Day 365

When we attended mass last Sunday, everything was normal in the church.  But by the time we came back the next night for Christmas Eve mass, the church had been transformed.  There were about a half dozen Christmas trees all lit up, and some wise men with camels on one side of the church, and this beautiful Nativity on the other.

I was so tired by the time mass ended that night that Rob and I just headed home.  So after mass today, we went up to the front of the church to get a closer look and take a couple photos - which only seemed fitting as today is the Feast of the Holy Family.  It's a lovely scene, surrounded by lighted garland, a sea of poinsettias, and an angel on top overseeing it all.

Day 364

I am so loving my new Kindle Fire.  One of the reasons I wanted a tablet type device was for exactly this reason.  As someone who spends a lot more time in the kitchen than I ever did before, and in this world of Pinterest and internet recipes...I spend a lot of time looking at my little iPhone while trying to prepare a meal.  It has worked just fine for me, and gets the job done.  But tonight I was able to try out the Kindle in the kitchen and boy was this was sooo much better!  Especially with my new case that just props that little sucker up.  I think this might just be my favorite kitchen utensil!

Day 359

It's Christmas Eve.  We have eaten dinner.  We have opened presents.  We attended mass.  Everyone is now tuckered out, and tucked in.

Baylee and Lucy are all snug in their beds (their brand new beds with new blankies) while visions of sugar plums (or sugar bones) dance in their heads.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Day 357

Merry Christmas to...ME!!

Mom and I were out shopping today, and I stumbled across this coat.  I thought it was so cute, and amazingly enough they had it in my size.  And to put the icing on the cake...it was on the 50% off rack!  You just can't beat that with a stick.
I was all set to make the purchase, but Mom insisted on buying it and it being one of my Christmas gifts. 

We snatched it up, along with a sweater on clearance.  Then we shopped some more, and I picked out a scarf to match my new coat.  That one Mom says she'll wrap and put under the tree, but the coat she gave me now, so I can wear it to church tomorrow. 

Christmas comes early for me...yay!!

Day 356

Tonight, we dined...and boy did we dine!

A couple weeks ago, my Aunt Angie and Uncle Mark gave Rob and I a belated wedding gift.  A very generous gift of cash, but along with a gift certificate for the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla.  We decided rather than use it toward lodging, we would make reservations in their restaurant, The Marc.

So, late this afternoon we headed to Walla Walla.  We got into town about an hour before our reservation and just dinked around downtown.  Then we headed over and checked out the historic hotel for a few minutes before heading into the restaurant.  I wanted us to have the full fine dining experience, and that we did.  We started of with a glass of wine and split an appetizer and a salad.  Then we each had a delicious entree, followed by a shared dessert.  We are so very full we won't need to eat again until Christmas dinner!

After dinner we checked out the hotel a little better, and ran into this cute Christmas display.  It's kind of hard to make out in the photo, but its a wagon all decorated up and packed full of Christmas gifts, surrounded by decorated Christmas trees, old fashioned street lights and Santa Claus...very fun and festive.

Thanks Angie and Mark for a lovely evening!

Day 355

What a mess!  What a disaster!  What fun!

So here is the result of Rob's and my first attempt at a gingerbread house.  A basic calamity.  When I pulled out the directions for this thing, I couldn't believe how convoluted it seemed.  First you had to ice all the sides together, then wait at least a couple hours before adding the roof.  Then you had to wait at least a day to decorate.  Believe it or not, I did all that.

This afternoon it was time to decorate.  Rob and I really got into it...getting all the candies on the roof, I added frosting icicles, he made a gumdrop window, and we added gumdrops all around the door.  I was just about to add the decorations to the base when one of the sides gave way.  I was trying to ease it back into place with a knife when the weight of the roof caused it to start slipping.  At that point, I knew there was going to be no recovering from it.  I quickly stepped back just as the whole thing imploded!

I got just a tear in one eye, as the frustration and sadness started, when Rob reminded me of just how funny it was, and we both started to laugh.  What were the two of us really going to do with a gingerbread house anyway?  And besides, it had been a lot of fun while it lasted...I guess we made a memory for ourselves...and took a picture for posterity!

Next year...an already assembled house.  Or better yet, an already decorated one!

