Day 121

There it is, our Marriage License.

I fiddle-farted around and didn't get my license tabs for the car ordered online like I normally do. Since they expired today, I took a couple hours off this morning and went to the courthouse to pick them up.  Rob happened to have the day off too, so we decided to kill two birds with one stone and get our marriage license taken care of as well.

Check one more thing off the wedding to-do list.

Day 120

Look! I have my very own Edward Scissorhands!

Today, while I cleaned inside, Rob was a maniac on the outside of the house.  He mowed, pulled weeds, washed down the entire house, the patio and furniture and trimmed the burning bushes out front.  He did such a great job.  They were really getting out of control again, attacking you as you came up the sidewalk...a person could barely get in the front door!  Now they are all nice and manicured, separate little bushes. 

Thanks for all your hard work Babe!

Day 119

A baby shower...with all the fixin's...cake and punch and mints, oh my.

My friend Darcie and her husband Sylvan are expecting their first baby, little Penny Mikayla.  So today, some of Sylvan's family and one of Darcie's friends threw her a surprise shower.  I didn't know how they were going to throw her a surprise party at her own house, but they managed to pull it off pretty well!

She received some really great gifts; lots of stuff new moms and babies need, but mostly a ton of cute little outfits - almost all of them in varying shades of pink!  Little Penny will be the best dressed kid around!

Congratulations Darcie and Sylvan...I couldn't be happier for you guys!

Day 118

Arrogant Bastard!  No not Rob...that's actually the name of the beer he's drinking. 

Tonight Rob had the night off.  The first Friday night in a long while, so we took advantage of it and went out to PF Chang's for dinner.  We had a really nice time together, and a really nice meal. 

We each had an adult beverage...I tried a Pear Mojito...kind of sweet but pretty darned good.  Rob had this double-sized Arrogant Bastard beer, that had a whole label full of humorous reading.  I guess that's drinks and entertainment all in one? 

For dinner we took advantage of their special four-course meal for two.  We must have made great selections, because there were NO leftovers...every plate was clean!!

Day 117

Check.  Another one off the list!

I booked our weekend getaway for our wedding.  I found what I hope will be a great little place to stay.  It's called the Gearhart Ocean Inn, located between Astoria and Seaside.  After emailing back and forth on availability and reservations, I finally locked in the weekend of June 15 for Rob and I. 

They are little cottages, with all the comforts that look so cute online.  And the people there that I have been dealing with couldn't be nicer.  I'm looking forward to a nice long relaxing weekend at the beach!

Day 116

Got bananas?

Here's Our little monkey, playing with her little monkey over at Grammy's house. Well, actually it's Baylee's little monkey I brought her back from the St. Louis Zoo. Unfortunately, Baylee playing with her toys is so few and far between, at least Lucy gets some enjoyment out of them.

She's so cute, playing all by herself, throwing her toys in the air and chasing them around. I remember when Baylee used to be that playful!

Day 115

Ahhhh...Ice Tea!

It's two-fold.  It's an effort to drink less soda at our house, and it's also getting to be that time of year when tea just hits the spot.

Right now, I can't make it fast enough.  Rob and I are going through a pitcher almost daily, or at least every other day.  So tonight I brewed up another batch of the tasty stuff, and put it in my handy Sun Tea Jar (cute little bumble bees, eh?).

I think I may need to invest in another pitcher, so while we are enjoying one, the sun can be making us another round!

Day 114

We're getting married!

Last week I spent some time doing a little research on elopements, like packages, locations, ceremonies, etc.  On Saturday I showed Rob a few of the narrowed down options, and we finally made some decisions, and set a date! We are going to get married June 15. 

Rob hasn't said much in the way of the things he would like to do or have happen as a part of the wedding ceremony, but one of the things he insisted on was exchanging rings...which seems like a no-brainer, but everybody does things a little differently I guess.

Several months ago while we were out shopping, he settled on a ring he liked at JC Penney's.  A tungsten carbide ring in medium gray.  So after work tonight I swung into the mall to order it, and wouldn't you know it, they actually had one in stock in his size!!

There's one thing checked off the growing list!

Day 113

Today was Earth Day...and I didn't even realize it. Not that I would have done anything different I guess.

