Sunday in Fairhaven

“Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” —Howard Thurman

Yesterday I spent the day with Troy in Fairhaven. When we met we both lived in Fairhaven and early in our marriage we called it home as well. My grandparents lived there all my life and my aunts still do. I love Fairhaven. LOVE it! 

We spent the day walking, shopping, talking, laughing...and I took pictures with my iPhone. I had my regular camera but ended up shooting all the pics with my phone using various apps.

Here is (some of) our day in pictures....

“Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other - it doesn't matter who it is - and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other" —Mother Teresa

"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." ~Rita Rudner

My husband is the best. Really. He's funny and quirky and I might just be the only person who could ever live with him. Well, me and Archer. Oh and his parents - but they got rid of him fast! :)

Sometimes he leaves stuff laying around.
You know like this:

and this:

But that is all good because he is kind and funny and smart and kids LOVE him. 

And...he's really helpful. Like he lets me know when sloppy joes for dinner would be a good idea. 

And...he's good with colors and clothes. I know, I know some of you who KNOW him think clothes? fashion? Troy? NO. But really, he is. He chooses to wear those clothes from the 1940s. I swear he can match stuff and make great outfits if he wants too!

Case 1: I come home from shopping with a new skirt, shirt, whatever.

Troy: It's nice. But you're never going to wear that.

Me: YES I am! (slightly indignant)

Fast forward a year (or so). I pull said garment out of the closet.

Me: I never wore this.

Troy: I know. I told you you wouldn't. 

In these cases I think he is undermining my freewill. Just saying.

Case 2: Recently I came home with two new tops in color (i.e. not black) - turquoise-ish and purple-ish/pink (I could ask Troy what colors they are but he isn't here). He takes one look and says that they are nice...and then he says what I'm really looking for...

Troy: The purple-ish/pink one will go with anything. Jeans, the green shorts, the brown shorts. The blue one with jeans and the brown shorts but NOT the green shorts. 

Me: Ya. I knew that about the blue one. Not with the green shorts. (Note to self: Do NOT wear the blue shirt with the green shorts!)

See? He's helpful. Although there are times that he will tell me something matches and is just wrong. He does not believe in pale pink and brown. According to him that shouldn't happen. Just in case you were wondering.

And...If anyone is wondering what Mabel looks like RIGHT NOW...

Poor girl lost her insides. She's getting 'em all redone. I'll have Troy update on that later.

Happy Monday friends!

“Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Last night I was lucky enough to be involved in the Lynden Pioneer Museum's Celebration of Volunteers evening. It is a very special night where the staff gets the opportunity to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who make it possible to have such an incredible museum open to the public six days a week all year long!

While I am not on staff, my dear husband is the dedicated director/curator and he is endlessly dedicated to this museum, the community, and the idea of protecting and preserving history. I am honored to help out when I can at the museum and most especially at this particular event. Tami (who is terribly gifted in all areas of entertaining) and I spend days/weeks/all year brainstorming/shopping/decorating in order to make this event special for all the wonderful volunteers.

I would like to say a big thank you not only to the volunteers but also to the wonderful staff at the museum.

mondays with mabel on tuesday

Here it is, more mabelly goodness!

Today I got a rare item indeed. (Found thanks to my eagle eyed father-eagle eyed cause no hair gets in his way!) A WC-55 ration box! (bottom 2 pcitures) These are rare items indeed and this is a replica. But even replicas are rare! The gun truck version of mabel had ration boxes by the driver because the driver of such a cool truck needed to have a place to put his candy bars and soder pop. This was often kept cool by a special big box of military flavored ice cream!!!!!! (mmmm OD green flavor), then they would eat it with big wooden spoo........

WAIT!

Sorry-some pesky slavs took over the post while I was going to get a bag of peanut m&ms.

Any way. The ration box was placed on the driver side simply because they had a bunch of gas and water on the passenger side. It was intended to store a weeks worth of food (rations) for the crew as they would often be deployed for an extended period.

Tomorrow I will drill the holes and mount that bad boy then I will begin looking for some of the best c-ration to ever be made to put in it. Fruit Cake! Now you are probably thinking that some more pesky slavs have grabbed hold and are writing but no I assure you I am in full control of my faculties and keyboard. Fruit cake was a highly prized meal for our boys overseas in WW2. I had some once when my cousin scott visited when I was a kid and it actually tasted pretty good. Looked like a festive christmas turd though. So just as you cannot judge a book by its cover so you cannot judge the taste of c-rats by their looks.