Day 351

Oh Lucy...such a silly faced girl.

Tonight Rob propped Lucy up on one knee, and from my perspective where I was sitting she was all aglow from the Christmas tree.  I thought she looked so cute.  By her expression, I think she was less than thrilled to be posing for the camera though.

Day 344

 A swing and a miss...

Last year I had this bright idea to send out Christmas cards with Rob's and my picture...but it never happened.  Thought I would try again this year, even have one with the dogs.  Not gonna happen this year either.

After church Mom met us at the house and tried to take several photos of Rob and I in front of the Christmas tree, with the camera and with the phone.  We just couldn't get a good photo out of the bunch.  I have to admit, I'm pretty picky...usually don't like how I photograph in any photo.  Here we are though, in one of our attempts with the pups...to no avail.

Oh well...there's always next year!

Day 340

Look!  Mom got her festive on today.

I was so excited when I pulled up into mom's driveway tonight to pick up the girls.  Much to my surprise she had been out this afternoon putting up some Christmas decorations in the front yard and on her porch.  By her own admission, she's just not feeling all that festive this year, so I was thrilled to see her cute little tree dressed in lights, with her giant bulbs surrounding it.

It really is the little things that make our holidays bright!

Day 338

...and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

Alright, so we have no chimney, but they were still hung with care.  Last night I unloaded a couple of Christmas totes.  Tonight I unloaded the one with our stockings in it, and hung them up on the wall.  They look so cute all in a row.

But one question...why is Baylee's the biggest stocking?

Day 337

As Bing (and my Grandpa) would sing...
♪ ♫ It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...♫ ♪

After Thanksgiving was over, I put all of the turkey and leaf decorations away, and got out our Christmas tree.  We got it up last Sunday, but that was the extent of it.  Over the course of a couple nights during the week we got the bulbs on, and some other ornaments.  But it wasn't until just yesterday we got the finishing touches on, and got the tree skirt down.  Today, I put out some more Christmas decorations that are kept in the house, like pillows, linens and the stuffed creatures.

So, in other words...it's only beginning to look like Christmas.  There's still a long way to go, and many a tote to unload.  But nonetheless, it's defiantly a start...and our little home is beginning to feel cozy and festive.

Day 327

It's Thanksgiving Day!

As we sit and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I made our little Lu pose for this shot with our little stuffed Tom the Turkey.  She's such a trooper. Unlike Baylee who spent the morning being a lazy bones in her bed.

We are getting ready to head over to the Padens for Thanksgiving dinner.  We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends as our extended family.  And I'm sure they will be putting on quite a spread...in true Paden style.  We will not leave hungry, that I can guarantee!

Rob and I, and Baylee and Lucy too wish all of our friends and family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 322

Here doggy, doggy, doggy...looks like Mom has found herself a new friend! A BIG new friend.

Mom, Billie and I went out and about today to hit some of our annual craft shows and bizarres...to get our Christmas shopping underway.  Later, when Billie needed to get home we traded her in for Rob (ha ha).  The three of us headed to one of our favorite places to browse...Beaver Bark.  There, Mom found this big stuffed dog, so we made her take a couple pictures with him.  She kind of cracked herself up when she grabbed his leash like she was taking him for a walk. Silly Joody!

Day 317

Nana's Apple Cake...Yum!

Today was an apple day. First I made this little apple cake. No, not from scratch - with a little help from Tastefully Simple. I love this cake mix...just add an egg and some diced apples and voila!

Then I made some homemade applesauce. Someone at work brought in a box of green apples, so I grabbed a sackful and put them to good use. I don't normally make applesauce with green apples, but I thought my batch turned out really good...a little tart and a little sweet.

The best part...with all that cooking and baking, our house smelled delightful!!

Day 316

Look carefully. It might look familiar...but with a twist. It's the Autumn version of Mud Pie, and I just might have a new favorite!

Pat and Julie are in town and so Mom made a very nice Sunday dinner and invited Billie and Keith and Rob and I all over for ham and all the fixin's. Then, for dessert this delicious frozen treat.

Instead of a crushed Oreo crust, it's crushed Ginger Snaps. Instead of Coffee ice cream, it's Pumpkin, an instead of chocolate sauce it's caramel. A yummy combination o the tastes of fall in a dessert. I don't know of I'll be able to get enough of this!!

