Just your average girl

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

Take 2 was a success!

For the second year, I wanted to host Thanksgiving at our house. Many of you have done this yourself, and know that it can be quite a daunting task. Cleaning the week before, making sure you have enough serving dishes, let alone plates and silverware! But I would not be scared away...

As of the Wednesday before bird day, we were tentatively expecting 23 people...YIKES! Did I have enough food? Chairs? Wine? (Wine more for me than anyone else, hehehe) But, by this late in the game, I was going for it with what I had.

The conclusion? Went off without a hitch! Food was great! We had leftovers, but weren't overwhelmed with them. Everyone got to take a bit home, too. We had tons of family sharing in the wonderful day. We played games, visited, and stuffed ourselves into blissful relaxation.

Miss Caroline and her Giraffe pillow

The crew around the table

Ashley and Shaun

After dinner Family Feud on the laptop.

Trever is 6!

2009-12-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Trever!

We've officially reached 6 years old and rang it in with style this past weekend. School friends, family, and food made it a great day for the birthday boy.

Not even cold weather would keep the kids away from the pinata. Here are the boys messing with the innocent basher below.

Opening presents, he got some AWESOME gifts this year!

Sitting with Grandma Debbie

Eating some of the Transformer cake....can you tell it had blue and red frosting?

Blowing out the candles with all of his buddies.

Thank you Jess for throwing such a great party at home!

The Great Christmas Tree Hunt- 2009

2009-12-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

...Baby it's cold outside...

Hunting for the perfect Christmas tree is a family tradition that my dad has passed down to me and my family now. So, as winter approaches, we start planning the great tree hunt! Which tree would we want this year? How tall? Where are we going to set it up in the house? Oh the decisions!

The Tree Master...although we did have to honk the horn to guide him back to camp this year

Loula Bell and I, cuddling to stay warm!

Trever was a bit disappointed that there wasn't enough snow to sled in, but he did his best!

Yes, it was that cold! Hand warmers are a girls best friend!

Not much snow in the back ground...hopefully we'll get a chance to go play in the mountains again later this winter. I've got the chains in the truck....BRING ON THE SNOW!

Sorry there are no pictures of the trees we successfully hunted down. By the time we got them back to camp, we were all so frozen, we packed up and booked it back down the mountain. Hopefully I'll get some posted now that we have it all decorated in the house. Happy Holidays everyone!

Shaun's 40th

2009-11-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

My baby is almost 40! Looks pretty good for his age, huh?

Here are a few pics from our celebration. Don't know if he'll let me live it down, but I managed to plan the evening without Shaun having any idea! Good friends, family, and fun!

Happy Birthday BABY! I love you...

Alison and Shaun, shot #1

Beck and Jason

Shaun, Shon, and Andi

Me, Shon, and the birthday boy

Jackie and Shaun....I love this girl!

Alison and Shaun...a little later in the night.

Ashley and me....Crazy girl!

Shaun and Shon....two peas in a pod!

2009-11-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

I will apologize now for my absence these past few weeks. Fall has kept us quite busy!

Now that we are treading into November, here are a few pictures of what we have been up to for the Halloween season. Gone are the lake days...bring on FALL!

Landon and Trever, hitchin' a ride

Family pic :) Bright sunshine for our day at the patch

Funny group shot...self timer

Out of the sunshine this time. Shaun, Trever and I on the huge pumpkins

September, and still on the lake

2009-09-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

My parents have been doing some major renovations to the lake house this year. Their goal is to get moved in this winter. We've loved watching the transformations, and hopefully I'll have many more pictures to share in the coming months. Withe our extended summer weather, we've been enjoying the new front porch below...

Catching a glimpse of the Mountain from under the slide

Goggles!

The boys turn into little fish, spending hours in the water

Hopefully we'll get to enjoy the lake for a few more weeks. I love watching the snow slowly pile back up on the mountain, and fall sunsets are the BEST!

You can do it at a TROT!

2009-09-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember all the words to the Fair's theme song? I can remember singing it in choir in elementary school...it makes me smile to this day :) Shaun and I had our first "official date" at the fair two years ago, so going back each fall will hopefully stay a tradition. This year, we got to go with the boy, too! How much fun to experience the fair through the eyes of a 5 year old!

Watching Steve Trash, the magician

So much to see, no matter where you were facing!

T man catching a fish in the trout pool

"That thing is HUGE!"

Steve Trash asked Trever to be his assistant for a trick...made his DAY!

Smiles from the big kids, too

The boys in their matching camo shorts

Hands up on the roller coaster!

