Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rae

Saturday Morning

2009-06-15T11:39:00.007-06:00

We wake up early. So does Jack. Except Saturdays. We'd love just a tiny bit more sleep than usual. Does Jack know when Saturdays are? No. So, we pull him into bed with us and hope that he'll fall asleep again. He didn't. Instead, we get videos of our happy boy, bright and early. At least he's fun to wake up to.

This is what our bed looked like after the spit up flood:

In your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them...

2008-01-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

We wanted to write and let you know that in our 13th week of pregnancy, the Lord took our sweet baby home to be with Him. God is so good to us and has sustained us through this hardship. He particularly watched over Rachel as she experienced hemorrhaging and needed a couple of blood transfusions. We are so grateful.

We covet your prayers for us. We are sad at the loss of our covenant baby, but are rejoicing that he is now in the courts of heaven worshipping our God. And we are thankful and confident that on one joyous day we will be able to meet our first child.

With love,

Peter and Rachel

2007-11-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,

When as yet there was not one of them.

~ Psalm 139: 13-16

We're havin' a baby! The Lord knows how much we all love August birthdays, so He is sending another one our way. "Due" (not officially yet) just two days after the most important birthdays of the year - Margery's and MINE. ;-) We would love all the prayers we can get for our sweet and cute, even in his tadpole stage, baby. We love him already.

My First B-day in Montana

2007-10-05T15:52:00.000-06:00

Cody, Wyoming

2007-10-05T15:39:00.001-06:00

I love my life

2007-10-05T15:08:00.000-06:00

Sometimes it just hits you, you know.

I love Fall. I love chilly walks while holding hot chocolate laced with peppermint schnapps. I love those walks and that hot chocolate even more because I can do it while holding my husband's hand. He keeps them warm.

I love my new family. I love the generosity of my in-laws. I love how their marriage was such an example to my husband and how I get the rewards of their faithfulness. I love getting hugs from my sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. I love wine with my brothers and sisters-in-law. I even love weight-lifting with them.

I love my family. I love thinking about spending Christmas with my family. I love imagining us all watching Scrooge together. I love thinking about a cup of tea with my Mommy. I love thinking about holding Seth for the first time. I love anticipating the traditional Christmas-morning-stairs photo shoot - the first with my husband. I love emails with Alissa and Scrabble with Mer. I love birthday shopping, almost every week.

I love, love my husband. I love the red roses sitting beside me, a testament of his love while he is gone at work all day. I love that he tells me I'm beautiful, even though I haven't brushed my teeth yet, there is not a speck of makeup remaining, and my hair looks decidedly un-beautiful. I love how he is always excited to see me when he comes home from work. I love how he always has his arm around me. I love how he knows me. I love the way he smells. I love his facial hair at the end of the day. I love how he is an example of selfless love - I love how he loves me when I'm unlovable. I love him.

I love how God is faithful and blesses his children beyond even their own desires.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

2007-08-17T19:13:00.000-06:00

2007-08-17T18:29:00.000-06:00

2007-08-09T12:02:00.001-06:00

So, I have the best husband in the world. He surprised me with THIS as my b-day gift this year:

I know, I know. I'm incredibly lucky. Peter, I love you. Like crazy.

We love you, Margery!

2007-08-02T18:18:00.001-06:00

Pryors

2007-07-21T15:10:00.001-06:00

Moss Mansion

2007-07-21T14:30:00.001-06:00

Wedding Photos - Click here to see all 659 of 'em!

2007-07-12T09:41:00.000-06:00

The outside of our apartment

2007-07-09T10:39:00.000-06:00

Mystic Lake

2007-07-08T17:11:00.001-06:00

Yes, he still brings me flowers...

2007-06-29T07:29:00.000-06:00

Several of my friends wondered if this giving of flowers would last much longer than our courtship days. I had no doubts. But, here is proof that my dear husband has continued to love me like that. He is wonderful and more than I could have asked for or deserve. God gives GOOD gifts to his children!

