Matthew & Annaliese

Kentucky Derby

2011-05-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

We had our 3rd annual Kentucky Derby Party complete with mint juleps, off-track betting and gorgeous hats! We just love our friends and family. Thanks to Andrea for supplying everything equine for the ambiance.

Timbers Game April 17

2011-05-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Great game against FC Dallas. Timbers won again! I do have a suggestion for them though...play like FC Barcelona (Champions League Champions) and you'll win every one!

Floor Remodel

2011-05-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

In April we had bamboo hardwood installed. We did our own demolition and are still finding wonderboard (cement) in cupboards and closets. It was a fun project, but we are so glad to be done. We're enjoying watching the cats skid out on the new slippery floor (no major crashes yet!).

Snow Day February 24

2011-05-30T20:02:00.001-07:00

Spring is on its Way

2011-02-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went to the yard, garden and patio show and Matt was inspired to get started on a composting bin. We also tried a sandwich place called Bunk. I had a great roast beef, caramelized onions, cheddar and horseradish sammy--so good! Also, here's a typical picture of Denali; her tail is so long she can wrap it around her body and completely over her front paws. She is such a lady!

This is Why

2011-02-14T15:36:00.000-08:00

4th grader: I got you Skittles because you're a lot younger [than the other teachers I'm giving candy to].

Progress

2011-01-24T19:36:00.001-08:00

The cats napped about a foot away from one another on Friday evening and then last night, both kitties slept in our bed! Denali had been sleeping on the couch when Ham commandeered her spot on our bed. Yeah for more cat fur :)

It's gonna wain.

2011-01-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

Kindergartener: Why is it rain? It supposed to be wain. Why his hat popping out his face?

Las Vegas Trip

2011-01-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

Matt's work sent us to Las Vegas for a business meeting last weekend. We were put up in the Bellagio and could see the water show from our room each night. We enjoyed dinner one night at China Poblano, a restaurant by Jose Andreas (one of our favorite celebrity chefs). We also got to go see the Cirque du Soleil "O" show in which the stage ascends and decends through water allowing high dives, synchonized swimming and chinese acrobats to be performed. Another highlight was getting to pet a lion cub at the MGM Grand hotel. Though a brief moment with the cub, I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the weekend!

The weirdest thing about being on "The Strip" was how commonplace it was to have open containers...this struck me as particularly odd as I rode an outdoor escalator while drinking a Corona. We were glad to come home to our normal lives, but wished that the 70 degree weather could have boarded the plane with us!

Enjoy the video and turn on your sound!

Movin' in the 2011

2011-01-22T17:14:00.001-08:00

In early January we went 80's dancing at the Crystal Ballroom, watched the BCS game (and danced to the Knect afterward) and snowshoed on Mt. Hood.

Beautiful Denali in the New Year

2011-01-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

After Christmas Matt and I got Iphones. I really like the photos the phone is able to take.

Christmases 2010

2010-12-29T20:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmases! We had 2 this year at our new home. There was plenty of great family time and delicious food. Hammond helped out by guarding the presents so no sneak peeks occurred.

Matt's Birthday

2010-12-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

Here's the handsome face of a 28-year-old at Piazza Italia!

Isaiah

2010-12-21T15:53:00.001-08:00

Nephew Isaiah wearing his "junkyard dogs" jammies with Annie Nannie.

Support Staff

2010-12-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

Matt and I were support staff members to Andrea and Mike (and Emmett) as Dad, Mike, ran the Seattle marathon in November. Congrats on finishing, Mike (in a Boston Marathon qualifying time)!

Denali

2010-12-21T12:01:00.001-08:00

Still the princess of the family although slightly displaced by the Ham. She has found new spots to hang out where her brother can't get to her--including on Matt's shoulders while he studied for his final Final.

Before and After

2010-12-21T11:34:00.001-08:00

Hammond

2010-12-21T11:19:00.001-08:00

This Lump-of-Love is an established part of the family now. We figured out that he is a Norwegian Forest Cat and true to his breed he is very fond of people...and people are fond of him.

A lot of ground to cover

2010-11-10T13:11:00.001-08:00

Me: What kind of fruit can you get from a tree?
1st grader: Broccoli.

All the important things

2010-10-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

1. I turned 28 and had a tea party with my girl friends to celebrate.
2. My nephew was born: Sept. 27th! I just love him!3. A new cat, Hammond, came into our lives.Hammond is named after Richard Hammond of "Top Gear". They are look-a-likes in the hairdo region. See?

Safe, Mrs. Beghtel, and Responsible

2010-10-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

At my school the buzz words are safe, respectful and responsible. Today as I left the specialized classroom, one student (3rd grader) said, "Bye Mrs..." and I filled in "Beghtel". The student tried it again "Bye Mrs. Respectful". I like it.

