through this little blog we have created, i have come to find it difficult to make a short list of things i am grateful for. i often see something and think "this has got to go on the blog!", but before i know it, i have completely forgot about it. i suppose the ultimate goal is to remind oneself of the wonderful things in life and to be consciously aware of them all at the same time.

 i discovered something interesting last night from a book i am reading and it made me think about the choices i make each and every day. the book said that our bookstores are often filled with "self-help" books on how to improve our attitudes, images, skills or thoughts, yet do we find the same amount of literature on finding the beauty in life or how to help others? we frequently make excuses or find we are too tired (i'm the worst at doing this!) to do something beautiful for others. why is it that we soul search and work to better ourselves (mentally, physically, whatever), yet something so simple as doing good, volunteering or making a conscientious effort to find the beauty in life can be the ultimate "cure" to our problems? i am in no way saying i have this mastered or am the perfect "do-gooder". far from it people, far from it. it's just food for thought. so perhaps during the upcoming holiday season where we tend to give more and think of others in need, we can intentionally work to better ourselves through helping others or by finding the magic each day brings and make it last longer than usual. because my friends, it is truly a wonderful world we live in full of incredible, incredible things.

 like any other skill, be it throwing a ball, playing the piano or learning a language, we learn from practice. and because of this practice i feel that my gratitude list has become as simple as riding a bike. easy, thrilling and carefree.

so on this beautiful, but chilly fall thursday, i offer up my little piece of gratitude (don't get too jumpy...they aren't that exciting...)

* candles burning
* upcoming trips
* doing laundry without having to pay for it
* a full fridge to choose from
* new songs - lovin' "we found love" by rihana
* talking to brothers
* jeans friday!
* being able to vote - aren't we blessed?!
* a clean bathroom, shower and all (i know you hate cleaning showers like i do...)
* the smell of hot coffee - i'm fairly certain i said that last time, but it's just too good!
* boots
* christmas commercials/movie previews (i know i shouldn't be excited yet, it's not even halloween yet!)
* my husband: his drive, motivation and hard work to be able to provide for his family


have a lovely weekend and enjoy the hunt to find something to be grateful for...

peace,
b

Grateful on Tuesday

Happy belated birthday to our beautiful friend K! I have known K nearly all my life - our moms were best friends and we soon followed in their footsteps. K has been there from day one and she has never left my side, she is the definition of a true friend. One of my favorite things about our girl is her laugh, it is truly infectious. She has a way about her that makes the people around her feel loved and cared for. K is our organizer, always finding an excuse to get together and celebrate our friendships, never allowing us to forget how important we are to each other. She is not only the most incredible friend, she is an amazing wife, sister, and daughter. I cannot imagine what my life would be without this loving friend! K, I wish you the happiest of birthdays and look forward to celebrating many, many more with you. Happy Birthday dear friend!

Love,
B

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In an effort to make up for a couple (ahem) lost weeks in posts, here is post #2 for this rainy Tuesday...


As my alarm went off for the third, yes, third time this morning, I couldn't help but loath the thought of waking up at what felt like the wee hours of the day. The morning started out a bit chaotic. Although I had thought ahead the night before and packed my lunch, laid out my clothes (I even ironed!) and packed my bag for the gym, I was still slightly frazzled. Among the rushing about to get out of the house in time to greet my students, I could only feel gratitude for the many blessings I have been given...

- a phone call from my husband
- a hot pot of coffee to greet me as I went downstairs
- a parking spot in the garage
- a car letting me in
- a colleague pulling onto the freeway next to me
- a hot bowl of tomato soup....grilled cheese next to it of course
- apples, don't you just love fall?!
- skyping with loved ones
- an upcoming visit from the little brother
- a weekend visit from the big brother and sister-in-law
- pulling off a surprise
- being done at the gym...can't beat that feeling!
- slumber parties with cousins
- birthdays

Cheers to a week full of gratitude,
B

First Monday of Fall

Its the first week of fall and it feels like it.  The weather has seemed to change over night and there are leaves on the ground that weren't there yesterday.  Even though I don't know if Im quite ready for the sun and heat to be gone I do have to admit that Fall has always been my favorite season.  I love everything that comes with fall.  And here are a few things I'm grateful for on this gray morning...

Needing to pull the blankets up during the night
Gray sky
Fresh muffins out of the oven

Spending time with friends and family I have been missing
Random store shopping
Modge Podge
Volcano candle
Looking forward to home made soup for dinner
Our first fire of the season and our new home

Edgar visiting
My husband thinking about getting a furry friend
Fresh flowers
Halloween Decorations
Tomatoes from my garden
Reading a GOOD book

Hope your first week of fall is filled with festivities!

K
xoxo

Short and Sweet

Short and sweet list of things I am grateful for...

-The sound of the dishwasher running when the rest of the house is quiet.
-candles
-dinner with friends
-tissue paper
-working for something you care about
-reflecting
-patience
-ordering pizza
-new seasons of a favorite show
-a good workout
-finding a dollar in your back pocket
-the John Stewart Minute on 94.7
-when people say "thank you"
-getting into bed after a long day

Happy Tuesday!
xo M

This must be how pregnant women feel...