Beartooth Pass Montana

2007-06-24T12:49:00.001-06:00

And some wedding photos...

2007-06-22T15:26:00.000-06:00

http://www.redturtlephoto.smugmug.com/gallery/2988232#161864988

The Rae House

2007-06-22T14:41:00.001-06:00

Honeymoon!

2007-06-22T14:32:00.001-06:00

Week before the Wedding...

2007-06-22T14:20:00.001-06:00

Moscow Wedding Reception ~ May 6, 2007

2007-06-22T14:02:00.001-06:00

2007-03-16T14:51:00.000-06:00

2007-03-16T14:42:00.000-06:00

2007-03-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Peter and I are heading back east on Thursday. This ought to be interesting. Peter's worried that my family won't like him. My family is worried that Peter won't like them. I'm not worried, however, because Peter tells me that it's a sin to worry. ;-)

2007-03-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned yet that Peter is very kind?

2007-02-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Bouquet Number Two. I've never gotten flowers from a guy before - and now twice in two days. God is overwhelming me with good gifts. ::Shaking my head in disbelief::

2007-02-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

It's been tough trying to get these pictures posted...I've been, oh, just a little busy lately. But, here is bouquet number one.

2007-01-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Lydia specifically asked me to get some more stuff on my blog, so here's something for her: I LOVE my french press! I use it every morning!

Christmas!

2007-01-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Christmas Tree Picking!

2006-11-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Trip Home

2006-11-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

2006-10-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

2006-10-14T16:38:00.000-06:00

Happy 1st Birthday Ethan!!

Never thought you'd see the day?

2006-10-10T09:54:00.000-06:00

2006-10-10T09:23:00.000-06:00

Well, here it is. I've gone a-shootin'. Yes, a-shootin'. I'm pretty much the rootin' shootingest cowgirl in the land. Along with Jo. Beginners luck you may call it, but we were pretty good.

2006-10-08T20:55:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Leah!!

2006-10-08T08:55:00.000-06:00

Every time I start to think about quitting the paper route, as much for the early mornings as for the slight embarrassment at having this job, we get an amazing sunrise like this. Now, it actually makes me sad to think of all the sunrises I've missed in my life. They're such an great picture of what God has done for us - Covered in darkness until God washes away that darkness with His light. I particularly like these verses: "...to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:77-79

So, I'm thinking that everyone should get a paper route. It's your biblical duty. OR, I will let you sub my route. And I will sleep... ;-)

Iced Coffee

2006-09-06T16:34:00.000-06:00

Jo and I like our coffee. Besides tasting great, it helps with our, um, early morning commute. If you enjoy iced coffee, we found a good "recipe," if you can call it that: 8 cups o' extra strong hot coffee, 1/2 can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir, chill, and pour over ice. We usually add some extra half and half over top, because we're wimpy coffee drinkers. Mmm, yum - tastes Starbucks-y, yet without the bitter taste of oodles of money down the drain.

Moose Season!

2006-09-06T16:06:00.000-06:00

Ok, no, I didn't take this picture - thank you Google Images. BUT, in the past few days we have seen five moose (oh, the restraint needed to avoid the more natural "mooses" or "meese"). And for those blessed to be well acquainted with Moose Songs for Kids: I saw no cowlick, treehouse, cookie jar, or chocolate. They were, however, very handsome, had great lips and big bony hips.

In other news, Jo and I are thinking of going to the local Combine Demolition Derby in the next few weeks...

Losing it.

2006-08-16T12:39:00.000-06:00

So, the other day I stood at my locked front door after running some errands. And I stood there clicking and clicking the unlock button on my car keys. I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't unlock. Then, I sheepishly looked around at my neighbors' houses to see if anyone was watching. Why am I not married?!?!?!

And the Birthday presents keep rolling in...