Where's the beef

2010-09-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

1st Grader: I have lots of bones.
Me: You also have muscles.
1st Grader: No, I have bones and no beef!

Glad to be back at work!

Leaping

2010-09-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Andrea gave me these photos to do with what I wish...blog!

More Jumping

2010-08-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Andrea came out to watch my jumping class today and took these photos. I've been riding Ladd for about 5 weeks and so far, so good! I think Ladd is a Haflinger cross pony.

New Home

2010-08-23T19:33:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of our new home, our one rose, and AJ and I a few weeks ago. We love our new home!

One Month Till Showtime

2010-08-17T12:01:00.001-07:00

Just about a month till I get to meet my nephew "Captain Eo".

To pass the time until Eo arrives we've had fun as a family playing home run derby!

I'm Back!!!

2010-08-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

After living sans internet for 2 weeks, I'm back to the blogging world. On July 30, Matt and I moved into our new home. We had tremendous help from my Dad, Amy and Kyle, Dan and Carly, Mike (and Andrea and Emmett--moral support), Patrick (and Maria and Reesa and Alison--we were quite morally supported!) and Matt's Dad. So, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! That first day, several neighbors came over to introduce themselves and welcome us to the neighborhood. We've enjoyed it here so far and Denali is enjoying some outdoor adventures. One adventure includes scaring the elves in the elf village that was left behind when we moved in.
The next weekend the family went to Crater Lake for a really sweet time of remembrance and to return my mom's ashes to the earth...I have the best family...I love you guys!
In addition to unpacking and rearranging our home and getting things home owners need, I've had a great time hanging out with Andrew who is recently home from studying in Israel. We've gone running together a few times and last week we climbed Saddle Mountain in the morning (it was really misty at the top) and then spent the afternoon in Cannon Beach. On the drive back home I came up with the fantastic idea (and AJ agrees) for a rock musical about the life of Christopher Columbus set to the Styx Greatest Hits album with Cirque du Soleil acrobatics (instead of dancing) during the songs. I do have some good ideas!

Tradesies

2010-07-29T21:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our last local-to-Seasons-and-Regions happy hour. We shed a grateful tear, but know, Seasons and Regions, we will return often...though by car or bike. That's right, tomorrow we begin the move into our first home after 4 years in this fabulous neighborhood with great neighbors.

One of our neighbors was outside, working on a bike frame for his wife when we got home from dinner. He said that he wanted to build or find a bike that would work for her small size. Since we're moving and I don't want to bring excess with us, I offered him my old hybrid bike to have and use as he sees fit (knowing his penchant for tinkering).

We chatted for awhile and then he showed Matt and I his other hobby which he is hopeful will someday become his business on Etsy. He creates the most amazingly beautiful and intricate designs in jewelry with maille (chainmail). He gave me this bracelet as a tradesies for the bike. I don't know that I would have chosen to get a piece like this given the money and instructions to buy a bracelet, but it is just perfect! I love it when a gift is not what I would have probably picked out, but somehow fits my style anyway and helps me to imagine the possibilities. Thank you neighbor Dave and best wishes with Etsy!

Enzo's Continual Progress

2010-07-29T21:24:00.001-07:00

The photo on left was taken about 3 weeks ago, the one on the right was taken tonight. He's alive!

Hermosa Beach Open AVP

2010-07-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

In the later half of our California trip, we stayed in Hermosa Beach for the AVP (beach volleyball) Open. 15 courts were set up, with one stadium court set up for the televised final matches. On Friday it was qualification day for teams who wanted to compete against the regular AVP seeded teams. We saw lots of great ball as well as enjoyed lunch at Silvio's (Brazilian BBQ) on The Strand...but we didn't see any celebrities. Walking back to our hotel room we decided to stop in at a grocery store to get some aloe (the sun was pretty intense in Anaheim) and as we walked through the door there was a Malibu Rum booth set up (they are one of the sponsors of the AVP). When my eyes adjusted to the light inside I noticed some photographers around and then I saw before me, April Ross and Jen Kessy...currently #1 in the world! I uttered, with my eyebrows sky-high, "What are you doing here?" and Jen said "We're signing autographs!". I was so excited to meet them as I've seen them play twice in Portland and couldn't wait to watch another one of their games this weekend. They said they loved Portland and that when we came to their games, to be sure and say hi to them. In fact, when they eventually won The Open, afterward, they ran over to us specifically and gave us high-fives and said "See you in Portland"! What a thrill. Skipping ahead, on Monday afternoon, the final appeared on TV here in Portland, and Matt and I saw ourselves on TV!

