a nice stroll for the adults!

The girls with Nana and Aunt Nicole. They quickly attracted a large group of ducks!

We also went to Pump It Up!, a child's inflatable dream in Beaverton. Thank you Nana for treating us! Lilah had a blast -- climbing the highest slide they had and sliding down it at lightening speed. I thought my heart would stop, but Lilah would laugh and say, "I okay!" She's my little dare-devil!

Cousin Miranda and Lilah also had fun in the bounce house:

Cheeky monkeys!!

While at Pump It Up! a stranger asked if my sister Nicole and I were twins. That used to happen to us a lot when we were in college -- it's cool that that still happens!

It's our turn to go visit Cousin Miranda. We hope to come visit some time this year!! Thanks for coming to see us Nicole and Gabe!

Cancer-free party!!

2010-02-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

Some pictures coming shortly about last weekend -- in the meantime -- mark your calendars!! Nick's "cancer-free" party will be April 10th at our house! It is the day after his birthday, and two days after his second post-chemo following doc appointment. We are planning an open house bash! Everyone's invited!!

The Wedding Weekend -- Adults Only!!

2010-02-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhh.... I love being a mommy, but there are times when it's fabalous to ditch Lilah with a grandparent(s) and enjoy good adult fun with friends. When we were invited to the Program Director's (from camp) surprise wedding, Nick and I used it as an excuse to have an adult-only weekend getaway with friends.

We got stuck in Portland traffic on Friday and arrived late to Marc's new apartment in Bend (everyone has moved outta camp 'cause there's no running water). After a few glasses of wine, we all headed to the wedding:

Here's me, Marc, Jake and Carol:

The "bro-mance" continues on:

Here's two grown men making an ass of themselves:
That was the joke anyway at the wedding. We all thought it was pretty funny at the time. Guess that was the first clue to cut back on the drinking.... Which one do you think is Nick??

Carol & I with the happy bride!

My boys!

Okay, Boss. With this pinky-promise we'll all remember you promised me a raise....

And..... more wine.....

I am not posting any of the dancing pictures. Sorry. If you feel cheated (don't), I will email you some of Nick.

With the Groom.....

The next day after the wedding Nick and I hit up Hoodoo's inner-tube hill with Jake & Carol. It was a blast, and I can't wait until Lilah is older so we can take her....

The view from the top of the hill: 3-fingered Jack is hidden in the clouds!

Taking a rest:

On the rope tow. (The best part!!)

This trip was the first time in 10 years that we have traveled to Central Oregon and not stayed at the Roundhouse. Kind of a weird feeling! We stayed at Jake and Carol's new place outside of Tumalo (sooo cute), and slept in each day until 11am. It's amazing how quickly I can revert back to late nights and late mornings. Definately pre-Lilah existence!

Not only was it great to have a mini-camp reunion (there were other Camp T people at the wedding we got to catch up with) it was also awesome to have some one-on-one time with Nick.

Thank you Nana for taking Lilah for this weekend!

From the Mouths of Babes

2010-02-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

Lilah talks a mile a minute, and recently has been coming up with very interesting connections. It's amazing what she picks up on, and it's funny to hear her intrepretations! Here are some of her recent reports:

** The other day a school bus went by our house. Lilah got really excited and shouted, "A schoolbus! I need to ride on schoolbus!" To which I answered, "When you are older, Lilah. And that will make Mommy sad." (I was thinking that when Lilah is riding school buses, she'll be a big girl and won't be at home with me, sniffle, sniffle) Lilah thought about it and then said, "Mommy too! Mommy can ride the school bus too!"

** One day last week Lilah "helped" me get our horse Barry/Caesar out of his stall so he could roll in the arena. She stayed by my side and as he dropped to the ground to roll, she said excitedly, "He's rolling! He's rolling! He's rolling like a bowling ball!"

** Last night Lilah and I were watching a little bit of T.V. before she went to sleep. Barack Obama's face appeared on the screen and she said, "Baska-a-ball." Meaning basketball. I told her, "No, Lilah. That's Barack Obama." To which she responded, "No, Mommy. Baskaball!" We argued back and forth a little longer (her conversation skills have advanced to the point where she can hold her own in an arguement) and finally she said, "Barack-a-ball. That's Barack-a-ball." Hey -- my two year-old can recognize the President of the United States!

The Cutest Thing EVER

2010-02-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I have typed "the cutest thing ever" more than once on this blog, but this posting takes the cake. I mean honestly, is there anything cuter than a toddler leading around a mini? Maybe not a shining moment in parenting, but still, REALLY cute!! Lilah got a kick outta this too!

If only I could collect horses.... I've never wanted a mini so badly before in my life!

To the Beach!!

2010-02-10T20:42:00.000-08:00

Nick has been feeling well enough that we decided to take a family trip to the beach. We stayed overnight and enjoyed warmish & sunny weather! Lilah and I waded in the ocean, and enjoyed walking bare-foot in the sand. Nick enjoyed beach walking as well, being it was the first physical exercise he had done in three months! I love the ocean.....