  Prior to getting married a few weeks ago, my then fiance and I had been living together...in sin(gasp).   Joe was living in full bachelor pad mode - the major theme of the place was Grateful Dead, OSU and beer, three of Joe's very favorite things.  The walls were mainly bare with exception to some G.D. album covers that are apparently "worth a lot of money" and a few things leftover from an old girlfriend :/
  Well, I lived in this for a good year +.  I didn't want to be that girl that came in and changed everything right out of the gate.  I didn't love the decor by any means but I also didn't have the money or energy to do anything about it.  And Joe is someone who will keep things the same forever because he just doesn't care.
  Enter our engagement.  It was becoming more clear to me that we would be living in this apartment for quite a while (don't get me wrong: it's a great apartment, great neighborhood.  See this post) But I knew that I couldn't get cozy in our surroundings as a newlywed couple.
  Three weeks before our wedding, I got the fever.  Not the Bieber fever, mind you, but the fever to redecorate.  I equate it to nesting as a pregnant woman (not that I know what that feels like, but so I hear).  I needed to make this apartment our home.
I scoured all the local Goodwills and thrift stores and found myself really enjoying the thrill of the hunt. 
  How had I not done this earlier??  

My first day out I found a cute side table for $8. This was the item that got me real excited! If I can get this for less than $10, imagine what else I can do! 

(please don't mind all the other Goodwill items piled to the side)

oh! and the candles are from Goodwill, too! $1-3 each! 

I kept finding more and more goodies to spruce up the place.  Things were going great!  But then I reached a point where I just couldn't find the right item for above the bed (the current painting was from Joe's ex...remember the 'How I Met Your Mother' episode??)

I got a whole new kind of fever.  One that I'm very unfamiliar with...I wanted to do some DIY crafts.  For those who know me, you know that I am not a skilled craftsman.  For those of you who don't, a little story...

In high school pottery class, I handed in my 'vase' (I loosely use the word vase) to my teacher.  He stared it over with a look of concern and finally tactfully said, "Ummmm, yea, we only have so much room in the kiln."  I couldn't blame him...my hands are not made for art.

But, alas, I felt like I could finally tackle something - you gotta face your fears some time!

I decided to use this tutorial to make my very own fabric wall art!  And it was super fun and easy!

All you do is choose the size canvas you want - I chose a 22"x28" canvas at Michael's where they were on SALE! I love this crafting thing!

 Next is the hardest part - choosing the fabric.  I thought this would be easy but it took longer than I expected.  I went to the classic fabric stores and was overwhelmed by the novelty prints that surrounded me.  And then I remembered a cute, funky fabric store called Bolt that has the BEST patterns.  And that's where I found this little guy...

I really wanted a yellow fabric to brighten up the room and the gray background of it just felt so good :)

After a few pins and tucks of the fabric around the canvas, I came out with a really cool piece of art.  Add a couple of thrift store mirrors and I am on my way to a new bedroom!

(the print doesn't show up well in photos...so just come over and see it in person!)

 I love this because when we want to change the look of our bedroom, it's really easy to just swap out the fabric for another!  And the best part is you can make it whatever you want!  It's the best way for a non-artist to 'paint' on canvas!

 I will admit that the apartment is a work in progress but with the decorations thus far, I have gotten many compliments...especially from Joe!  I still have one wall in the living room waiting for these amazing frames from Joe's sister and her husband...can't wait to get them up!

So to cap it off, I am thankful for fresh new starts and for finding a way for even the most unartistic person to create something 'artsy'.

AWESOME!

I recently found out about a book titled, 1000 Awesome Things. It is full of short stories about things that we may overlook that are just AWESOME.
When I read the ones I listed below I couldn't help but smile and nod...those are awesome.
-Chugging cold milk after eating chocolate cake
-Laugh lines
-The person lying down in the front of the sports team photo
-When it's sunny and rainy at the same time
-Warm sandals that have been sitting in the sun
-When you find the spot on the dog that makes it leg go crazy
-Taking your makeup off after you have been wearing it for hours
-Eating a free sample of something you have no intention of buying
-Car dancing
-People who look like their pets
-Saying Thanks
-Getting a good locker in highschool
-Putting garbage in another garbage
-Singing the national anthem with a big crowd
-The sounds of the train coming into the station
-Getting the perfect ketchup to fries ration
-When the Christmas tree gives the only light in the room ("Go turn on the tree!")
-Double spacing your essay so it takes up way more pages
-Baby toes

Go and check it out...the website is  1000awesomethings.com
I hope all of you are having an AWESOME day!

Lots of love,
M

It's Here!