Here is the other corner (please see top of the above three images). This one is an exercise in taking out dents and welding bits. Which I am actually enjoying. I have learned a few things as well. DONT weld with fleece on. It lights up like you are covered in lighter fluid. Luckily it goes out quick too and doesn't burn with a flame.

Celebrate: Marrying my Best Friend

“You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” - Dr. Seuss

Fifteen years ago, on Friday, Troy and I were married. I am very lucky to have married my best friend that day. We have spent 15 years laughing, crying, raising a child, enjoying our family, working, exploring, having fun...It's been quite a ride and I am looking forward to the future!

We decided to head south yesterday to visit the EMP/Sci-fi Museum in Seattle. The music memorabilia was quite interesting and I could see how a musician would LOVE it there.
I particularly liked the Sci-Fi Museum. Troy calls it a fan-boy museum, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. One must remember that Troy looks at museums differently than most other people - always wishing they had done this or that.
I really enjoyed the Gelatine Lux temporary exhibit. It is described as 20 illuminated glass sculptures in bold colors, suspended within a universe that includes sound and video components. It was very cool. I love glass sculpture, so it was right up my alley.
I hadn't been to Seattle Center in quite sometime. We drive by it on I-5 frequently and the EMP building is hard to miss and I always thought it quite odd...and it is! However, I think it's lines are awesomely unique and the building is quite impressive.
I like that the monorail goes right through two parts of the building.
After visiting the EMP/SFM we had lunch at Seattle Center, walked around a bit, hopped on the freeway for a quick trip to University Village...oh how I love U Village! We picked up some Trophy Cupcakes (which I shall eat for breakfast this morning), a cool art book for Troy, a sweater for me from Anthropologie (as well as a fun fabric letter).
We ended the evening with dinner at the Harbor Side Bistro for dinner. Sole stuffed with crab...delicious. The picture above is of our "his and hers" blue drinks. I think I need some pear vodka now.

On our wedding invitation it said, "A glance, a smile became friendship grew into Love." Everyday I am thankful that I married my friend Troy. He's awesome. Really.

Happy Sunday friends! I am off to eat a Stroop Waffle cupcake for breakfast...it DOES have waffle in the title right?

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday George!
An awesome dad, a wonderful grandpa, the BEST father-in-law!
We are very lucky!

This is for Erik...



Merry Christmas! It truly is a Christmas miracle!

Mondays with Mabel (on Tuesday)

Don't worry. Mabel is still around (really, where would she go?) and her restoration is coming along nicely. Our garage is like a spa for military jeeps. Go figure.

Mabel has been outfitted with some great new *stuff* and I think she's feeling pretty good about it.

Leather covered windshield cushion for when the windshield gets folded down (fancy!).

Black out light.

Center console dust cover.

And new wiper blades, windshield and little screws to hold the windshield in...and Troy showing me how the wipers move back and forth (thanks Troy because I totally didn't get that!).

As you can see Mabel is getting a fair amount of love. No one is neglecting her. Not at all.
If you have any questions for Troy regarding Mabel please feel free to leave them here.

Mondays with Mabel (a tad belated)

OH MABEL! She's coming along great - looking pretty and feeling the love.

Troy received an original windshield in the mail. He's working to getting the frame striped of old and rust and then repainted. He hopes to have the windshield installed over the weekend. The front end is completely cleaned and painted. Next up: painting the seat backs. Wowzers this girl needs a lot of work!

Love those hands. Working hard on the windshield frame.

Gotta have lots of wrenches to fix up a girl like Mabel.

Hehe! Sometimes Mabel makes Troy silly.

"There can only be one state of mind as you approach any profound test; total concentration, a spirit of togetherness, and strength." - Pat Riley

I would like to introduce you to Mabel.
She is about 66 years old.
She came to us from Minnesota.
She's lost a bit of her get-up-and-go, however is hoping a move to Lynden may help her out.
She looks a bit rough on the outside, but I hear that she is sure sweet underneath.
She seems to love our yard.
She has her own room.
She spent a lot of time with Troy yesterday.