And Lilah still loves to lay belly-down in the sand. I think I have a picture of her like this at the Sand Dunes taken over the summer....

I also love this pic of Li posing!

Lilah also LOVED the little water stream going into the ocean. She would have played there for hours if we had let her.....

VIDEOS:

The Girls-plus-Jake Trip

2010-02-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

Last week I disappeared to the Roundhouse for a "girls trip", which actually turned into a "girls plus Jake" trip. :) I met up with my friend Michelle, and we hung out with Carol and Jake from camp every night. I took Lilah to see her summer-time nanny and friends, and I also checked in on the camp horses. It was lovely being in the mountains again with the crisp, wonderful-smelling air, and among great friends. I love you guys!

Oh yeah, and I got a tattoo!

I had been thinking about doing it for awhile, and I like the way it turned out. Since it's more on the inside of my arm, it's not too noticable. I might add a rose to it someday, but for now I'm going to wait.

I thought that would soften the blow to this next picture: LOL

Carol and Lilah play: (also -- to the family -- Carol and Jake are the proud owners of the old Roundhouse couch. They would like to add their names to the list of people who want the matching chair in the background)

Carol, Michelle, and an ATTACKING FISH!!

The camp horsies:

'Da babies. I love baby horses.... And both of these guys are going to need homes next winter, Nick.

The Dude!!

Jake preparing us for a night out:

One night we went bowling. Lilah joined in, and even got her own toddler-weighted bowling ball. She enjoyed played, and she also enjoyed the arcade inside the bowling alley:

Watch out! A toddler with a hitting device in her hand!

Lilah drives with Uncle Jake:

Best of all (in Lilah's mind), she got her own bowling shoes!

Oww! (But she was okay)

I did agree to keep Lilah up past her bedtime, but the evening did get later than we all expected. Lilah was ready to zonk out here: Still, she was a trooper and stayed well-behaved! :)

Michelle and I:

Lilah walks in the snow behind the Roundhouse:

Nick and I are heading over to Sisters again in the next couple of weeks for a wedding. We are planning on leaving Lilah with a sitter, so if you'd like to take her, let me know. We are looking forward to adult play-time with Jake, Carol, and Hoodoo.

Cheers!

Done with Chemo

2010-01-25T14:15:00.000-08:00

We have made it through the last nine weeks! Now we have appointments on 2/9 and 2/10 for follow-up. It goes without saying that we are hoping for good news.

Meanwhile, I'm off to the Roundhouse to enjoy some R & R with my very dear girlfriend and some friends from camp. I even plan on checking in on the camp horses, and can't wait to see The Dude!

Speaking of my girlfriend, I wanted to share some pictures she sent Nick for encouragement. She is super-talented, and made the following snow sculpture in several hours in her front yard. She dedicated it Nick, and the lion went on to be featured on the front page of her hometown's newspaper!

This is her snow sculpture from last winter, entitled, "Winter".

Love you Michelle!

The Princess Diaries

2010-01-24T22:05:00.000-08:00

I thought I better make an official blog annoucement (although we ALL know this) -- Lilah IS GROWING UP!!

She is now officially potty-trained, and only wears diapers at night just on the off-chance she has an accident. I can also pull all her hair into pony-tails now, and she's officially ridden a horse ALL BY HERSELF (with me in arm reach though!)

I cannot believe how fast she is growing. This September she'll turn 3, which seems impossible. Parenting just becomes more and more fun each day I think.

Thank you to our family who have helped us take care of her in the last few weeks. We're happy that Lilah has been able to spend special time with her other family members, and we've certainly appreciated the help!

Redneck Games

2010-01-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

I try not to get too cowgirly -- I hate it when people think I automatically LOVE country music and cowboys just 'cause I'm a horse person --- but sometimes the , uhhh.... agriculturally-inclined people have it right. It's a little embrassing to admit, but I've been having lots of fun this winter COW-SORTING!!

You work in pairs, one partner blocks the gate while the other partner cuts the cow from the herd. Each cow wears a number unless it's the "dirty" cow, meaning that you don't want that cow to go to the other side of the pen. You get the number of the cow as you enter the arena, then you work your way up the numbers until you run out of time. Each time you get a cow to the correct side of the pen, you trade places with your partner so that your horse has to cut cows but also block the gate from cows drifting back and forth. People do keep your score, but I've just been going to have fun that I've never paid attention to how I've been ranking.

Sweet P. LOVES to cow-sort. This last time she actually pushed the cows for me -- I just had to show her which cow we were "chasing", and she moved it to the other end by herself. I put my reins down and just hung on. She even reached out and bit two cows on the rears if they didn't move fast enough for her. Finally -- a sport where her pushy, dominant-mare attitude is a benefit! We have found her true calling! :)

The first video is with a fellow boarder at the barn I'm at, and the second video is taken with one of my students and her horse Bill.

Who's going with me next??

