“For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. ” —Alfred D. Souza

Yesterday's WOMP challenge was to list 50 things you love. While I've done this in the past I decided to tackle it again. One change I decided upon is not to keep track of my list. I didn't feel right putting a number on my loves...well it makes sense in my mind.

While I'm not going to share my complete list I will share some of it here with you...

• my guys, my family (of course)
• getting lost in a good book
• napping
• color - bright, subtle, pastel, primary...color makes the world go round
• kitty cuddles
• discovering and uncovering family history
• new school supplies
• cupcakes
• water - the expanse of the ocean, rushing rivers, crawling creeks, water falls
• writing it down
• driving my brother's Jeep with the top down singing in the wind
• having fun with my camera
• quotes that speak to me
• cheese
• old family photos
• old friends I trust and am oh-so comfortable with and nurturing our continuing friendships
• new friends - discovering commonness and differences
• hot coffee
• cold lemonade and sweet tea
• martini nights
• laughing
• learning
• exploring
• rain storms
• being snowed in
• trees - looking up through the branches to the sky above - never the same view twice
• scarves, mittens and sweaters
• inspiration - words, images...

That's it for now...a few things I love.

Happy Day my friends!

I'm an Old Settler. Yup I am. Me and my super cousin went to Pioneer Park to the 115th annual Old Settler's Picnic. First thing we did is register. If you don't register then you don't get a ribbon and then you don't get your name in the yearbook next year. So, if you go you must register. Very important.

We got blue ribbons which means we are Tillicum ("a good friend"). It also means we have been residents of Whatcom County between 31 and 40 years. I pointed out that in three years my super cousin gets a green ribbon. She wasn't thrilled with the reminder.

Our family has been in Whatcom County since the 1870s. You don't get a ribbon for that but people really want to know so you should tell them if you know when your family first arrived. It gives you lots to talk about.

Once upon a time I worked at Pioneer Park as a tour guide. That was a fun summer. There is something magical about wandering through the buildings (15 at this time plus an outhouse) and being transported in time.

This is one of my favorite houses. It is filled with home artifacts...the kitchen is one of my favorite places. That said I'm glad I didn't have to prepare meals there.

I also love to eat at Old Settler's. It is a picnic! We ate our way through...Starting with the Bison Burger place. Coffee. Pie from the Rainbow Girls. It was all so very good.

I have always loved this gum machine....

Good times. Good friends. Spending time with family. It doesn't get much better than that.

Next up? Custer Daze!

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

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures." Kahlil Gibran

I am a simple girl. Simple things make me happy. My newest simple love is this FABULOUS instant oatmeal. I love me some oatmeal and this stuff...oh baby...I'm in love. If you live local I will tell you that the only place I've found this little treasure is Albertson's (don't want you searching high and low like me...).

My little love for today. Happy Friday my friends!

"Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." - Lewis Carroll

I've been on a little blogging break this week (I hope I'm back now!).

Some things I love right now (and luckily got to experience this week! WoooHooo!):

cupcakes (especially Trophy cupcakes).
I believe cupcakes are the best cakes...small, tasty, mmmm...yum.
A new little cupcake shop opened in town which is where
Lorinda (cousin in picture 3) and I will be
celebrating next week for my birthday.

my friends and being goofy. Even better being goofy with friends!

my cousin. You know I love her. And Starbucks.
Cousin + Starbucks = Perfection.

A new book by an awesome author. Love a new book.

Have a fantastic weekend. Do something fun. I am working on looking at my one little word for this year - refocusing and reflecting and possibly preparing a list of 35 things to do before I'm 36 (I love reading the posts at Hula Seventy about her lists and I thought maybe...). Lots of stuff running through my brain...just need to channel it (good luck to me!).

blessed.

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This weekend was the weekend of friends. On Friday, Troy started out having drinks with Tami (aka the lady in the stone house) and her fabulous hubby. Such fun.

Then Saturday night was "girls night out" with a few of my best girls (and my brother and a few of his friends for awhile and an old friend who was in the band we saw...but we still call it girls night).