Rob and I spent the day being quite productive. While he mowed and fertilized the yard, I cleaned the car inside and out. Ain't she pretty...ol' Chelsea the Charger sure looks good after a bath!! Oh, and so do the pups...they both got much needed baths too.

Now, if we could only keep the car and dogs clean, we'd have it made...ha ha ha!

Day 112

Isn't she lovely? I have absolutely no idea what kind of tree this is, but there are two of them in the backyard. Each Spring they bloom out with these very pretty bright pink flowers, along with a third tree (don't know what it is either!).

These little trees only stay this way for a short time before the flowers fall and the leaves take over. But for a week or two there is such a pretty view outside the kitchen window!

Day 111

I was lacking inspiration today. I'll admit it. So I looked around the house hoping to find a little something to inspire me.

I looked at my curio cabinet full of Precious Moments. I had just put away the two figurines I typically put out in celebration of Easter, and thought that maybe I could bring out a couple Spring(ish) ones that are fitting for this time of year - with no particular holiday in mind. I found this one, and thought it was perfect, with having just mowed for the first time a couple weeks ago, and needing to get on it again this weekend.

But, it's the name of the figurine that is even more meaningful than it's shape...It May Be Greener, But It's Just As Hard To Cut. Isn't that the truth...the grass may be greener, but it never ends up being they way you thought, or hoped, or even the way you viewed it from the other side.

Just a little something to remember when peeking over your fence...

Day 110

It's a baby shower! Isn't it cute...all blue and yellow and rubber ducky like??

Today was Stacy's shower, and although it was pretty small with just us office gals, it turned out to be really nice. She got a lot of good stuff for her new little guy.

And even though our tablescape was small, it was really cute. My cupcakes got dressed up with bubble-like wrappers and ducky picks. But...the really fun and festive part was Billie's punch. It was just too cute. She found a recipe online that was made to look like duckies floating in a bubble bath...and April picked up two sports themed ducks, and Billie and I stumbled on a firefighting duck...too much! Oh, and it was pretty tasty too! By the time it was over, between cupcakes and punch we were all in serious sugar overload!

Congratulations Stacy...and welcome baby Dylan.

Day 109

And even more cupcakes!

Tomorrow a few of us ladies in the office are throwing our co-worker Stacy a little baby shower. She's having her second baby, a little boy, very soon.

Billie and I picked out a cute baby shower theme of rubber duckies, so the colors are blue and yellow. You can't see it very well in this photo, but tonight I made these two dozen Devil's food cupcakes with blue(ish) frosting and yellow sprinklers.

The smell in here is delicious...I hope they all make it into the office!!

Day 108

Wow! Dinner out with the girls. It's such a rare occasion these days to get us all in one place, I felt so lucky to have had even a relatively quick get together with a few of my favorite people.

Kim, Billie and I have been talking about trying to get all of us together once a month for dinner, and hopefully this was the first of many. We gathered at Bob's Burgers and Brew in Richland, had some great food and then chatted about life, laughed at ourselves, and compared notes on the trials of aging, and parenting teens.

It was a good night with good girlfriends...thanks for a great time ladies!! Can't wait to do it again soon!

Day 107

There it is...my engagement ring. Seven months ago today, Rob got down on one knee, asked me to marry him, and gave me this ring.

I can't believe seven months have gone by already...it just doesn't seem possible. A lot has happened in seven short months, that's for sure. A move, a new job, sharing a lot of 'firsts'; first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, first Valentine's Day. Through it all, I grow more in love with him with each passing day...and look forward to a lot more days together and a lot more 'firsts'!

Happy Anniversary Babe!

Day 106

I did it...finally. Today I broke down and upgraded my iPhone. Well, not the phone itself, just the operating software.

It has been a very long time since I synced my phone, let alone upgraded any software on it. Ever since my phone had it's major crash over a year ago, I have been afraid to do much with it in the way of adding apps or upgrading. But, Billie had upgraded hers to 5.0 sometime back and I knew there were a lot of features I was missing out on. Then, Rob upgraded his to 5.1 earlier this week, so I knew I just had to give it a try.

I was pretty nervous, and even thought it wasn't going to work at one point, but it all seems to be on track now...and I'm enjoying the fun new little add-ons, like the Notifications screen you can kind of make out here.