Day 315

Today Rob and I headed to the mall, and what should great us at the entrance?  That's right...Christmas decorations.  They are already out and adorning the mall.  I got so excited, just like a little kid...Christmas is coming!  And these giant Christmas tree bulbs are a sure sign it's just around the corner.

Day 311

I just think she's so cute when she's sleeping.  Especially with a little pink tongue sticking out, and a big floppy ear draped over an eye.  She's just snoozing away, unaware of how much I want to pick her up and hug and squeeze her!

Day 310

Tonight Mom made dinner at her house, then brought it over to eat with Rob and I.  It was the best of both worlds...I didn't have to cook, and I didn't have to go out!  Thanks Mom!

After dinner Mom stayed for a little while, and her best girl Lucy cuddled up right next to her on the couch.  You wouldn't have known that the pups had just spend all day over at her house?!?  Can you tell Lucy just loves her Grammy, and looked so cute propped up on her leg.  Spoiled girl!!

Day 309

Today's the day.  The end of Daylight Savings Time.  Finally...I'm getting back the hour that was borrowed from me in the spring!

I'm my way to bed, at the end of what has been a long day.  I did feel rested when I woke up this morning, essentially getting an extra hour of sleep.  But between finishing up some scrapbooking, driving home from Spokane, and now heading to bed at what feels like 10:57 to my body...I'm officially done!  G'night!

Day 308

Isn't this a cool shot??  I have to admit I didn't exactly mean to get off a shot like this, which is typical for me.  The really good ones are generally accidents!

Trina and I decided to go for a walk around the Retreat Center this afternoon.  We had hoped to get some good deer sightings, but this one was great.  We could only hear him at first, then spotted his feet through the trees.  Unfortunately, he did appear to favoring one of his legs...poor dear (pun intended!)

The walk around the Center was awesome.  We managed to find the Stations of the Cross that we did not know about...even though we did them backwards!  We saw some beautiful fall foliage around the valley, and then probably about a dozen or so deer here and there around the campus. 

It was good to get up from our scrapbooking tables, get some fresh air, stretch our legs and take in some of God's beauty!

Day 307

Yay! Here we are...two happy gals, having some dinner at Ferrante's Marketplace Cafe up on the South Hill in Spokane.We have eaten here before on another scrapbooking retreat, but whatever I ate that time did not compare to my meal this time. My dinner was D-Lish!! I had a calzone and it was good. But their House Salad was out of this world!!

Anyway, enough about dinner. It has been a long day. Got all my scrapbook stuff and my own personal stuff all packed up this morning. Trina got the car loaded (and I mean LOADED), and we headed up to Spokane to the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center for a weekend of crazy crafting!!

After we unloaded our tons of stuff, we took a break for dinner. Trina - braver than I - asked the lady at the next table to snap our photo! I'm so glad she did!!

Day 306

They're baaaaaack!!  Red cups from Starbucks...they're back.  Which means we are officially kicking off the Holiday Season!

Nothing says Christmas like the Starbucks festive red cups and flavors like Egg Nog, Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread!  And today was the day they brought them back....I couldn't be more excited!

Welcome November, and happy All Saints Day everyone!!

Day 305

It's the last day of October, and so here's a photo of my Precious Moments calendar...again.

Now, a normal person would have taken some kind of Halloween photo, wouldn't you think.  Not that I haven't taken enough of those all month, but maybe I could have shot a cute little trick-or-treater that came to my door?  Or just the neighborhood full of kids traveling about door to door.  Nope...not me.  Strange, awkward me...I give you the calendar.

This month it's that classic figurine of the little girl with the goose...Make a Joyful Noise.  Goodbye October, on to November.

Day 304

Like I said yesterday, today was Halloween snack day at work.  We had more snacks and treats than you could shake a stick at...from meatballs to s'more bites and spooky grog to wash it down.

But this lovely creation was Bre's contribution. She made a 'pumpkin' cake, by making a chocolate bundt cake that had bits of Snickers candy inside.  Then she frosted it orange, and drizzled caramel on top, and some more Snickers bits.  Then she took an ice cream cone, stuck it upside down into the hole in the center and frosted it green for the stem.  Pretty clever...and did I mention DELICIOUS!?!  Thanks Bre!