Da Bears ~ 2009

2009-08-29T21:22:00.001-07:00

The baseball season is almost over, and we've had too much fun! Trever played in Sumner this year, his team was The Bears. Sporting bright orange jerseys and hats, they took the field each Saturday and gave it their all. It is too cute watching a group of kids try to figure out the game...

Trever on deck, hanging with the boys as they wait to bat

Putting on his game face

Anxiously awaiting the baseball

The team huddle

Pimpin' on the ride home~Bears Rule!

Downhill slide

2009-08-29T20:13:00.001-07:00

As our summer is drawing to a close, we've been trying to get out and spend some time with our friends and family. Last weekend we got to celebrate Tom's 30th birthday at the Fuge house. Great food, fabulous friends, and tons of kiddos to play with! I didn't keep hold of the camera too long, but here are a handful of shots of our fabulous Saturday evening:

The little kids sneaking a peak through the fence. There was a goat out back that was pretty interesting!

The big kids playing t-ball

Some of the girls from high school

A bit blurry, but too cute! Momma Melanie and her smiley boy Easton

Shaun and I

Alison and I, smiles from a full belly

Who could resist this face? TOO CUTE!

Keira and Easton, think he's turning into quite the ladies man!

Easton, working on his tractor

The boys protecting the castle

Smooches, Slides, and Smiles

2009-08-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Annie and I enjoying the Sunday morning sunshine...

Auntie Lora testing out the slide

Fishie kisses :)

A rare natural smile caught on camera

The end of another great day at the lake!

Family Reunion 2009

2009-07-27T18:51:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I've updated, but summer weather has lead us outside most weekends. This past weekend was no exception. Each year, during the last full weekend of July, the Spencer family congregates for the annual reunion. Food, family, the lake, and sunshine!

Ready for the action

Andi and I

Landon, Caroline, and Trever

Auntie Georgia, me, Annie, and Lou

Annie Banannie and Maxwell

Let the festivities begin!

Trever and I, ready for the party!

2009 Buckley Log Show

2009-06-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

For the past 3 or 4 years, I've been a regular attendant of the Buckley Log Show. This year was no different, and Mother Nature was in full cooperation. We had beautiful sunshine, a slight breeze, a cooler full of cold water and juice, and two 5 year olds....

The boys had a great day at the show. We watched the loggers in the chainsaw competition, saw all the BIG trucks, and walked away with new hats, thanks to SPARKS and the National Guard. I'm sad that its over already, but we'll be back next year!

Father's Day Part 2

2009-06-23T20:51:00.001-07:00

Monday night, my grandparent's came up for dinner at my Mom's house. I haven't seen them for months, so it was another great night of family and catching up. Having four generations in one house is awesome to see! I didn't get many pictures, but here are a few of our Father's day continued...

She gets her looks from me :)

Gramma and Grampa

She loves to play with Uncle Shaun

My sista!

See? She's my mini-me

Father's Day Weekend

2009-06-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with my Dad on Father's Day was awesome! We had the whole family together for a bbq, and spent quality time catching up and laughing. Annie and Caroline were over from Pullman, Ashley and Trever were with us, too! I'll just let the pictures do the talking :)

Ashley and Trever

Becky and Jason

Shaun controlling the grill

Proud Papa and his princess

Single weekend!

2009-06-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

I am flying solo this weekend as Shaun is off with the boys. This is the weekend of their annual bike trip to Oregon. Sad to be without him for 5 days, but I'm going to take full advantage of an empty house! Oh, and I'm going to enjoy some pampering, too! Come back safe, honey!

Below are pics of last years trip....we'll see what comes back on the camera this time!

Think he got a little sun?

Beautiful country side to ride through

The sign is too fitting :)

Posing in nature

My studly biker

Lazy Sunday at the game

2009-06-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Shaun got a Mariners gift card for christmas this year, and we finally put it to use. This past Sunday, with sunshine and no kiddos, we headed to Safeco field to check out the action.

The Mariners won, which made it even better :) After the game, a trip over to Pyramid Brewery for post-game snacks. The perfect way to end the weekend!

The view from Center Field

Center Field Gate

SUNSHINE!

Watching the bull pen

Summer at the lake

2009-06-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

...has officially begun. 80 degree days and cool, breezy nights. I love it! Makes me feel like a kid again...

Back on Schedule

2009-06-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Trever and Landon....what a pair! These two boys have such an intense love/hate relationship. It's wonderful to watch the dynamic of their relationship over a few days. Up until this past weekend, though, we haven't had the boys on the same weekends. But the tides have turned, at least for a few months! We are now back on the same schedule, and the boys will have many more weekends together!