2006-08-09T16:11:00.000-06:00

This one's from Matthew and Mandy and the kids. Doesn't this just make your day happier?!

Rides and More Rides

2006-08-04T12:23:00.000-06:00

Great birthday at Silverwood! The Super Roundup was, I think, the favorite of the boys. I'm really not sure how they can handle it so many times in a row. I am glad to say that I have finally ridden on the Sky Diver - one of the NJ boardwalk rides that no one ever seemed to want to go on with me. ;-) Of course, I rode the Tilt-A-Whirl several times for Mommy. And laughed about how hard we used to try and make it spin. Jo and I were officially confirmed in our suspicions that we are getting older. Not old, mind you. Just older than previous amusement park visits. We can only take so many spinning rides. Up and down is so much more agreeable.

2006-08-04T11:16:00.000-06:00

Well, the movie messes up the rest of this site. But I thought I'd let you experience the roller coaster with us, since the rest of you didn't get to take the day off of work to go have fun. Posting more birthday pics soon.

Screaming like girls.

2006-08-04T11:04:00.000-06:00

It's Hot.

2006-07-27T18:19:00.000-06:00

Not Guilty

2006-07-27T17:34:00.000-06:00

SO. This is kind of interesting/funny. I was reading the Moscow Police Department reports the other day. Strange, I know - but I just happened to find a link to it from another site I was looking at AND you never know what you might find on police reports in your area! For instance, peruse this report from 7/24/06:

06-M06776 Suspicious Person/Circumstance
Incident Address : 1401 North Polk St Ext; Clark House MOSCOW ID 83843
Responding Officers: R Wolverton, Dani Vargas
Disposition : CLO
Time Reported: 04:02
Cad Comments:Rp advised of a newer VW that has been driving by off and on tonight. Rp advised of a male driver and unknown occupant and they appear to be looking in the windows. Officers responded and report unfounded. No report.

Yeah, um, that's the very same 4:02AM that Jo and I use to deliver our Lewiston Tribune papers. And, yes, we deliver several papers to and around 1401 North Polk St Ext. However, we were NOT looking in windows, although I can see how it might look like that. This Suspicious Person report made us feel a wee bit guilty, despite doing nothing more than being the best newspaper deliverers ever. Mostly though, we were amused by the "male driver and unknown occupant" part. We're hoping the male part is attributed to Jo's baseball hat that morning, as she was the driver. And the unknown occupant part to me not getting out and socializing enough.

Sunday Afternoon Mad:)Lib

2006-07-25T14:37:00.000-06:00

Title: Description of the Lovely Group that I am in

We are having a perfectly red time this evening in the purple home of Parker. The rooms are decorated slowly with many stylish fires that must have cost at least two dollars. The guests are all great conversationalists and are all loudly dressed. Jo has been entertaining us by telling us about the time she showed her orange q-tip to Bill, who mistook it for an early American BBQ Chicken. The refreshments are little, and the idea of serving hot and warn hors d'oeuvres showed imagination. Visiting here is always a clear experience!

2006-07-21T17:29:00.000-06:00

And now for some plain ol' pretty pictures of Seattle:

Alright, and a not so pretty one:

More Pike's Place

2006-07-21T16:54:00.000-06:00

For my Starbucks loving brothers and dad:

this is the very first Starbucks ever. They had a bunch of neat stuff inside, besides the usual neat drinks. Sadly, the line was enormous. And it was almost as hot then as it is right now in our duplex. So we forwent a cold, delicious frappuccino.

As we left the Starbucks, we were greeted by the music of some permanant singing fixtures - they were perfect, but they sure had heart. Their rendition of "This Little Light of Mine" was the sweetest.

Then...

2006-07-21T16:32:00.000-06:00

we went to Seattle. For this mainly:

Seems crazy to drive 6 hours for shopping, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Besides, we got to do some shopping for some church families, even a Missionary family. So, really, we were just being selfless.