Day 303

Tomorrow is our Annual Halloween FAC Snack Attack Day.  An excuse for all day snacking at the office.  As usual, my contribution is cupcakes.  Tonight I made these Halloween fun-fetti cupcakes with orange colored cream cheese frosting, with orange and black sprinkles.  The cupcake liners and the decorative picks were from a little gift pack that Billie gave me for my birthday...they sure did come in handy in making these super cute and spooky cupcakes!!

Day 302

Oh bother...I lied.  The other day, I told you I would try really hard not to post any more Halloween decorations.  But who could resist this (I PROMISE) very last one??

It's everyone's favorite lovable bear, dressed up like Tigger for Halloween...ready to do some trick-or-treating with his little jack-o-lantern bucket.  He's just so sweet, I couldn't resist showing him off...and saving him for last!

Day 301

One of the firefighters on my department, Steve Austin, has a 10 year old son who was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor (pictured on top of the fire truck).  Tonight, with the organizational help of many folks, a Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser was held at the Shilo Inn to help the family out.

Rob and I, along with Billie and Keith, Shauna and Osanin, Bre and so many others attended.  In fact, there was a great turnout, and over $11k was raised!  They had a photographer present, Scott Butner, who took the RFD family outside and shot this great photo.  So today's photo of the day is not one of mine, but is courtesy Scott.

I'm proud of my RFD family...way to go!

Day 300

Ho...Hum.  Friday at the Auchmoody's.

Another Boo to You... Halloween is now just around the corner, so this will probably be the last bit of decorations I share...at least I promise to TRY not to give the boring pics of decorations...at least until the Thanksgiving ones come out!

This sparkly blingy Boo is a nice addition to the backdrop of already pumpkin colored walls and decor in the house...classing up the place just a little bit!

Day 299

I know...I know, it's not even Halloween yet, but I made my first 'Christmasy' purchase today.

It's only a decorate box of Kleenex, but I just couldn't help myself.  I passed them up one other time already, and when I went to the store tonight, I talked myself into grabbing one.  I was afraid if I waited, they would all be gone...or at least picked over, and I really liked this little polar bear guy!  Isn't he cute and festive??

Day 298

Mmmm...cornbread muffins! I do love me some cornbread. 

I have never been a Jiffy cornbread girl.  For some reason it always had some kind of connotation attached to it for me...some kind of cheap thing.  But lately I've had a couple boxes on hand, and I tell you, in a pinch, they are darned tasty.  When I don't know exactly what to have for dinner...a couple BBQ chicken breasts, salad and cornbread muffins...they certainly do the trick!

Day 297

I think this is the absolute WORST part of going to the doctor's office...the dreaded scale.  I really do think that.  Those that know me know I do NOT like going to a doctor of any kind, but when I think about getting on the scale, I nearly start to panic.  Now I get on the darn thing each day at home...but I'm all alone!

Today I tried out a new doctor.  I have to say, I like their set up...a scale inside each exam room. Very private stuff...only the nurse has to know what a hog-body you are.

May I suggest this for all doctor offices?!?

Day 296

BOO to YOU!!

I'm back on the Halloween stuff because, well, life is just that boring! 

I mean it when I say this is a favorite.  I mean that little witchy is just too cute to be scary!

A few year's back I was a huge fan of a catalog called Terry's Village.  I bought all kinds of home decor from them, especially in the way of holiday decorations.  They had things that were just my style and quite affordable.  I have several sets of these block letters, for Fall, for St. Patrick's Day, etc.

I think they make a cute little addition to each holiday.

Day 295

Is it a drowned rat?  No...it's a little sopping wet pug named Lu!

Today was bath day for Baylee and Lucy.  I tried to get a good photo of Lucy in the tub, but all I kept doing was getting in Rob's way!  So here's the best pic I could get of this little curly tailed slippery girl - who by the way doesn't really seem to mind having a bath. 

And now she looks so pretty, feels so soft and smells so fresh!

Day 294

Not much going on today...just kind of your run of the mill Saturday. Rob and I didn't do much...in fact we didn't even leave the house.  We had hoped to see the Padens...or even the Hansens who made a surprise pop in visit...but couldn't muster the energy for either.  Consequently, not a whole lot to photograph today...so it's back to my autumn decor.