It is the morning of our wedding...I could not sleep at all last night in anticipation of this day! So, here I am saying one last word of thanks for all the amazing people in my life...many of whom are with me sharing this blog.
It's crazy how momentous events like weddings, birthdays, graduations, funerals, tragedies and new births give rise to all the emotions that people have toward you.  Luckily for Joe and I, we have the greatest family and friends (also family) that two people could ever wish for.  These people have given their all to us and never cease to put smiles on our faces and our hearts.
I have been so overwhelmed by the graciousness that everyone has displayed throughout this wedding process - I have seen people go to extremes to make wonderful things happen for Joe and I, and I have heard unexpected words of love from people who otherwise don't show it very often.
I am the luckiest girl to be marrying a man who I can truly call my best friend and biggest fan.  He is simply lovely.
THANK YOU to all the incredible people who have helped bring this day together - whether you directly helped plan the wedding or not, I wouldn't be here today without each and every loved one in my life.  This is a beautiful life that we have and I am so thankful for times, like weddings, that bring out what amazing loved ones we have.  It truly is a wonderful world.

Grateful for Technology

Annnnnnd I'm back. It's been quite some time since I have posted on this lovely little blog...mostly because of my computer, or lack thereof. For months now I have had troubles with computers, phones, t.v. connections, and the list goes on. It always amazes me how much we rely on technology {namely - the internet and cell phones}. I get frustrated when I can't connect to the internet and don't even try helping me if my computer takes longer than 30 seconds to do its job. Seething. That's the only word I can think of when it comes to broken/non-working computers.

However...I absolutely LOVE, love, LOVE technology when it's up and running. Within the past couple of weeks I have been fortunate enough to be able to buy a new cell phone [finally got rid of the ole Samsung flip phone], and receive a new laptop from a dear cousin {quite the gift if you ask me!}. So between our old desktop, my brother's dinosaur-of-a-laptop, one phone that works and one that has seen better days, we have finally upgraded in the world of technology. I am loving every minute of my new gadgets. I am NOT a gadgets girl. In fact, I prefer simplicity, the less is more concept. But I must say that I wholeheartedly enjoy the camcorder function on my new phone and the fact that I can watch t.v. AND play around on the computer at the same time.

With my husband going to school, I am very grateful for reliable {and twin, might I add} phones, a solid computer and the capability to real-time chat with him while he is away!

Gratitude List...
- weddings
- finding gift cards you didn't remember having
- family members who help you move
- family members who let you live with them
- school supplies shopping
- memories
- Law & Order (any one of them!)
- babies
- Vancouver B.C.
- good health
- IKEA

I hope your summer has been filled with berry picking, bbq's, weddings, weekend trips and lots more fun!

B

The Best Pizza Ever

Tonight I partook in the best pizza I think I have ever eaten.  My husband recently purchased a new BBQ, and when I say BBQ I mean I small tank that could cook for an army.

We have tried many different kinds of meat on it and they have all turned out delicious, but tonight we were in the mood for something a bit more hearty and filling.  We spent the morning hiking the 9 mile trail around Silver Creek Falls, so we needed some nourishment.  We decided we would try cooking a pizza in the BBQ, and let me say it turned out better than either of us thought it could.  We bought dough from our local New York Pizza shop, put all our favorite goodies on top and let the BBQ do the rest.  It was absolutely scrumptious.  Let me just say I am very happy there is left overs for tomorrow.  So, today I am grateful for my husbands BBQ and our delicious dinner.

Other things I'm grateful for today...

a long beautiful hike with my favorite person
amazing scenery





















Italian sausage
driving with the windows down
feeling tired after working hard
music on our back patio
weather to be able to be outside
puzzles
having a place at our new home to actually do a puzzle
our new computer keyboard
loading new pictures into Iphoto
ingredients to make pesto
new dining chairs
looking forward to a relaxing evening outside

I hope everyone has found inspiration this week, whether through the outdoors or food or any other place.  Love to all my girls on this wonderful Friday.

K
xoxo

Beautiful Countryside

This past week I went on a little adventure with one of my fellow project gratitude girls.  We got in the car and drove to Hood River to spend the day on the Fruit Loop.  The Fruit Loop is a road right outside of Hood River with about 35 amazing farms and vineyards along the way.  If you haven't experienced the Fruit Loop I would recommend to take the day and do it.  If anyone has visited Napa Valley you would have an idea of what this was like.  It truly felt like a paradise.  We originally went to pick ourselves some cherries and raspberries, but due to the late spring and unfortunately summer we are having, there were no berries to pick.  Even though we didn't get to pick anything we were not disappointed in the least.  The views were spectacular, the people were so nice and the fruit that we were able to buy was delicious.

We also stopped at a lavender farm and met the lavender lady, who was decked out in more lavender than I even thought existed, down to her eyeshadow.

We even stopped at an alpaca farm and were introduced to the newest member of the farm.  He was born at 6am the same morning we were there.

All in all we were so excited about how the day turned out and are for sure planning on visiting the Fruit Loop again and again.  The trip also inspired me to start a few new projects and hobbies that I have not done in the past.  I bought some beautiful alpaca yarn and am planning on knitting a scarf (with the help of my lovely fruit looper friend) and I am going to start canning, more to follow on that subject.  Since we are focusing on new and creative projects in our lives I thought I would dedicate my post to being inspired to go out of my comfort zone and try something new, all because of the Fruit Loop.

