A New State of Mind

The title of our blog has taken on a few different meanings over the last 22 months...I originally picked it because we were moving to a new State, and felt called to be part of a new mission. Today, it gained one more meaning... This week, God showed me that focusing on myself, even if it's out of frustration with my sin, leads to death. I can get so frustrated with myself, or my situation, that it gets me depressed and then I just wallow in self-pity ...And God showed me that I choose to take this route because I want control, and I'm not getting it! He revealed my true heart with these verses Rm. 8:6,7,8--"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law..." --> When I choose to go to self-pity/depression, it's because I do not want to submit to God's control and plan in that situation...and I choose to "set my mind" on myself and my failures as a desperate ploy to gain control. God showed me today that it isn't disobedience to be frustrated with my situation or my sin, but it is sin to choose to stay there. And why stay in that place, when I can use that moment to remind myself of Christ's work on the Cross (for my failures) and have a greater appreciation for the sacrifice He made for me!

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A Trip Long Overdue

Well today we finally made it up the icon of Seattle: the space needle. It's been almost two years (!) since we moved here, and we had yet to make the trip...mostly because it's ridiculously overpriced. So when we heard about a sale they were having (thank you Twitter!), we jumped at the chance to get a year pass for one-fourth the normal price. And, that includes one free "guest" per pass!! What more reason do you need to book a flight to Seattle?! :)

The weather was beautiful today, so we jumped at the chance to use our passes. You could see Mt. Baker, all of the Cascades, and Mt. Rainier (in the center of the picture below). It was gorgeous, and I loved having a 360 degree view! We were once again awed by the beauty of this city, and I think we may make the Space Needle a weekly trip ;)

Mt. Baker

The Cascades

The view of Elliot Bay...and our home sweet home, West Seattle. :)

Valentine's Fun

What to get this girl on Valentine's Day? CHOCOLATE! :) My parents decided to surprise me with a HUGE Valentine's day present...a 5 pound bar of chocolate! We still haven't figured out what to do with it*...What would you do with 5 pounds of milk chocolatey goodness?



For Valentine's Day, David and I decided to visit the nearby town of Woodinville, home of the famous Chateau Ste Michelle Winery. It's a beautiful winery that made me feel like I was in Paris for Valentine's Day (ah, maybe some day!). They offered free tours and wine tastings, which is right up our alley. We love wine, and we especially love free! :)


It's not so bad to share my name with a winery :)

The glass window in their foyer. It looked familiar, and then I realized why. :)

Our next stop was right across the street, to the Red Hook Brewery. This was one of the first Washington microbrewies, starting in our year-- 1981! They now distribute all across the country, and have a huge factory! However, back when they began, they started right in Ballard (next to Mars Hill)! Apparently, Ballard drinks a lot of beer, so they decided it would be a good place to start! ;)

We took this picture because it shows the location of their old factory...those of you who have visited us, take a close look and see if you recognize that building. Hint: you've visited this location and tasted it's yummy, chocolatey goodness. That's right, it's the home of Theo's Chocolate! So, I guess a good factory just keeps pumping out good things! :)

It was a fun tour, and a nice time to try some new brews...David is planning to try his hand at brewing his own beer, so I tried to take lots of notes. ;)
We had such a great day, and after a very busy week, we were so thankful to be able to spend the day together, relaxing and exploring new parts of Washington state...and we were blessed with lots of sunshine, which was a gift and of itself!! :)

*In defense of "not knowing what to do" with chocolate (almost blasphemy, I know), I must confess that I don't really eat much milk chocolate. (I'm more of a 70% or darker kind of girl)...but, that's probably a good thing ...dark chocolate may be full of antioxidants, but 5 pounds might fill up my arteries as well. Thanks for thinking of me Dad, love you! :)

Birthday Fun X 2

This past week, we celebrated David and Paul's birthdays. Many of you may not know that they have the very rare privilege of sharing their birthdays...born exactly one year apart on the same day!! We were especially blessed to be able to celebrate with Mom and Dad Parker, who flew back from the East Coast just in time to celebrate with cake and ice cream! I forgot to get any pictures documenting their visit, but we enjoyed it all the same. :)

It's been quite a few years since David and Paul have celebrated together, as Paul has been in California for the past 4(ish) years. Paul recently moved to Seattle, so he is living with us while he gets settled here.