This is another of my favorites, although the lightening does not do it justice.  It too is a tea light burner...tea light on the plate, with venting out the whole in Mr. Scarecrow's hat.  He also sits in a window sill...in the living room this time, surrounded by some fall foliage.

Day 293

The Padens are here...the Padens are here...yay...the Padens are here!!

Fred, Christy and Kennedy (oh, and Truman too) arrived tonight for a weekend visit.  Miss Kennedy, the apple of everyone's eye was her usual charming and sweet little self. 

Rob and I, and Mom too were all over at Keith and Billie's to welcome them as they arrived...just to get some much needed Kennedy time.  Not that she slows down long enough for you to catch her...but if she does, a hug and smooch from her are the best!

Day 292

This silly little Halloween trio sits up in the kitchen window sill, year after year.  The set was a gift years ago from Billie.  She found them on a stop in a Harry and David store, and picked up one for herself, and one for me.

I have a tea light in each one...the perky pumpkin, the ghastly ghost, and the frightening feline...perfect for lighting up those spooky nights!!

Day 291

Here's our little touch of Italy...the red, white and green.  This is one of Rob and my's new favorites.  My version of Caprese Salad; sliced Roma tomatoes, chopped basil sprinkled about, and marinated mozzarella balls sliced in half, one atop each slice.  Finally, some of the marinate is drizzled all over.

These slightly-larger-than-bite-size morsels were on the dinner menu tonight.  Yum!!

Day 290

Happy Bosses Day to me!

For those of you unfamiliar, today happens to be Bosses Day.  I grabbed a card for Grant and passed it around for all the ladies in the office to sign.  We gave him the card, and Bre agreed to go on an afternoon coffee run too...Grant's favorite kind of gift...the gift of java!

Shauna and Bre gave me this lovely little flower arrangement and a nice card...as you can see marked Da Boss Lady (thanks Bre!).

I don't think of myself as the boss most of the time...just think of all of us working together.  But it was certainly nice to be appreciated in such great way. Thanks ladies - you made my day!

Day 289

Remember back a couple weeks ago, I showed you my dirty little secret...my mail hoard?  Well, I didn't get all the things done I wanted to this weekend, including the mail.  So I decided to stay home today and tackle, among a couple other things, that nasty looming pile!

After spending a large amount of time at the computer, balancing the checkbook and putting in receipts, I took a stab at the giant bag of mail.  I opened it up, paid a bunch of bills, threw out all of the junk and advertisements, and now this relatively small stack is all that remains.

Hopefully this is the end of my stuffed sacks of mail!

Day 288

We are gearing up...getting ready for trick-or-treaters!  Today I did a little grocery shopping and picked up some fun sized candies for our Halloween dish. 

When I opened all the packages and dumped them in, I thought they looked so colorful and fun, and with a little help from Instagram...there you have it, my picture of the day.

Unfortunately these happen to be a few of MY favorites...sure hope there are some left by the time the trick-or-treaters ring our bell!!

Day 287

There he is.  My Punkin...pickin' punkins in the patch.  Isn't he cute, all rosy-cheeked and smilin'??

Today was designated as our Autumn Day...to do fun fall things.  First stop, Job's Nursery to pick out our pumpkins.  There were gourds of all shapes and sizes, white ones, green ones, and of course orange ones too.  We managed to settle on a few to adorn our porch throughout the season.

After Job's we headed to the Country Mercantile to check out their Fall Harvest Festival.  Of course as always it was very busy, but we managed to have a look around at all their food items and fall decor.  We did treat ourselves to a few of their delicious specialties to go...chocolates, ice cream, and of course chips, salsa and bean dip too!

Day 286

This is it...all that is left of our Sahara Landmark Pizza...and it was yummy!!  This just might be a new favorite for us, which is kind of odd.  I'm not a huge sausage fan, and I don't like ricotta, but there is something about it on this pizza, along with the sun-dried tomato pesto sauce and spinach that just makes this oh-so-tasty.

Tonight Rob brought home a couple new movies he borrowed from a co-worker.  So we ordered a pizza and settled in for a date night at home on the couch.  It was a nice way to wind down from the week and kick off the weekend.

