Mirror Lake Hike

Last year we started a tradition of going on a fall hike with as much of the family as we can get together.  So this year we set the date and said we were going rain or shine, it was very much on the rain end of that.  I'm so glad we weren't hiking to some mountaintop to see a gorgeous view because the fog was just crazy, as it was we could barely see the lake we were going too.  I don't think any of us minded though, and now we have a reason to go back and see the lake.  The picture above is of the lake, I found it on the internet it is not mine... but there is the log you can later see us standing on for a picture.

The hiking crew consisted of Dad, Dani, Cassandra, Chad, Sara, Pamela, Jeff, Joshua, Richard, myself and Dad's friend Gary.  We brought along Rosco and Nala as well.  This was Cassandra's first hike, she did an awesome job, the hike was about 8 miles with all the side trips and such we did.  We found some caches, enjoyed the rain and the beauty that is the Pacific Northwest.  I really wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Pampered Chef Party

I didn't take any pictures at my pampered chef party, but we all had a blast.  It turned out that only my Mom, Pamela, Dani, Heather and Mo were able to come and Mo only stopped by for a couple minutes.  I was able to get quite a bit in sales via emails and people I work with so it turned out being a pretty good sale for me.  I was able to a few things half price and well then I just spent way to much money.  Half the stuff in those boxes was mine.  But, I now have nice new cookware and I am loving it! 

For our menu we had Loaded Baked Potato Chowder, Apple and Carrot Salad, and a Lemon Lust Pie for dessert!  We only made the chowder at the party, the rest I made to go with it because it was at lunch time.  Amanda (my consultant) also brought Garlic Parmesan Oil dip and some baguettes to dip in it, that dip was so good I bought to containers of it!

I'm glad I had the party and I've been seriously considering becoming a consultant myself.  I don't think I would have many shows, but it's always nice to have the possibility if I would like to?  Plus the host kit comes with some great stuff at an amazing deal and I could give the stuff I already have out as gifts.  What do you think? Would anyone be interested in having a party if I were to become a consultant?

The chowder killed my microwave so I was able to get a nice new one which was nice.  But not really what I had been wanting to go out and buy after spending all that on pampered chef stuff.  Oh well, it's nice to have a new microwave... and now I can heat my heater packs which is always important!

Our new sliding glass door

If you have ever had those Penguin window people over for an estimate you will know just how crazy the price of this new door might be.  That being said it sure does keep the cold air out!  And it is REALLY nice being able to open and close the door without much effort at all.  It might take a little bit to pay it off, but hopefully we should be able to make that new loan go away in less then half a year, at least that is the goal.  I would LOVE to get the rest of the windows switched out but for now that is just going to have to wait.  The door was the most important change and I'm glad we did it!