We started the night at the Chuckanut Brewery to listen to the last performance of my friend Raphael's group The Diamondbacks. I enjoyed the crab cakes, the strong bock, and of course the company of my friends (and brother and band...).

After the band finished we headed up to Poppe's for a few drinks. I hadn't been there in years, however anyone who knows me knows I love a martini...What fun!
Here are my girls - Cheryl, Lisa, Lorinda. Lemon Drops and a Naughty Schoolgirl (our drinks), fun times.
So, now it is Monday and the fun continues. I am off to Seattle with Cheryl and Lorinda for cupcakes, shopping, and seeing Jodi Picoult speak. I'll take it, as tomorrow will be back to "normal" life.

right now.

It seems that every season, every week, every day there are new things for me to love. Love may be a strong word, but that's the one I'm using right now.

So, things I love at this time:

1. Coffee-Mate Italian Sweet Creme (when I'm not at Starbucks - which is most days now!)
2. Jimmy Smits on Dexter. He creeps me out about as much as Dexter does.
3. Pumpkin butter from Trader Joe's on my toast in the morning. (FYI- there is a recipe for Pumpkin Butter Cream Cheese Puffs on TJ's website. I think I might need to try these!)
4. my Wii Fit. I have gotten to the point where I don't HATE the trainer, the balance board or anything related to the Wii.
5. Mario Cart. I NEEEEEEEED Mario Cart or maybe I don't...hmmm....
6. Clean Eating Magazine. Full of great information and lots of recipes (pumpkin oatmeal...yum!).
7. my pile of pictures from "the week in my life" documentation. I have the pictures, the album, and supplies - now I just need to sit down and create. So looking forward to this!
   

Any favorites to share with me?

perfect day.

I would classify today as one of those perfect days.

• Slept in (aaaahhhh fabulous!)
• Ran a few errands with Troy (emptied some *junk* from the garage)
• Put up a few Autumn decorations (Yay!)
• Made a huge pot of Taco Soup (for lunch and dinner - linner or dunch - I like dunch better!)
• Watched movies with my guys (Love Guru and Baby Mama - both funny!)
• Quiet, lazy Saturday...Love it! Love it!

rhubarb custard pie

Rhubarb Custard Pie recipe (via my fabulous mother-in-law Lee!)

3/4 cup of sugar
3 tablespoons flour (slightly rounded)
1/4 cup butter (melted - like liquid, not just soft)
2 eggs (beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup milk
pinch of salt
unbaked bottom pie shell
Rhubarb
*cinnamon/nutmeg/raw sugar to sprinkle on top (optional - we put on the last 25 minutes of baking or so)

Stir flour into sugar
moisten with milk (a tablespoon or so)
add butter, eggs, vanilla, salt & remainder of milk
*stir until thick and custard-y...

Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell. Add rhubarb on top. (The recipe calls for 1 cup, but we tend to add MORE - 2 cups or so or until the filling is up to the bottom lip of the crust).

Bake 20 minutes at 375.
Bake 25 minutes at 300. It is finished when knife is pulled out clean and it should jiggle a little. You may need to bake it for a few more (up to 15) minutes if the custard is too far from set - you be the judge!).

EAT. Eat warm. Eat cold. Eat with ice cream. It is delicious!

the problem with rhubarb pie

...is it doesn't last nearly long enough.

Today Troy and I made a rhubarb custard pie. I cut the rhubarb and made the crust, Troy made the custard. It is delicious.

I think a crisp is on it's way soon.

And...the rhubarb ice cream? Complements the pie very well...not to rhubarb-y! Just perfect.

Here's to lazy, pie baking, sunny Sundays!

You can see why I might have been worried...

When I went to pick up Archer at Sparring/Hapkido last night I walked in and saw my child practicing kicks with a friend. Then practicing some rolls...All of this is very normal so I turned my attention elsewhere - to the absolutely adorable 7-month old sitting next to me. Seriously adorable!

When I looked up I was a bit (not a lot) surprised to see my child, my little boy (haha), learning to use num chucks. Really, wouldn't you be a bit worried? Especially after seeing him whack himself in the head once or twice. The master who was teaching him came over when he saw the look on my face...The num chucks are foam rubber (oh thank goodness). Then went on to explain that when he learned they were wood filled with steel...Uh- YIKES!