Car Trading

2010-01-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

Over the summer, I shocked the entire horse staff by a little horse trade I did. Horse Buyer came to buy Horse A from me. She brought along her horse, Horse B, to trail ride with Horse A and Horse B on the way home. While she was there, I showed her Horse C. She asked me if I would trade Horse B for Horse C. And I said, "Sure." So Horse Buyer went home with Horse A and Horse C, and Camp got a great new lesson horse.

When people prepare to buy their first horse with me, I always warn them about horse people. "They're worse than used car salemen," I tell them. Really -- horse people will tell you just about anything. Horse people talk, too, so I've been involved in or heard about lots of horse buying and selling, whether or not it was personally my horse. (I do try not to be like the horse sellers I warn clients about, by the way) :)

Thanks to my experience buying, selling, trading, ect, I wasn't too unfazed about going to a car shopping by myself. I picked out the car I wanted, had my brother-in-law the mechanic look at it (thank you Bryan!!), and made an offer.

The car salesmen obviously thought he would have an easy time with me. I was female and alone. He wouldn't take my offer and when that didn't work he brought out the sales manager so they could both gang up on me while they tried convincing me not to barter on the sticker price. To make a long story short, they both were running after me as I was leaving, and they ended up coming down on the price after all. (That's sarcasm) I got a hellava deal on a 2004 Honda Accord. My brother-in-law should be happy 'cause its a Honda, and I'm happy 'cause it's got heated seats. Lilah's happy 'cause she got "a new car ride??" , and Nick's happy 'cause it seems like a good car that should hopefully last us the next several years.

We also hope to take better care of it than we did the Avalon. Nick tried telling me not to drive it to the barn, which lasted about three days. With his blessing, I do drive it to the barn occasionally, but I will try really hard not to transport grain, hay, tack, or even the dog in it for a little while yet!!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

2010-01-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

This past December, Mom and Dad Heidinger marked their 40th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, my little sister carefully planned a surprise party at the church we attended growing up. It was a cool to be at the church again -- a place that I have early, early memories -- this time with my daughter in tow, and surrounded by people that have been friends with my parents from all different periods of their marriage. People that knew them when they kept alchohol in the oven, before they had kids, throughout raising their family, and in the recent years. It was definately a blast from the past. In fact, at one point I introduced myself to an old church member. She immediately told me, "Oh, I know who you are, sweetie. I recognized you the minute I walked in." Even though she hadn't seen me since I was a teeny-bopper, and I had no idea who she was!!

Anyway, good party Michelle. Thanks for your carefully planning. You pulled it off!

Christmas Traditions

2010-01-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

Every year, I have a list of things "to-do" in order to call Christmas complete. One of them is to exchange small gifts and/or cookie plates with our neighbors. Year-round we are very luckily to have great neighbors -- we got two baby-sitters on the same street, people who have recently brought us meals and mowed our lawn to help out with Nick, and even those who watched our house for us and repaired it while we were gone over the summer. Nick and I secretly have names for the different families; such as "Mrs. Robinson" 'cause she's an older lady that will ONLY talk to Nick, (never me) or "the Contenders" who make no secret of competing with us for best christmas lights, shortest grass in the summer, best flowering shrubs, ect. All in all though, we couldn't ask for better neighbors. :)

This year, I had some help making my cookie plates. I did our family favorite of butterscotch/resers pieces cookies. Yum-yum!

Congratulations Willis Family!

2010-01-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Willis family who welcomed their second daughter (surprise!) into the world on Dec. 9th. Mirabella Rose weighed 5 lbs, 13 ounces, and follows her big sister Addie (Lilah's good friend).

Lilah has been entirely fascinated with this whole venture, from "she has a baby in her tummy" to (gasp!) "she came out!!" She loves to hold Mira's hand, and calls her dolls "Mira." She has started telling, um, heavier people (sometimes complete strangers, sometimes even men) that they have babies in their tummies, but luckily no one has noticed enough to take offense. :)

Congrats Tiff and Chris! Isn't she sweet?

Our Holiday Season 2009

2010-01-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

For good and bad, 2009 was an extraordinary year with memories that will last a life-time. I love the holiday season, but this holiday season was definately challenging. I'm glad that it is now over so that our live can resume some normalacy. Although I will admit, I'm already looking forward to Christmas 2010! Nonetheless, we had a wonderful holiday surrounded by people we love.

We kicked Christmas off by traveling to Parkdale the night of the 23rd. When we woke up the next morning, we pretended it was Christmas Day and opened gifts and stocking stuffers. Afterwards we went to Nick's sister Karen's house (also in Parkdale), where we met up with the rest of the Tyrrell family (minus Allen), for fellowship, gift exchanging, and even a Christmas sing-along!

Christmas Eve night we drove to my parents' house in Beaverton, where Nick promptly fell asleep and stayed asleep for the next three days, despite gift wrap flying and the frenzied actions of a 2 year-old.

We had a great holiday, with only a small mistake of buying one Polly Pocket for Lilah. Now we are inudated with Polly Pockets -- Lilah can't get enough of them!

