e-postcard

Postcard - Day 1
Mesa Falls

Blissful

Oh the many things I’ve seen and it’s only my first day! I was able to tear myself away from my adorable nieces and nephew about 11am this morning. And I have to admit it was with damp eyes that I pulled away.

So I was off across the desert of Idaho. Now some may think that this would be a boring drive, but I love to watch the colors and contrasts across the hills. I attempted a few pictures, but the skies were very hazy today. I am guessing it was farmers burning their fields. One of the most interesting things I spotted were the space-age windmills that were atop high hills every once in awhile like white sentinels ticking off the time.

Once I reached my half way mark for the day I started seeing the potato trucks… ah the memories … picking potatoes, gleaning potatoes… I think I even drove a car for the first time in a potato field. So I called my mom to reminisce of the good ol’ days in the fields.

I had finished my 16oz Americano with cream and two packs of raw sugar (not Kaladi’s coffee but it was fair) and was anxiously awaiting the next sign for a rest area when I spotted a sign for Bliss, Idaho… what a great name for a town. About that time I thought it would be Bliss-ful to have a rest area in Bliss. Some transportation engineer missed a brilliant opportunity by not putting a rest area in Bliss. I found a public restroom in Glens Ferry… not nearly so interesting. Although I have a faint memory of learning something about Glenns Ferry in my 4th grade Idaho unit.

My photography goal for today was to get to Mesa Falls before sunset. I made it with about 30 minutes to spare. I remember why this was such a favorite place for me to escape to when I was in high school. Although they have made board walks and won’t let you climb around on the rocks anymore… that was a bummer. But I did capture a few good shots. I raced around with my tripod and shoulder bag of lenses trying to get as much as possible while I still had light. It was good to get out of the car and be in the mountains. I wish I could say that I was able to spend significant time at Mesa Falls, but it was less than an hour. Then I had to zoom off because it was going to get really dark and I had at least an hour to drive.

I am now sitting in my Best Western room that I splurged on because it had free wireless internet so I could post on my blog. So having eaten an eclectic meal from my cooler and food stash, I am headed to take a bath and settle in for the night. My plan is to be up before sunrise to go over the Teton Pass and take pictures in the morning light.

Let the Adventure Begin

I am doing last minute things today in preparation for my big road trip. I am planning to leave tomorrow morning and go towards Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I am excited about doing so photography in Teton National Park and Yellowstone. And then I will head toward South Dakota to visit family and many, many other places along the way. Stay tuned to my blog for my travel and photos. I have even found some web sites that tell you where there are free wireless hotspots around the US.

I heard back from YouthWorks today and I didn't get that job. But it didn't surprise me that much. And it was an answer to prayer as I was praying that I wouldn't be offered the job if God didn't want me in Vancouver. So I am ok with that.

Well, I am off to do some last minute errands...maybe I will see you soon!

Snapshots

Many of you have been asking for some new photos on the blog. So here are a few snapshots to catch you up...



This is a snapshot Misty took of me and the munchkins...















This is Lizzy's lavender butterfly trails room. It turned out better than we thought it would. The piles of wood on the floor are the pieces to the bunk bed before it was set up. She is loves the room, the big girl bed, and following the butterfly trails around the walls.








And lastly, the amazing cobblestone drive way that we worked in this month... and then Peter built the fence and gate. So what you don't see is another 30 x 15 foot patio on the other side of the fence. The patio is done with the same pavers and will have a pergola over it next summer. A project for another year.

Butterfly trails

Lots of snot and grumpy babies... that has been the theme of this week. But everyone seems to be on the mend. Last weekend we painted Lizzy's room a light lavender. We put these cute butterflies on it and painted 'butterfly trails' with dotted loops and lines around the room. It turned out really cute... better than we thought it would. Then we put up bunkbeds in her room and moved out the crib. She is growing and learning more every day... they just grow up too fast!

I am doing well... making plans for my big road trip. I am planning to leave next weekend (30th or so). The first day or so will be a little sight seeing in Teton National Park and Yellowstone to indulge my photo habits. Then I am going to work my way to TN to see my new nephew...back to Kansas to help my aunt and uncle on a project...and then it will be 'as the spirit moves' so I am flexible.

On the job front... I had a phone interview with YouthWorks Canada today. I felt like it went really well. It would be a good fit for my experience and skills. I am excited about the youth ministry that YouthWorks is a part of and think it would be an exciting ministry to be a part of. I should find out if I am offered the job by the end of next week. If I do get the job it would mean moving to Vancouver, BC and getting a work visa for Canada. Your prayers would be appreciated.

Ashton James

Introducing Ashton James Lambing. This handsome little guy was born on September 8th. He and his mom are doing great.

Family Update

This is what I am doing most days... and loving it!

And on the family front... My younger brother, Wade, and his wife had a little boy on Friday, September 8th. Ashton James was born on his big sister, Kyrstin's third birthday and she is claiming him as her baby. I will post a picture when I get it.

Also, my older brother, Shane, and his wife found out that they are having a little girl the end of Januray. The babies just keep coming.

Last week I helped Misty and Peter finish their driveway project that they started last spring before the babies came. We put pavers in for a cobblestone-like driveway. I will have to put a picture up soon so that you can all appreciate the work we put into it. It looks wonderful and it was fun to do a project.

In other news, I ran into one of my sea kayaking guides from Beyond Malibu 2002 at church a couple of Sundays ago. It was so fun to run into her. She called me and invited me to have dinner with her and go to a Bible study yesterday. We had fun catching up on our lives. It was also great to meet some of her friends at a home-group like Bible study. All in all it is a blessing from God to renew a frienship.

Fall

It is hard to believe that this whirlwind of a summer is coming to and end. Kids have started back to school around here as the big yellow school bus that stops across the street every morning reminds me.

The babies are growing more every day and Elizabeth is adding at least 10 new words to her vocabulary every day. They keep Misty and I very busy during the day. The magical bedtime hour is always makes breath a sigh of relief.

I still don't know exactly what I am going to do for a job (I have been looking and exploring future options). But I have been making a few plans. Right now I am planning a road trip in October. It is my 10 year college reunion and I am looking forward to going back to Sterling College for a visit. There are also many friends and family members that I haven't seen for a long time and this is a unique time when I can travel. So I may end up on your doorstep one of these days and ask to crash on your couch.