Family Extravaganza, Part 2 August 27, 2008

The more the merrier!  Fran’s two sisters and their families were the next group.  All ten of us camped out in our tiny condo.  Their visit was another jam-packed week in Portland and Washington.  We had fun catching up and goofing around with our three nephews and niece.  They are silly, funny, witty, loving and lovable…and now we have even more inside jokes…remember our piggy-back relay? 

I guess sushi brings out their silly sides!

A man after my own heart!  And all this cleaning before breakfast…

Oregon’s version of Burgermeister

Multnomah Falls (one of our favorite places to take visitors)

Multnomah Falls, second version

Could you tell they’re all related?

Looks like the chilly water tickled their toes

Enjoying a picnic and concert at the park

  Stretching for…

 

…some sumo wrestling!

Taking time to stop and smell the roses

 

Wee for Wii!

 

 

The ultimate mecca for the avid outdoorsman…a necessary stop for one of the husbands

Speaking of husbands, this is Fran’s camo when he’s hiding in a field of…yarn?

No hunting gear for us, but we did get some trail mix, beef jerky and peach rings!  Oh the bounty!

He plays a mean air guitar

We survived the crush of the market!

Taking a midnight swim…the perks of staying at a hotel

Could he be the next Michael Phelps?

Jokes, good meals, watching the Olympics and sharing life for a couple of days. 

More memories to tide us over until the next visit!

Back to School! August 25, 2008

Today it was back to school for some special people.  Fran’s first day back at Multnomah was today and it looks like he has another jam-packed school and work schedule.  If you remember, please pray for him and for us as we persevere through another sememester of busyness.  Sometimes we don’t even see each other often enough during the week to have a real convo.  We know it’s just for a season, but it’s hard when you’re in the midst of it!  

HCS started school too and a lot of my fam was there (mom, two sisters, three nephews and two nieces…did I miss anyone?).  It was our youngest nephew’s first day of Kindergarten!  It makes me a little sad thinking about how big he’s getting.  I’m so proud of him – he survived preschool and pre-K!  The neat thing is that he’s in my old classroom.   

Speaking of which, I really miss the classroom.  I miss preparing lesson plans, organizing my room and getting back into the rhythm of school life.  Most of all I miss the kids!  Maybe one day in the future I’ll be back in a school setting…

Did anyone else out there start school today?

Back to boring wheat bread August 24, 2008

I’m sad.  I’ve finished our last pan de sal (thank you to family for bringing us three bags!!). 

My world just got a little less yummy.

Tribute to Mom August 20, 2008

I used to teach at the same school where my mom is an adminstrator (elementary) and where my two sisters teach also.  Recently, I was asked by the superintendent to write a message to the faculty about someone who has had an impact on my life.  She was planning to read it during the teacher orientation and connecting it to their focus this year, “Passing the Baton.”  

It was a no-brainer.  My mom immediately came to mind.  She is one of the most humble and unassuming people I know.  But she is also a tough little cookie.  We tease her and make jokes, but we love her and treasure her.  And I know she would be embarrassed but I need to brag on her here a bit too.  And in true rubiorambles fashion, it comes in the form of a Top 5 list.  

What a cutie! 

 

1)     Joy amidst trials.  In her personal and professional life, mom is intentional in finding joy and satisfaction in the Lord.  As she clings to the Lord in all circumstances, I am drawn to her joyfulness and intimacy with her heavenly Father.

2)     Grace under pressure.  I don’t know how she does it, but regardless of the daily pressure she faces, she is still kind, calm and manages to look good!  Actually I do know how she does it.  Her grace comes from the Lord – and that is what gives her true strength and beauty.

3)     A teacher’s heart.  She has labored and toiled in the classroom for many years.  She has poured out her life and love to her students.  She knows that you all do the same.  I can still hear her earnest voice during our late-night talks as she shared her dreams for you.  Know that you are loved and that she prays for you often. 

4)     Looking outward.  As someone who has observed the many facets of her life, I can say that mom truly cares for those around her.  As her daughter, I urge her to relax and take care of herself more…but she can’t help it.  She is on the lookout for those who need her help.

5)     Looking upward.  The last thing mom wants is to get accolades for herself.  She is always quick to say that it is “by God’s grace.”  When she prays she often says, “Help me to hide behind the cross.” 

 

Through her example, I realize that I must to fight to lay down my selfish ambition and to carry out what He has set for me to do.  I need to run after the One Who calls me to love Him by loving those He has entrusted to my care. 

 

 

 

 

Family Extravaganza, Part 1 August 18, 2008

It has been a busy August.  We were so fortunate to have loads of family stay with us.  Now we are sad and missing them again.  This post is as much for me as it is for whoever reading this.  I want to relive the time we had together.  If you don’t already know I live for family visits. Actually, this update will be in two parts so that we can all savor each visit!  The first group that came was my older sister, brother in law and awesome, genius, totally adorable niece.  We had a great time reconnecting and sharing our life in the northwest with them.  They even visited my office and dropped Fran off at work.  One highlight was that they were here to help us celebrate our first-year anniversary.

Reunion at the airport with tito Fran

Her version of posing with a flower in her hair at Washington Park

A refreshing dip in the creek at Multnomah Falls

Our table number at McMenamin’s at Edgefield

Family photo op at the Space Needle

Unabashed pleasure at the carousel

Cannon Beach…it was cold, but she loved it anyway!

Our brave girl after an unexpected dip into the frigid waters

Sharing one of her fave foods – pizza!

Anniversary flowers from Fran

A hearty anniversary breakfast – one of Fran’s specialites 

One year wiser (maybe), older (definitely) and dare I say…plumper…

especially after that decadent dessert!

Our enthralled artist making a creative mess at the Portland Children’s Museum

Resting up for more adventures

Until next time! 

 

A Paper Milestone August 18, 2008

I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since this day!  God has proven Himself to us over and over again this year.  As Fran and I reflected, we were amazed at how God sustained us through the many life-changing events these past twelve months.  I’ve always been a big fan of marriage and I am so grateful to share life with my best friend.  In the tradition of this blog, here are the Top 5 things I love about the husband:

1) He cracks me up all the time.  I really dig his sense of humor and slightly skewed perspective on things.  His humor not only proves his fun-loving heart, it also diplays his sharp wit.

2) His strengths are my weaknesses.  I learn from him everyday just by watching how he does life.  I admire his unreserved faith in God, approachable countenance, spontaneity and culinary skills (the pounds I’ve put on are testimony to that!).

3) His humility.  He truly doesn’t care about being first (okay, except in Fantasy football, basketball, baseball, etc.), being the best, getting the credit and getting the accolades.  He cares that God’s will and work are realized.

4) He speaks truth to me.  God uses him to convict me of my sin.  God uses him to help me get in the Word.  God uses him to comfort and strengthen me when I falter.  God uses him to multiply the joy.

5) He runs after the Lord and fights to keep our marriage Christ-centered.  His unconditional love for me is proof of God’s unconditional love for all of us.

*Photo credits: RC, Family, Ate Lan

Sorry August 8, 2008

Hello friends and family!  Sorry I haven’t blogged in a while, but we have been busy.  I’ll have pictures up soon, but in case you were wondering this is what we’ve been up to lately:  my sister, brother in law and awesome niece just left us after visiting for a week, today we’re preparing for Fran’s family (two sisters, their hubbies, three nephews and one niece) who will be staying with us for a couple of days;  I’ve been driving all over the place for work; Fran’s been on a home improvement rampage.

I’ve been visiting your blogs and am having tons of fun reading and seeing what you all are up to…kilikina and Durias fam - you are my inspirations!