This is some of the jewelry I've made...

I've been making jewelry mostly for gifts for friends/family and just recently started taking a photo before I give it away.

Flower bracelet made with ribbon, fake flowers and a button:

Hair clips made with fake flowers and buttons (real flowers really wouldn't last very long):

Rings made of buttons ans beads... but don't wear them all at once:

Charm necklace:


Charm bracelet made with beads and vintage buttons:

An old pin, converted into a hair comb:

A hair comb with... you guessed it, fake flowers and buttons:

Yet Another Update

I know, I know. Here I am again, a self proclaimed “blogger” who has been MIA from the blogging world once again. You would think that summer would offer me more time, and it did; however, lots of little things became important and took my time. I think that is so interesting…. How you your time fills so quickly with lots of little things that you never saw coming. My plan was to get into blogging, take pictures, and create loads of jewelry. None of that happened. And now that I’m supposed to be working, all I want to do is blog, take pictures and make jewelry. What is wrong with me?
As some of you know Isaiah and I have had some major life changes in the last ten months. Isaiah, after almost two years of selling signs, decided he wanted something different in life. I know I’ve chatted about this before, but here we are now. Isaiah is working hard towards earning an art degree and then a Masters in Teaching and LOVING it! He recently submitted a portfolio of art for a grant, and got it! I might be kind of bragging here, sorry. But this means that God is still helping us out, by our side, seeing us through… whatever you want to call it. Getting help with tuition is more reassurance to us that we are on the right path, which is really refreshing.
In order to make ends meet, and make it possible for Isaiah to go back to school, we had to leave our beloved rental on the historic reserve. *sigh* It’s probably the hardest part of all of this for me. BUT, I am eternally grateful to be living rent free with Isaiah’s parents. Without that sacrifice on their behalf, we would not be making it. Yes, I do feel very loserish at times… the 26 year-old who still lives with the parents… it’s pretty humbling. On the other hand, Isaiah and I have been looking into homes to buy. Super, super cheap homes. Like, no more that $70,000. There are a couple that have caught our interest, but we probably won’t jump into it until we are absolutely, 110% sure. We are trying to be smart about it, and not desperate.
Summer… Isaiah and I did a lot of weekend trips and got to see lots of wonderful friends. We have some pictures on Facebook you can check out… During the camping trip I was recovering from pneumonia (which had me out the last two week of school… crazy!), and, though I didn’t know it at the time, my thyroid was on hiatus. My face swelled up, I could barely hike, and I kept throwing my neck and back out. It was a fun trip but very discouraging. I remember just being so frustrated that I couldn’t keep up with Isaiah while hiking… it was painful physically and emotionally. When we got home I went to see the doctor about the symptoms and she told me (in reference to the facial swelling): “Well, you know that one cause of facial swelling is lack of exercise.” I have to admit, I really wanted to slap her. I finally had some blood work done, and my thyroid was off the charts low. All my symptoms, including the pneumonia, were a result of how low my thyroid function was. It is so nice to have an answer, not to mention an easy solution. I’ve been on Thyroid long enough that everything is beginning to level out. It feels nice to feel somewhat normal again.
Fall… School started up without too many hang ups. I have all the same kids I had last year, which I am truly thankful for. This job is always proving challenging for me and my attitude is not always the best… something I am working on improving regularly. Isaiah took some fun courses and honestly, if you ask him, he’ll tell you that he loved them all. Isaiah and I did get a chance to complete some races we had trained for over the summer. Isaiah ran the Victoria BC marathon, and was seconds away from qualifying for Boston (I’m so proud of him). I ran the 5k race that same day with my friend, Maria (who graciously let us stay with them). The next week I ran the Girlfriends Half Marathon, which was a total blast. I will definitely be the first to sign up for next year. Thanksgiving we headed to California with my parents and visited family that we don’t get to see often. It was a long drive, but totally worth it.
Winter… Isaiah and I decided to take go on a staycation once school was out for the holidays. We stayed at a vintage hotel in Portland themed after old Hollywood. It was a much needed time for us, and allowed us to get all of our Christmas shopping done. These last couple weeks have been a whirlwind, and it seems like Christmas has come and gone all too quickly. Nonetheless, I’m still enjoying the last bit of my time off. I created a long list of New Years resolutions (including to blog more… go me), and decided to publicly post it as a way of holding myself accountable. Here it goes…