Here are some holiday pictures:

What did Santa bring me??

Simon says, "Someone put me out of my misery..."

Merry Christmas!

The Tyrrell Siblings

Christmas sing-along!

The Tyrrell cousins:

After Christmas Lilah and I celebrated my parents' 40th wedding aniversary (with pics coming soon!), and a surprise snow-storm! For New Years' Eve, Nick, Lilah and I went to a party at our friends' house. It was a great party for both the kiddies AND the adults:

Lilah plays with the other kids:

Li and Addie "sharing" the recorder. In hind-sight, I probably should've taken the recorder away sooner rather than taking a picture. You can imagine what a toddler sounds like playing one. :)

Happy New Years everyone! May 2010 be all that you dream!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

2009-12-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

Much love, Nick, Heather & Lilah Tyrrell

Santa Scare

2009-12-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

Nick and I happen to have a Santa costume from a few years back when my sisters convinced Nick to dress up as Santa for our nieces. We thought-- okay, I thought -- it would be fun to have Nick dress up as Santa and surprise Lilah in our living room.

Here, in her own words, Lilah will tell you what went down:

Good-Bye Precious

2009-12-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

Our first year of marriage was probably one of the hardest ones we've had. After moving away from our friends and family at a young age, Nick got laid off and we ended up living in a shack in the woods of northern Washington, very short on cash. On top of that, we kept having car problems. I think we were broken down and stranded along the side of the road at least three times that year. Out of the blue we had a generous financial gift from some secret angels in the family, and we traded in Nick's sporty (but lemony) convertible and purchased the Avalon.

We bought the Avalon to have a reliable car. And for six (almost seven) years, that's exactly what is was.

We drove and drove and drove that thing, putting over 150,000 miles on it in the years that we had it. And those of you who have seen it, will laugh when you see what it looked like when we originally got it. 'Cause you will know Nick and I never kept it very clean, and over the years we had dogs, babies, horse tack, and other unimaginable digusting things in it! But the car always got us from Point A to Point B.

On December 5th, on a routine drive out to the barn to teach a lesson, I crashed and totalled the Avalon. Even though I had reminded myself before driving that the roads might be icy, I never saw the long patch of hard ice on the road until it was too late. I hit the ice and began wildly fishing-tail all over the road. I kept trying to regain control, but I also kept picking up speed, and I finally did a 180, hit and jumped a curb, and ended up crashing to a halt on someone's front lawn. (It was a random house along the side of a busy road)

Nick, as always, came to rescue me. As we waited for our tow truck to show up, we watched one car after another hit the same spot and wipe out. We even watched a five-car pile-up, one that 911 responded to. When our tow truck showed up, he went first to the scene of the accident to move those five cars, before towing the Av to the dealership for us.

Like we had expected, the insurance company declared the Avalon totalled. When I hit and jumped the curb, I managed to bend either the axel or the under arm of the car so that the back tire behind the driver's door was bent at an unusual angle. We got more cash back than the car was worth, and once we find some good-health days we hope to car-shop.

I cannot believe how lucky I was. First off, I was in the Avalon, a car we were going to replace this spring. I could have hit other motorists, a long concrete wall, and/or trees. Instead, the Avalon landed between two mailboxs, on a slight hill which I think prevented me from flipping the car. It was the best place to land. No one hit me, and I was able to drive it across the street where I could wait in a safe location. I had a big frame of car around me, and other than back pain for a few days, I wasn't hurt. Best of all, no one was with me. Thank you to the divine forces keeping me safe!

So good-bye Avalon. You were an awesome car for us....

A brand-new-to-us Avalon:

Pictures of the tire afterwards -- not too exciting, but the car was parked straight, so you can see the torque in the wheel)

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2009-12-15T11:18:00.001-08:00

Everybody knows one of the side-effects of chemo can be losing hair. Once Nick's hair started to fall out on its own, we decided to shave it short so we wouldn't find long chunks all over the house. (The dog and the cat seem to have that covered) (excuse the pun)

Anyway.

We had Lilah help out so she wouldn't be freaked out with Daddy's new 'do:

The end product:

Nick has lost the remainder of his hair follicles, and is now shiny-bald. Here we are at chemo this morning:

Zoolights '09

2009-12-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Lilah and I checked out the Zoolights with a girlfriend and kids. Lilah was sooo excited and thrilled at all the Christmas lights! She loved the train as well. She was so enthralled with it all, I want to take her back this year!

Anyone want to join us next time?? :)

Babies grow sooo fast....

2009-12-05T22:20:00.000-08:00

Lilah at the Portland Children's Museum, one year ago....

Lilah at the Children's Museum a couple weeks back... These pictures are pretty much exactly one year apart!

Lilah's favorite part was taking care of her baby!

In fact, the baby came with us to other parts of the museum. This picture cracks me up, especially with the other little girl in the background! (As if it was totally normal to check out a baby in the grocery line!)

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

At Thanksgiving 2010, I hope to be thankful that we are done with cancer.