Now, backing up, on Saturday, we assumed that all the stars of the game would be in the stadium area (for which you needed a paid ticket), but instead the players were out with everyone else. We watched Misty May-Treanor and Nicole Branagh play and afterward I got to tell Misty that I'd just read her autobiography and that the part about her mom really touched me, and she said "Thanks". Also from reading her book, I recognized her dad by the way they greeted each other (touching foreheads). We also watched Todd Rogers (The Professor) and Phil Dalhausser (the Beijing Beast). Again, more fantastic volleyball! And may I say, the California beach crowd is so friendly...Matt and I felt so welcome!

On Sunday we also saw Gabrielle Reese and Kerri Walsh Jennings in women's fours. Kerri was making her debut back at the beach after having her 2nd child with fellow AVP Casey Jennings. In fact, they played on side-by-side courts and during time outs would cheer for one another! I also got a chance meeting with Phil Dalhausser and got a fist bump!

This was truly my dream vacation!

Disneyland and California Adventure

2010-07-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

Last Monday night we flew to LA (so beautiful to fly into on a clear night!) and took a roller coaster-like shuttle ride to our hotel a few blocks from Disneyland.

Tuesday morning we were up early and excited for all the fun ahead. We started out on Star Tours--an old favorite of Matt's and then Captain EO next. It was even better than either of us remembered. Next, we went on Space Mountain, which was terrifying the first time around, but the second and third times were so much fun! Since both of us were feeling a little queasy at this point, we opted to get the gentle, "It's a Small World", out of the way. Little did we know, the All Star Baseball Players were in a parade through Disney and we got Ichiro and A-Rod to give us a wave while waiting in line! We had such a great day going on as many rides as possible, watching another parade and the fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Not only did Tinkerbell fly by the castle, but Dumbo too. It was magical!

On Wednesday we went to California Adventure and got the "scary" roller coaster out of the way first: California Screamin'. It has a loop-de-loop and many high drops which also turn, and it was awesome. We also enjoyed getting soaked on the Grizzly River Run (as the temperature soared into the 90's), and enjoyed the 3D "Bugs Life" experience and "Soarin' over California". I thought it very cool how through visual and auditory and physical sensations (and olfactory too!) this ride tricked your brain into thinking you were really experiencing soaring over California's landmarks. In the evening we went back to Disneyland for the Fantasmic Water Show and to ride Splash Mountain (last time I was at Disney, they were building the ride).

Thursday we went to Disney again until California Adventure opened up at 10 AM and we did "Screamin'" and the "River Run" again. Then back to Disney. We met Mickey (and I got a smooch from him!) and Minnie and played hard until our feet just gave out!

Turn on your sound for this video!

4 Years: Best Anniversary Ever

2010-07-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Matt's and my 4th year wedding anniversary. We'd planned on braving the 98 degree weather with an evening picnic in the Portland Rose Garden. However, I got a phone call at 5:18 am from my best friend Andrea who said that she was at the hospital, in labor...a month early. She'd driven herself to the hospital. And her husband, Mike, was in California on business. And her mom was having radiation that morning. Andrea told me to go ahead to my riding lesson and then come when I could. I told her that we were praying for her and then I went back to sleep for a couple of hours. I decided to fore go the lesson and just went to the hospital. When I got there around 8:30, Andrea's dad and other friend Annie were there and Andrea had already asked for and received an epidural. She was already 6-7cm. Andrea's mom came after her session and gave Andrea a big hug, kiss and an "I'm so proud of you". Mike caught the earliest flight he could from Santa Monica, and because the airline had free WiFi, was able to ichat with Andrea for a little while on the flight.
Annie and I worked as distraction to Andrea until Mike arrived. Not 10 minutes later Andrea began pushing. It was like a movie scene.
It did not seem very long before Emmett arrived (12:02pm). He immediately began exercising his lungs and his parents began to laugh. They both did wonderfully and are thrilled beyond all measure--truly in love with this healthy little guy.
Because of the early delivery, Mike and Andrea hadn't yet readied many of the things they thought they would. It was funny to hear the medical staff ask Andrea questions about labor or the setup at home and she would reply "That's the chapter I was going to read next," or "I was going to set that up this week".
I left the hospital around 1:30pm (Andrea rocked it out while birthing--she's really efficient) and got a call from Matt who told me that we were required to go sign papers today to purchase our first home (more on that later). We thought this was happening tomorrow (the 9th). I picked Matt up from work and we went to sign and then went over to grab some things for Mike and Andrea (she'd come to the hospital with only her purse) and then had Uncle Matt meet Emmett. Unfortunately I forgot my camera at this point, but it was sweet to be all together with the fantastic family.
After that, Matt and I had dinner at DeCarli and he surprised me with Belgian chocolates from a shop downtown.
There were some major life events that happened on this day and Matt and I agree that it was an anniversary for the ages! It's always better when we're together. I love you Matt.

Black Butte 2010

2010-07-09T09:49:00.002-07:00

We were graciously hosted again by our friends Dan and Carly in Black Butte. We hiked the butte on the 4th of July and enjoyed lots of junk food!

