Kansas Trip Part 2

November 25, 2020

We woke up to snow. Strong winds stopped at about 1:00 am. We stayed the morning inside cozy and warm while Jacob made us all breakfast. Moments like these are to be taken in their fullness. Anything that evokes a sense of coziness are some of the moments I look forward to in life. 

After we had breakfast and lunch we visited Greensburg's museum. Here we learned a bit of the town's history especially of the infamous  F5 tornado and the devastation it left behind.

The aftermath of the chaotic tornado caused people to leave but others stayed and rebuild.

There's a cute nostalgic ice cream parlor just before one enters the town's museum. My husband and his parents love sweets so naturally we stopped for some ice cream scoops. The library is just across the hallway. I was surprised that it's a decent size library for such a small town. I wish I would have had the time to browse.

Being here visiting family made us realize how much we cherish the power of family bonds and God's abundant blessings. Being intentional with family is what life is truly about ... creating memories.

After we had our ice cream we stopped by the town's water tower, the Big Well. The water tower was also destroyed as were most of the buildings during the May 4, 2007 tornado. It since has been rebuilt and showcases pictures of that fateful night.

This well is the world's largest hand-dug well, built in 1887. The well survived the event and remains a central attraction.

Here we are at the very top of the tower.

... here we are looking down at the well.

And here's us looking up.

It was quite an informative day. We enjoyed learning all the town's history and browsing their souvenirs.

THANKSGIVING 2020

The snow didn't stick around for long. The following day we walked over to the park to stretch our legs. Surprisingly it wasn't windy but mostly sunny and cold.

A father is respected because he gives his children leadership .... Appreciated because he gives his children care .... Valued because he gives his children time .... Loved because he gives his children the one thing they treasure most -- himself.

After the park we were chilled to the bone so we got cozy on the couch and enjoyed the rest of our slow afternoon waiting for the turkey to be ready.

Now that I look back, I just realized I hardly took any pictures of the day. 

This was Riley's serving. One green bean, lol! I don't have a picture of my plate or of the kitchen with all the delicious food. 

I am sure we had some type of dessert. I just can't remember what it was.

I "borrowed" this picture from my MIL. This is the only picture that was taken of all of us on this Thanksgiving day. 

We are thankful that we got to spend Thanksgiving with family. Ultimately, it is not about the food but the gathering in love and worship for all that has been given to us.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give

thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Kansas Trip Part 1

Saturday, November 21, 2020

Visiting my in-laws in Greensburg Kansas for Thanksgiving.

Our flight to Denver was set to take off at 7:50 am. I woke up a few minutes before my alarm went off at 4:25 am. Even if I'm all prepared for a trip, it always feels so chaotic to me. If it was up to me, I would take my time doing all the extra stuff that needs to be done and not have to speed through every task. I had to make sure the cats things were in order, all our treats/snacks properly stored and placed in my duffel. By the time I'm done getting ready and doing everything else I am hot. I don't like to get hot, so it felt so good to step out in the cold. We left the house by 5:35 am. Our son Nathan drove us to the airport. He was tired. Poor guy had worked the night before and had to wake up early.

There was a light sprinkle as we headed to the airport. 

I always overpack. I'd rather be prepared for any type of weather or in case I get dirty, so when it was time to weigh my suitcase, it went over by 3 lbs. So, I had to take out about three clothing items and put them in my duffel. And why is it that airports bring out the worst in some people. People just cutting you off or bumping you. There are a lot of rude people out there. It is never right to treat people mean no matter what you're going through in life. 

I like to get the window seat only because there's more room. I always pull down the shade. I really don't like to look out the window initially. 

Jacob likes to get the isle seat. As long as these two are snacking they are content.

Me, on the other hand I have to concentrate on keeping myself busy during a flight. I'm not keen to flying so I make sure I bring my headphones, something to read, and a word search to help pass the time.

My ears kept popping and I felt a lot of pressure in my nose this time. It was quite uncomfortable. There was slight turbulence which seemed similar to going off-roading, lol. My head also felt a little weird. I definitely was looking forward to the landing.

We landed in Denver at 11:20 am, rented a van and headed East.

I don't like to be in a plane for longer than two/three hours. That's the reason we landed in Denver. Besides, a road trip is more fun and relaxing. Given that we were in the middle of the pandemic Denver was on lockdown so dining in was out of the question. No matter. Eating in the car isn't so bad. Plus, we get to listen to our choice of music.

