2007 Christmas in Oregon

December 20th
Slept in, went shopping, lunch at Chili's, dinner @ Track Town Pizza. Watched Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End on DVD.

December 21st
Slept in again. It may become a blessed habit. Piddled around until lunch, then drove to Sunriver Resort. Willamette Pass was slick & snowy, beautiful. Watched what was arguably the worst Christmas play of all time, and soaked in the hot-tub with Mandi. The water was hot, the moon was bright, the trees were laden with snow, and what happens in the hot-tub... stays in the hot-tub. B-e-a-utiful!

December 22nd
Couldn't sleep in this morning, we had an early brunch with Santa Clause at the main lodge. After pics with the Man in Red we took a quick sleigh ride with the whole family. Although the concierge told us private rides were already booked full, I managed to sweet-talk the owner into squeezing Mandi and I in tomorrow. Made a snowman with Anna, threw snowballs at the rest of the kids. Lunch @ Bella Cucina. Walked around the mall with Mandi while it snowed. Watched the lighting of the Christmas tree behind the lodge. Dinner @ The Owl's Nest.

December 24th
Yesterday we came home from Sunriver. Lunch @ Appleby's in Bend. Saw Doug Lueck there for a moment. It rained all day. Mandi & I were supposed to go for a sleigh ride, but canceled. Dinner at home. Driving the Santiam pass for the first time in years was bittersweet. I love it here so much and driving through the mountains only makes that clearer to me, but I know it will be long years before the Lord lets me come back to my earthly home. I've lived in the Midwest for nearly a decade now, and I still don't understand why anyone would stay there...

December 26th
Yesterday. Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus! I scored pretty well on the whole gifty thing. Sweaters, shoes, a nice jacket, and an oil painting of Sahalie Falls. The problem is that it was just completely void of spiritual value. I mean, we prayed over lunch, but that was about it. I feel bad, like He was cheated, or we were cheated or something like that. Anyway, we opened packages in the morning, ate lunch, napped, watched TV and went to a movie. The girls saw… something girlie. The guys went to Alien v. Predator: Requiem, which was a disappointment. More slasher than suspense, and suspense is what made those franchises great. Pretty dull, actually. It was nice.

We did have one big moment of excitement when Nate stabbed himself in the thumb with a penknife Nana gave him. I was so proud of Nate when it happened. Apparently he was trying to close the blade when the tip just sank into the meat of his hand. Did he panic? No way. Did he scream in pain? Not MY son. He just closed his hand around the wound and came out of the kitchen to the living room where he called out in a calm clear voice, “I need Mommy. I hurt myself.” The adults were all sitting around, relaxing when he came around the corner, and he’s just holding his hand, which is covered in blood and dripping on the floor and asking smoothly for a little help, like its no big deal. But let me tell you, everyone’s heart rate when though the roof when they say him. I mean, the kid was really bleeding. I had visions of him missing a finger, or severing an artery or something. Anyway, once mommy got on the scene, he cried like a normal kid. But I smile even now knowing how he handled himself until he knew someone was there to take over and rescue him. Until that moment, he was in command of himself and I know that in the future, that quality will serve him well. It speaks of leadership. When others panic, Nate will stand firm. THAT’S MY BOY!!!

December 27th
Yesterday was good. We chilled out for a while, took the kids shopping at the mall to spend their Christmas money, had lunch @ The Terrace. After lunch we went to see a movie (National Treasure: Book of Secrets), and had dinner with Stacy & Christy Kintigh @ Roaring Rapids Pizza.

December 28th
Lunch @ Chapala (Mexican), browsing @ Border's, then a movie (Enchanted). Then Gilbert & I went to the Ducks' basketball game @ Mac Court. Just walking across Pioneer Cemetery brought back a thousand memories. Ducks beat Mount St. Mary's 81-73.

December 29th
Chilled out a lot. Lunch at home. Played Landslide with Phil Lueck, Scott Smith, and a guy named Ross. He’s one of Scott’s tenants. Ross won, but we had a great time. It was good to see Phil & Scott again. Doug Lueck couldn't make it. He was missed. Dinner with the fam @ China Sun on Gateway.

December 30th
Today began with a mess. Danielle told us that church began at 8 am. It didn't. Apparently the church, Grace Community Church, changed their time, then changed their minds, but neglected to inform their members. Oops. We wound up at the 9:30 service, but had to abort going to the EBF service like we'd planned. After church we shopped at Costco, which I think is nicer than Sam's Club. Its good we don't have one in Joplin or I'd be broke.

Had lunch at McMinamen's. Best burger I've had since Opie Taylor's back in Bloomington. After lunch Mandi & I took the kids for a walk at the Delta Ponds, but it start to hail on us after a couple of minutes. The kids all brought their new binoculars and we were able to spot Green-winged Teal, Mallards & Canadian Geese before we headed back to the car. Dinner was Dungeness Crab @ home... and it was GOOD!

January 1st, 2008. New Year's Day.
Happy New Year!
Yesterday we took family pictures and watched the Ducks kick the snot out of the University of South Florida in the Sun Bowl: 56-who cares! We were down to our 5th string quarterback, but the kid did a great job. Mom had the flu all day though.

To bring in the new year we hung out at Danielle & Gilbert's with the Kintighs. If I never play Bunco again it will be too soon. At least the kids had fun.

Now we're headed to the airport in Portland and its too foggy to see the foothills. I miss Oregon already.