Hoping for a Red and Orange Final Game

2010-07-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Number 7, Dirk Kuyt, is a Liverpool player on his way to the World Cup final! I'm hoping Spain comes out on top tomorrow so that a Liverpool member's win is inevitable (Torres, from Spain or Kuyt, from the Netherlands).

I love these guys!

2010-06-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

I'm cheering for Spain to go all the way!

Inavale Video

2010-06-28T12:39:00.001-07:00

Inavale Horse Trials

2010-06-28T10:48:00.002-07:00

This weekend I volunteered with my riding program at the Inavale Horse Trials. Each horse and rider team competes in 4 phases of the trials beginning with dressage, then roads, tracks and steeplechase, then a cross country jumping course and finally show jumping. To learn more about the phases click here . All day Friday I was a jump judge for the cross country course. My duties included reporting number of times the horse refused a jump, if a rider fell during a jump, if the horse was loose on the course or if the rider missed the jump all together.

On Sunday I was a part of the show jumping set up crew. Here I ran into the ring and set up rails that had been knocked down at a jump and then ran out of the ring since the next rider begins nearly immediately after the previous rider had finished.

Matt came to visit and take in the upper level (intermediate) cross country on Saturday...I think he's just about ready to begin riding too, it was all so exciting.

Happy Birthday Aaron

2010-06-28T10:48:00.001-07:00

Thursday was Aaron's 31st Birthday! Alison made a delicious spice cake with penuche frosting and their niece, Reesa, helped Uncle Aaron blow out the candles (all 6 of them). Happy Birthday Aaron!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T17:36:00.001-07:00

Pictured here are dads and their kids.
Dad-Aaron Kids-Quinn and Avery
Dad-Denny Kid-Stephanie
Dad-Larry Kids-Kristen, Patrick and Alison
Dad-Patrick Kid-Reesa
Dad-Dan Kids-Aaron and Annie
Dad-to-be-Aaron Kid- Jean-Luc? (see Alison's tummy...they haven't yet chosen a name, so I'm just making a suggestion).
We love our family!

Baby Shower for Emmett

2010-06-20T17:28:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Andrea's baby shower for soon-to-be-born Emmett. Everything at the shower was so bright and summery that I was sure Juneuary was on its way out, but to be sure, the rain is still here.

Andrea is going to be a great mom and it was fun to celebrate her!

Annie's House of Heavenly Hair

2010-06-18T21:41:00.001-07:00

After my last work day (yay!) I cut and styled my friend Carly's hair. Doesn't she look like an angel? I know my mom would be proud :)

My super cute sister-in-law

2010-06-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Here's Ali! She's about 6 months pregnant with my first nephew! I just cut her very long hair (maybe 6-8 inches off) and then used a flat iron to put some body in it...yes it is possible to do that with a flat iron--check out some youtube videos. Ali is just the best!

More Hot Tamale

2010-06-13T17:24:00.001-07:00

The weather is getting more summer-like every day and the rose loves it!

Cirque du Cycling

2010-06-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

A new family tradition (since it is the 2nd time we've done this). Denise's son, Aaron, raced with his team for 1 hour around a couple eastside blocks. His daughters cheered the loudest of anyone!

Seasons & Regions

2010-06-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

I think, for the past 3 Fridays, Matt and I have had Happy Hour at Seasons & Regions. We are never disappointed! Try it and you will be oh so happy!

World Cup Fever!

2010-06-13T17:08:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we had some great tickets to the Portland Timbers game. It ended 1:1 in extra stoppage time, though the Timbers were the dominant players through the game.

Yesterday we watched the US and England battle it out in South Africa and were pleased to see our Liverpool captain score one!

Also, I've included a pic of one of my best soccer injuries to date--the Y shape of the seams of a soccer ball and a rim bruise from the impact.

We're excited for this summer of soccer!

Fine Day!

2010-05-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

This morning we went to Pambiche, a Cuban restaurant, for a late breakfast with our "nearly due" couple friends: Aaron and Shirley. We got to try some delicious dishes including, tostones. They're kinda like french fries, but made from plantains. This was especially exciting for me as I'm a cooking show junkie and one of the shows I watch is "Daisy Cooks" in which Daisy recently made tostones. It looks like an involved, but tasty process. Daisy always says "Buen Provecho" at the end of her show, which means something like "enjoy [your meal]" and which I've also recently taken up saying at home. The "r" is trilled and it's funny to Matt when I say it and the "r" comes out wrong.
Anyway, we had a great time with our friends and are excited for their little one to come...this week or next!

On another note, Matt and I are house-hunting and we may have found the one! Kidding! This was on the drive back from the restaurant--more lawn cr*p than I've ever seen.
And finally, progress on our miniature rose "Hot Tamale".

Jumping

2010-05-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

Always Stretch Before Vigorous Exercise

2010-05-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

Dad and Andrew came to my lesson yesterday. My dad took video which I'll upload soon.