This is Mabel. Welcome home old girl.
Mabel, every good truck needs a good name, is a 1943 WC-52. I figure with a nice name like Mabel she's gonna be a good girl who behaves, right? RIGHT?

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” - Harriet Tubman

This is Troy's project, as you may have guessed. Maybe a little more than a project. I think he loves her. I think I may have some competition.

Troy and his dad are military history buffs. So with the help of his dad, lots of help from him in many ways (emotional, financial...), Troy is going to set off to restore Mabel to her original glory.
and I, dear friends, am going to practice patience and strength and patience and acceptance and patience...Have I mentioned patience?

“The greatest power is often simple patience.” - E. Joseph Cossman

P.S. Don't tell anyone. Ok? OK? I kinda like Mabel. She's gonna be fun to have around. Troy is so happy (do you see that HUGE smile?) and I know that he is going to enjoy himself enormously while undertaking this project. I love that Mabel's room is the garage and that I can watch and possibly participate (I held a screwdriver yesterday!) in this undertaking.

What a ride!

"Watch the busy spider,
He's as helpful as can be,
Eating insects all day long
Now they won't bite me."

Troy was out cleaning the drain in our driveway and boy-howdy talk about spiders. This guy was quite impressive in size and speed. Slowed down for a picture though. Thank you Mr. Spider.

Funny thing...I HATE spiders. VERY afraid, but they fascinate me (from a distance - lovin' that micro zoom). However, when I was teaching second grade one of my favorite things to teach was the unit on spiders. I think it was the excitement the students had for the subject and that we studied them right before Halloween. So many fun projects and when second graders beam with pride at being able to spell in addition to say, cephalothorax, it melts a teacher's heart!

So, after having taught the whole spider unit I still don't like these creatures, but I feel like I know them better and no longer insist on everyone of them being squished DEAD!

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? Christmas came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” —Dr. Seuss

Food. Family. Presents. Laughter. Christmas may have come, but it is not gone. We enjoyed a big lunch with my family yesterday - a nice, relaxed afternoon of Christmas cheer. It is the day after Christmas and we are expecting family in a few hours. Troy's parents are on their way...Yay!

Our very own Cat in the Hat...or Rapper Spazzy Jazzy (you can pick)!
Isn't she adorable?

We woke up Christmas morning to many inches of new snow, which meant we needed to shovel (again).

I know there is a Jetta under there somewhere.

"Home is not where you live, but where they understand you." - Christian Morganstern

I am a simple girl. I live in a small house and I like it. I am thankful for what I have, a fantastic family, good friends and my stuff. Ya, I like my stuff. My fiesta ware is the tops. I like my little knickknacks, my books, you know my "stuff."

Another thing. Almost all of our furniture has been aquired as hand-me-downs. And that is okay. I like our furniture for now. One day my dream is new stuff in the living room. Well, maybe not "new" but not what we have, however, for now, it is fine.

All I ask of my used furniture is to work. Such as when I want a shirt out of the bottom drawer of my (hand-me-down) dresser all I ask is for said drawer to open. And if it doesn't open after a few minutes of fighting I might a) bang around loudly early in the morning to let Troy know I am pissed at my dresser, b) swear, c) cry, d) all of the above. Depends on the day.

After a few (consecutive) mornings of being woke up by my banging/swearing/crying/all of the above (after all I have had this problem for YEARS) Troy said, "Why don't we get you a new dresser?" After some discussion and me saying no a hundred times because of the lack of resources (read: money) we decided to start looking. Troy browsed online to show me he could find something in a reasonable price range. Then he mentioned the new/used/discount furniture store across town behind Safeway. I said there was no store there. I should know. I go to Safeway - a LOT. Um...FYI there is a store there. Who knew? Troy maybe, but I think only he knew, it was hidden from the rest of us.

So, we go. We shop. We find great dressers out of our price range (and some couches and chairs too...must start saving money - I hate saving money!). Then, in the back, under a pile of rolled carpets we find the perfect dresser. We paid our hard earned dollars then left, without dresser as we drive a car that won't fit a dresser.... And if you think, 'great they went and got a big truck and picked up the dresser' you would be correct. If you think it was easy...hahaha!!! When we got there Troy realized he didn't have the key to the lock on the back. He asked the guy at the store for a hacksaw - they had one, did NOT work.

