Testing

What does one do when one gets a brand-new backpacking tent? Test it out in the back yard, of course! Brad and I set our Sierra Designs Baku 3 Tuesday and spent the night inside.
It was cold and blustery, but the tent stayed nice and dry! Can't wait for spring so we can take it on the trail.
-Liz :)

You're invited!!!!!

Please join us Christmas Eve at Newberg Friends for a wonderful candlelight service filled with music - including our handbell choir ("starring" me and my sis, Eryn!) We have three services to help fit your schedule: 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m.

Click HERE for directions.

-Liz

The Candle Song

I love this song. We sang it in church yesterday and it provided me hope, comfort and peace this morning. Take a listen.

-Liz

White elephant

What's better than a house full of food, friends and laughter?? Nothing!

We hosted our annual Christmas party and white elephant gift exchange yesterday. There were lots of goodies to eat and awesome friends to share the snowy day. (Too bad none of those flakes stuck around!)

-Liz

Ta-da!

The fat, fluffy tree now sits in our living room ("It's not going in our yard, Rusty!"), all decorated and ready for presents. Linus has never really noticed the trees, but I think he likes it as a hiding place.
Our living room has been taken over by Santa Mickeys! Do you think I need more??

I hope you're also having a blast preparing for the holidays!

-Liz :)

The hunt for the perfect Christmas tree

The five of us hopped in the pickup truck Saturday for our annual Christmas tree hunt. We made a quick stop at Lee's Farm in Tualatin to fuel up on fresh apple cider doughnuts. Then it was off to Bell Road in Newberg/Sherwood. We found this little family farm last year and hoped that it would have more good trees for our three homes. We all picked out great Douglas firs for $20 each and loaded them into the truck bed. It was a bit sketchy, but we all made it back to Tigard in one piece.

If you're still looking for a tree, check out Skurdahl Farm on Bell Road, not far off Highway 99W. Great trees and great prices!

-Liz

Stormy weather

For the first time in 10 years, I am enjoying a winter storm! I have no anxiety. I feel no pressure to drop everything and spend 24/7 in the newsroom or near my computer. I can curl up with a cup of cocoa and listen to the pounding rain and howling wind. I'm not dreaming of great storm-coverage headlines. I'm not stuck on the bus, willing it to get me downtown faster. Life is good :)

-Liz