The best thing about Seattle is the Pike's Place Market. I could spend days there. See for yourself:

Stupid Project of the Year

2006-07-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

This was our floor for weeks after we moved in. We thought it was such a good idea to buy a cheap looking piece of Wal-Mart furniture and paint it. That way it would look like a more expensive piece of cheap furniture. Weeks later, one gallon of primer later, two gallons of the very wrong teal color paint later, one quart and one gallon of the right color later, one gallon of polyurethane and two polyurethane brushes later, we have a very nice TV cabinet. Never again will paint brushes be used in this duplex. Never.

2006-07-21T14:49:00.000-06:00

After eating way too much carnival food (the roasted corn on the cob was the best - rivaled that great Maryland Ambrosia corn - Mmmmm), we waaaaaaaaaaited for the fireworks to start. We met our goal of getting there early enough to get good seats on the beach. Two hours later - after moving all the boats out of the way of falling fire - the fireworks began. 5 minutes later - the finale. They were, um, nice. Wee bit short for the waiting, but fun day all around.

Happy Independence Day!

2006-07-21T13:52:00.000-06:00

Jo and I went up Coeur d' Alene on July 4th hoping for a spectacular fireworks show. We got there early for good seats, but then realized that there was nothing to do for the five hours until fireworks. Being the gutsy, adventurous people that we are, we rented a gigantic floating tricycle to fill up our time (see below for a pictorial explanation). And it did, because it is harder to ride a tricycle on water than you would think. The water was fantastically warm and we wished we had thought to bring swimsuits.

2006-07-21T13:34:00.000-06:00

Yipes, it's been almost a month. Seriously overdue for some blog updating. First off, I want everyone to know that it's getting VERY close to Margery's birthday! And second of all, I want everyone to know that it is VERY hot here. Those are the only two things on my mind this fine triple digit day. I'm seriously thinking about getting my hair chopped off, but I don't want to do something stupid just because I live in the hottest duplex around. Maybe I should ask for an air conditioner for Margery's birthday. ;-)

Posting some recent pictures now...

2006-06-26T09:48:00.000-06:00

You know you live out west when the big 11 O'clock headline is -

This just in: Idaho state police report that there has been an accident on I-90 involving a car and a moose. Details coming right up.

Thankfully, the passengers escaped without serious injury. The moose, unfortunately, is dead.

2006-06-16T14:12:00.000-06:00

After a hard night of moving.
Thank you to all our fabulous and ridiculously crazy movers! You guys are great!

2006-06-16T13:38:00.000-06:00

Bathroom (if you were confused at all)
Living Room
My bedroom (Jo's looks exactly like this, just opposite)

New Home!

2006-06-16T12:03:00.000-06:00

Some apartment pictures for you - I learned that it's difficult to take pictures of an empty apartment. We also learned that you should not pull really hard on cabinet doors. They pull right off. At least ours do. Don't get jealous. These are all kitchen pictures. And a shot of our washing machine, which I'm sure has been entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as THE SMALLEST WASHER EVER MADE. We are proud.

Some News. And Some Other News.

2006-06-13T18:17:00.000-06:00

The kitten has a new name: Chicken. Chicken Dumpling, to be exact. I think I suggested it, but in the greatest pursuit of humbleness, I don't want to take all the credit. Donkey was my first choice. It was shot down.

We just found out that our apartment is "clean and ready", or so the lady told us. BUT, no internet there + no time off work = no official moving in until after the 20th. That's ok, we've got plenty to keep us busy! Lots of boxes to move from the storage unit and lots of packing to do in our room here. I even have a desk to paint. And we're taking our favorite visitors, the Amos boys, camping this weekend. So exciting. I'll post apartment pictures soon. Excited everyone?

2006-06-10T14:44:00.000-06:00

Amoses new kitten. Yet to be named.

2006-06-10T14:29:00.000-06:00

Langston, as a cartoon, catching peanut butter M&M's.