2010 New Year Resolutions
Be more giving of my time :: Listen more, talk less :: Be more open with others :: Spend less, save more :: Call my loved ones more often :: Reconnect with friends :: Pray more :: Find contentment in the little things :: Find joy in my job every day :: Walk the dog more :: Blog more often :: Eat healthier :: Work out more regularly :: Take up Yoga or Pilates

Dear Friends

It has been a long time since I’ve updated my blog for a few reasons: 1) this is kind of my off season… weather seems to play a big role on my mood, 2) I’m on Facebook now, which is proven to be a complete time suck and 3) it’s just been really busy. I’m so sorry for not keeping up and miss hearing from you all very much. Here is a list of new things in my life…

:: I’ve been taking piano lessons :: At the end of the month we’re moving in with the in-laws (typical in-law stereotypes may tell you otherwise, but it is a good thing) :: Isaiah is going back to school for an Art degree and a Masters :: I am STILL looking for a part time job to lessen the blow of my income becoming tuition :: Isaiah is working towards opening Studio 80/20 by April… it will feature John Wyckoff’s art :: I got a tattoo : ) :: We have to be out of our place by the end of the month, which has caused me to grow premature gray hairs… I hate moving :: I am planning on opening a booth at the farmers market with a friend to sell jewelry…step 1) start making jewelry :: I am also considering switching positions within my school… life skills to learning support… not sure yet ::

Looking at this list, it doesn’t seem like a lot. However, I’ve been busy with the little things in between. I hope to be better about blogging. Miss you all and love you much.

Our E-Christmas Letter 2008. (By Isaiah & Rachel)

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope that you are all doing well and have had an enjoyable time with your families this season. As is characteristic of all Christmas letters here's our annual recap, Facebook style.

Rachel...
... is enjoying teaching and loves her students. They are a great joy to her and she misses them over school breaks.
... has sold her first artwork for Studio Eighty Twenty!!!
... is taking piano lessons on Monday nights and loves it!
... has started making jewelry and loves making homemade cards.
... has enjoyed co-leading Artful Worship at Compass church with Isaiah. It's been a blast meeting every Thursday night with friends to do art together.
... ran the Portland Marathon
... purchased a "Buddy" scooter to relive her European memories and for cheap gas. It only costs us $1.65 to go 70+ miles.
... loves Mama Mia and is constantly singing Abba now and dancing at home.
... loves the church they are plugged into in Vancouver.
... falls more in love with her husband every day.

Isaiah...
... has been enjoying painting and is looking into going back to school to focus on art and teaching.
... has enjoyed spending time painting and discussing art with his Dad in his art studio.
... also loves the church he's been plugged into and has enjoyed getting to know the people there
... is the other co-leader of Artful Worship and loves it. It's been great producing art together on a common theme and seeing what each person comes up with.
... is thankful to be married to such a wonderful woman.
... enjoyed training for and running the Portland Marathon with Rachel and his brother Casey.
... also really enjoyed traveling to Bigfork, Montana this last summer, going out to dinner at Showtime and Invite with Rachel, spending time with family and going to the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.
... loves that Rachel is an awesome chef and believes she can make a great meal out of anything.
{Rachel thinks Isaiah trying to suck up to her for that last comment}

We love you all and wish everyone a great new year!

Isaiah and Rachel

Check out my first video!

Anybody have some fun snow adventures to share??

Back to school...
Isaiah is planning on going back to school. He wants to be an art teacher, which is cool. We figured he can get his Masters in Education first, and use that to sub while he gets his BA in the arts. I'm pretty excited for him... I want him to be happy with his career choice when we decide to start a family. However, this plan will require a lifestyle change for us... For starters, I'm going to get a second job. This kind of stresses me out, but I know that it is only for a season. Also, it means that our potential plans to buy a house or land is temporarily postponed. We really like where we are living, and since our cousin is living with us rent isn't so bad. I'm actually really grateful that he is pursuing this. He has been so frustrated with his current job, not feeling like he's making much difference in the world, and I think he will go into school with a new fire burning in his belly. How are you supposed to know what you want to do with your life at 19? The system is so backwards!