Family Fun Center

2009-05-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

One of Trever's friends had a birthday party two weeks ago at the Family Fun Center in Tukwila. We are a family trying to be very financially aware these days, so we didn't venture out to putt putt or go karts. Trever did have a blast playing on the giant jungle gym, though.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!

Carbon River Hike

2009-05-11T20:33:00.001-07:00

I love the outdoors! On sunny days, Shaun and I will wander around just looking for interesting places to take pictures and play around in the woods. This past Saturday, we headed up to the Carbon River Ranger Station and found ourselves on a beautiful hike ending at a waterfall. Here are a few pics of our afternoon...

Shaun, clearing the trail

Finally made it to the top!

The bottom of the trail is full of bridges made of the wood of fallen cedar trees

Tired, but smiling after our fantastic afternoon.

Worlds away

2009-05-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Shaun and I just got back from 3 great days in Leavenworth. We spent most of our time hiking around town and out along the Wenatchee River. Rain was in the forecast, but we lucked out and had nothing but mild, sunny days.

When we arrived on Wednesday afternoon, we got checked into our room then hit the pavement. I didn't get many pictures of the town itself, but it's everything you remember or imagine of a Bavarian town. Quaint buildings full of trinket stores, fudge shops, bakeries, and my favorite, wine shops! We hit up most of Front Street that day, then back to the hotel early to get rested for day two.

Thursday morning we woke up to beautiful sunshine and took full advantage. A quick breakfast in the hotel, and off to Enchantment park to walk the trails along the river.

They were so beautiful and well maintained, great for a morning hike! We watched flocks of birds skirting the banks, young trout jumping in the ponds, and read up on the history of the river. Spring time is wonderful to catch all the new growth...

We finished the afternoon and evening tasting our way around all the local winery tasting rooms. In the past couple of years, 8 new wineries have sprouted in town. Most only sell locally, so the wines aren't easily found over here, but they were wonderful! I think my wine rack is almost stocked again :)

For this last night in town, we hit up a fantastic place for a quiet dinner. Pavz is a small restaurant, open kitchen, one waiter, and 8 tables, none sitting more than 4. Local wines and beers were featured against a small but delicious menu. If you ever get a chance to head across Stevens Pass, I would highly recommend you check out this wonderful spot!

Friday morning, and more sunshine. We took another nature walk before heading out of town. Three quick days only a short drive away....Just another great reason to love this state of ours!

Stocking the shelves

2009-05-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Shaun and I got to enjoy 3 days out of town this week, thanks to a morning spent at a time share presentation. Have you ever gotten calls about those things? I wouldn't necessarily say they are worth it, but it was nice to get a free trip out of town. I will post more later, but here is what we came home with as souveniers...

The loot! I had to hold back, so ending up with 5 bottles is quite an accomplishment. These are all local wines, grown in Eastern Washington. At one tasting, we even got to meet the vintner. He signed a bottle for me :)

More of our Leavenworth trip to come soon...

Another weekend at the park

2009-04-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

I love the first true weekends of spring....cool, crisp air and sunny skies. After circling the parking lot at Bradley Lake park with no spots in sight, we headed down the road to Wildwood park. I loved playing there when I was a kid and besides some minor cosmetic changes, it's pretty much the same way I remember it. What a fun afternoon :)

A night out on the town

2009-04-14T19:52:00.001-07:00

Alison turned 30 this past weekend! We may be all grown up now, but we still know how to have a great time! Happy Birthday Alison :) Hope all your wishes come true!

The sweaty faced picture (lots of dancing!)

Brandon, Sarah, Alison and I

Awww, he even dances with my Momma :)

A walk in the park

2009-04-14T19:42:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am so completely over the snow/sleet/hail now! But, when sunny days come around, these memories are long gone! And so are we...OFF TO THE PARK :)

We had to break out the sunglasses!

Up, up and away!

And back down he goes!

Ahhh...the satisfaction of being tired after a fun day :)

Spring has Sprung!

2009-04-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today since we've got to get back outside to enjoy the last of this wonderful sunny day...

Had a fantastic weekend! Saturday, caught the Daffodil Parade in Sumner. Trever had a great time, his favorite part being the Pirates, of course! Sunday, we hit the park for play time and a bike ride, then home for some chores. Purging your closet of old clothes is so fullfilling! Below are a few shots from our sunny weekend!

Sunday's just won't be the same...