Other things Im grateful for...

Breathtaking views
Fresh local cherries and strawberries
The smell of lavender
Exciting new roads
Finding the local hot spot for lunch (the only spot in this case)
Brand new life
Kitties that love being pet
Little antique shops
People truly passionate about what they do
Pear Wine
The thought of our next outing

I hope everyone can be inspired this week
Love
K
xoxo

A BRIGHT idea for being creative!

Over the past couple of weeks I have tried to tap into my inner artist.  I am trying to be a little creative each and every day and thanks to the help of friends with similar thinking, internet DIY projects, and some craft supplies I feel I am doing just that!


On Monday my dear cousin and I gathered CLEARANCE craft supplies and I made a little sign with some of my new items.

Today I have been on the hunt for a new project...
Recently I have been looking at different lamp shades to finish my flea market lamp find. As I searched for the perfect shade I decided that just maybe I needed to create the perfect one myself. So after a little research I found a great idea modeled after an Anthropologie shade. Off I went to pick out fabrics...who knew fabric could make you feel so happy! 

After, I went to Goodwill to find an old lamp shade for $4.99. I then set out to complete my project. 

Ta-da!!! A beautiful DIY lamp shade. I feel so proud and I cannot wait to officially add it to my lamp.
Today I am grateful for:
-Creativity
-blogs with GREAT ideas
-fabric
-shabby chic decor
-tacky glue
-good background movies
-coffee with an old friend 
-random Tuesdays


Maybe during the month of July we can add ways we are being creative into our gratitude posts??? Whether you are making a cd, working in your garden, singing in the shower, or painting a picture I bet we could all try something new this month.  I challenge you all to try something creative! (I am sure most of my girlfriends are probably doing just that right now!) 
Hmmm...what should I try next!?
Lots of love,
M

Monday and Happy!!!

So I've been MIA for the past couple weeks (as a matter of fact, most of us have been) but Im back... AND today I am so grateful for so many things, here are a few...

I am grateful for

my husband being able to work from home
time spent with great friends over the weekend
peaches
How I Met Your Mother
text messages
BBQ
roses on my bushes out front
clean laundry
birds on the feeder
making dinner with Zane
excitement on the cul-de-sac (garage sales, sidewalk chalk, tree trimmers...)
starting a new book
growing veggies
Anthro's volcano candle
mail
nail polish
re-runs of your favorite shows
the excitement of another weekend spent with my girls

Love to all
K
xoxo

God Bless America

Tonight I consider myself very lucky...
I am in the middle of a beautiful city with a view of the waterfront and a spectacular firework show.
There is something so peaceful about the crackling "BOOMS" lighting up the dark sky. You can't help but smile. The magic, the wonder, the beauty out my window helps remind me of how wonderful it is to live in such an amazing place. Tonight I am grateful for so much.


freedom
red, white, and blue
fireworks
the Blues Festival
popsicles
breakfast at Beesaws
peace
my country

Happy 4th of July everyone! 


xo M

A Teacher's Summer

Of course I love teaching. I love it everyday. Those littles, they say the funniest things and I so enjoy the people I get to work with... but, oh those summer nights, wella, wella, wella (just a little Grease for you!) But really, summer is when I get to do all the things my heart really loves to do... I call it playing  house and today my list of gratitude is directed towards it. Follows is the list of things I get to do when I am playing house all summer:






make my husband breakfast before he heads out the door for work
send him with a home packed lunch (I try to do both of these things during the school year, but they just don't always happen... sometimes he leaves real early!)
garden
go picking here
can and pickle
visit with family
knit
blog here
read
clean and organize... I know, but I do enjoy it :)
and...

...take pictures of the goings on in our little cottage.

Happy Summer! I hope you, too, get to play house or spend time doing what your heart really wants you to do!

A day in the Life

Today I am grateful for:
New Birthday Toys
Different perspectives
Barbie movies
clean carpets and windows
Coffee
Easy Friendships
Challenging Friendships
Long Walks
Harper's smile
Tweezers
Summer Fun & Reunions with my 7 girls;)
LOVE,
C

 

To a dear, loving, trusting, encouraging, beautiful, fun, amazing friend....HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This comes a few days late, but we celebrate this special little lady each and every day! A has been a friend for 20+ years and I couldn't be more grateful for her! She is one of those friends who has been there through thick and thin and one who will always be there when needed. A, we love you and couldn't be more grateful to have you in our lives! We hope your day was filled with celebrations and wishes come true....

Cheers,
B

Grateful for Al...

Today I must reflect on one of our dearest friends who celebrated her birthday over the weekend.  We have known each other 21 out of her 28 years.  And in that time we have made more memories than I can even recall.  But its not the endless time we spent at each others houses growing up, or the inside jokes, or even the amazing times we have shared as adults that I am most grateful for.  What I am most grateful for is the unconditional love and friendship we share.  I know, no matter what we have gone through, no matter how long it has been, we are and will always be great friends.  I am grateful for her hugs, sharing homey advice, her contagious laughter, spending time with her and her husband, her amazing cooking, sharing weekend getaways and also sharing hobbies.  Allison, you are an amazing woman, host, wife and friend and I am so grateful to have you in my life and look forward to the next 28 years.