Day 285

Today Rob and I acquired a couple new books to add to our library.  First, he went on a hunt this afternoon and after checking a couple different places, managed to find a gently used copy of Catholics for Dummies.  It sounds kind of funny, but Tom had a copy of this book on the first night we attended RCIA, and said it was a great book, even for a Deacon, so we figured it had to be good for us.

Then when we attended RCIA tonight, we were given a copy of This is Our Faith - Catechism for Adults.  I guess we now know what the next book is that we will be reading when we finish our novel!

Day 284

It is true...it's Harvest Time!

I just love these autumn decorations...they are a couple of my favorites for sure.  They are displayed on the top of my ladder shelf for all to see.  And because they are not Halloween or Thanksgiving specific, they can sit out through the entire autumn season.

The Harvest Time sign on the left is a vintage metal sign that I picked up a couple years ago...but I can't remember exactly where (odd for me, I know).  And the little ceramic pumpkin on the right is now a candy dish, but once held a Halloween floral arrangement that I received a couple years ago.  Miss Kennedy sent her Auntie Billie and her Auntie Trish Halloween arrangements to the office when she was just a wee little baby!  She's such a sweetie!!

I thought these two looked pretty good together...I enjoy them every time I walk past!

Day 283

I am so in LOVE!!!  I feel like Oprah...I have just discovered my new favorite thing!  Yesterday, I told you about stopping at Trader Joe's and picking up some new items.  Well...let me tell you...this new item is to die for!

This summer we were over at Melanie's and one of Ryanne's friends introduced us to this Speculoos Cookie Butter.  At that time, I just had a taste, and I did think it was pretty good.  So, when we were at TJ's, I grabbed one.  But, I didn't have anything in the cupboard to eat with it.  So tonight I stopped by the grocery store for a few items, and picked up these lil' graham squares.

One bite and I was hooked.  I really think this is my new favorite dessert.  Just dip a lil square in the cookie butter...like crackers and peanut butter, only way better and for dessert!  I highly recommend giving it a try!

Day 282

Yesterday, on our way home from Seattle, we stopped at Trader Joe's...of course!  Mom and I loaded up on a few of our TJ favorites, like Pita Chips with Cinnamon & Sugar, and Pear Champagne Vinaigrette. 

But there was also a few new seasonal things we grabbed as well.  One of them was this Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte Mix.  I grabbed it on my way out the door this morning to give it a try at work.  I think I may not have used enough mix in my giant mug o' tea, but overall, I'd have to say...pretty yummy!  I just love the tastes of fall!

Day 281

First, I must offer apologies...I realize it's kind of painful to look at.  But it's me...Trish the girl with weird ailments and afflictions!  And, for those who didn't get the privilege of seeing this first hand...trust me, this is actually better than yesterday!

Wednesday night I thought I felt a sty coming on, and when I woke up Thursday, sure enough there it was.  I could actually see which eyelash follicle was irritated.  At that point, with a couple hot compresses, I thought I had it under control.  I should have know better...this is me we are talking about!  Boy, was I was mistaken.

Friday on the way to Seattle it was really becoming quite red and irritated.  By Saturday, it was so swollen and painful, each eye blink became a chore.  By late last night, after a couple rounds of antibiotics and many, many, many hot packs, it gave way, much to my relief.

So here it is today...the 'after'.  Still quite puffy and red (and hideous to look at), but thankfully much, much better!

Day 280

Another beautiful day in the Seattle area!  We couldn't have asked for better weather today as we headed into Issaquah to walk the streets and take in Salmon Days.

To get down to the street fair, we parked at the transit center, and took school bus shuttles that dropped us off right downtown.  I'm guessing it has been quite some time since Mom has ridden a school bus...I know it's been ages for me! 

To say Salmon Days was jam packed is truly an understatement!  It was wall to wall people up and down the streets.  There were lots of vendors selling art and crafts, along with tons of food booths.  At the end of one of the streets is the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery.  But right outside the hatchery is a little stream, and if you walk up on the bridge you can look down and see the salmon swimming upstream...just like Rob and Darcy did!

Although it was extremely crowded and I left empty handed, I'm really glad we were able to go and check things out this year.