At the lesson, we warmed up by walking/trotting and cantering (and two-point at the trot) sans reigns. It is really something to feel so balanced and in-control while moving at about 10-15 mph.

In previous lessons I have jumped at the two-point without stirrups and rode in a posting-trot also without stirrups--and I'm staying on the horse!

I'm enjoying my horse-time and am contemplating having one of my own.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

We hiked Angel's Rest in the Columbia Gorge with Matt's mom, Patty, in the morning and then had brunch with Denise (and the fam) at Tualatin Country Club. Happy Mother's Day moms!

Balcony Progress

2010-05-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

It was a whopping 68 degrees today! I thought I'd show off some of the growth that has been happening on the west facing balcony. Our rose, still to be named, has tons of buds on it, ready to burst into some serious color this month. Enzo (our plumeria) is also changing. Changing into a Sarlacc, the sand monster from Return of the Jedi.

We also have a rosemary, spearmint, peppermint, black mondo grass, sedum and chrysanthemum. In the next few weeks we'll also put in thyme, basil, italian parsley and spanish lavendar.

What I've been up to

2010-05-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

Things that take up my time so I don't blog...
1. Work (going well, still loving it)
2. Soccer (starting tomorrow I'll be playing 2 nights a week, outdoor and indoor)
3. Horses (jumping...lots of jumping)
4. Survivor (best season yet)
5. Bible Study (studying Luke)
6. Cooking (on a new plan to buy ingredients and be creative, no recipes, many great creations)
7. Cleaning (have to make sure the travel mug is ready for daily tea time on the road to work)
8. Denali (she needs her petting)
9. Sleeping!
10. Hosting a Kentucky Derby Party

Dad and Denise brought the girls over for our Kentucky Derby Party. Avery picked the winner: Super Saver, while Quinn picked the runner up: Icebox. What talented twins!

Brady

2010-04-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

2 Thursdays ago I had my last dressage lesson with Andrea until after her son is born. So until she returns I've decided to move onto jumping. I'm now riding a horse named Brady (pictures from Andrea). During my 1st lesson last night I got a little hop out of him over an X of poles with one end of each raised to about 24 inches--which he could have just trotted over. It was really fun to find the sweet spot of balance, allowing the horse to jump unrestricted under me.

Over the Moon

2010-03-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

So excited! Why you ask? I'm gonna be an aunt! I'm gonna be an aunt! I'm gonna be an aunt! Aaron and Alison are expecting a bundle of joy with a due date on my 28th birthday!

Shamrock Run '10

2010-03-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Matt has now been employed for 2 weeks! Yesterday a coworker decided not to run with the 90 member team and handed off the race bib to Matt, who handed it off to me! Today I ran in the 5k race as a 38-year-old man for 26 minutes. It was a gorgeous morning, though frosty, and Matt got some great city photos while I pounded the pavement. Afterward, our best friends came over for a power breakfast of 10 grain porridge, waffles and bacon, as Mike had run in the 8k race and Andrea is expecting in August (we'll find out the he/she nature of the baby next week)!

St. Joseph, MI

2010-03-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

Still some snow on the man-made beach at St. Joseph on Lake Michigan. Andrew came here on July 4 last year. Then, the beach was packed for a huge fireworks display. On this day, just a couple of Oregonians and a man with a metal detector.

Night Lights of Chicago

2010-03-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

Deep dish pizza at Gino's East and then looking up!

Lincoln Park Zoo

2010-03-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Before the Zoo we had Chicago style hot dogs: bun, dog, mustard, onion, tomato, pickle wedge, and pickled pepper--very good, but too big for my parakeet mouth!
There were more animals at the free zoo (and more exotic animals) than we expected. These, of course, were my favorite on account of their being of the feline family. A new favorite of mine is the Sand Cat (felis maragritas, upper right), a kitten-sized, Yoda width-faced feline.

South Bend, IN

2010-03-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

I visited Andrew at Notre Dame during the first weekend of his Spring Break. Things we did include: meeting his friends and learning about the latin vulgate translation of the Bible in which Moses has horns, eating very spicy Thai food and then enjoying a pint at an Irish pub while listening to traditional music, buying delicious Vanilla Egg Challah at Breadsmith (thrice), visiting Lincoln Park Zoo (free zoo!), night lights visit to the Miraculous Mile (downtown Chicago), my first Mass, 8.5 miles run with Andrew (he's training for a 1/2 marathon) about campus), late night jaunt to the "Touchdown Jesus" Library and a trip to St. Joseph on Lake Michigan.
It's always great to spend time with my brother! Loved it all and am proud of who he is!

