Ross & Cali took the kids to the movies last night so when Josh got home (he'd been out of town) I asked him if he wanted to go the The Brick. The Brick is a cool place (I think it's the oldest building in Central Point) and it's walking distance from our house which makes it even cooler.
We split a pear salad and some deep fried raviolis.
And then we talked for a couple of hours over beer (four for him) and mojitos (two for me) which is one more reason I'm glad it's walking distance.
We talked about how close he is to finishing up the project he's working on and how tired we both are of him being out of town so much.
We talked about spending this coming weekend up at Willow Lake and me and the kids going with him while he works on a project up at Bonneville Dam next week.
We talked about how the last time we were at the Brick, I had three mojitos (which was one too many).
We talked about how crazy it was that we met the way we met.
Those are the tickets from the flight we met on.
And how he tried to email me later that night after we met but my inbox was so full that it rejected the email so I sat there frantically deleting messages from my inbox, hoping that he'd resend.
And he did. He also attached a picture of him and Courtney feeding some ducks at the park to that email. (I can't find that picture for some reason.) You couldn't see his face in it though so I asked him to send another picture with the intention of showing Jill (my best friend in the whole-wide-world) what he looked like.
That is the one he sent. (Him and Courtney Lee celebrating Christmas at his parents.)
And that's actually the same shirt he wore on our first date to the Black Sheep...which is the same place we had our wedding reception.
And we laughed about the time when I was teaching in Brazil, just 3 weeks after we met and as we were getting off the phone with eachother one night, he mistakenly thought I had said "I love you." and after an awkward silence on his end of the line, he replied, "Cool."
For the record...I don't remember what I said...but it was definitely not "I love you."
That's me in Brazil reading an email from him.
And we talked about the night, 3 months later when he did tell me he loved me for the first time but how I was the one who inserted the awkward silence that time around.
I didn't tell him that I loved him for the first time until the following day.
When it was still too premature to say "I love you.", we used to say, "I adore you." instead. (That's a note Josh left me on Courtney Lee's Fisher Price Doodle Pro when we were dating...he calls me Valentine.)
And then we talked about the Jack Johnson concert where we almost broke up. (I need to blog about that sometime.)
I don't think Josh is ready for me to blog about it though.
Josh swears he's never even seen Jack Johnson in concert.
And then we talked about how lucky we are that things turned out the way they turned did (especially after the Jack Johnson concert).
And then we talked about the rental applications we have to decide between. One of the applicants served in the military so we wanted to rent to her but then Josh saw a John McCain bumper sticker on the other applicants car so now he's torn.
Perhaps we'll let rental/personal references be the deciding factor rather than bumper stickers.
And then we talked about the girl Coley has a crush on. She told him that she 'liked' him the other day, so he asked if she meant that she 'liked' him or 'like, liked' him and when she said that she 'like, liked' him, he told her that he 'like, liked' her too.
And then I used the word 'narcissistic' in a sentence and he told me to quit making up words to sound cool. (He thinks I make up words all the time.)
And then we talked about whether or not we wanted to hike to the top of Multnomah Falls with the kids since we'd be up that way next week.
Josh (who has huge, irrational issues with kids and heights) said he didn't think he wanted to do it again because the paths are too unsafe and it stressed him out last year .
I told him that his issues are ridiculous and reminded him that we didn't lose a single kid last year on those 'treacherous' paths.
That's us at the falls last year.
And then I went on to say that I didn't want to raise a bunch of weeny kids who were afraid of taking risks.
And that led us into a conversation about how he doesn't want the girls to run downhill because he thinks they aren't sure-footed enough. (The exact same conversation we had last year while hiking Multnomah falls which ended in Courntey Lee running downhill against Josh's wishes...and of course falling and banging herself all up which just furthered Josh's point.)
Which sent me off talking about how they were never going to become sure-footed if we didn't let them run downhill and that every kid is supposed to bang themselves all up and how we needed to show them that they were capable of doing things and that if we didn't, they were going to grow up to be unsure of themselves and if they grew up to be unsure of themselves that they would have low self-esteem and that if they had low self-esteem that they wouldn't be able to stand up for themselves and that they might someday end up in a situation where they needed to stand up for themselves but they wouldn't be able to stand up for themselves and that...