Anyway, I've dropped off six different applications... not too many people are hiring these days for obvious reasons. So say a little prayer for me : ) Love you all!

God's Little Angel



Last weekend, after fighting for her life and her every breath, a former student of mine went to be with Jesus. I can't even express in words the ache that I feel inside for the loss of this precious life. Although, I know that she is in heaven right now, running, talking, laughing and blowing kisses to all her friends and family... I would love to see that. The thing is, I know that I will experience loss; it comes with the work that I do, but the reality of it all is so painful. I've been with some of my students for 3 years, and I can't imagine what I would do if I lost them. I don't know; I guess her death puts too much into perspective for me. Anyway, please be praying for the family, our classes and staff.

Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come.
--Rabindranath Tagore

WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING...

Hi all. It's been a busy couple of months. This is probably the first weekend I have had to just be at home and it feels like an actual weekend... relaxing. I've been taking photos more and am becoming better at chronicling my life; I just need to complete the last step and actually post about it! Even though things have been busy, life has been good.

So think back two weekends ago, the weekend before Halloween -- We went to a pumpkin carving party at our friends house. It was great re-connecting with old friends! Unfortunately I don't have much to show except our pumpkin. Isaiah and I both finished carving, and realized that our two unique pumpkins would make one great pumpkin if we combined them. So meet the Monkey...

That same weekend we were doggy sitters for my in-laws. Sammy doesn't get out much, so we really wanted to treat him to something wonderful. We decided to take a trip to Hood River and do part of the fruit loop (a series of fruit and wine tasting stands along the Hood River scenic highway). It turns out that Sammy doesn't care too much for traveling. He got pretty anxious as we were driving through Portland, and he really didn't like it when we would make multiple stops, get out and leave him inside. So, we went down to the river a little earlier than planned and let him play while we watched the kite surfers. I think that made up for it all... he was a pretty happy and tired pup at the end of the day.

Last weekend we made a last minute trip up to Gig Harbor to visit our Aunt and Uncle and to do their art walk. Isaiah and I love road trips together, so it was great to actually feel like we went away for a while. We ended up going to a 50's dance with them Saturday evening... yeah, I know. It actually turned out to be fun... Isaiah and I had a blast just laughing at each other and over emphasizing the silly moves they would teach us.

This weekend I had the chance to deep clean like I've been fantasizing about for so long (I know, I'm crazy). I also went to Ikea with big plans to completely re-do our bedroom that has been the same for six years! Isaiah was sweet enough to ask if he should come (he hates Ikea), and I told him I wanted to go by myself. You should have seen me tyring to squeeze a box with a bed frame in it into the car. I don't know how many strapping fellows walked by watching me sweat and try to get the thing in and NOT offer to help. Anyway, I ended up taking the bed frame out of the box and putting it in with minor cuts and scrapes to the upholstery on the Subaru... cardboard was all over the parking lot thanks to the windy weather. Oh well! Anyway, to make up for not being there to help me, Isaiah helped me put together the room without complaint. I'm still keeping my eye out for pillows and a blanket to help tie the blue and red together.

In the midst of our busyness we have found time for date nights. When the weather is kind, we ride our bikes to Ice Cream Renaissance (or the ICR, if you're a local). My current fav is the Northwest Afternoon-- coffee ice cream with cinnamon and pieces of chocolate. Isaiah and I also are making more time for art these days. Check out his latest...

It's acrylic on plywood. The tree is the negative space.. you can't really tell from the picture. A picture of an apple is nailed on, and at the bottom he painted an apple that is eaten. He wants to do a larger piece with more trees. I'm excited to see what happens!

Well, that is our life so far. I hope you are all well!

I love fall.

