Drinks4Drinks '12

Drinks4Drinks at Eastlake Community Church was ABSOLUTELY incredible!

As a community, we raised over 700k for nations overseas to develop wells for them to make clean water.  to I was in awe of the acquaintances I stumbled into at the event that I didn't know went to Eastlake, let alone were Christians.  Just love finding other people who love Jesus and surrounding yourself in a place like this that believe it the better good to help others.

Herding Cats - a Kirkland favorite cover band

Besties - Kendra, Channah, Jenay, Stephanie, and Jessie

Hunted Jess down in the crowd of thousands!

the besties other halves :)

Check out this video summarizing all the greatness,
I make a quick guest appearance in it!!

   

"Greater things are yet to come .... 
Greater things are still to be done, in this city!!" 

FAV lyrics of Chris Tomlin's song God of This City.

 

CharityWater

A year ago I posted here about a young 9 year old girl from my church who tragically died in a car crash.  She had a wish to raise money through CharityWater, which flourished into millions getting clean water in honor of her donations overseas.

Check out this quick 4 minute and 56 second clip to watch her family visit the wells in Ethiopia.  It brings tears to my eyes as what a difference one person can make, and the joy the family gets to see it all in person.

 

My church, Eastlake Community Church, is hosting their annual Drinks for Drinks concert to raise money for wells in Cambodia.  It was amazing two years ago, and I can't wait to meet all our friends there Friday!

You can purchase tickets here, will I see any Seattle bloggers there?  

Have you missed me?

Wow, I had no intent to take over a month break from my blog, but let's just say that life has gotten in the way and that's a great thing.  I have been a busy gal and will get back in the swing of things starting today and will try to catch you all up on the exciting things that have been going on.  My grandparents visiting Seattle, us traveling to Dallas, a getaway to Leavenworth, birthday and boating shenanigans, salmon week, and a big trip we just booked!!!!!

Right now, I am just glued to the TV watching the Olympics with hubs.  Did ya'll see Ryan Lochte's American Flag diamond grill?  I only thought wrappers in music videos wear those, hah ... guess Gold medal swimmers do too!

USA women's gymnastics starts in 15 minutes, 

my absolute favorite!

Hopefully I didn't lose all my girls by going MIA!

Fremont Solstice Parade

Gabe and I participated in the 24th Annual Solstice Parade in Seattle.  It took place in Fremont, and we got recruited through a girlfriend who dressed up last year.  The Solstice Parade traditionally is known for (or at least what I thought it was) naked locals decked out in body paint riding bicycles all hanging out .... 

There is a first for everything, and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that we put ourselves out there this year to walk in the parade and let our fun side shine.  Now, don't be scared by our frightening looks, it's out there.  That is black paint friends and a whole lot of it as we painted ourselves from head to toe!!

 The theme of our group was Dothraki from Games of Thrones.  I don't watch this show, but Google helped me learn we are like savages :)

It was an absolute blast and I will for sure be ready 

to rock another fun and wayyyy out there costume in 2013!!!

Did any Seattle bloggers attend the parade this year?

Butterfly Kisses

Butterfly Kisses lyrics
Songwriters: Carlisle, Bob; Thomas, Randy;

There's two things I know for sure
She was sent here from heaven
And she's daddy's little girl
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life
Oh but most of all

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk beside the pony daddy it's my first ride
I know the cake looks funny daddy but I sure tried

Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every mornin'
And butterfly kisses at night

Sweet 16 today
She's lookin' like her mama a little more every day
One part woman the other part girl
To perfume and make up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world
But I remember

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
You know how much I love you daddy
But if you don't mind
I'm only gonna kiss you on the check this time

Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve her love every mornin'
And butterfly kisses at night

All the precious time
Like the wind the years go by
Precious butterfly
Spread your wings and fly

She'll change her name today
She'll make a promise and I'll give her aways
Standing in the bride room just staring at her
She asked me what I'm thinkin'
And I said I'm not sure
I just feel like I'm loosin' my baby girl
And she leaned over

Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk me down the isle daddy
It's just about time
Does my wedding gown look pretty daddy?
Daddy's don't cry

Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve her love every mornin'
And butterfly kisses

I couldn't ask God for more than this is what love is
I know I've got to let her go but I'll always remember
Every hug in the mornin' and butterfly kisses
© POLYGRAM INT'L MUSIC PUBG GROUP;

Butterfly Kisses brings tears to my eyes 

as I have fond memories of my dad singing this song to me.

Happy HAPPY Father's Day to my sweet, sincere, and witty Daddeooo!!!

Thank you for always challenging me, leading by example, and most of all for your unconditional love.  Couldn't ask for anything more in a role model.

la musica

This song makes me drive entirely toooo fast ...



I absolutely loved Rihanna's performance on the American Idol finale a few weeks ago.  Not only did she sing amazing live, but when she was dancing, I told Gabe, "I would love to have her give me a dance lesson."  HA!

And another song that never gets old!

What's your fav song right now?

What's for dinner

The Pacific NW makes a HUGE deal of Alaska's Copper River salmon ...

After hearing about it since the middle of May, I thought I'd read up on it

 to see what the fuss was about and try it out for myself!  

At $24.99 lb from Whole Foods, it's not cheap!

Link here:  What's the big deal?

The Annual Arrival of Copper River Salmon

Northwest seafood lovers have turned the mid-May to mid-June Copper River salmon season into an annual celebration. Seattle restaurateurs and markets compete to be the first to get an ice-packed shipment of the fresh salmon. Area newspapers fill with advertisements announcing availability at fine dining establishments. Local residents pay top dollar for chef-prepared creations that feature the Copper River delicacy.

Copper River Salmon are High in Omega-3 Oils

The Copper River flows in the state of Alaska. Almost 300 miles in length, this wild rushing river empties into Prince William Sound at the town of Cordova. Salmon that originate in these pristine waters are challenged by its length and its strong, chill rapids. Consequently, Copper River salmon are strong, robust creatures with a healthy store of natural oils and body fat. These qualities make the salmon among the richest, tastiest fish in the world. Fortunately, fatty Copper River salmon is good for you, as it is loaded with Omega-3 oils, which are recommended by the American Heart Association. Your heart is not the only part of your body that benefits from salmon consumption: studies have found that fish oil can help combat such ailments as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer and migraines.

Fresh copper river salmon with asparagus, peppers, and onions ... I love clean eating!!  I must say it is quite delicious and have learned the perfect way to cook it thanks to a dear friend Jamie who is a big salmon connoisseur :)   The final verdict, A+

***Don't forget to enter the VODA swim giveaway HERE, 

Must enter through Rafflecopter to earn entries!!