Nonetheless, this year's Thanksgiving was nice. It is still lovely to be home from camp in a snug house with so many friends and family close by. We have lots to be thankful for, including good health care!

I spent the first part of Thanksgiving with Nick in the hospital. Then Tania came to stay with him, and I went to my mom's with Lilah. My sister Naomi visited from Texas, and Lilah enjoyed playing with her Texan cousins. Lilah especially was enthralled with "Lala", although it was difficult at times to share her Nana.

Nana with 4/5ths of her grand-children

Lilah and Lala

All the cousins play with Mr. Potato Head

Lilah was quite interested in Lala's Little Mermaid backpack

Thanksgiving Dinner:

Nick was able to join us later in the afternoon. We stopped by his sister's place later in the day, then went to bed super-early stuffed with turkey!

Thanks Mom for a wonderful holiday dinner. Naomi -- thanks for coming for a visit! It was great to see you and the fam!

Lilah's dog Simon

2009-12-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

Even though Nick and I got Simon as part of a "puppy plan" (that is, an experiment to see if you can raise a puppy together before graduating to a kid), Lilah has assumed ownership over Simon. And as her dog, Simon is subjected to her whims. She loves to hold his leash on walks, yell "NO! at him frequently, and dresses him up on a daily basis. Her favorite thing to do, however, is to pretend he's a horse. She picks his feet, tells him "whoa" and "walk-on", and has her dolls ride him (since she's finally learned she isn't allowed to).

And God bless him, he patiently puts up with everything.

And .... they're off!

2009-11-28T22:21:00.000-08:00

One of the last remnants of camp ... Lilah's friendship bracelets. (Friendship bracelets are HUGE at camp -- even the counselors try to keep them on for as long as possible) Lilah's bracelets were put on early in the summer, and she wore them 24/7 up until half-way through November. I managed to roll them off her hand without cutting them, and have saved them for her in a keepsake box. :)

Secret Mommy Confession #5

2009-11-28T22:13:00.000-08:00

I drive around with Lilah's potty chair in the back of the truck.

Hey, don't knock it until you've rocked it .... This chair has come in handy several times!

I would have to recommend it to other mommies out there in the midst of potty training .... And it's a true friend that will let your child potty in their car as well. (ANDREA -- You're next!!)

(My other reality is the horse tack and dog crate on the other side)

Lilah's friend Addie

2009-11-28T22:04:00.000-08:00

One of the nicest things about being home again is seeing Lilah's special friend Addie and her mommy Tiffanie several times a week. Addie's mommy always knows the good "mommy-and-me" places to go and has become a good friend to me. We both enjoy spending time with them, and can't wait until Addie's little sibling is born -- Tiffanie is due within the next few weeks!

(Addie was soooo tired in this video. Lilah was trying to drag her to the carpet so she could put Addie nite-nite! Addie liked this game too!)

Nick's Cancer

2009-11-13T14:15:00.001-08:00

So, in the efforts of keeping this blog an on-line diary for Lilah, I will blog about Nick's cancer. Nick originally started having uhhh -- problems towards the end of September. When we moved home, he went to see a doctor who diagnosed him as having an infection. When antibotics didn't work, Nick had blood work drawn and the truth came out. (Um, excuse the pun there.... )

Nick had surgery the last week in October, and two weeks after his surgery his blood levels were still elevated. Coupled with a "positive" CT scan, he is slated to start chemotherapy. We meet with the chemotherapist tomorrow, and we're assuming he will start the week of Thanksgiving.

Meanwhile, thank you to our friends and family who have stepped in and helped us through the surgery and countless hours of Lilah-sitting. Thank you all for the well-wishes and prayers! Here are a couple of our favorite messages forwarded to us:

From our Jewish friends: "We are sending prayers (the Jewish kind) your way."

From a song lyric: "Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is about effective as trying to solve an alegbra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real trouble is in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind the blind-side you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday afternoon."

From our brother-in-law: "You and Heather have a good track record for taking on adventures and challenges and not only surviving, but somehow thriving and then blogging about it."

Much love to you all!

Foundation Riding Academy

2009-11-13T14:12:00.001-08:00

Since moving back from camp, I have started my own little riding academy. After a couple of simple marketing strategies, I now have four students. (And almost the same amount of horses it seems....)I hope to continue to grow it, but am waiting to see how things shake out it other parts of my life. In the meantime, if you would like to check out my website, let me know and I'll send you the link. Spread the word!!

Halloween '09

2009-11-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

We had fun celebrating the holiday with Lilah and friends! Since Lilah is a little young to be cutting pumpkins, I let her paint them instead: (you can see the final products later in this post)

Yes that IS black paint on my floor. Thank God for tempra!

Lilah dressed this year as .......

MINNIE MOUSE! (Thanks Naomi for the hand-me-down!) :)

Lilah and Simon pose:

And they hold hands!

On the actual Halloween day, Nick and I went to Corvallis and meet up with friends. Lilah stayed behind and went trick-or-treating with Aunt Michelle and Nana! Thanks Michelle and Mom for letting us enjoy somewhat of our former lives!