Day 105

Rob and I took a little road trip today. We loaded up Baylee and Lucy and headed out for an afternoon adventure.

We started with lunch at the Country Mercantile on our way out of town, then headed to Palouse Falls State Park. We did a little walking there taking in some very pretty views, then threw down a blanket on the grass and just hung out for awhile, enjoying the great weather and doing a little people watching.

When we headed out, we continued on Highway 261 taking a tour through the Palouse hills. They are so pretty this time of year. Near Lyons Ferry, we came across this very cool looking and very long train bridge. We passed through the little town of Starbuck, came out at Dayton, then caught Highway 12 and headed home.

It was a lot of time in the car, but a very nice afternoon of touring our little part of the State. I wonder where our next little adventure will take us?

Day 104

Phewww...made it through another Friday the 13th...uneventful and unscathed!

Tonight after work, I did a lot of necessary grocery shopping! Our cupboards were pretty darn bare. I made my first stop at Wal-Mart, took those groceries home and unloaded them, fed the pups and let them out for a potty break, then headed out again. Next stop, Winco, where that do-it-yourself shopping is quite tiring...especially when you're doin' it...by yourself!

Several hours later, after everything was unloaded and put away, I threw a few veggies into the bowl. I thought the combo looked nice...and how good it was to see fresh veggies, instead of Easter candy!!

Can't wait for the fresh fruits and veggies of summer!

Day 103

This is my little chocolate Easter bunny. I took his picture this morning, because I'm sure he (or she) will not be around much longer.

Mom was so sweet and brought Rob and I an Easter basket full of goodies on Easter Sunday. It was filled with all kinds of stuff for each of us - coffee gift cards (Dutch Bros. for him, Starbucks for me), gift cards for grooming (Men's Zone for him, LA Nails for me), treats (Pistachios for him, Jelly Belly's for me) and a few other odds and ends. We even got his and her bunnies...Rob's was milk chocolate, while I got my annual favorite - this white chocolate one. Not being all that fond of chocolate, there was one of these little buggers in my basket every year. Yum!

I have gathered up all of the Easter decorations, and they are ready to be put away in the tote, and once this little bunny is gone, I think Easter will officially be over.

Day 102

So, this is a really bad photo, being blurry and all, but I just had to post it anyway.

I stopped at Mom's to pick up the pups tonight, and of course Baylee saddled up next to me and was getting some loving. Usually Lucy doesn't act too jealous, but evidently for some reason, tonight she needed to be the center of attention. She proceeded to jump up over Baylee and did not settle on my lap, but really more up on my shoulder.

Mom tried to quickly get the camera before she moved, and ended up snapping this blurred photo...but you still get the drift...a jealous little pug with her tail end in my face! Yikes!

Day 101

Well, I made it to Day 100 yesterday...and now I feel like I'm giving this project the ol' raspberry. Today feels like I'm all out of steam, but I've come too far to stop now...so apologies again for the lame post.

This is my bag. My black and tan, woven Mickey Mouse bag. I've had this thing for what seems like ever, I guess because it's just holding up so well. I haul this bag chucked full of miscellaneous stuff back and forth to work each and every day...just in case I need some of that stuff. It has my coupon binder, some bills that need attention, my camera cord and battery charger, a little make-up, a scrapbook magazine...you know, essentials.

I realized tonight when driving home my bag tipped over on the passenger seat and 3/4 of the contents spilled to the floor...perhaps it's time to clean out a little schtuff!

Day 100

It's Day 100...whoo hoo...another milestone in my Project 365 journey!! Wow...I have surprised even myself. I have to admit, though some days individually are a struggle, overall the project has gotten easier. I'm more keyed in to remember, and more forgiving of myself when, at the end of the day I have forgotten, and end up with something totally lame. Nonetheless, I still snapped a photo.

Today was another warm day...the first day for windows down in car, and Baylee loved it. The hound in her just loves going down the road, smelling all the different scents, things new and things familiar...the nose knows!!

They say tomorrow is going to be even warmer...we may even hit 75 degrees...might be time to open the sunroof!!

Day 99

The Dog Days of Summer are just around the corner!!