Love Always,
K
xoxo

Stop and Smell the Roses

Today marked our first walk up to the rose garden of the 2011 spring/summer season!  Joe and I look forward to the weather getting better and the days getting longer so we can go back to enjoying our (almost) nightly after-dinner strolls thru the gardens.  It is such a relaxing and enjoyable time for us.  We literally go around to all the roses and take big whiffs to try and find the best.  We have deduced that the yellow and lavender roses are the most consistently fragrant.  And never the reds...don't even bother bending down for those.

Tonight's kick-off walk included some never-before done activities!! It's about to get crazy here, folks.

We decided to (literally) kick up our heels and hop on the swings that welcome us at the base of the park.  We were both pumping our legs and trying to catch as much air as we could (I swear I got higher than him but he sings a different tune...)  The warm evening breeze rushing in my face felt SOOOO good after being cooped up all day studying for finals.

Joe is the one on the right, of course
Source

And then I started to slightly panic.  It's that feeling where you know you shouldn't be freaking out because you probably aren't that high off the ground  but yet that inner voice tells you to slow your role a bit and put the brakes on.  As we were slowing down, Evil Kenevil to my left decided to one-up me and jump off the swing mid-air. 

 *Side note, I was NEVER the kid on the playground who was on the monkey bars doing flips and tricks - I have a very scaredy cat, 'keep-my-feet on the ground' mentality.  Tether ball, wall ball and daisy chains were more my thing* 

Anyhoo, as Joe Gymnast was leaping to his death from the swing, I decided to do things the old-fashioned way and drag my feet on the ground...classic!  It may have taken me about 2 minutes longer to get off...small details.

We then moved on to the teeter-totter where I proceeded to acquire some inner thigh bruises...those things are a bumpy ride, I tell ya! (that's what she said)

Moving onward and upward (seriously upward - you climb some pretty serious hills to reach the beloved roses), we finally reached our destination. 

 Now, we knew going into this that there wouldn't be very many roses blooming.  And we were right to think that because there were maybe a total of 5 roses making an appearance tonight.  It was sad.  Especially because the Rose Festival is in full 'bloom', if you will.  (Which we did attend the Starlight Parade, as it is a Benz family tradition.  And you better believe we will be getting front row seats with continental breakfast service at the Grand Floral Rose Parade on Saturday...it's good to know people in high places!)

Although the rose gardens were an overall pitiful sight, there was this one rose that stood out (not hard to when you are the only rose, I suppose).  This rose was exquisite.  I don't think I have ever used that word before but it perfectly describes the wonder of this flower.  And it was HUGE! The bright pink color was perfectly highlighted in the sunset and it literally made me stop and stare.  And the smell!....oh! the sweet sweet smell that it softly released...it was perfect. *note - I have tried multiple times to get the pic of that rose on here and for some reason it won't work...please enjoy this glorious picture of what the rose garden should be looking like any day now...*

Source

After our subdued walk thru the rose(s), and after Joe had hit up every drinking fountain in the vicinity, we continued our route to the surrounding houses mansions that line the upper rim of the park.  These people are living the good life and get to enjoy beautiful architecture and views of the city every single day.  It is such a fun time for us to fantasize about setting up shop in these homes....*sigh*  maybe some day when that winning lottery ticket finally hits my hands!

Source

*Ok, so this isn't a house by the rose garden but it is a FANTASTIC house that I discovered on a different NW walking route that I do very frequently.  I stumbled across this house and it's surrounding neighborhood by accident.  I fell in love with this street.  I rushed home and proclaimed that I found the neighborhood that we will live in someday.  

We are so lucky to be living in a neighborhood with so much historically significant manors. We always say how you can just imagine these homes overlooking the beginnings of Portland, back in their day, with nothing around them.  They just sat atop the hills of Portland and were more than likely inhabited by some very wealthy, important people.  Or at least we imagine!*

We concluded our walk down the hill, passing by a cute duplex.  We peeked in the window to see 2 elderly couples playing cards with each other...I imagine the ladies were winning :)  

I am so thankful for all the beautiful neighborhoods that surround us and all the treasures we discover each time we venture forth.  I know that someday Joe and I are going to look back and have such fond memories of living here....hopefully we won't only have the memories but the reality of living in one of these aforementioned manors :) A girl can dream, right??

Oh! and one more thing that I LOVE about our neighborhood...Joe and I both have GREAT friends from childhood, who just happen to be married, living a block away!  Life just doesn't get much better than that.

xoxoxo!!!
Sara

Oh How the Weeks Fly By...