Nick played computer and video games with friends while I hooked up with a couple girls from camp and went TRAIL RIDING!! Just what the doctor ordered.....

Then, that evening we partied.

Our friend Erin made these lovely appetizers: (yuk!)

(this was actually like a butterfinger/graham dish)

Nick and I reinact his surgery four days before Halloween:

Did I forget to mention we went as pirates?

Erin and I

We are champ-pion-on at beer po-pon-pong

Hope you all had a good Halloween!

Idle Minds

2009-11-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

Nick writes:

I had a thought the day before my surgery. It occur ed to me that I had taken a test that normally is given to pregnant women looking for the hCG hormone given off by a developing embryo. Apparently it can also be present in men for a few reasons including a germ cell tumor.

So, with Heather egging me on, my curiosity got the best of me and... I'm pregnant!

Lilah's Nite-nite game....

2009-11-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

the 250th Post!!

2009-10-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's the 250th post! Who would have thought it would make it this far?!?!? Blogging has become something fun for Lilah to look back on when she's older. Thanks to my sisters who encouraged me to start this!

To celebrate, I am posting random recent pictures that haven't made it onto the blog yet!

Going to church with Nanny Tanny!

Lilah and Daddy at Multnomah Falls

Still loves smoothies! (Or "movies" as she says!)

At the Pumpkin Patch!

2009-10-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Nana and I took Lilah to a Pumpkin Patch this year. Lilah loved it and we all had lots of fun. Now when Lilah sees the pumpkins sitting outside out house, she excitedly says, "Pumpkin patch Mommy! Pumpkin patch!" :) Stay tuned for more Halloween pictures to come!

In a hay bale maze:

Nana and Liah pose!

Nana shows Lilah how baby cows suck on your fingers. Don't try this at home!

Mommy and Lilah use a drainage tile as a slide!

Duck races!

Lilah got to bottle-feed this calf:

Picking out our not-so-perfect pumpkins:

Nana helps too!

Oh how the years go by.....

2009-10-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Nick has been blessed to not only have a strong family network, but also a strong core group of friends. Together we have all gone from socializing at college parties, to road trips, to weddings, to the births of babies, and to life beyond. We've added new friends along the way, and as of last week we have lost friends as well. As we continue forward, I have been thinking back to when I first meet Nick's group of friends, and how young we were. The years have flown by, and suddenly we're dealing with adult issues we'd rather not. And yet we will always have friends and family to stand by our side, so cheers to you! Thank you for your friendship.

In memory of Anto....

Awww.... a 19 year-old Heather. Can you say fresh-faced?

On a road trip!

The next generation?

Happy Birthday Lilah and Miranda!

2009-10-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Since Nick and I were at camp when Lilah turned two, we decided to celebrate her birthday once we returned home. Timing worked out, and we were able to do a combo birthday party with Lilah's cousin Miranda, who was visiting from Idaho and turned 3 in September. It was a great time spent with the family, and I loved watching Lilah's excitement, especially over her new dollhouse and the helium balloons!

Good-bye Camp

2009-10-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Nick, Lilah and I are officially home again! So here is my good-byes to some of my favorite parts of camp:

Good-bye to beautiful scenary:

(this is early morning fog rising from the lake)

Good-bye to all the great counselors that helped us keep Lilah entertained:

Good-bye to lying in the sun on the dock:

Good-bye to constantly dirty staff and child: (trust me, this picture was taken from a "Caveman" tattler theme, and it wasn't that big of stretch to get dressed up!)

Good-bye to sunny days at a great camp:

Good-bye to crazy bosses: :)

Good-bye to the Corral:

Good-bye to our new friends: (some of whom we've seen several times since camp!)

Good-bye to daring each other to crazy tasks:

And good-bye to yummy, yummy banana splits from the Snocap!

New Job for Nick

2009-10-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

After close to 7 years of working for FNF, Nick has accepted a job offer from a different Portland-based company. He starts his new job on October 7th. Nick's new company is much smaller than FNF, and works to manage portfolios of very wealthy families worldwide. Nick will be doing pretty much the same computer programming job as at FNF, but with a 33% payraise, even after paying Oregon income tax. (It seems one of us is always paying Oregon income tax...) Nick just got back from a week in Florida, training his replacements, just in time for us to hopefully move back to Vancouver....

Congratulations Nick!

Happy Birthday Baby!

2009-09-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Lilah,
On September 13th you turned two. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you! You are beginning to put sentences together, working on potty-training, and learning to ride a tricycle. You love your one Barbie doll, which is constantly "naky" (naked, and you get ANGRY if we try to put clothes on it), and Daddy is embrassed any time he is spotted carrying your clothes-less Barbie. You also love helium balloons and a dog puppet that Mommy had when she was a child. Even though it's technically a dog, you call it your bunny.

