family: Sundays at our Multi-Generational Home - Ode to Mom and Dad - 08/20/17 07:56 AM

We both really love Sundays. It's a great time to work on a joint project, or catch up on things put aside earlier in the week. My sister and I trade off hosting the family meal and today is her turn. Therefore, we're free to spend most of the day doing what we choose. We might even head to a favorite trail instead of tackling chores. 
The sun is rising through the big fir trees, we can hear the hummingbirds chirping at the feeders, and our white Golden Retriever, McKinley is napping now, after waking us up promptly at 6:00 AM. Our mugs are filled … (29 comments)

family: Happy Birthday Mom - Gardenia Glory and Family in August - 08/15/17 12:15 PM

Mom turned 90 years old this month, August 2, 2017 to be specific. We had a family reunion and party in her honor on the 6th of August.  Kids and grandkids, aunties and uncles, cousins and friends came from as far away as Colorado and Alaska. Fortunately, the rest live in either Oregon or Washingon. The above photo is of the core women in the family honoring our matriarch. 
The weather was extremely warm with atypically high humidity, but a misting fan helped us keep our cool for the outdoor dinner. She is a big fan of gardenias and I'd hoped my Hardy Gardenia … (13 comments)

family: MultiGen Homes in Clark County - Another Sale Pending - 07/09/17 10:35 AM

When we work with Multi-gen clients, it's generally a discovery process as the various family members weigh in on their wishes and needs. In this particular case, there are young children, their parents, and the mother's parents who will all be living together. In the beginning, they thought one shared household might work, but as we looked at properties and discussed privacy issues, they realized a totally separate living space for the parents would be the best match. Due to school and work considerations,  there were only several areas to focus our search.  In addition, they really want acreage, so we … (13 comments)

family: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - Almost Wordless Wednesday - 05/03/17 07:41 AM
 
 
This little girl has star power. She lights up rooms and sparkles and shines wherever she goes. This is Raegan, our youngest granddaughter, playing hide and seek with her mama. However, Kelsea tells us it's quite easy to find her - just follow the giggles. 
Children have an uncanny ability to find fun in the most simple things. They see magic in moments and celebrate life with joy and spontaneity. Spirits soar when you believe life is full of wonder. We'll be mindful today, to see the world through a child's eyes. 
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family: It's Valentine's Day - Let them eat cake! - 02/14/17 07:42 AM

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.  
Charles M. Schulz
This little sweetheart was actually born on February 13, 2015, but we still refer to her as our family's tiny Valentine. She was filled with her usual delight and sense of adventure as she headed out yesterday for day of treats with mommy. Raegan, like most children, lives in the moment, darting from one discovery to another with joy and curiosity. Since her diet is normally absent of processed foods, her red velvet cupcake was a huge treat. When we FaceTimed last night, she waited … (18 comments)

family: Superbowl LI - Random Ramblings - 02/06/17 11:39 AM

My head and heart just weren't in the game this year, and yet, when the Falcons showed such determination and focus, they pulled me into the excitement. The first two quarters seemed to be a lesson in humility for the Patriots. There weren't too many commercials that piqued my interest in the first half either, although 84 Lumber certainly did.  As the clock ran down for the first half, thoughts of Lady Gaga's upcoming performance came to mind. What would this talented entertainer have in store for us? 
Wow! What a performance. It goes down as my all-time favorite half-time entertainment to date. The drones … (19 comments)

family: Multi-Gen Homes for Sale in Clark County, WA - A Good Fit for You? - 01/15/17 09:47 AM