2009-04-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, our Puyallup Parks n' Rec team took second place for the winter season. I was asked to play in place of Melanie. At the beginning of the season, she didn't think she would have time to play, but luckily, she came back! We had a blast, through the ups and downs. Here are a couple highlights of our last night (turn down your volume for the videos):

Here's Melanie, dominating the net (red shirt on far side)

I still got some hammer skills (I'm in all black, with my back to camera)

Tom, Lynnette, and the kids came!

Mel and I, together again!

Our Camera Man :)

Into the woods...

2009-03-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

The first weekend of spring didn't bring much sun, but it was nice enough for us to plan an outing. We packed a few snacks, loaded up the camera, and headed out to Mudd Mountain Dam. Unfortunately, the park itself was closed. But there are some great hiking trails outside of the park that can entertain for hours! Trever-Man, as he called himself, led the way on our Saturday adventure.

Using the auto timer

Trever-Man

Shaun's close up

"I'm Okay!"

"See?"

Cylas

2009-02-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

I love live music, almost any genre, in almost any setting. Lucky for me, my step-dad runs the soundboard for a great band that plays locally. CYLAS is a blues/rock band, playing many well known covers from the 60's through present day. Last Saturday, my sister Becky and our friend Lisa joined Shaun and I for a fun night down at O'Henry's in Puyallup.... Here are a few shots from our evening out :)

They play most weekends, so if you enjoy a great night out with some classic rock/blues, let me know, I know the band :)

8 is Grrrrrrrrrrrreat!

2009-02-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

TAG! I'm it, again :) Mel posted this on her blog, and I am following suit, since I don't have much to post this week....Here are a few random lists of 8

8 Favorite TV Shows:
1. Biggest Loser
2. UFC
3. NCIS
4. What Not to Wear
5. Mythbusters
6. So You Think You Can Dance
7. House
8. American Idol

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Got my truck back :)
2. Packed my lunch for today
3. Posted on Weight Watchers website
4. Went out to dinner at Olive Garden
5. Filled my car up with gas
6. Balanced my checkbook
7. Talked to my momma about a future business possibility
8. Fell asleep on the couch at 9:30

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. Buying a motorcycle
2. Summer on the lake
3. Seeing my neice again!
4. Shaun and my trip to Leavenworth
5. Shaun going back to work
6. Paying off the credit card :)
7. Getting new pots and pans for my kitchen
8. Getting to my new goal weight (Mel, you're so close!)

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Mongolian Grill
2. Mazatlan (I LOVE mexican food)
3. Pig Iron
4. Salty's
5. El Fiesta (Oklahoma)
6. Almost any Teriyaki place
7. Leonardi's Pizza (from WinCo...it's really good!)
8. My own kitchen

8 Things on My Wish List:
1. To own my own home
2. To own my own business
3. To travel to Europe
4. To drive cross country on my motorcycle w/ Shaun and my parents
5. New laptop
6. New car
7. New wardrobe
8. To live happily ever after (yeah, I know it's a fairy tale)

8 People I Tag:

Okay, I think everyone that I know has been tagged, so I'll just wrap it up here :)

18 months

2009-02-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

February 11th marks 18 months that Shaun and I have been together. Most of my friends are married and having children, but I am way behind that curve! 18 months may not seem like that long to many of you but I will celebrate each day we are together. I love you baby!

Here are just a few pics of me and my man...

5-5-5 Tag! I'm it :)

2009-02-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Mel to post a particular picture from my files....I'm here at work now, but luckily, I've downloaded a couple of pictures :) So, 5th picture of the 5th folder....lets see!

Oh my! This is last summer...Shaun and I were out watching my step-dad's band play at a little place called The Pick n' Shovel in Wilkeson! Seems like something was pretty funny at the time....?

Oh wait! It could be Shaun's fantastic dance moves! Yep, that's it... I'm sure of it. The boy likes to shake his behind, what's a girl to do?

Now, I'm supposed to tag 5 friends to do the same thing. Post your 5th picture from your 5th folder, and then tag 5 friends to do the same... I'm fairly new to the blogging scene and not sure if I have 5 friends on here! lol....

So I tag

1. Alisha

2. Summer

3. Tanya

Okay, short list...but everyone else has been tagged already :)

Happy Tuesday everyone!

FLSTC vs. FLSTN

2009-01-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

Not many of you will know this about me, but I passed a Motorcycle Safety Course this past summer and now have the endorsement on my license. Yep, that's right! I am licensed to operate a two-wheeled motorcycle in the State of Washington!

Can't you just see me zipping down the road in black leather chaps? I will learn to love helmet hair, I know it!

Only one small problem....I don't have a bike yet. I do have it narrowed down to two options, but I like them both and can't seem to choose. Okay, okay....my pocket book doesn't want me to make a decision yet either. HUMPH! Here are pictures of the two bikes I am enamored with...what do you think?