Listen, this is an OLD, diesel, pain in the ass to drive much less back and forth across town, truck to drive. So I think, 'I will call Cheryl.' She will come get us to get the key which is at the museum. And she did. Thank you Cheryl. She takes us to the museum. Troy goes in to get the key(s) - he has a LOT of keys - not sure which one of hundreds it could be...Troy had left his car in front of the museum so our thought is that we would take our car and Cheryl could go on her merry way. WRONG! Neither of us brought keys to our car. We are on a roll. As Cheryl is pulling away I am waving her down to stop (she hadn't actually GONE anywhere just pulled out of the parking spot) and she, LAUGHING, drove us back to the furniture store. Once again, thank you Cheryl. From there Troy tried all the keys, none worked, so ended up cutting the lock off with bolt cutters (which he grabbed in case NONE of the hundreds of keys worked). By the way we had great conversations in Cheryl's pimp-mobile (mini-van) that cannot be shared with you here...

In conclusion (as this feels like an essay) the dresser is home. It is in the bedroom. The drawers ALL open and shut ALL the time.

Lessons learned: make sure husband has keys to locks before actually leaving the house, better yet get him combination locks; keep friends on speed dial; always take car keys even if you aren't driving a car (go figure); there is a furniture store behind Safeway; and said furniture store ROCKS!

Happy Troy-day!

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” - Dr. Seuss


First, I would, on behalf of my whole family, like to thank everyone who sent well-wishes, had(have) us in their thoughts and who supported us through the past few days. Losing Horton has been one of the hardest things we have done as a family and knowing there are people out there who care so much really touches our hearts. Everyday is a new struggle, from not wanting to walk in the front door because he won't be there to washing his food bowls. Thank you all and thank you for the upcoming time that we know will continue to be hard.

(I felt like the quote above was very fitting for this time...Love me some Dr. Seuss)

OK. On to...dahdahdahdah! Happy (37th) Birthday Troy!

Is this not one of the cutest babies you have ever seen? I am sure my mother-in-law would say yes.

Look at that smile!

I love this picture of Troy and Horton. It is so true to their relationship. Horton was most definitely Troy's cat (he - Horton - was just kind enough to spread his love around). Horton was a snuggler and this picture was taken on one of those many times where Troy way laying down reading and Horton was probably trying to crawl on his chest, but settled for laying down next to Troy.

This birthday is going to be a hard one for Troy being without his furry friend. We will attempt to celebrate. Celebrate Troy and who he is and celebrate Horton and our memories.
I am not going to spend a lot of time gushing over how wonderful I think my husband is in this post (you are welcome) because I think that anyone who knows us knows how much I love Troy and how special he is to me. Troy is funny, serious, goofy as heck, opinionated, he can drive a person crazy (huh Tami?), and he can make you feel like the best thing that ever happened to the world.

So, today I am thankful for Troy. I am thankful for our speed dating/marrying/family making - we didn't waste any time and look...it turned out great! I am thankful for having a husband that knows me so well - sometimes better than I know myself. I am thankful that we can talk, about anything, and agree, disagree or just discuss...I love our discussions even though sometimes, after awhile, I have no idea what he is talking about (nod and uh-huh). I am thankful for his kind heart and his wise mind (please don't tell him I said he is wise...please!). I am thankful that he can talk me down off my crazy ledge and that he rarely goes on the crazy ledge. I am thankful that Troy is such a great dad and a wonderful husband. I am thankful for Troy.

"Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful that you did." - Sarah Caldwell

Tonight, in addition to catching up on some shows on my dvr, I am cozy in bed with a few holiday magazines and my Merry & Bright book. I am loving reading, ok, looking at pictures in the magazines right now. I am getting excited about this holiday season. Family. Friends. Decorating. Food. You name it I am ready...well mentally. When it is time for it all to come together it will. I usually make way more plans than I actually do and that is okay. Part of the fun (most of the fun) for me is the plan, the creativity, the we could do this...or that. 