We’re working with a Camas family ( mom, dad, and two kids) who want to live in a Multi-generational property with the wife’s parents. The parents currently live in the midwest, are retiring this Spring, and they haven't had  a chance to really spend a lot of time around their young grandchildren. Therefore, relocation for them is a top priority. The property they've decided to buy together will need an area where the older parents can age in place. In other words, living space with ground level access and one-level.
Purchasing a multi-generational property is a process. Since there are more people in the decision making arena, … (10 comments)

family: A Magical Place with Castles and Candy Shops... - 11/06/16 12:37 AM
My son and his family are visiting Spain and Portugal for the next five weeks. The first stop on their itinerary is Madrid. So far, the boys, six and nine, sum up Madrid as quite magical with plenty of castles and candy shops. They sent this photo yesterday of Addie gazing over the colorful strands of licorice ropes. I have to agree, it's quite magical. I'd be like a kid in a candy store. 
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family: Sundays at our Multi-Gen Home in Clark County, WA - 10/23/16 01:19 AM
Mom and Dad and the Kids - Together Again
We live in a multi-generational home. Mom and dad, my husband and me, and my sister and her husband. I’m sure some people think we’re nuts. Hey, I might have thought that prior to actually experiencing this living arrangement. It’s likely not for everyone, but it works for our family.
Dad has dementia and we find that it’s important to keep him engaged in life. Naturally, mom worries about him, so we make sure she has outlets for her varying emotions. We also handle most of the monetary and household responsibilities for them to keep … (14 comments)

family: Papa and Princess - When Colorado Calls - 10/17/16 12:23 AM

We were in a lovely cabin on the Big Thompson River, in Colorado last week, with our daughter and granddaughter. We spent warm fall days exploring Estes Park, hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, and dining at some fun spots, including the famous Stanley Hotel. 
It was daughter Kelsea's birthday too, so naturally it was an extra special time to be together. We had fun celebrating her, and reconnecting with 19 month old Raegan. Rae Rae calls us Oma and Papa, and as most grandparents can attest, we think she is the smartest and most delightful little girl in the world. 
We are missing them both this week, … (22 comments)

family: Multi-Gen Homes for Sale in Clark County, WA - Elbow Room for the Soul - 08/23/16 03:51 AM

Extended Family Living Options in Clark County
Many of our clients are going through the transition to multi-generational housing – providing room for elder parents, or adult children with their own families. We also have the personal experience of multi-generational housing with my parents, so we know the challenges and extreme peace of mind and satisfaction that can bring to a family.
We've discovered how challenging it can be to find suitable homes in the area with enough "elbow room for the soul,"™to give everyone the privacy they need. Privacy, we've discovered, is the ultimate luxury. Add the component of having nature as neighbors, and the soothing … (13 comments)

family: Multigenerational Properties in Clark County - Easier to Find with Us - 08/18/16 02:27 AM

Making it Easier for You to Find your Multi-Generational Properties in Clark County 
We've all been aware of the trend in this country of multi-generational families choosing to live together.  It appeared as a temporary phenomenon during the recent recession years - children moving back into their parent's home for economic reasons.  But as we emerge from that downturn, the patterns are clear - more families are choosing to live together - under the same roof or on the same property - and not just for economic reasons.
Most families who make that choice report personal or quality of life reasons for the decision: aging parents need attention, … (15 comments)

family: Tree Fallin' for a Higher Purpose - Free Fallin' with Emotions - 08/12/16 06:24 AM

Tree Removal Stirs Up Emotions and Reflection
Last night, I tossed and turned in troubled sleep anticipating today's events. This morning, a local tree service arrived to fall four large fir trees on our property. My love of trees and nature was colliding with the need to create a space to build the foundation for our parent's backyard cottage. Finally, my husband reached through the dark, found my hand, and said wisely, " Don't worry, the trees are moving on for a higher purpose. Their branches and limbs will be turned into mulch. The trunks will be cut into logs and, in several winters, they will … (14 comments)

family: Multi-Gen Housing in Clark County, WA - Tips From Our Family - Part 2 - 07/18/16 01:24 AM

Multigenerational Lifestyles in Clark County, WA 
Our multi-generational family is nearing the one-year mark of living together. Three couples sharing one structure has been quite the adventure. Compromise, patience, and a good sense of humor all come in handy.
We're fortunate that our large home lends itself to separate living. My sister and her husband have the entire lower level with a completely private entrance. We live on the upper level, and mom and dad are currently using a section of our home with their own sitting room, bedroom and bathroom. The backyard modular cottage is a bit behind schedule ( another story for another time), but … (11 comments)

family: Multi-Gen Housing in Clark County, WA - Tips from Our Family to Yours - 07/10/16 01:46 AM