I am sooo in love with this season! The last few days have been perfect; sunny and brisk. Here is my list of the top ten (or twelve) things I love about Autumn (in particular order):

Invigorating walks with all the colors and the nip in in the air :: I love that I can start making soups again-- Soup in 80 degree weather just doesn't have the same appeal as it does on a 50 degree day :: Yogi Ginger tea with a little honey...yumm :: Apples... Golden Delicious have been the fav so far :: The make shift pumpkin patch with my students (we set up pumpkins in the gym, and let them pick out their own) :: Pumpkin spice lattes, hold the whip :: Wearing layers; tank, then a long sleeve shirt, then sweater, then puffy vest, then a scarf ... perfect :: Adding the heater blanket to my bed :: Butternut squash soup (add a little sour cream and pomegranate sprinkles on top) :: One word, Thanksgiving :: Fuzzy slippers :: Fatty, fuzzy wannabe Ugg boots

What are some of your favorites?

We Did It!!

It's over. Thank you Lord it is over. I have to admit that this race was the most physically painful, emotionally exhausting and humbling experience of my life so far. But you know... I did it and I finished. I am exactly what that shirt says... I am, a "finisher," I couldn't ask for more. Isaiah and his brother did amazing (as expected), they both finished around 3hours 40minutes (yeah.... I know). Isaiah admits it was tiring and painful towards the end, but thinks he will do another one next year. Me? My legs were already tired and sore at mile 11... not good. I also got really hungry at mile 13 and GU only gets you so far before your stomach starts hurting from the excess glucose (the equivalent of PMS cramps). So, I was hungry, tired and cold all before I was half way through this ordeal. Did I mention that the Portland Marathon has had a 27 year record of no rain on race day? We broke that record this year : ) It was a nice, steady drizzle for mile 4 to 22 and I was sporting a tank and skort (they're all the rage in the running world). Needless to say, I had a more challenging run than expected, and honestly don't know if I'll do it again (sorry Jenny). I will say... as I was coming up to the crowd of people at the last .3 miles, this cute little old man (who was running his 75th marathon at age 75) started passing me... and I thought NO WAY, I refuse to let this sweet grandpa show me up. I don't know where it came from, but I picked it up and passed up 5 people before I crossed the line. Go me : )

pesky vermin

Dear Squirrels,

This was a once happy-go-lucky tomato, growing freely (and alone) on its vine. It did nothing to you. Don't even look at me with those "innocent" eyes, I know you're to blame. I know you heard me talking to Isaiah about eating it with dinner the next night. I can almost see the wheels turning in your pea-sized brains... the perfect plan to ruin my evening! I admit that we have had our share of ups and downs, but you have to admit that you started it... remember my precious grape vines that you ripped to pieces? They were defenseless against your ruthless clawing! I did strike back; chasing you guys down with super soakers was the highlight of my summer. Now that the dreaded acorns are ripe, you've found a weapon of your own, but you know what... You're aim sucks! And guess what else... I used pesticides! Yeah, that stomach ache isn't from all the acorns... who's laughing now?!

the tortoise and the hare

Yesterday Isaiah and I completed our final benchmark run before the marathon. We completed 21 miles. Yeah! A lot of people wait until that run before they sign up for the race, but not Isaiah and I... we were committed before we knew we could complete all but five miles of the big run. Anyway, we did make it. Isaiah finished at 3hours 15minutes and had a 7-8min/mile pace.... show off. I finished at 4hours and 15minutes with an overall pace of 11-12min/mile, BUT I had plenty of energy to pick up my pace for the last mile (passing up 9 people) AND I did get stuck at a train crossing for about 5 minutes. So there you have it, I now believe that I can complete a marathon.

We celebrated with a BBQ complete with burgers, cheddar-beer chips and Corona... Bring on the calories! I got a little fancy with the camera, take a look...

grow little garden grow...




With the recent and unusual string of warm sunny weather it seems my pathetic little garden has been given a second chance. Our single tennis ball sized tomato is turning a lovely shade of red and our green beans are creeping their way up the pole. We've already picked and eaten our banana pepper (approximately the size of my pinky), so can Isaiah and I officially call ourselves "gardeners" now?