Spring Came Early

2010-03-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

We had a very warm February and it has caused Portland to pop with Spring color. A few weeks ago, Matt and I took our old friends/new neighbors, Dan and Carly, on a hiking tour of our Spring-y neighborhood. We began with the always impressive "Ten Commandments", then past the Gargoyle Castle and and then our hike culminated in a clear day view of Mt. Hood from Council Crest.

Gardening

2010-02-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

I got the enjoying yard work and gardening gene from my folks, but don't yet have a yard. I do have a part-shade west facing balcony that, although small, serves my creative needs for now. Yesterday, I planted this miniature (will be 2-3ft.) rose "Hot Tamale" --a Valentine gift from my Grandma in another gift from my dad (the pot). Thanks! I can't wait to share photos of the blooms (hot pink with yellow interior).

Slappy Cakes

2010-02-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

If you've done something twice, is it considered a tradition?

In traditional Valentine's Day style, Team Beghtel had breakfast with Team Schwoebel. This time we went to Slappy Cakes! There is a griddle in the middle of the table and you can create pancakes to suit your heart's desire and choose tasty toppings to boot! Other breakfast items are also available from the kitchen.

Weekend Celebration

2010-02-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

This weekend we stayed in town at the Kennedy School McMenamins --using gift cards saved up for an overnight out. A week after the reservation was made, Matt accepted a new job offer and will rejoin the workforce on March 1.

Needless to say we had much to celebrate!

Wake-Up Horse Pill

2010-02-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

You can guarantee that you are important to my dad if he makes you his "wake-up pills" aka chocolate chip cookies. For Valentine's Day, Dad and Denise made a "horse pill" for Matt and I (called this because it's huge, not in the shape of a horse). Mmmm...that's a lot of love!

Happy Birthday Andrew

2010-02-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

We love you 25 times more than ever!

Newest Member of the Beghtel Family

2010-01-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

Meet Enzo! Dad and Denise came back from Hawaii bearing gifts, and we were blessed to become the proud parents of a (ferrari) Red Plumeria plant. He won't bloom for a few years, but we expect that he'll grow leaves in a few months. Denali just adores her baby brother!

More Winter Sport

2010-01-23T16:05:00.000-08:00

Matt and I spent last Sunday up at Mt. Hood Meadows conquering the slopes. I skied and Matt snowboarded. We went with my dear friend Rachel and her fiance, Andrew, and had a great time...and sore muscles the next few days.

As long as I can remember...

2010-01-04T18:44:00.001-08:00

...I have always loved cats. While helping cleaning out some old boxes I came across these photos. I think I was around 3 years old and by the looks of it was granted all my wishes. Wish number 1: a cat. Wish number 2: a cat. Wish number 3: a cat. Unfortunately they were not mine to keep and it appears that when wishes number 2 and 3 were taken out of my little arms I was not going to give up number 1 without a fight. Not even for all the candy at the Wonka factory.

Winter Sport

2009-12-31T19:30:00.001-08:00

The family went snowshoeing the Monday after Christmas. Dad got to try out his new Christmas present (snowshoes) and AJ, Ali, and Aaron tried out the sport for the first time.

We went to White River Canyon and had a few peeks at Mt. Hood's peak as clouds mostly obscured the top. AJ, Matt, Denise and I ascended a very steep slope to a view point and then slid back down in the interest of time.

What a fun and beautiful day.

Liverpool at Kell's

2009-12-26T16:54:00.001-08:00

Here's Matt and I at Kell's Irish Pub this morning after Liverpool's 2-0 win! We're wearing our new team gear given to each other yesterday.

Thanks to Mike for coming on our Boxing Day date and taking this photo...you and your wife are always welcome on our dates!

Merriest of Christmases

2009-12-26T12:54:00.001-08:00

On Christmas Eve we celebrated with the Geist side of the family. After the extended family left, the Geist men decided that a lightbulb needed to be changed in the kitchen, but found that the bulb had detached from the metal part. It was major electrical surgery at that point to get the bulb out. When the new bulb was in, Ali enlisted me to help with preparations for Christmas day at the Kelley/Nicola celebration.

Matt and I spent the night at Aaron, Alison and Andrew's and thought that we could all fit comfortably in the King bed. Instead, we 5 all slept by the Christmas tree. Dad and Denise came over in the morning and we had breakfast together. Ali and I got really cute, Denise-sewn aprons which we promptly tied on and kept on until we had to change out of our PJ's to go to other family gatherings.

The Beautiful Game

2009-12-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

Matt and I are now on a co-ed indoor soccer team. It's my first time playing this version of "the beautiful game". A week ago I scored my first goal and last night Matt achieved a hat-trick. We won 7-3 and had the time of our lives!

We have also recently been addictively following Liverpool F.C. and like to discuss which players' moves we're going to use for the nights' indoor games. Last night Matt picked Steven Gerrard and I picked Yossi Benayoun.