Multi-generation Homes in Clark County, WA - Advice to other Families
Guess what's more than a passing trend? Multi-generational families living together in the US. According to the Pew Research Center, 49 million people now live in multi-generational homes. You can count us among those numbers.
Family members and friends laughed when my sister and I told them we planned to purchase a home together to share in the responsibilities of caring for our aging parents. After all, we both have husbands too. Some predicted rough roads and many challenges ahead.
It's nearly a year later and we not only love each other more than ever, … (25 comments)

family: Dreaming on this Memorial Day Weekend 2016 - 05/29/16 02:33 AM
It's hard to believe it's May 2016 already. Memorial Day is tomorrow, but today we'll be hosting a picnic at our Multi-gen home for family and friends who didn't go camping on this busy three-day weekend. We hope most people will take a moment to remember the "why" of this important holiday.
It's a bittersweet time of the year as we honor our late nephew, Gene Mills, who died, at the age of 21, in Afghanistan on June 22, 2012. It's still hard to fathom.  His younger brother, Jake, who followed in his footsteps, is also a proud Marine. He's at Camp Lejeune right now.
We have yet … (19 comments)

family: The Dogwood Tree - A Simple Reminder - 04/24/16 06:45 AM
Nature's Beauty - Dogwood Trees Remind Me...
This time of year, the Dogwood trees provide a splash of white or pink against the dark evergreens. We see them in wooded areas along our gorgeous trails, lining streets, and in yards throughout the many neighborhoods of Clark County.
Since our home is located at higher elevation, we've been waiting patiently for our Dogwood to bloom. It's our first Spring living here, and the magical arrival of color via bulbs and flowering trees has been a fun adventure.
It's family day at our Multi-gen household and my sis and her husband are still on their road trip, they'll back … (21 comments)

family: Almost Speechless Sunday - Serious Broncos Fan - 01/17/16 12:30 AM
This morning, my daughter sent me this photo of 11-month old Raegan. I mentioned that she looked pensive. " Wonder what she's thinking about, " I shot back in a text. My daughter's reply, "the game, of course."  Of course.  Happy Sunday, football fans. May your favorite team win big today. 

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family: Thoughts on being Thankful - Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving 2015 - 11/24/15 10:02 PM
Thankfulness , like people, comes in many shapes and sizes.
Thank yous' are as individual as the individual. Some people have a tough time accepting something from someone else. They might grunt in acknowledgment, or seem oblivious as to what just happened. They may brush off a compliment with a curt reply, or a self-deprecating comment. So what? Judging reactions and responses as right or wrong is pretty silly. If we give something expecting something back, we probably shouldn't give it in the first place. 
We can't know what someone else is feeling. Perhaps they feel tongue-tied under pressure, and surprises often put us on the spot. Some people just … (74 comments)

family: News and Views of Clark County - An Ode to November 2015 - 11/01/15 12:26 AM
An Ode to November 2015
 
Several years ago, 2011 to be exact, I was feeling creative on the 1st day of November.  I figured it wouldn't hurt to revisit this old post again.  The holiday season makes me nearly giddy. The warmth of decorations add to the magic moments spent with family and friends. Leaves are strewn about our yard after a rainy windstorm, and it looks perfectly fall-like this morning. Hope you're having a great start to this new month and are also looking forward to the holiday season.   Happy Sunday. 
 
Ode to November 
It’s time to gather pumpkins and ready them for pie.
 
All … (13 comments)

 
Debb Janes, Put My Love of Nature At Work for You  (Nature As Neighbors)

Debb Janes

Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Camas, WA

More about me…

Nature As Neighbors

Address: 3200 SE 164th Avenue, Suite 301, Vancouver, WA, 98683

Office: (360) 608-4900

Mobile: (360) 608-4900

Debb Janes and Bernie Stea have been a real estate team for over a decade in Clark County, WA, where they specialize in ViewHomes™, family estates, multi-generational living, and homes with large lots or acreage.


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