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Saturday, November 24, 2007

The Beautiful People of Roseburg

There are so many wonderful people here! Roseburg may not be a thriving metropolis, but it certainly boasts some of the loveliest people. Here's a sampling of these wonderful folks.


I met Ryan and Michelle here in Roseburg before Mike and I were married. They graciously hosted me one weekend when I flew in to visit Mike. They were wonderful hosts and made me feel very welcome and at home (you can tell just by looking at them!) Lucky for us, our friendship has continued. They are such warm and friendly people - the kind of people you want to be around and be like. They're also very positive. This picture was taken with them and their cute daughter, Alison, the weekend I was here visiting ... little did I know I'd join them here in Roseburg less than a year later! ;) It was great to have instant friends when I moved here ... plus, see below.



This is the group we dined with at Thanksgiving. Don't they just look fun? The couple on the right in the back is Andy and Marcia Oshita. I met this wonderful couple while serving a mission in Santa Paula, California. We all haphazardly ended up in Roseburg (go figure!) They are very down-to-earth, and they've become like family. They are extremely gracious, generous, and kind, and we feel completely comfortable with them. Their lovely daughter, Jaime, is in front, and some of the Oshita's friends visiting from CA are to the left.



Aren't Erin and Lane a darling couple?? Again, the mission connection. Erin is the daughter of the Oshita's, so I met her and Lane on my mission when they were visiting Erin's parents. In this picture, they're visiting us in the hospital before I gave birth. What wonderful friends - they came to see us even BEFORE the baby was born (me in all my pregnant glory) - and again after. ;) They're great; we always enjoy hanging out with them. They were great hosts, as well, when I stayed with them one weekend after Mike and I were engaged.


This gorgeous mother-daughter duo is Cortney (left) and her mom, Debbie. I've recently gotten to know Debbie better, and she is such a delight to be around. I always, always laugh when I am with her. She's also quick to laugh - a strength I love and admire about her. She's witty, intelligent, and has a keen business sense. I've gone to her on a few occasions for work advice, and she's always been right on. This is one woman I love! Isn't she stunning? Her daughter is wonderful too!


Sometimes when I think of Mia I want to cry because she's been such a good friend. It was wonderful, too, because we were prego together for eight months (Aaron is a month older than her sweet daughter, Sophie.) My husband and I feel so fortunate to know the Schreiners - Mia and her husband, Carl. Mike met them through the local cycling club, and Mia actually helped me get my first job here at the newspaper. Carl cleaned the ear wax out of my ear (I know, gross) out of the kindness of his heart. (He's an ENT.) You know they are true friends. :) They, too, visited us in the hospital. They are lovely people!

I love all of our friends, near and far!!

Highlights In My Hair ... Er, My Life



Pregnancy did something to my hair. It made it darker. Much darker. Must be the hormones. Or maybe it was just the fact that I didn't highlight my hair for nine months or so. ;) So, six weeks post-pregnancy, I decided I needed a fresh, new look. I mean, what woman has not felt that way after giving birth ... and what is her secret? Anyhow, so I asked my husband if he likes my hair better with or without highlights. (As if it makes a difference to him!) Mike, smart man that he is, said something like, "I like it however you're happiest." Naturally, I made the hair appointment. Best part was that the stylist came to our home to do my hair - so much more convenient when there's a baby involved. She works independently so almost always travels to her clients' homes. Perks of living in a small town. She's great. So I got the highlights and I feel better already. (Amazing what a little color can do.) :) Of course, the real highlights in my life are my darling husband & the baby... ;)

Monday, November 12, 2007

Men In Yellow


I love the color yellow. It's so bright and cheerful. I love walking into a yellow room. I love yellow flowers, particularly roses. I love a man in a yellow tie (okay, I love my husband, Dad, and brothers in a yellow tie.) :) (See pic.) I love yellow cake. :) I love dressing my sweet babe in yellow. (And this isn't one of those cases where I'm trying to project my desire for a daughter onto my son by dressing him in girl clothes.) Yellow is one of those things that simply makes my life happier. And with Thanksgiving being just around the corner and all, thought I would list a few other things for which I'm grateful --- right up there with the color yellow.
- I'm thankful for all of the lovely and wonderful women in my life -- my beloved mother, mother-in-law, sister, sisters-in-law, aunts, cousin (yes, shockingly, I only have one female cousin!), and girlfriends with whom I laugh; cry; share hopes, dreams, and anxieties; swap advice; build courage; shop (!); travel (well, back in the day!), and enjoy life.
- I'm thankful that my husband still asks me out on dates. That doesn't mean we actually go ... having a baby kind of changed the dating situation. :)
- I'm thankful for those people who leave their shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot for people like me who don't want to haul their car seat through the entire parking lot. (I always thought it was rude for people not to return their shopping cart, but now I realize they're just doing people like me a favor!) ;)
- I'm thankful for good news ... wedding and baby announcements, job opportunities, friends who get new furniture.
-I'm thankful for all the seasons, but especially fall. I love the gorgeous autumnal colors, the crisp air, and breaking out cozy sweaters. Every day of fall is spectacular!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what are you most thankful for this year?
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." -Marcel Proust