January 1-5

When I was thinking about what I'd like to do in 2020, one thing that came to mind was taking the time to write and post more frequently on the blog. I also want to take more "everyday" photos. For some reason it's easy to take photos of little kids, but much harder when the kids get older. But I want to remember these days, too.

So my first resolution/intention is to be a little more active here this year. I've definitely let facebook and instagram rule my online presence, but I'm hoping to change that.

January 1st was a rainbow kind of day. It was rainy and sunny and rainy and sunny - all day long. We even had some beautiful, double rainbows visible from our backyard.

I picked this plant up off the side of the road several months ago. It was sitting out in the rain with a "free" sign on it. It looked sad, but I picked it up and brought it home. I re-potted it, took out the philodendron that was also in the pot and set it by this front window. It's HAPPY there and has so many new leaves. I just love it.

On Friday, January 3rd we had to go into Portland for an orthodontist appointment - the last one! Sydney gets her braces off in February!!

I was asking Sydney what she wanted for her birthday and she mentioned getting her ear double pierced. Kayleigh also expressed an interest in getting her ear double pierced, but we decided it would just be Sydney's turn. Well...it turns out that you buy a package, and it includes two earrings. At no extra cost they could share the package and each got one ear double pierced! I made them hold the teddy bear and pose with it.

On our way home we took a few minutes to stop and appreciate Multnomah Falls. We drive by this all the time and rarely stop (maybe once a year). But we weren't in a hurry and I wanted to see it. It never disappoints!

The weekend was a busy one for me. Our orchestra had a special concert with Sam Baker. He has a very interesting story and we premiered his Go In Peace Symphony - written by him, orchestrated by our conductor. Sam was the victim of a terrorist attack in 1986 in Macchu Picchu, Peru. He was traveling by train and a bomb on the luggage rack above his head exploded. Seven people died, including the three he was sitting next to. His story of healing and forgiveness is powerful and it was fun to collaborate with him. We had dress rehearsal Friday, rehearsal and concert Saturday night and another concert Sunday.

And that's how 2020 has started....