FLSTC- Heritage Softtail

I even like these colors! It's very comfortable to sit on, great for long rides, and looks pretty sweet. Definitely more of a classic look...

FLSTN- Delux

Okay, my heart went for this one because it's a bit sporty, like me :) A little sleeker, but still has a classic look as well. I've seen some girls on this bike, and they look H-O-T!

I want one....I want both!

Alas, one will have to do for now....or later this summer, or when I get a second and third job to pay for my new obsession.

Fuzzy Wuzzy

2009-01-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Shaun is a bit eccentric when it comes to his facial hair. He changes it up on a whim, just because he feels like it. Below is a picture journey of Shaun's look through the past year....

February

April

May

July

August

October

November

December

I don't have a picture from today, but he's changed it up once again. He likes to keep things interesting :)

Weekend review

2009-01-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are behind us, I try to tackle one task each weekend. This includes household cleaning, arranging furniture, organizing files...you name it. This weekend, I decided to buckle down and organize all of my photos. This is no small task, let me tell ya. So, it's now 1 pm on Sunday and I finally have all my photo files saved on the computer and a file box, neatly organized on my shelf. Here are a few fun pics from this past year...

Shaun and I at White River Amphitheater, September 2008

My neice and I, Summer 2008

Trever, post mohawk

And pre mohawk

Shaun and Trever, cheesin'

Kyle and Shaun, October 2008

It's always fun to go back through old pictures and relive some old memories. Sorry these aren't in any particular order, but it gives a quick view of the Spencer/Cross household from 2008.

Can you say RAIN?

2009-01-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

I was all excited to have a quiet, relaxing evening when I got home from work today. I figured Shaun and I might watch a movie, I'd make dinner, and we'd fall asleep too early on the couch. BLISSFULL!

Snap back to reality. Have you looked outside today? My fingers are turning pruny just by looking outside! This rain is out of control!

So what happened to my relaxing evening? No watching a movie.....watching Shaun and his buddy Steve trying to pump three inches of water out of Steve's basement. Dinner? It came in a paper sack, hand delivered by Steve's wife Annie. Falling asleep too early on the couch? Umm...did you pay attention to the time this was posted? :) We walked in the door around 10pm, only to find OUR ceiling leaking. So now, we're off to make sure the roof doesn't fall in over night. *SIGH*

Oh the joys of a Washington winter. I truly wouldn't change it for the world. But for now, I am going to sleep restlessly, worrying about Steve's basement, worrying about my bedroom ceiling caving in.....

Wish us luck!

iPod, check....tennis shoes, check....

2009-01-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, props to me! Seriously....

Melanie and I had a good laugh on Sunday night, replaying memories from high school. The one that brought on the chuckles? Two words.... Lora and Running.

Did you laugh? Because I sure did. Come on....you can laugh, it's okay.

Running has never been my forte, ask anyone who had a PE class or played any sports with me. I'm like David and Goliath, fighting myself internally the entire way. Put me in a pool and I swim like a fish, but running....whole 'nutha story! Oh, have no fear though...I've done my fair share of running. Every day in high school volleyball, every day for college ball, too. I've stepped off many a mile. So why do I still loathe the very idea of running?

Simple....After all that time, I was unable to "get better" at it. I still fight it, 20 years later. It's a struggle for me every step of the way.

At this point, you may be asking why you should be giving me props. (Don't worry, I'm not really expecting anything....) Tonight, through the torrential rain and crazy winds, I actually went running, a whole 40 minutes. On my own accord. Not required.

huh?

Yep :) That makes two days of exercise out of the past three. Not too shabby for the first full week of the year. Keeping it up is a challenge I plan on winning! Through the laughs with a long time friend, I've found new motivation.

Mel....I may be up for a run with you....just give me a few weeks!

2009 reasons it's great to be me!

2009-01-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, I won't really list 2009 reasons, but as this new year kicks into gear, I am finding that my simple, ordinary life, is pretty good!

So, let me introduce myself for those of you who don't know me... My name is Lora and I'm 30 years old. I wouldn't say life is perfect by any means, but overall, I am truly happy. Why, you may ask? Lets see...

I have a wonderful boyfriend who makes me smile every day
I have a steady job that I enjoy (most of the time)
My parents are my friends and I love spending time with them
I have friends, old and new, who inspire me each and every day
Turned 30, lost 30 pounds
Started playing volleyball again, after a 4 year hiatus (THANKS MEL!)

With the start of 2009, I hope that each of you finds happiness and joy in the simple things! Can't wait to see what lies ahead...