Which was precisely the point when Josh Downs said, "Now, lets see how you're going to connect all this together..."
To which I replied that,"Someday, they might be in an unhealthy friendship or relationship or even a marriage in which they would need to feel empowered enough to make changes or to leave the relationship but they might not feel like they had the power to do it because.........................they were never allowed to run downhill.
It totally 'connects'.
We ran out of things to talk about shortly after that so we walked home and hung out on the front porch until the kids got home.
I agree that it TOTALLY connects too missy....although that being said I STILL have a hard time letting my kids run downhill LOL...
and for the record: the story of the Jack Johnson concert is one of my favorites of yours...I remember hearing about it at Red Robin once and LOVED it....you didnt agree that some of the funny parts to me were so funny though :)
its so awesome to get away for a while and chat without a MILLION interupptions isnt it?? i'm so glad you guys did it!!!
Posted by: tanyawebster | July 22, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Sigh, I love your blog.
Posted by: Heather p | July 22, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Glad you 2 got some away time. I so lovve how you share your personal stories with us. I always show them to my hubby and ask him why he cant be more like Josh Downs? He did not get a kick out of it to say the least! You both are very lucky to have each other and make the cutest couple ever and have the cutest kids! Enjoy more time together. It will keep you young!!
Posted by: Alicia Sharp | July 22, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Thanks for sharing, Karen! I just really love the stories you tell. Just so honest and genuine. You will have to blog about the Jack Johnson story one day - when Josh is ready.
Posted by: Dina | July 22, 2009 at 12:30 PM
And the kids won't run down hill and fall this year because hopefully they learned from last year and will be more careful.
I get the connection too, it's true. Guys just think things happen for no reason.
Posted by: Kelli | July 22, 2009 at 12:43 PM
i swear you guys have to be the youngest looking couple!! and it did totally connect :O)
Posted by: kribss | July 22, 2009 at 12:44 PM
I love your stories. They always put a smile on my face :-)
Have a fantastic day!
Posted by: Melissa Mann | July 22, 2009 at 12:58 PM
...and, if they don't grow up strong and secure, they may never MOVE OUT!!! Just kidding....
Actually, both my oldest boys are back at home in Grants Pass - one from Austin, Texas and the other from Twin Falls, Idaho. They are still young, but wanted to test the waters. I always thought it was too far away for their first move-out, but what do I know? AND my youngest, A.J., sixteen tomorrow, keeps talking about moving to Canada after he graduates high school!!!
Great story. Thanks for being SO open and honest. Would love to hear the concert story....
Tina
Posted by: Tina Schiefer | July 22, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Wonderful post...thanks for that slice of your life. And I totally believe that the self-esteem and running down hill theory connects! :)
Posted by: MichelleG | July 22, 2009 at 01:22 PM
i LOVE your love story..... thanks for sharing it :)
it all connects for me too - perhaps it's a girl thing
Posted by: Laura Carter | July 22, 2009 at 01:40 PM
What a great post!
While I love living in the country I definitely miss being able to walk to dinner or coffee or Trader Joe's. What a gift on a summer evening.
Posted by: Deanna | July 22, 2009 at 01:40 PM
Your blog always puts a smile on my face. They way you write...the memories you capture...So pure and real! Thank you for that! Your love can be felt through your posts and you pictures!
Posted by: Heather | July 22, 2009 at 01:51 PM
i heart hearing about the ♥ you and josh downs have.
seriously.
genuine stuff.
Posted by: anne | July 22, 2009 at 02:01 PM
you have the most amazing stories of you and your family. so genuine, happy, and content. and always so much love. thanks for always sharing :)
Posted by: laura vegas | July 22, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Karen, this may be my favorite post of all times. Thanks for sharing and making me laugh on a crazy-not-so-funny busy day!
Becky (aka: beckywedd) :)
Posted by: Becky (beckywedd) | July 22, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Of course it connects!