I absolutely can't believe that we are looking at June 1st on the calendar! As a teacher this time of year is always very bitter sweet. Of course I am looking forward to summer, but oh how I am going to miss those littles and the funny things they say... cue the latest list of things to be thankful for:

First grade jokes Q:"How do you wake up Lady Gaga?" A:"Poke her face"... oh how they have laughed at this one this week... it's been told over and over again!
Reading my daily quote calendar each morning when I get to school. This morning's quote "Laugh, it makes the week go more smoothly"
The start of So You Think You Can Dance?
Looking at our backyard... that my husband worked so hard to tame after many weeks of wild weather!
The surprise of pumpkin seeds and raspberry starts gifted to me by fellow gardeners
Picking up our first CSA box!.. Will we soon be swimming in greens? Who knows!
Planning a road trip
Dreaming of the upcoming berry season
Switching our winter bedding for a light summer quilt!
Coffee gift cards

Enjoy your week and be sure to remember to laugh... it really does make the week go more smoothly!
Allison

Make New Friends, But Keep The Old...

This has been a saying I have pondered over for most of my adult life. After graduating from college and setting out into the big world to do "adult" things, I often thought about how true this statement is. I am one who is 100% content with keeping my old friends, never feeling the need to start new friendships - mostly due to the fact that the wonderful women in my life have devoted their lives to being incredible wives, girlfriends, sisters, mothers, daughters and friends - this makes it nearly impossible to not keep them as friends.

I have never been a lose-a-friend-due-to-a-huge-blow-up kind of girl, and for that I am grateful. I have met many lovely people in my life and have made many new friends, but none that can even come close to the old ones. There is something about having a friend who has known you and loved you through good and bad,  and with whom you share a history. If you have a friend who has seen you through middle school, high school or even college, keep them, hold on to them and cherish them...for these were probably not the most beautiful stages of life...not simply looks (but come on, middle school....?), but more importantly, the choices you made no doubt affected them in some way. If they have stuck by you, honor them.  

It always amazes me that no matter how much time has passed, be it days, weeks or even months, the women I know and love continue to be inspirational, loving and caring. This past weekend was spent with a few of these darling women. M and I went up north to Seattle and stayed with a dear friend from college. It was as though nothing had changed since college (ok, we are prettier and more funny now, right?! Maybe...anyone?). I also got to see another dear college friend who was up from the little state of Texas...it was a short visit, but well worth every second. This too felt as though nothing had changed. I love that no matter where we are in our lives and no matter if it is college or childhood friends, these women will inevitably be a part of my life and will always play a huge role in who I am and who I will become.

So no matter where you are, where we met, who you are...know that you are loved, looked up to and cherished. I have been blessed to hold on to many relationships near and dear to my heart. I am truly and utterly grateful for each one....So to all of you who are making new friends - be bold, be truthful, have fun and learn from these friendships, but never ever forget the old ones because one might be silver, but the other is gold.


Peace and blessings,
B

The Beauty of Nature

I spent the long weekend camping with my family in Northern California.  There is nothing better than a camping trip.  How can you not like the feeling of being in the great outdoors, becoming one with nature?  Four days of sleeping under the stars with the breeze through our tent, a campfire in the morning to cut the bite in the air, fresh percolated coffee first thing when you wake up, smores made over the evening coals and four whole days of no makeup or looking into a mirror even.  We went on a couple of beautiful hikes around the area and saw some amazing waterfalls.  It really is spectacular to think about the natural beauty all around us.  Today I am grateful for being so lucky to live in such an amazing area with natural wonders out our door step.

Other things Im grateful for today...

a hot shower (its never felt so good)

precious time spent with my family

new cozy sleeping bags

the tired feeling you get after a athletic activity

a cold beer

sun on my face

sitting around the campfire

genuine laughter

sauteed onions and mushrooms

ice cream on a cone

road trips

an old joke that never gets old

a new joke

new neighbors

noises out in nature

my Keens

cereal

coffee creamer

And.... my puppy (well, my parents puppy) he is the cutest EVER!

Love you all

K

xoxo

Weekend Projects

This weekend found me and my husband knee deep in mud.  What started out as a simple project of constructing raised beds for my backyard, quickly snowballed into an entire weekend excavation project.  Our new backyard has somewhat of a water problem, to say the least.  There was a French drain installed years back, but unfortunately it was not doing its job anymore.  My husband and I dug out our French drain, all 45 feet of it, by hand mind you.  Then we proceeded to haul yards and yards of river rock from our driveway to fill the now muddy trench that we had running down our backyard.  We laid out our raised beds, which started this crazy project and surrounded them with what was left over of the river rock.  In the end it turned out excellent and with the rain the last few days I think we have fixed our water problem, fingers crossed.  With every muscle in our bodies throbbing, hands red with calluses and exhausted to the point of not being able to stand, my husband and I looked at what we accomplished over those 48 hours and we were proud and pleased.  I am grateful that my body is able to do hard work and manual labor, I am grateful for weekend projects and the feeling of accomplishment and I am grateful that I have an amazing partner to work along side...