What do you think Paul is wishing for? ;)

Gingerbread...eaten but not forgotten.

In a rush to get all the Christmas pictures up, I forgot a very important event...the annual Gingerbread Decorating Contest! In the scope of life, I know, it seems trivial, but to the Parker children and children at heart, this is a big deal! :) And it seemed like it became an even bigger deal this year, because it kept getting postponed! It's usually done on Christmas, but this year, it didn't happen till New Year's Day (much to the Micah's dismay!). Part of the reason for this delay was that we had to have a few hours to spare (some of the Parkers are just a bit meticulous) and be ready to clean up a huge mess! (16 people all trying to make the best gingerbread person, all trying to get the icing, all grabbing the sprinkles...) We had quite a few masterpieces, and I must admit, I think the Parker-Pichura-Johnson clan has something special here. America's Got Talent could be on the horizon. :)

This would be the sprinkle grabbing, frosting flinging part ;)

Taste-testing was also a very important part of this event for Titus.

After a little coaxing from Kristin, Dad got in on the action.

James, hard at work...making...a...um...something. :)

Kristin's piece of art.
I thought the ball and chain was a nice touch, don't you?

Andrew's creation...anyone who knows Andrew can probably guess this one.

"702 Ridge Road", by Mr. Paulie Parker


The kids did a great job!! Micah made Yoda, Grace and Faith both made really detailed gingerbread houses, and Titus made a bunch of colorful creations!

And now, drumroll, please,....the winners of the Gingerbread competion:

First Place: The "McMasterpiece" by, you guessed it, David Parker.
This was the real deal--drive through and everything! It was only missing the burgers! :)

Maybe he missed his calling? ;)

Second Place was a tie, even after two attempts at a tie breaker!

The 3-way tie: Kimberly, Aaron, and Michelle

The ever-stylish Minnie Mouse.
(This may be the first time in my life I almost won an art contest! Trivial, I know, but I'll take it! :)

Kim and Aaron teamed up to make a really sweet, and very detailed, Raggedy Ann and Andy.

Parkerpalooza!!

Right about when Seattle's snowstorm was coming to a close, we decided to enter another one in Hood River, Oregon!! :) On the day we left for Oregon, David's parents already had well over 2.5 feet of snow! The interstate that goes to their house had already been closed for 3 days due to the snow, so we made a break for it on Christmas Eve, hoping to get there before it might close down again. Although we did have a "minor encounter" with a snow bank ;), we are thankful we made it down with only "bumps and bruises" on the truck. We're also so very thankful for the Parker Family-- everyone in our immediate family was able to make it for Christmas, so it was a very special time...and a slight bit crazy. :) We had 17 people living in a 3 bedroom house, for a week!! We are so thankful and blessed to have such a wonderful family that loves each other and Jesus (how else could we all survive a week together ?! ;)

This is our newest niece, Hannah Grace Parker.
(Daughter of James & Kimiko).

David brought along the turkey fryer for a special Christmas dinner...
we had a few skeptics, but I think all have now recanted.

Christmas Dinner (only half the family fit at the table)

Our nieces and nephews having their own special moment.

Fun in the Snow

As you can see, this was a pretty big snowman...9 feet tall!

So, you may be wondering,
"what do 17 people do for a week in 1 house?"
Answer: Games. Lots and lots of games. :)


This was by far the most entertaining "game" of the week. We had Wii games going all the time, and even had a Parker bowling tournament. I think the Wii holds the distinct honor of being the only game that all 4 Parker brothers have played together. How sweet. :)

The proud winner of our bowling tournament: Micah! He even bowled a perfect game!

Titus got a policeman outfit from his sisters, and dutifully wore it every day I think. :)

This was part of the "Hobo Hilton" living room sleeping quarters :)
With 6 of us sleeping in there, it did get a little interesting.

Faith and Hannah
(the girls LOVED doing anything with Baby Hannah, or anything with babies in general...as evidenced by the picture below)

The Pichura girls found other ways to "play baby" when Hannah was napping...their unbelievably mild mannered dog Tessie puts up with just about anything!

The snow just kept coming and coming!

David's mom Sandy, and a very happy Hannah.

Our nieces and nephews--some of our greatest Christmas gifts!