Mice on Her Back

2009-12-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

Home Field Advantage

2009-12-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Home Run Derby Rules:
If the ball hits the back wall it is a double. If the ball goes through the opening to the hallway it is a home run. Anywhere else, it's an out (especially if you hit a pregnant lady).
*Game pictured right

Slaughter Ball Rules:
Run back and forth in the hallway by the opening to the living room until you get tagged by a ball. The person who tagged you is next to run.
*Try to fake out the throwers by tossing shoes or making running noises or daringly stick out an appendage.

The Grotto

2009-12-23T15:08:00.001-08:00

After a potluck dinner with our Bible study group, we went to Portland's Grotto to see their Christmas lights display.

Everyone came to our place afterward for some birthday lemon blueberry cheese cake for Matt!

New Horse

2009-12-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

Shortly after the Halloween Horse Show, I began trying out a couple of new horses. Although I adore Buster, I wanted to see if my equestrian skills were transferable.

I tried out Alison's sister's horse, Tigo, but wanted a more maneuverable steed (Tigo is over 17 hands tall and part draft horse ). It's like driving the Titanic!

I was then given the opportunity to ride Tucker. When approached with this new horse option, I remembered reading his stall sign, which clearly read: Not to be handled or ridden by inexperienced riders. Getting this opportunity has been a boost to my ridership ego. Tucker is certainly a handsome horse with Pinto coloring. He was gelded on the late side and therefore retains some stallion-like habits. He is a strong, willful and lively horse, who needs those same qualities in a rider. I enjoy this challenge and am rewarded by Tucker's speed, intelligence and courage. He's also a jumper, so I'll be able to grow with him.

Andrew's Home!

2009-12-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

Andrew came home from Notre Dame in the second week of December. We've enjoyed having him in person! So has Denali.

Some of the highlights so far have been: Yumm Bowls, Running 6.6 miles around Lake Oswego, Christmas Lights at the Grotto and hearing him drum again at church!

Christmas Tree 09

2009-12-23T14:48:00.001-08:00

We went out to the Beghtel family tree farm just after Thanksgiving and picked a Grand Fir for our home with friends: Mike & Andrea (and their dog Shadow) and Kyle & Amy (and their dog Rubi). This year Denali has left the tree alone!

Happy Birthday Matt!

2009-12-17T08:22:00.001-08:00

I love you 27 times more than ever!
Love, Annie

Inspiring the young'ns

2009-11-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

K: Where is your folder?
Me: I don't need a folder because folders are for students.
K: You will need a folder.
Me: Why?
K: I will be the speech teacher when I am growing up.

Awww or do my students really think I need speech therapy?

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

2009-11-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

Chickpea sized hail...glad to be inside. It has removed the last of the clinging leaves off the trees at work.

Hair Experiment

2009-11-04T18:24:00.001-08:00

I asked Matt to try out a beard for awhile, but unfortunately his genetics do not predispose him to hairiness.

While removing the beard, Matt showed me some other options:

Trucker and Magnum P.I. (a little sparse though).

I think clean shaven is the way it has got to be.

Costumes

2009-11-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

This Halloween I was a tiger and Matt was a Steve Erwin type character (with tiger claw marks on his arm and neck).

We had a fun time eating snacks and giving treats to trick-or-treaters and watching the Ducks dominate the Trojans.

I'm glad that you never have to grow up on Halloween.

Horse Show

2009-10-25T19:17:00.001-07:00

Andrea and I had our first experience with competitive horse riding. We performed a training level dressage test that included walk, trot and canter. Just a few hours before we rode, we decided that it would be fun to dress the part...I think we got style points.

I had to leave right after the test for my soccer game and did not get to stay for the awards. Andrea called me a little while ago and told me that I got 2nd place! I got a ribbon! It's going in my office.

In soccer news, we played 1 down and still ended up 5-0! What a brilliant day.

Autumn

2009-10-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

I have loved every season so far the year. Each one has had its own beauty and delightful memories. Fall is no exception with Pumpkin Spice Lattes and the brilliant crimsons and canary yellows of the changing leaves.

Happy Autumn to You!

Women's Fall League

2009-10-18T21:39:00.001-07:00

I've been playing on a women's soccer team this Fall. The team is made up of the women on my co-ed summer league team plus a few extras. It has been really fun to play this Fall, especially since I can now easily run past the defense as a striker...not so easy in co-ed.

My Dad took this photo today of our game near my apartment. We won 4-2!

This is my 100th post, I feel like I should be giving out prizes!

Conference

2009-10-13T20:35:00.001-07:00

This is the first time I've traveled (and stayed) for work! I went to a conference over the weekend and was blessed to stay with friends: Jay and Kirk. The conference was at a golf resort and it appears that they use natural greens keepers (deer).

I delivered a Cricut to Jay and we had fun setting it up and experimenting with the features.