On your second birthday we took you to the Sisters City Park. Daddy and Mommy sat on a bench and watched you as you ran around the playground ALL BY YOURSELF! You even climbed to the highest slide and slid down all by yourself. If we tried to help you -- you would point to us and say, "Sit down Daddy! Sit down Mommy!" You are confident with an endless amount of energy!

As we watched you exploring the world on your own, we mused on the last two years. Such a short time frame! You are such your own little person that we sometimes wonder where exactly how you came to be. Don't get us wrong, we DO understand how pregnancy works and remember your birth, but your little soul is so beautiful and unique -- surely your life comes from something beyond us. Mommy is thankful every day that she is here to enjoy you, and you in our lives has been a blessing and a gift.

We love you beyond words, and can't wait to continue watching you grow. Happy Birthday Lilah Rose!

The Black Dunes!!

2009-09-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

All summer long, I heard about the mythical Black Dunes, which was supposed to exist somewhere near camp. The problem was, no one could find them. My assistant director Beth tried three exploration parties before finally locating the dunes, which size-wise is equilvant to three football fields. We scoped it out with Lilah in tow, via truck, and plotted our ride for the next day. The ride turned out to be beautiful, relatively easy, and a fun ride. We had a blast racing our horses back and forth on the dunes, and this day will go down on my list of "favorite trail rides"!!

Lilah "swimmin'!" in the sand:

(Lilah thought she was at the beach. She walked around saying, "Beach. Beach." When I asked her where the ocean was, she answered, "gone?" )

The girls:

"Thanks for finding the dunes, Beth!" Lilah says:

The views:

Upclose of 3 Fingered Jack:

Megan and I rolling down the trail:

Where is our racing strip?

My not-so-speed demon Sweet P. :

(although she DID take off with me at one point -- something she has never done with me in 11 years of riding her. We were headed for home and I let her pick up a canter -- next thing I knew we were hurtling towards the trail back to camp, and she was ignoring my "whoa, dammit!" cues. Thankfully, we were on sand dunes, and I used the runaway trucks idea. Since Sweet P. wasn't going to stop or slow, I turned her up a steep sandy hill the same way a trucker would do on a freeway with a runaway truck. She lost steam pretty quickly after that, and I regained control!) :)

Beth and I:

Megan and I with our 'snorses during our lunch break:

The ride was so much fun I went back out with friends a second time this week. Hope to do this ride again, and again, and again.....

Last Day in the Corral

2009-09-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

Monday of Labor Day Weekend was camp's last functioning day in the corral. We ran trail rides in the morning, and then did winterizing projects around the corral in the afternoon. All the staff members have gone home now (sniff, sniff) and it's just me left to care for the horses and get them off to their winter homes. I hope to be moved back to Vancouver again by October 1st, but beyond that Nick and I are still figuring out what we will be doing after our camp experience is over.

The remaining horse staff Labor Day Weekend:

Lilah helped scrub dirty horse brushes clean as one of the winterizing projects. Believe me, she was disgustingly DIRTY after this project!

I tried getting on "Turbo", a 2 year-old that hadn't been ridden yet. I've worked with him most of the summer, and all was going well ...

so I climbed all the way on and rode him 5 steps at a walk! (It's a good start...)

then we rode some of our other favorites. I'm on the chesnut:

Lilah even got to ride "the Dude"

Lilah even had her first trot on the Dude!! She loved it!

The Leavin' Party

2009-09-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

At the end of all the childrens' summer camp sessions, we had a staff party to celebrate the completion of the kids' sessions, and to say good-bye to half of the staff. We had huge party at a fishing cabin in the Metolius. Very fun, but sad to say good-bye to some of the people I grew so close to in such a short period of time....

In the Corral....

2009-08-31T14:09:00.001-07:00

First there was three:

And then there was four:

And then there was five?!?!

My Second Childhood

2009-08-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

It is long, hot, hard work running a 30-head horse program for a children's camp. But I've also feel like I've had a second childhood this past summer, despite being a married adult with a toddler in tow. It's moments like this picture --- galloping my once-in-a-lifetime horse bareback up a hill -- where suddenly I'm not 29 -- I'm just a girl with her horse.

Thank you for the picture Michelle. Sweet P. has been good to me.

Only in Sisters....

2009-08-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

Take a good look at this picture! Two bucks hanging out in downtown Sisters! I didn't want to get too close, but I think I will tell my family-in-law where they should try hunting this fall....

Narrow Miss.....

2009-08-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

The other day I was leading a trail ride with children and adults, when the nice kid-safe horse behind me passed me at a trot on the trail. On her way past me, she flew a kick at the horse I was riding, who jumped sideways and up to get away from her. Luckily, I wasn't unseated, nor did I receive the blow. Instead, "Whitey" (the horse I was riding) took the burnt of the impact.

Thanks for taking one for the team, Whitey.

Thank God this wasn't my leg:

This picture reminds me of how powerful horses can be. This is the damage from one swift kick from a small horse. Jeez....