Posted by: dmatthews | July 22, 2009 at 02:30 PM
I 'like, liked' that post...:-)
Posted by: Jessica K. | July 22, 2009 at 02:39 PM
It completely connects....and I completely agree! Let 'em run!
Posted by: TerriB in Oregon | July 22, 2009 at 02:44 PM
I LOVE this post. You two were so clearly destined to be together. My husband I are having a date tomorrow night for the first time in about 6 months...I hope ours will be as sweet.
Posted by: Cyndi | July 22, 2009 at 02:55 PM
Love your stories. My Sarah didn't learn how to ride a two wheeled bike until a month ago. When we made her, at age 8 1/2.
Talk about banged up.
Next week (or so) we're going camping where there are trails with rocks to climb everywhere. Oh they can't wait!
Just pack extra band-aids :), and if you tell them not to run and they do it anyway and get hurt, well, it's a great lesson in listening.
Posted by: Michelle J | July 22, 2009 at 03:02 PM
Oh Karen - "I love you for blogging like that!"
(;
Josh's carefulness does remind me so much of my Dad! ((((;
Lovely greetings from over the Ocean
Katharina from the BlackForestRegion/Germay (;
Posted by: katharina | July 22, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Go for the third mojito again next time...ha. :D
Posted by: kat-in-texas | July 22, 2009 at 03:36 PM
(oops) and then blog about the Jack Johnson concert! Can't wait!
Posted by: kat-in-texas | July 22, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Sounds like a beautiful evening :)
Posted by: Dawn | July 22, 2009 at 04:35 PM
i love the stories and photos...thanks for sharing such a wonderful blog
Posted by: Belinda H | July 22, 2009 at 04:44 PM
love this story....I so wished I lived in a neighborhood that I could walk to a resturant....have a wonderful evening (with two or three mojitos) and then walk home...and would love the porch too....and acutally weather would you could sit outside and not melt from the humidity...lol...you are guys are so sweet.
peace
Kim
Posted by: Kim Bolyard | July 22, 2009 at 04:46 PM
Y'all are just so cute!
Posted by: Beth P. | July 22, 2009 at 05:32 PM
What a great post. Loved everything about this post.
Posted by: D'Nese | July 22, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Cute story. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jen | July 22, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Boy Karen, that one wore me out! Loved the story though!
Posted by: Addie | July 22, 2009 at 07:28 PM
your blog makes me happy! :)
sigh....
Posted by: amy m. | July 22, 2009 at 07:54 PM
What a great way to spend an evening. Here's to many more!
Posted by: Jayne | July 22, 2009 at 08:01 PM
I too heart your blogging! You guys are awesome together! I visited that falls years ago and it was so neat seeing it again here on your blog! Hugs from Conroe, TX!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | July 22, 2009 at 08:41 PM
I remember that blog about your hiking trip. I remember that I had to read it out loud to my hubby who was working on the computer next to mine 'cause it was such a great real life story! And I totally agree with your logic. This was such a fun post to read. You two are way too cute for words.
Posted by: Kim P | July 22, 2009 at 10:52 PM
my husband is very over protective of our children, hates trampolines, bouncy castle etc. - they are all the same!
Posted by: sara lambert | July 22, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Thanks for sharing!! I love visiting your blog. I feel like I know you personally and love that! Thanks for sharing your family with us! Would love you to pop by my blog sometime if you have a chance... but I must warn you... it's nothing as great as yours.... my blog address is ... http://jacquibourne.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jacqui | July 23, 2009 at 03:17 AM
this is great, thanks for sharing Karen, you just crack me up....
Posted by: Mindy | July 23, 2009 at 05:43 AM
First of all, I just want to say that I'm a stalker/lurker(....in the nicest way possible!) I love reading your blog. I don't comment often, but I do read every post.
I have often wanted to ask about how you met. I even went back and read the older post to see if you had already done that, I must have missed that one. I love a great love story. I hope to one day read about the Jack Johnson concert!
I TOTALLY agree with you...the kids must run downhill!