So, Archer convinced me he needed num chucks so he could practice. He wants to participate on the demo team (possibly) and he would need to practice. Right? He is very convincing...The pictures aren't great, but I didn't really want to take the time to adjust settings and he didn't really want to pose...Imagine that.
In other news. I went shopping with my mom on Wednesday and being that Archer really needs new shoes we took a trip to Famous Footwear. They were having their buy one get one half off sale! Love that sale. I found these little cuties for $24...(ended up $12! Yay). Aren't they cute?
And for those who are thinking about mycaloriecounter.com....GO! It is such a great tool. I love the daily charts and the progress charts! (p.s. I've lost 6 pounds! yay!)

worthless waffles and other random tidbits.

It is Monday morning. The first after Spring break. Oh how I wish Spring break could have lasted just a little bit longer...In honor of this chilly Pacific Northwest Monday I have decided to share a few random tidbits (I love that word) and a little waffle story.

Last night after Archer had been in bed for awhile I hear "MOOOOOOM." Being in bed myself I ignore it thinking if it is important (like vomit or something) he would get up. Then "MOOOOOOM" again. So, I haul myself out of bed and go check to see what Master Archer wants.

"Can you put syrup on the grocery list?" him
"Ya. Okay." me (leaving thinking...well...never mind)
"Now?" him
"Ya. Okay." me (how do you think I am feeling now?)

"Because really waffles are worthless without syrup." And really have truer words ever been spoken? And...where did this morsel of wisdom come from? Really? He was practically asleep...So, being the good mom I am I went and wrote syrup on the list and went back to tell him I did so (didn't want him to think I was a slacker) and guess what? He was ASLEEP! Geez!


Okay. Now for some random tidbits...otherwise known as things I really like right now...

tid*bit - a choice or pleasing bit of anything

1. for my smoothie drinkin' friends (you know who you are) and those who just like yogurt. Have you tried the Apricot-Mango Greek style yogurt from Trader Joes? It is so good. Excellent in a smoothie and chunky enough for a picky yogurt eater like me to just eat. And one container will make 3 or 4 smoothies! YUM! Try it!

2. for help in the weight-loss arena: http://www.my-calorie-counter.com This site rocks. It is free and easy peasy to use. My cousin, Lorinda - the personal trainer (aka crazy exercise girl) got me hooked now I am obsessed. It really makes me think. I use to keep a food journal, but this is so much more! Love it! (p.s. the numbers can be customized for you...so if you need help w/ that let me know...it is easy- even I can do it!)

3. Alex got a job! Yay!

4. Starbucks has some stinkin' cute new *stuff* in store. I love Starbucks mugs!5. New episodes of shows! Yay! Cold Case, Without a Trace, Criminal Minds, CSI, Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men! Thank goodness!

I think that is enough goodness to get you through this gray Monday! Enjoy!

And...Welcome back Tami!

Thankful

Once again I am very thankful for the people in my life. I have spent the last few days celebrating my birthday. Yesterday I went to Seattle with friends. (go here to see a detailed description from Cheryl). I was lucky to be able to spend the day with my good friend Cheryl and my cousin/bff Lorinda. We had a ton-o-fun

eating cupcakes....hanging out...

shopping...
and the grand finale...going to see author extraordinaire Jodi Picoult. Her new book Change of Heart is fantastic. Go here to read what we (Cheryl & I) thought of the book and to discuss with us .

The reading/book signing was at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park which is in Katrina's neck of the woods :)...So Katrina met us there and we had a quick visit (quick family catch-ups and lots of book talk! love it!). I don't get to see her often, so I was glad she came! Thanks Katrina! (hugs to the kids)
Lorinda, Cheryl, Katrina, Jerrie and Jodi!

Tonight we went to dinner with my mom, dad, Alex & DeAnne. We ate at the Nuthouse (how fitting) and enjoyed one another's company. We came home for cupcakes (yum) and I received some wonderful new bath towels! Just what I wanted! There are pictures, but I am too tired/lazy to load them right now, so maybe tomorrow!