Today I am thankful for:

1. Archer who loves the holidays as much as I do. He loves having the family over for Christmas, it is his favorite part of the season - according to him. While he doesn't like to decorate as much as he use to he still loves the decorations and has definite opinions about what should be where, what food should be made. I love that he knows the true spirit of Christmas, that he likes to focus on family and friends at this time of year. Makes a mom's heart sing.
2. Music. In particular Christmas music. I have a playlist on my iTunes which has been played several times already - only when no one is at home at this time...the guys think I should wait a bit - well except the Stump song which Archer listens to year round.
3. Troy, who has the biggest heart of all. He is struggling right now with the health of Horton, his beloved 14 year old cat, and all he wants is to do what is right for Horton. Troy loves his cat and knows that he is ultimately responsible for Horton's well-being. 
4. Jen and the kids arriving home safely. I so look forward to spending time with my cousin and baby cousins. I have missed them since they've been away.
5. my stack of magazines, my dvr, and my pile of to be read books...

Have a great week. 

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." Margaret Cousins. 

You may have noticed this picture on my sidebar and in my blog at other times...the reason is I love it. :)

I was surprised when I signed on and saw that I haven't posted since Tuesday. I thought to myself that you all must think I have nothing else to be grateful/thankful for...I think you may be feeling a bit sorry for me. Don't worry, you don't have to - I'm fine, really! While the week has been full, it hasn't been any fuller than any other week. I've just allocated my time in different ways over the past several days. It is funny though, how if I haven't written to you all for awhile how I miss it. It takes me a bit then to get back in the groove and decide what it is I want to say. And quite honestly I'm not sure what I want to say yet. How about a few things I am thankful for:

1. my guys. I love being home with them. I love coming home and having them both here. We have a lot of fun as a family. We laugh, we talk. We all get along really well (even though Archer is a teenager and Troy is...well...Troy - haha). I am blessed that this is the family that I have been given.
2. coffee. Really, do I need to say more?
3. my little sibs - Alex and DeAnne. I am thankful that as they have gotten older that we can talk, hang out, just be together. They are both fun, have unique personalities and almost always answer my phone calls or texts.
4. my computers. I really like them both. They keep me connected, in touch with so many others. I am thankful that I live in a time where we have technology that helps us stay connected or reconnect with people. I think of my computers as a tool for friendship that just happens to house my photos and lets me play games! :)
5. coffee. I think that I need coffee. What do you think?

Have a fantastic Saturday. I am off to organize/go through my Christmas things in the garage. If you don't hear from me soon you may want to call search and rescue. Thanks.

friday.

This "week in my life" project is really fun. Even when I don't take the pictures I mean to take just slowing down and really thinking about the little things has been such a blessing this week.

Today was all about home. I put on my iTunes play list (an eclectic assortment of music) and cleaned away...with the aid of coffee of course. I'm getting the house in order. Cleaning. Purging. Organizing. Enjoying. Troy and I seem to do our "spring cleaning" in the fall/winter months - saves the spring for enjoying the rain and sunshine...My first cup of coffee for the day. Checking emails, facebook, twittering, and cruising blogs before the real work starts.
There has been a lot of change in my daily life this (school) year. I'm not teaching this year. I am doing academic testing for special education referrals and a little subbing along with my cemetery work and volunteering at the museum. The thing is I don't have a set daily schedule and I like that, however on days that I'm not "working" I can get a little restless. And then on the days I do work I can feel a little out of control. One of the tools I implement, mostly for myself, is a week calendar. I love it. I write down my jobs then fill in "to-dos" on other days. I used this kind of calendar for the family when I was working/going to school - it helped with knowing who was where and when. Anyway I am adjusting to my new "schedule" fairly well and enjoying the flexibility.

Another cup of coffee. Look at the pretty cream swirls. One of the main reasons I like cream. No, just kidding...I like just a tad bit of flavor. Loving right now: Coffee-Mate Italian Sweet Cream - not too sweet.

Our sweet Spazzy Jazzy all cuddled up. She is such a relaxed cat. We love her because we can scoop her up and cuddle her, carry her around, do all those things that little kids like to do with cats but usually can't. She would be a perfect little kid cat. Since we are like little kids in this house she is perfect for us. She loves to be "tucked in" when she is sleeping and usually doesn't mind if we wake her from a sound sleep to play a little. Such a good sport.
Really, tell me that isn't adorable. She woke up to play a bit with Troy, stretched out long enough for several pictures then curled back up and cuddled back in.