Tattler Session 4

2009-08-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

Well, we are now in our final session of summer camp for kids. The boys session ends on Tuesday, and then it's into Family Camp time. Family camp is supposed to be very laid-back, and I'm looking forward to it, although it does mean I will be saying good-bye to some of my great staff. :(

Here are pictures from Session 4's "Tattler". This time the theme was DISNEY. The Tyrrell family had an "Alice in Wonderland" theme to go along. Lilah was Alice, and I was the Queen of Hearts (natch) ;) Nick came with his Chesire-smile, and we were good to go.

with Jiri as Mickey Mouse

Carol (aka a rockin' Snow White) and I

My staff member Megan dressed as the Little Mermaid, but then couldn't walk around so Nick carried her from place to place!

Horse Staff Pic -- Lilah included!

All Staff Picture!

Around Camp....

2009-08-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Pictures and videos from Camp:

Lilah and her special friend Tess from Scotland

Lilah loves playing in the mud puddles after a thunderstorm!

Lessons running in the corral:

Sweet P! Called "Sweet P dot" by the campers, 'cause camp already has another horse named Sweet Pea (spelled differently)

Jake and Nick play ping-pong after dinner every night:

Lilah and I hanging out in the lodge after dinner:

Lilah and me with Beth and Freddy-the-alligator:

Lilah's other special friend Jiri from the Czech Republic:

Ready- Set - Go!!

Dinnertime at Camp:

Running the Horses Up

2009-08-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

For the horse lovers in the group, hope you enjoy the videos of the camp horses running up the hill for the evening!

A Day in the Life of....

2009-07-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me the other day what my life was like here at camp. So here is a list:

1. My life now revolves around feeding 30 horses, morning and night, EVERY DAY.
2. I break a sweat before 8 am every day.
3. I work hard every day in the hot sun, doing hard horse tasks I've never had to do before, like stacking hay bales, corral maintence, driving dump trucks full of manure, ect.
4. I can throw hay bales around like no other.
5. I ride by the skin of my teeth on young horses, badly-behaved horses, green horses, ect. Sometimes I shake it up and ride Sweet P, who is well-trained but still is a handful herself.
5. I trail ride. A lot.
6. I party. A lot.
7. My daughter is officially hooked on horses. It is bad news if she goes to the corral and doesn't get to ride a horse.
8. At the end of the day, the horse staff and I run screaming off the dock, fully-clothed working in the corral, just to get cooler faster.
9. Lilah, Nick and I put in quality time swimming in the lake as often as possible. Lilah loves to play in the water!
10. I take showers, but never really feel clean.
11. I am constantly sun-burned and tired.
12. My bed, my shower, and my time-off are elusive items I'm beginning to question the existence of.
13. Living at camp is like a cross between camping, college, and Shasta.
14. I have a hard time imagining the upcoming winter months, and Nick and I still haven't decided where we'll be.
15. I am having a blast and have made lots of new friends and new memories!!

And finally,
16. I drive hill-billy red-neck trucks around town while completing job duties:

17: I get dressed up with the rest of the camp staff at the end of each session. This was our last "Tattler" night, which is the last night of camp each session. Each Tattler has a theme, and it's very special for the kids. In this picture the theme was "Candyland", and I was the lollipop princess. I'm in the very back...

Horse Staff 2009

2009-07-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

Go Team Blue!!

Go Team Yellow!

(this was not planned.... ) :)

Evening Trail Ridin'

2009-07-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Friday night's trail ride over to a nearby lake (which will remain nameless, he-he) This was the Dude's first water experience and he pretty much got right in! I had a former student visiting, and she got to partake with us. We had five horses & riders all together -- lots of fun splashing around!

Horsin' around in the Corral

2009-07-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Now that I have two camp sessions completed and under my belt, I feel like I'm getting a fuller understanding of my new job, which in many ways is a lot different from my last job. Here are pictures from our "trail riding day", in which we take the kiddies out on trail rides.

Here is my staff member Courtney, ready to take my horse out on the trail. I have had to tell people to back off of his use. He's such a nice guy that everyone wants to use him, but I'm trying to keep him on semi-retirement while at camp!

Group shot of just some of the horses ready to go. I couldn't get all the horses in one picture!

Uh, did we forgot something here? Like a rider?!?! This picture cracks me up -- in all the chaos someone walked away from "Whitey", and he stood at the mounting block for at least ten minutes until I noticed no one was holding him. What a good boy!

I am working crazy hours, and I am thankful Nick brings Lilah down to the corral to hang out with me on the weekends so that I can see her! I'm also thankful I have a great horse staff who are willing to jump in as baby-sitters and treat it as part of their job duties! Here Lilah draws all over the lesson board with Hannah.

I also have a project baby! I love (horse) babies, and "the Dude" just turned 3 this spring. I started him under saddle, and this picture was taken right before I took him out on a real trail ride. He is very laid-back, hence the name "the Dude", which is taken from a movie character in "The Big Lebrowski". Currently I am teaching him to give to the bit and how to steer, especially at the trot. He is coming along, and I'm having fun working with another baby!

Doesn't he look like a ball of fire? :)