Today was a good day. Since we celebrated Easter yesterday, it really just became a regular Sunday. But a very warm, nice Sunday. Baylee decided to take full advantage and go out into the grass and lounge for a bit this morning.

This afternoon, Rob and I kicked it in gear and started on our first round of yard work for the season. With a little TLC, Rob got the mower going and was able to give our lawn it's first trim. Then he and I spent quite awhile performing some much needed weed pulling until our backs and necks ached - yikes the weeds are crazy this year!!

We still have a ways to go in getting the yard ship shape...but I guess with yard work, it's never done!

Day 98

Today is Easter Saturday. Since the Paden's are visiting, and will be wanting to get on the road early tomorrow morning, we are celebrating Easter today.

Ms. Kennedy made a haul from the Easter Bunny, getting a basket of goodies from everyone who loves her! It was almost like Christmas. Rob and I gave her a bucket filled with some crazy straws, a candy necklace, a kite, and some other candies and Easter treats. One of the candies was a sucker, that when she put in her mouth gave the effect of a bunny nose and teeth. Aunt Billie gave her rabbit ears too, but we didn't get a photo of the two of them together.

Mom and I had a great afternoon over at Billie's visiting and catching up with Fred, Christy and Kathy. Then we had a great meal of ham, baked beans, potato salad, pea salad and frog eye salad. For dessert I was charged with making some carrot cake cupcakes, and our layered lemon dessert.

It was a wonderful day, and a great way to kick off summer...a little early.

Day 97

The Padens are here. And although we all love to see and visit with Fred and Christy, little Ms. Kennedy is truly the star of the show!

She is growing up so fast, getting so tall, and really developing quite an endearing personality. She is so smart, articulate, loving, and has to be the politest child ever encountered. And did I mention she LOVES cartoons...here she is enthralled in one before bed time.

It's sad that our visits are so far apart, and go by so quickly! You just can't get enough Kennedy time!

Day 96

A little chicken stir-fry, that's what's for dinner.

In an effort to try to eat a little healthier, tonight's dinner featured chicken, lots and lots of veggies, and a few teriyaki noodles. Oh, and one little ol' egg roll from the Yokes deli...not so healthy, but very tasty.

I got out my largest frying pan, threw all the ingredients together, and it just looked so colorful and pretty. And it was pretty good eats too.

Day 95

With Easter just around the corner, this will probably be my last sharing of decorations. Soon they will be put away until next Spring.

I've had this little grouping for years and years. I made them way back in the day when my craft of choice was ceramics. Of course I didn't actually make them, I just sanded, painted and had them fired.

Nonetheless, I still really like them even today...my umbrella candy dish, my tulip votive cups, and my little bunny family.

Day 94

Tonight after work I did some grocery shopping at Wal-Mart, including a little bit of Easter shopping. A few cards, a couple little goodies for Ms. Kennedy, and this very fragrant, deep purple hyacinth for Mom. She loves a lilac, and this little plant looks and smells so similar, I just had to pick it up for her.

It was one of the first things I put in my cart, so I was able to enjoy its scent all throughout the store.

Hopefully I can keep it alive and healthy between now and Easter!

Day 93

There they sit. On my nightstand. Just like every other night. My white gold, hoop earrings, with baguette diamonds.

They are a set of earrings my dad bought me. And I still love them just as much as when he bought them for me...and a yellow gold set for Mom. They are pretty, but they are also practical - simple hoops that go with everything. I wear them each and every day...no others. They are with me always, and I tend to panic when I don't know where they are. Even today, they never made it to my ears, but they were with me.

Tonight I realized again just how significant these are to me when I laid them down in their perpetual resting place.

Day 92

Today was a pretty lazy Sunday. For some reason Rob and I both felt kind of wiped out from our little jaunt to Spokane yesterday.

Thankfully, I didn't even have to cook dinner, because Mom made a very delicious meal for us...steak, baked potatoes, salad, and a homemade beer bread...with bacon in it. YUM! And, when we got over to her house, there were three lilies on the table she had bought today while she was out...one for her, one for Billie and one for me.

I just love these Peace Lilie's...they are so pretty. Here's hoping I can keep it alive. Thanks Mom!!