Before

After

(now all we need is soil and plants, that will be the next project)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, filled with fun and excitement.  Or maybe a project or two.  Love to all my amazing friends. 

K

xoxo

Laughing

"Make 'em laugh, make 'em laugh. Don't you know everyone wants to laugh, ha ha!" 
-Singing in the Rain

Yesterday I got to watch several consecutive episodes of a hilarious sitcom with a dear friend. We literally laughed, giggled, chuckled and just flat out cracked up. It felt good.

Tonight I am thankful for times like this when we get to spend time with precious friends doing absolutely nothing. It just doesn't get better than that. Here are a few more things I am grateful for.
-garlic bread sticks
-planning showers
-comfy couches
-love notes
-DVDs
-hearing a friend's laugh
-accomplishing a task
-Sicilian pizza
-searching the Humane Society website
-new shampoo

Have a good laugh today. It is GOOD for the soul! :)
xo M

Tuesday and So Much to Be Grateful For...

It's Tuesday again and I just can't seem to figure out how the weeks keep passing by so quickly. Someone once told me to not get too excited for the weekend, for we are simply wishing our lives away by doing so. I concur, yet somehow I look forward to weekends and can't help myself from getting excited and anxious about upcoming events, seasons, holidays and weekends. So as this week has already passed us by, I have much to be grateful for...

- paper chain countdown in the classroom
- girls' weekends
- bridal showers
- fresh berries/smoothies
- phone conversations with brothers
- brides
- new movies
- California
- Disneyland
- catching up with old colleagues and friends

I wish you all a wonderful week. Live in the moment, enjoy your time spent doing whatever it is you do best, find the small joys and breathe in life each day at a time.

Enjoying time,
B

Happy Birthday to You!

B said it, but I just wanted to reiterate how amazing our friend is and take this moment to celebrate her.  Through the years she has been nothing short of the most sincere, caring supportive friend there is.  She is always there, whether you need to cry or just laugh until your cheeks hurt.  So today, I am most grateful for my friend Sara.

To you, on your birthday!!!!
K
xoxo

A Day To Celebrate

                                                        


Today marks the 28th year of one fabulous little lady...

We are celebrating 28 years of a beautiful woman's life...it is our S' birthday and it couldn't be a more perfect day for a birthday.

This birthday girl is one amazing sister, soon-to-be-wife, daughter, student and most of all...friend. I have personally known S for more years than I can count. Through childhood, middle school, high school, college and now the beyond, S has been a true-blue friend and partner in crime. She is nothing short of loving, honest, comforting, trusting and down right fun! She is a friend through and through. S never wavers and is always supportive. We are a lucky group of ladies to have this gorgeous woman be a part of our lives. We love you with all our hearts and can't wait to celebrate your day of birth!

Cheers to you S on your special day. May you have many more blessed years and much more joy in your life. Happy Birthday!

Love,
B

internet monday

Oh how we depend on the internet.  We have made a recent move and with that came no access to internet for the last two weeks.  We finally got our internet hooked up today at our new house and I am so excited.  I dont consider myself a person that is addicted to surfing the net, checking my email or browsing facebook, but you cant blame a girl for wanting to occasionally check the weather, keep up with the latest hollywood gossip or most current fashions.  I know the Iphone does all I need it to, but it just isnt the same.  So today I am grateful for, for the first time in my life, Comcast.  Dont tell my husband, even though he pays them every month to have fast internet and to DVR Swamp People, he still cant stand them.

Other things I am grateful for today...

spending time with my wonderful mom yesterday and having a entire day to celebrate how amazing she is
purple Iris'
new storage solutions
Costco
Home Depot
projects with my dad
the blue recycle bin
going to movies at the theater
home made breakfast
vanilla creamer
sitting right next to my husband at our new desk
facetime
a freshly mowed yard
salt and pepper in olive oil
step ladders
tasks you didnt know you could do until you tried
being able to sit down at my piano and play at my own house
sun coming in a window
hardbacked books
sharpies
Netflix
a shower caddie
looking forward to seeing my girls and catching up

love to everyone
K
xoxo

Let them eat cake!

I know that the anticipation of the Royal Wedding was spoken of already, but now that it has happened we are in need of a recap.  It was smashing!
I woke up an extra 30 min early so that I could run into the living room and fast forward to all the best parts...especially Kate's Her Royal Highness Duchess of Cambridge's secret DRESS!
I must say, after watching the fabulous guests stroll in, I may just have to make it a rule that the guests at my future nuptials MUST wear HATS! or fasteners! I am in love with all the hats! Some were ridiculous, yes.  But overall, the hats set the tone for the royal affair....and it just seems so fun!
My anticipation has been building for a while for this wedding.  I have watched the biographies, the Lifetime movie, all the Royal Wedding details shows, and pondered which designer would win the coveted title of designing the dress of the decade.  So when Kate was first shown leaving her hotel and entering her 'commoner' Rolls Royce (doesn't every commoner have one of those??), all my built up anticipation resulted in tears.  Not an uncommon activity of my tear ducts as I cry at any little thing that has the slightest emotion tied to it.  But embarassing, nonetheless, as Joe glanced over at me to see a single tear roll down my cheek.