Happy Anniversary to US!

Since Saturday we have been married for 6 years! It is so exciting to know that over these six years of marriage we have only grown closer together. The celebration started on Friday after work...

We headed into P-town for happy hour at Carlyle, known for their unique bartending. Afterwards Isaiah surprised me with a trip over to Doug Fir to get tickets for the Music Fest NorthWest to enjoy a unique line up of bands (none of whom I'm familiar with). We did manage to sneak in a bite from the Greek Deli next door because it just sounded sooo good, and it was. The first few bands were great and different in their own way, but my early five o'clock morning wake up was catching up to me. (sorry, I don't have a single picture of this part of the weekend)

On Saturday morning I woke up to the lovely aroma of smoked salmon cakes with a poached egg topped with creme fraiche and dill... yum. We took our time eating and then got ready to go into Portland again for a wine blending class at Urban Wine Works. I never realized the science behind wine tasting and blending, it was so fun! We blind tasted three separate reds and compared the difference in taste when mixing two together then three... Our instructor let us play with the percentages until we found a blend that we liked best, then mixed our own bottle. Afterwards we did a little shopping, grabbed some much needed food and then went home for a relaxing afternoon napping, reading, biking and watching a movie. Isaiah had planned on making a big dinner that night with salmon and other yummies, but we were too full, so we had it for lunch on Sunday.

Any ideas on what to make with leftover salmon, potatoes, various cheeses, asparagus, artichokes and dill?

Anyway, Thanks for the amazing weekend babe! Loves to all, Rachel

Out of the Stone Age...

Can you believe that it has taken Isaiah and I this long to get Internet? We finally have a quick connection, so no more checking the e-mail and blogs at the 'rents place. It feels good to know that I will be more in touch with long distant friends and family. Well, this summer has flown by! I had a couple weeks in the beginning of June where I literally had nothing to do except deep clean the house and read! It was AMAZING! Then I spent the later part of June in a Pro-Cert class preparing evidence gathering tools for the coming Fall (whoop-de-do). Then August hit.... I spent the first week in Montana, which was tons of fun! Then came home and spent a day cleaning clothes only to pack them back up and head with my Mom, Dad and brother to my Uncle Mikes funeral in California. It was a difficult four days, but it felt good to be surrounded by family. When I came home I had two days to wash clothes and repack for a family reunion in Yakima with Isaiah's family. I can't tell you how good it felt to have a four consecutive days to recover from all that madness! We had our last hurrah with my parents and brother at McKenzie River, where my brother retreats every summer with his fellow brothers. School meetings have begun and classes start on Wednesday and I'm left feeling bittersweet about it all. I miss my students, but I will also miss doing my own thing! A definite bonus about returning to work is my new commuter vehicle.... meet Buddy. He's zippy, cute, and gets 75 miles to the gallon. Rain or shine, he and I will have a great time together! Isaiah and I are constantly trying to think of little errands we need to run or places we need to go, just to ride Buddy.

Well... consider yourself updated. Loves to all, Rachel

Double Digits and Other Tid-Bits

It was about 9:05 on Sunday when I finished running my first 10 miles since my half marathon three years ago. I’ve been training for this marathon with Vancouver Fit, which has made the long Sunday group runs more bearable. No offense to my former training buddies, but having a group of professionals plan your workouts and give you advice has made a huge difference in my own performance. I mean I would have never thought heart rate monitors, VO2 testing, Chi running techniques and training with water would make a difference. Okay… so before Vancouver Fit I wouldn’t even have known what VO2 testing or what Chi running techniques were. Anyway, despite the butterflies before the run I felt good. Isaiah felt good as well; he is in the faster group who runs one mile more than my group, and he ran 11 miles with a blister on his toe…so hardcore. On June 14th we will be running our half marathon.... yipee!