2006-06-10T14:12:00.000-06:00

This is when the party got really crazy. Taylor decided that his noseblowing strength was greater than the more typical blow from the mouth. We were amused and he was amused at our amusement.

2006-06-10T14:09:00.000-06:00

Christian, Taylor, Hampton

2006-06-10T13:46:00.000-06:00

Jo's 23rd birthday party. A couple days late. We were camping during her real birthday, but decided to have a wild and crazy party the next week. To avoid any undue praise, I didn't make the cake. Just so you know.

2006-06-07T19:35:00.000-06:00

This is gross. I stepped in my Jetta the other day only to find my foot in a river. I am pretty sure that I have a leak. No, the windows were not left open. I've noticed some slight leakage problems recently, but after torrential rains on Friday, I realize that this might just be a problem that I should look into.

2006-06-07T11:23:00.000-06:00

The next day it was pouring rain. We were hoping to rent a canoe and go out on the lake, but decided against after packing up camp in the rain. Instead we decided to drive around trying to find the bears that we were so warned against. But, rather than a Grizzly, we found Mountain Goats.

2006-06-07T11:03:00.000-06:00

Hiking on Saturday. We walked through the woods, Cedar mostly, until the trail opened out to Avalanche Lake - a very pretty sight, the pictures do it no justice. We left the trail for a while and walked on the rocky beach by the freezing water - it is Glacier Park afterall. We were soaked and mosquito bitten by the time we made it back to the trail, but refreshed by the beauty of water, moutains, snow, waterfalls...

2006-06-07T08:53:00.000-06:00

2006-06-07T08:35:00.000-06:00

This was the only type of wildlife we saw at Glacier. They were all over the place, and so unafraid of the park's guest that people were literally running away from them. We were amused and laughing about how dumb people can look...until they started walking up to us. FYI, deer do not respond to "GO AWAY!"

2006-06-06T15:26:00.000-06:00

The views that greeted us in the morning. Bright and early. Suddenly the drive seemed worth it.
We snooped around trying to find firewood, but were so distracted by the lake, mountains, and rainless sky. There was no fire that morning.

2006-06-06T15:13:00.000-06:00

It was so late when we finally got to the park. And raining. Typical Ball camping style.

2006-06-06T14:25:00.000-06:00

Montana sunset...at 75 mph.

2006-06-06T10:44:00.000-06:00

Some Glacier pics...details forthcoming

2006-06-02T10:33:00.000-06:00

8 Hours. Straight. Doing this.

2006-05-31T19:32:00.000-06:00

These sweet faces belong to the two little boys that we sponsor through World Vision. The one on the left is Adeliberh, 3 years old. And the one on the right is Waly, 9 years old. We've got their pictures out and try to pray for them every time we see the pictures. Adeliberh keeps falling off though, so I need to do something about that.

We got a real nice letter from Waly the other day - he even drew a picture of something and included that in his letter. We have yet to determine what it is, but feel special that he drew it specially for us.

2006-05-30T21:34:00.000-06:00

This is Moscow in May. I've never been here this late in the year (or would that be this early in the year?), but today's weather made me happy that I'm here.

Jo and I are being unrealistic again and have decided to start training for a marathon. Yes, a marathon for two lazy bums. It is possible, just maybe, that posting our marathon dream on this blog will provide enough motivation for the littlest while. Until it dissipates tomorrow and I'll have to find something else to force us out the door. The yellow-polka-dot-bikini hasn't worked...

2006-05-30T00:29:00.000-06:00

Greetings. The purchase of a new camera seems a fitting reason to start living like the rest of the world. I am now a blogger. Unless this is a hard as keeping a diary, something I never could do for more than 3 or 4 days, if I was being really faithful.

Antyway, this is a faithful narrative of my exciting life in the least potato-y part of Idaho for all those that I love, but who are so very far away. You know who you are. That's the real reason for this blog. You may also compliment me on my photo-graphing skills if you wish.