source

And then the big moment.  Princess Kate stepped out of the car and revealed the MUCH anticipated moment...and it was glorious.  At first, I was slightly underwhelmed.  I must admit.  She stood up and the dress seemed a lot simpler than I expected.  She has a very classic style that is simple and elegant.  But everyone has been talking about this dress like it is going to set fashion standards - that idea fogged my brain for a second.  And then that cloud passed, and I saw how truly beautiful she looked.  The dress was a perfect silhouette on her and had such amazing lace detail.  It was truly a timeless gown fit for a princess.  I can't get over how amazing she looked.

source

source

Besides the dress, my next favorite part was lip reading William saying, 'You look so beautiful' when he was first able to see his bride - ahhhh my heart melted.  I just love these two and their fairy tale romance. It is something fun to fantasize about during mundane weeks of work and school.
I was curious if Kate would change dresses after the ceremony.  And, alas, of course she did! She is a princess after all!  I think I love this dress just the same as the first, if not more! It is perfect for a royal reception...

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Oh, what a magical day!  Best of luck to the newly wedded royals!  I would definitely detail out more of my favorite parts but I have date night with my own prince charming tonight :) 

I think it goes without saying that today I am grateful for the magic and wonderment of a Royal Wedding. Thanks, Kate, for living out every little girl's childhood dream!

The Royal Wedding...

There's nothing quite like a royal wedding to bring people together. From the blue engagement dress, to the fairy-tale transformation from commoner to princess, to the sapphire ring of Diana's, this is turning out to be quite the talk of the town.


I must admit that I am enjoying all the fuss of the wedding festivities. I have a feeling my girlfriends are doing the same. :) Thanks to the royal jewels for inspiring my gratitude blog.  Here is to all of us "commoners" who are eating up every detail of this event!


Thank you Kate for letting us share in your wedding bliss.
Congratulations Prince William & soon-to-be Princess Catherine!
xo M

Sun & MORE

This past weekend we had a beautiful day of sunshine! Everyone was out and about around town--- running, shopping, eating, boating, hiking, relaxing, etc.. It is amazing how inspiring the sun can be. We all know too well that rain is the forecast this week, and yet, through the rain clouds we have caught glimpses of sunshine and clear weather here and there all day long.

Thank you sunshine for peering through and reminding us you haven't completely left!
Additional things I am grateful for:
-spending time wandering
-looking at antiques
-nephews and nieces
-Easter dinners
-enjoying every second I spend with my husband
-no wait in the laundry room
-reading other people's blogs
-bridal shower invitations
-talking about hopes/dreams with a friend
-poetry
-new shoes :)

xo M

Happy Easter

This is the day the Lord hath made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Happy Easter my lovely ladies! I hope you all have a day filled with gratitude and blessings!

Love
Katie
xoxo

Can't Get Much Better Than This

Gratitude comes in many different forms. But today, I am most grateful for these two videos. They are pure joy, make your sides hurt from laughter, kind of wonderful. I only wish adults could laugh and play as hard as these little ones...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y3yrXmqjuE


With gratitude and joy in my heart,
B

A Week in Review

This past week I have been thankful for...
Scenic drives with my husband, passing by all sorts of farms and animals
A weekend with old friends
The fun of a group of friends sharing all sorts of food ideas... it is my favorite thing to talk about you know! (and books of course!)
Spending the evening with my family
The Hillsdale Market
Signing up for a CSA... and all the fun that has come with planning what on earth I am going to do with all those vegetables!
Laughing at the littles that I spend each day with
Cooking dinner with David... and eating it together... and cleaning up together
Checking on my sprouting seeds in the backyard
The smell of rain... I know, I know rain?, but you know that smell after it hasn't rained in a while? Well that's the one!
Freshly washed sheets
Blazer games... maybe we will even win one soon :)
New cookbooks!

Enjoy your week!
Allison

A Cloudless Sky

It's happened people. The sun has finally come out to stay for longer than 10 minutes and it is absolutely glorious! I have forgotten what it feels like to step outside without shivering. Today I did not. I didn't have to wear my long, black, dreary and depressing winter coat. I even wanted to go for a run today, yes a run. You read it correctly. I ran. I ran longer than 10 minutes too...sad I know. I put on my headphones hoping the battery wouldn't run out because it had been so long since I used it. I tied my keys to my shoelaces and headed out the door to let my feet hit the pavement. The sun hit my face and I could even feel the freckles pop up and the vitamins soak into my skin. All I could think of was...gratitude. Gratitude for the nasty Oregon weather that turns everything green and gratitude for the ability to take a run with my own two legs. I could not have asked for a better way to end a long day at work.

Other things I am grateful for...
- sunglasses
- a new hair dryer
- comfy shoes
- swings
- laughter
- pictures in frames
- putting the down comforter away
- Holy Week
- blogging
- borrowed shirts
- changing trees

Peace to you on this sunny Tuesday,
B