At church we started a new series titled Roots. We read out of Romans 1:16-17 -- “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it written: “The righteous will live by faith.” -- I know that the gospel and its message are intended to show me that Jesus conquered death for humanity. In the verse, the word “power” means dynamite, an intense force, miraculous and life changing. Allowing the gospel message and its power happen in my life is a personal battle for me. Our pastor asked the question, “What are our ‘little saviors’?” What do we use to replace the True Savior? This hit me pretty hard, because I know that I don’t turn to God as often as I should… I fill those moments when I could rest/rejoice/act in Him with shopping, eating, movies, running, reading… Not that those things are bad, but when a need or a hole needs to be filled in my life, I shouldn’t be expecting to fulfill it with anything else but God.

Okay my crazy babble has temporarily subsided. I hope you all enjoy this lovely Memorial Weekend. I think I’ll spend the day in my PJ’s, thinking about summer plans. There are less than four weeks left of teaching and I am so in need of a recharge!

Mom

My mother is one of those "true" moms that the world seems to lack these days. If I'm not feeling well or have had a bad day, she knows. It's like this strange intuition that I won't understand until I have kids of my own. She knows how to laugh and cry with me, and shares in my joys and sorrows with pure and simple honesty. Did I mention that my mother is a culinary genious? Well she is, and she does not hesitate to give Isaiah and I a hot meal whenever we come over. She is thoughtful and loves her kids. I love you Mom and hope that you enjoy your special day.

Happy Mother's Day

Up to date

So I realize it has been a while since I posted. Maybe this faulty blogging pattern on my behalf answers the question of why my "links" list is so stinkin' short. For those who care, here is an update on the recent happenings of my life...

Challenge Games

This is our biggest field trip of the year. Challenge Games is the equivalent of Special Olympics, and my kids LOVE it! Last year we didn't have as many kids attend because the plague (a.k.a. the common cold) swept through the class the week before. This year, I had twice the amount of kids attend. It was crazy but fun! This multi-district event makes this day so special for the kids... they get prizes, treats, recognition, preferential treatment, a gold metal... each student competes in two events with crowds of people cheering them on, it's amazing. This picture is a student of mine whose mother I know well, so I don't think she minds if I post it.

Spring Break

Amazingly enough, Isaiah and I got to visit my Grandma and Grandpa in Arizona for a few days. It felt sooo good to get away! Plus, I hadn't seen my Grandparents for a while... It was short but fun. Isaiah and I were able to warm ourselves back up (only to return to the sub zero-rain-wind-hail weather back home, but whatever), eat the best pizza and Mexican in the US, hike desert trials, smell orange blossoms, and share slow mornings on the patio. I wish we had more pictures. We will definitely treasure the meals and conversations shared with two wonderful Grandparents. They have the best stories!

Day Trip

It's humorous to me that the shortest trip Isaiah and I embark on is the one with the most pictures! We met up with my parents on the Oregon Coast and took part in a day of their mini-holiday. It was so fun being silly, enjoying the long awaited sunshine, and playing on the beach. After an award winning breakfast the Hawk Creek Cafe, we skim-boarded.... okay, okay, Isaiah skim boarded and I posed for the camera. Then we went back to their condo and soaked in the hot tub and whale watched. Oh my goodness, how perfect is that? Thanks Mom and Dad for the good memories!

Other tidbits

Isaiah and I were walking to the Saturday Market one morning and saw a huge group of runners with Vancouver Fit go by, his brother Casey was among them. We felt good cheering them on, and with those good feelings came the idea of... Why aren't we running with them? We could train for a marathon together! So it came to be. Although we haven't signed up we are training for our first marathon set for September. About three years ago I remember finishing my half marathon thinking, who the hell would run another one of these?? Oh the irony of it all.

On a mournful note, last weekend my family piled into the van to go to the funeral of my Grandpa Loren Miller. It was a bittersweet affair for sure, and I will always remember practicing singing Red River Valley with my brother in the car on the way there. I still tear up thinking of that song and what it meant in the life of my grandpa. In fact tears still come to my eyes reflecting on the moments when my Uncles and Aunts would cry, laugh and then cry again while sharing memories. I know Grandpa Loren is in heaven with Grandma Mary, happily walking the heavenly ocean shores.

Thanks friends and family for your patience with my lack of updates. Hope this makes it up. Love you all!