It may be nothing but hay fields and wind turbines but I prefer this over flying 100 percent!

We stopped in Kennedy Colorado to pick up a ham at the Honey Baked Ham Company for Thanksgiving. We also got some dunkin donuts. 

We saw geese flying. I love their honking sound. Their silly comical calls make me smile every time.

We crossed over to Kansas at 7:57 pm. It was my turn to drive so Jacob could take a break. We stayed in Colby, KS for the night.

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Didn't really get good sleep but we were ready for the day. Up, ready, and back on the road by 10:50 am.             ☺☺ Kansas is as flat as a pancake. ☺☺

We saw cows, hawks and sheep. I love seeing farm animals and birds! They are so lovely.

These tiny towns you drive through are quite bizarre. We didn't see not one human, cat or dog when we drove through Cimarron Kansas.

We stopped in Dodge City in time for lunch. Tacos Jalisco has pretty decent Mexican food. This was our first time eating here. We'll definitely come back whenever we're in the area. It was nice to see that they weren't sticklers when it came to wearing masks.

We arrived at the in-laws at 4:12 pm. It felt good to finally be able to relax and to take things slow again.

My in-laws have been enjoying living in their little town in Kansas. Although Kansas is a blue state as well, these small rural towns tend to be conservative, and they are definitely liking that.

In 2007 Greensburg was devastated by a horrific F-5 tornado that wiped out 95% of the town killing 12 people and injuring 63.

Most of the people left but some stuck around and began to rebuild. It's a cute small town. We like it a lot. We feel it's such a peaceful town. Everything is within walking distance if you don't mind walking. They even have a decent size library, an ice cream shop (very nostalgic looking) a small grocery store, and a hospital, among other small businesses. 

Here is my father in law showing us their storm shelter.

In laws graciously treated us to pizza for dinner then we went back to their place to wind down. So blessed that they have a guest room that has a full bathroom even if it's a tiny one. This makes for a much more comfortable stay.

Monday, November 23, 2020

They're into puzzles so that's what Jacob did for a while. I brought books and my journaling things to keep me occupied as well. Journaling tidbits of uplifting information brings me so much joy.

Riley missed several days of school, so he made sure to get online whenever possible to complete his work.

My father in law also plays the guitar so Jacob kept himself busy with that too.

Driving to the next town over takes us about thirty minutes. That's where the nearest Walmart is located and several food chain restaurants whoever it's still a small town but way bigger than the little town where my in-laws live. 

There are fields of cotton along the way.

Lots of cotton.

Being at my in-laws house was always relaxing. Life is slower there. Small towns offer comfort and that small pleasant environment. For me, this type of lifestyle (the slower lifestyle) makes me so much more aware of my blessings. You tend to live more intentionally. The scent in the air and sounds are more pronounced out in the country since you're away from all that city noise.

While we were here for Thanksgiving, we also celebrated my MIL's birthday.

After dinner and cake there was more guitar playing. I love the way Riley is looking at his dad, with so much love and admiration.

Will continue our Kansas trip in my next post. Just thought I would break it up in three posts because I wanted to share quite a bit of pictures to and from our trip.

Visiting Family

 August 22, 2020

It had rained quite a bit the night before and into the early morning. Taking a drive on back roads is something I love to do. It is relaxing and enjoyable ... something I do often. Washington definitely has endless back roads. The dense pine trees along the road, moss, and ferns displayed all around is so beautiful to me. 

Some weekends are spent with family. We drove over to my in-laws for dinner. After dinner the guys went outside and threw the nerf vortex howler around.

It's always nice to see my husband with his dad and our son together. It's important that we make an effort to find enjoyment in one's relationships.

My in-laws

The pumpkin patch we go to every October sells sweet corn in the Summer at their farm store. I remembered this so we headed out and stopped by and bought a dozen. We also got some for my in-laws. Their roasted corn they sell during their pumpkin patch in October is so sweet and crisp. It's a favorite. 

Finding the little joys in life feeds the soul.

On our drive home I noticed that some trees were already beginning to turn color. Somewhat early but once we're in September the weather does change drastically. I sure love to see the changing colors of the leaves. Occasions for gratitude are all around us. Make it a point to notice them. 