I enjoyed having the couple to myself for the weekend, especially our time talking about faith and family. Love you friends!

Another type of pet

2009-10-12T14:59:00.001-07:00

Me: Do you have a cat at home?
PreK: No.
Me: Do you have a dog?
PreK: No, I have a brother.

Prepositions

2009-10-06T09:51:00.001-07:00

Me: What's behind you?
PreK: This.
Me: What is it?
PreK: A chair.
Me: Is there anything behind me?
PreK: Yes.
Me: What is it?
PreK: An audience.

Apparently I have an invisible audience sitting in my office.

Saturday in Seattle

2009-10-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

We went to Seattle on Saturday and our friends Mike and Andrea joined us on this chilly Fall adventure.

First stop: H&M. Matt got a couple new items including the sweater he is wearing in the photo. Last chance for new clothes now that he has quit his job and is beginning the CPA track.

After some shopping we had sushi and then headed over to Pike Street Market. We watched the Fish Thrower Guys and ate fresh hot doughnuts and stood in line for something called a Piroshky (a filled pastry). We walked to the Seattle Museum of Art and in the lobby was a Ford Taurus and Lights display...bizarre, but also very cool.

We also went for a drive along Alki Avenue and got some great shots of downtown. Finally we ended up at a pub called Buckley's and had appetizers while watching the Seattle Sounders (MLS team) play the Columbus, Ohio team in Ohio. Sounders won!

Congrats to AJ on his team beating the Huskies, we arrived at the pub too late to see ND make mincemeat out of the dogs.

Don't wear dresses every day.

2009-10-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

2nd grader: There was my friend and she weared dresses in the summer and then three weeks. Her thing in her mouth was hurting. So I don't always wear dresses so I don't hurt my mouth.

Why there are weekends.

2009-10-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

2nd grader: You can skip grades, but it's not good because you might be small. They stop the week for you can decide what's next, then they give you the list (of what to teach) and then you hide the list.

Where is this magic list, I'd love to know what to teach...no more lesson plans! But I will teach you even if there is no list, and you are small.

Notre Dame and the Cat

2009-09-28T17:27:00.001-07:00

I just opened the mail after a few days of letting it pile up and received a hooded Notre Dame shirt from AJ for my birthday!

Denali wanted to be in the picture with me, but alas was unphotogenic.

Here are some other of her worst shots actually taken in sequence:

1. Interested in the telezoom.

2. Thinking that the telezoom should be in her mouth. Yep. Those are teeth.

Wine Tasting

2009-09-28T17:22:00.001-07:00

We had beautiful weather on Sunday as we went wine tasting with Matt's mom, Patty. We went to Erath, Bella Vida and Torii Mor and then to a bistro for lunch.

It was fun trying to discern the flavors we were discovering in our mouths and found the aromatic descriptors to be helpful and occasionally bizarre (e.g. asparagus). We are excited to go again, especially if the weather cooperates!

Cantering

2009-09-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

I hope to get another version of this that doesn't tilt, but for now this is a video of me from my lesson last night. I am trotting with Buster and then transition into a canter and then back into a trot toward the end of the video. I need to work on keeping my arms down at my side, but there is so much to think about at this point...it will all eventually come together. And I love it!

Denali, the other greatest cat in the United States

2009-09-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

This is what happens every time we change the sheets!

My Birthday

2009-09-22T20:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my 27th birthday, but I have felt celebrated all week! On Saturday Matt and I ran the hills in our neighborhood and later we had Aaron and Ali over for dinner and a game (Life). On Sunday we went for a 2 hour long bike ride on the East and West side of Portland and then went to Mike and Andrea's for dinner and a game (Settlers of Catan). On Monday Matt and I went to my favorite restaurant, Seasons & Regions, and then had ice cream while we watched Heros.

Some of my blessings included lovely flowered headbands from Andrea and my Grandma and also a beautiful ruffled cardigan from my Grandma (pictured on right). I also received a pair of riding breeches from my Dad and Denise and half-chaps from Matt. Andrea also made a "Happy Birthday Annie" pennant hanging. It was a wonderful birthday!

TMI

2009-09-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

1st grader: Look, I'm freezin' my warts (showing 5 fingers on the hand).

Boy it's good to be back at school!

Wedding Weekend

2009-09-10T17:29:00.001-07:00

Ashely's wedding day finally came. All the family gathered at Resort at the Mountain for a full weekend of wedding festivities and rain! Fortunately Matt's relatives were from Texas and California and gladly welcomed the change (after not experiencing rain for 4 months!).

Ashley and Mikel used voice interpreters for the ceremony and with just a few beats clapped out, performed their first dance to the song "Jump, Jive and Wail", a swing dance. What a fantastic couple...both on the dance floor and in honoring the Lord!

Happy Birthday Denise

2009-09-10T17:10:00.001-07:00

We love you 60 times more than ever!