Thanks to all that wished me a happy day...in person, via mail, email...or just in their thoughts. I feel blessed to know so many wonderful people who I can call friends! The best birthday present of all is the love and friendship from my friends and family. Thanks again!

Yay!

So evidently today is my blogoversary (according to my ticker)! Yay for me! 2 years! WooHoo!

I am feeling much better. Still not 100%, but better and that makes me happy.

As I was making my favorite oatmeal, Irish Oatmeal, this morning I began thinking about those little thing, those simple pleasures that just make my everyday a little happier. I thought I would share a little bit of my list here today.

• I love knowing that Trader Joes is in Bellingham. Just a quick trip down the road and I can be there. Even when I don't go I am happy just knowing it is there. I can pick up my Irish Oatmeal, Dynamo Juice, maybe a few treats...Love it!
• Starbucks. And it isn't just about the coffee (Cinnamon-Dolce, half syrup please). It is about the feeling. I love to grab my coffee sit down with a book and spend an hour reading, talking with the other customers and the baristas - It is just a great feeling.
• My camera. My camera makes me happy. I love that I took on a 365 project. It has really opened my eyes. However has been a bit difficult the last couple of weeks with not feeling well and leaving the house only minimally.
• My cell phone. I love my phone as most of my family and friends know. It is a little crazy. Hmmm...
• Books. Love my books. And magazines. I am lost without something to read.
• My Fiesta Ware. I love using one of the mugs for tea or pulling out a pretty bowl for my oatmeal. I love that what ever mood I am in there is a color that when I open the cupboard door will make me happy.
• Ribbon. I just love ribbon. You can never have too much. Plain, patterned, checked, paisley - ribbon rocks!
  

That is it for now. I have a lot of favorite things. Maybe I will share more with you later! :)

What are some of your favorite things? Share!

Have a great day and Enjoy!

New thing to occupy me.

As many of you know I love to read. I love quotes. And I get addicted (only slightly - haha) to new things fairly easily. Over this past year or so my new obsessions have ranged from mySpace to Good Reads to Webkins. Well, my newest love is the quote feature on Good Reads. I have replaced my quotes on my sidebar (go look) with a quote widget from Good Reads. This combines my love of reading, of cataloging
my books and quotes. I love it and there will be new quotes for you my friends on my blog! Your welcome (of course it was all for you...).

Love it!

On Christmas a few gifts for us were left at my parents house. Today I went by and picked the gifts up.

I received a lot of very nice things this Christmas. I feel very blessed. When I went to my parents and discovered the present from my darling sister DeAnne I was so thrilled! She made a lot of her presents in ceramics this year and I was lucky enough to get this!


Live. Laugh. Life. Love. Thank you DeAnne! I LOVE it!


I had Christmas with Lorinda today as well. We had Pad Thai (yummy!) and cruised the scrapbook store! Had a lot of fun picking out some paper and vinyl words for our homes. She gave me a beautiful Christmas cookbook, my Gooseberry calendar (thank you sooooo much!) and some other goodies from Gooseberry and a very cool potholder (below)! Thanks Lorinda. I had fun today. Let's do it again.

Favorite Things...

Following the SnapSister's and Tami's lead I decided make a list of some of my favorite things. This is hard for me as I have many favorite things, but here is a random assortment:

• Gingerbread Lattes from Starbucks! Much thanks to the genius who thought that one up!
• my friends who blog (love them...keep up the good work).
• my cell phone - really I do love it! It is my lifeline to my little brother (and others).
• Just Mangos from Trader Joes - the unsweetened ones.
• Fiesta ware. Look at the pretty table I made for the Mother's Day tea at the Leopold.
  

• The new Christmas stickers and papers I picked up at Treasury of Memories. Fantastic!
• Burt's Bees Lip Balm. Can't go an hour without it.
• Mango wine from Indiana. Most wonderful wine ever...savoring the bottles.
• Yankee Candles - love the baking scents: Christmas Cookie, Creme Brulee, Frosted Pumpkin...
• Thai Food - Oh yum. Pad Thai w/ Chicken, 2 stars, extra peanut sauce...

That is it for now...

Happy Thanksgiving friends!