Truly loving another requires awareness. To love we must

be aware of people---complete with their flaws, foibles, virtues, vices, and quirks.

The Joy of Food

July 11, 2020

Because of the pandemic, some restaurants chose to close their lobby and only offer take-out.

Twenty twenty (and the following four years) sure brought a lot of strife to our society and within a lot of families. What was mind-blowing was the blatant disrespect some people had about others for not conforming to a despotic administration's requirements about what we should or shouldn't be doing.  Living in a blue state definitely made living life feel more oppressive than living in a red state especially during this time. If you didn't have a mask on even outside, even out walking along the water where there's a lot of room for people to walk far from each other, you would still get stared at and you would even hear whispers from those bolder people criticizing the unmasked people. It sure happened to us about every time we would go out on walks or hit the trails. Being outside in the open air exercising is the safest and best way to stay healthy. I just can't understand these people way of thinking.

The best one can do is ignore such behavior and give thoughtful attention to the beauty around us. And so that's what we did. After all, other people's behavior is none of my concern. 

Summers in the PNW are mild and wonderful. Here we were on a cloudy July day. To me, that's the icing on the cake. So, we got take-out from Pagliacci and had a picnic along the Puget Sound in W Seattle.

A perfect description on how to dress during Summer in the PNW ... shorts and flip flops/sandals and a light jacket/sweater. At night though, it may become chilly.

Riley was a bit chubby at this age. 

I love pineapple on my pizza. I usually get pineapple, pepperoni and mushrooms and a good amount of crushed red peppers. I know a lot of people would say that pineapple doesn't go on pizza, but it tastes wonderful to me. 

We hung out here for a while. We spotted a few people on paddle boards and a windsurfer. 

Across the water you have Maury Island that's connected to Vashon Island. Vashon being the larger of the two.

And you're definitely bound to spot a ferry in W Seattle. Ferry's are so cool! I sure miss being on one.

The following day which was Sunday and after church we stopped by Dairy Freeze in Sumner for lunch. We invited our in-laws to come along with us.

Food, whether it's home cooked meals or eating out every now and then fosters tradition which can create wonderful memories. 

I'm pretty sure I had a burger. We used to come here for their shakes mostly. 

The following Friday we went out to eat at Moctezuma's. They required masks so I wore my face wrap. What was so foolish was that they ask you to wear a mask then once you're seated you can take it off then when you leave you have to put it on again. Ay ya yay! Eye roll. (Riley's face, lol)

We opted to eat outdoors. It was a sunny day so why not. Their chips and salsa are so good! Salsa is on the spicier side though which doesn't bother me. I usually get the same thing, barbacoa nachos. Very delicious as well. 

I wish I knew the recipe to their salsa. I know Jacob and I would love to make it at home. 

Eating out is about having fun. Having a good time and enjoying the moment. 

There is no love sincerer than the love of food.

2019 Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

We had my in-laws over on Christmas Eve. We play games, watch sports or Christmas movies/cartoons .... it's a time to gather. Especially in our family, we are very low key and not rambunctious at all. 

We had tamales for dinner and after eating we went to the Christmas Eve service. Not the best time to go to church, in the evening. That's when we're a bit worn from the day and it's cold outside which makes it a bit of a challenge to stay engaged to the service. However, as I listened to what our pastor was saying I couldn't help but to sit and reflect on Jesus, His sacrifice and His love. And to acknowledge how much God loves us. When you really think of all that in depth His love is overwhelming, and I can't help but to humble myself and thank Him for His love, mercy and grace. 

Thankful that we spent this Christmas together with my in-laws. 

Christmas morning. Riley always excited to get the unwrapping started.

Sophie and Lila got Christmas presents too.

I really don't like to stay cooped up at home on Christmas day unless we're visiting family. I like to be out in nature, near water or on a walking trail.

Hardly anyone was out which was nice for us.

Peaceful

I love the Puget Sound

It felt good to be out by the water and breathe the cold air. When one's dressed appropriately for cold weather you shouldn't be uncomfortable being outside in it. I love it. It actually invigorates me. Being by the water makes me profoundly happy!

Allow yourself to move past the mysteries of the manger and 

enter into deeper intimacy with Jesus. Sit quietly. Talk to Him. Search

for evidence of Him in even the smallest details. Experience

His presence and discover the answers to your most

desperate questions.