Posted by: Jess | July 23, 2009 at 06:21 AM
Josh Downs is cute but he's wrong. Kids need to fall down or they'll never learn to pick themselves back up.
Great stories btw.
Posted by: Kim | July 23, 2009 at 07:32 AM
I love stories about you and Josh Downs :)
and...since I was just at Multnomah falls a few weeks ago, I totally get Josh Down's point. It's a hand holding walk for Annie and Courtney Lee. It's steep!
But,then again, I get your point too. You do need to make sure that the girls are able to stand up for themselves.
Oh, and I remember passing by the Bonneville Dam while we were there too. It was a beautiful area. Come to think of it, that might be a hand holding area for Annie and Courtney Lee too...it's awfully deep :) Ahhh kids. What wonderful memories and stories we have because of them.
Posted by: Mary Ann | July 23, 2009 at 09:40 AM
I love you and your blog so much! Thank you for the little glimpses of your life; they always bring a smile to my face. :)
Posted by: Vicki | July 23, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Love your stories.. and love that Josh Downs is so protective but I see your connections.. and I agree.. Let them run!
Posted by: teresa b | July 23, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I ADORE YOU! YOUR BLOG! & YOUR FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS! Thank you for always making me smile!
Posted by: Dawn Reynolds | July 23, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Love the story and was most excited about Multnomah falls - we are headed to Portland (from Kansas) next Thursday with 3 and 5-year-old boys and are counting the days!
Posted by: Sharla | July 23, 2009 at 02:32 PM
Can I just say I love you... gosh the way you ramble on talking is just the greatest... I miss seeing you around, funny I moved to GP and you moved to CP... have been hitting KPS in GP these days...
Take care and thank you for sharing your life moments with all of us
Laura P ( soon to be back to D ) reason for moving to GP
Southern OR
Posted by: Laura Plunk | July 23, 2009 at 02:55 PM
I love your blog!
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lisa | July 24, 2009 at 10:07 AM
I was disappointed for this whole story to end. LOVE how you have your thoughts together and can actually remember a sequence of events. Enjoy it now while you're young! LOL
Thanks for making me smile!
Posted by: Cheryl M | July 24, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Thanks for sharing!! Sounds like an interesting, meaningful conversation!
Posted by: Christa K. | July 24, 2009 at 06:37 PM
Karen...I really think this is my favorite post of yours! I'm glad I don't have to decide which I love more...your writing/storytelling or your photography. They're both amazingly awesome, but then so are you (and I'm not just saying that cause I want extra-credit points either...LOL)
Posted by: DawnS | July 24, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Just wanted you to know that I stick through these posts, I read every word, and I love them. They are so real and they remind me of myself. Just wanted you to know...
Posted by: Susan Elliott | July 25, 2009 at 04:27 PM
I love your blog! I feel like I know you guys. Its hard to believe I've been reading your blog for over a year, but I remember when you went to Multnomah Falls and Courtney fell and I remember your wedding. But I just love your pictures and your sense of humor and your transparency!
Posted by: kimberly | July 25, 2009 at 09:34 PM
you both warm my heart and give my dreams "hope"...Nothing is perfect but you 2 are so cute. Grace
Posted by: Grace P | July 27, 2009 at 03:59 PM
You really could write a book. I'd so buy it - not borrow it from the library - buy it. And it would get all dog eared because I'd pick it up and open it randomly just to read my favorite passages over and over again. Like I plan to do with this post.
And fyi - my ex-boyfriend does a lot of rentals and has found Kroll to be a complete time, money and sanity saver. He had the NICEST couple in the other day, totally ready to rent to them, sweet, old people. Turns out they had 20 collections, convictions for CHECK fraud and an eviction. Needless to say, he didn't rent to them.
Posted by: Ally | August 01, 2009 at 10:54 AM
I'm new to your blog and I just read the story about how you two met and I feel I must tell you I did the math you said not to!! And I can totally relate!! One year to the date that my husband and I met we had our baby boy and were married! So good to know I'm not alone!!!
Posted by: Lisa day | August 18, 2009 at 08:42 AM