Day 216

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Today is Rob's 46th Birthday...and the third time I've been so lucky as to share his birthday with him. And the third year in a row I've made him these delightfully sweet, yet slightly tart lemon cupcakes. They really are so very good...and summer refreshing!  I guess after three years running, they are officially part of his birthday tradition.

Mom made him a delicious ham dinner, so we went over and celebrated his birthday at her house. He did pretty good for a birthday boy...he got a new iPhone and case, a weed whacker/edger, and a little homemade ice cream maker...that Baylee and Lucy helped him open. Oh, and Baylee and Lucy were busy with the gift giving too - they got him some new Rosary beads, and a new water bottle.

It was a good day...a good Sunday, and a good Birthday. I hope you enjoyed your day Bean. ♥

Day 213

Tonight the Tri-Cities Young Adult Ministry met at the Cinco de Mayo restaurant in Kennewick.  Tom and Trina asked us if we would like to join them, because Bishop Tyson was coming down from Yakima to speak.

So after work, Rob and I headed over...and I was so glad that I did.  We met some great people...even some not-so-young adults, and some folks from other parishes.  Most importantly though, I enjoyed the Bishop, and his topic and talk so much.  After the crazy week I've had, it was a much needed 'reboot' of sorts!

Day 200

So here it is - our scrapbook space.  Isn't it lovely?  Trina and I got set up last night and I got just a few things done, but really started to dig in today.

We turned the dining table around and each took an end.  Then we took TV trays, the window sills and lots of floor space to set out all of our very important and necessary tools and supplies.  Just out of the shot is a small chair and end table that Trina set up as our Cricut station, so that it is convenient for use, but yet out of the way.  This has really made for a great scrap space...and the best part...the view.  And, so too you can enjoy the view...I've included photo of what's just beyond those windows!!

Day 201

♫ ♪ Just sitting on the dock of the...lake...♪ ♫

Alright, so it's not a bay, but you get the picture. Just sitting down on the dock, in my pj's mind you watching boaters and kayakers and skiers and fishers, and taking in a little morning sun before before I head in to shower and clean up for the day.  Seriously...this is the life!

There's plenty of wildlife to check out down here too...dragonflies, ducks, geese and little tiny fishies.  There is an eagle that lurks among the trees too, but he's tricky to spot, and to capture a photo of him (or her) - well, even trickier.  I did manage to get this little duck family taking off from the shore...all in precision alignment.

Day 199

Greetings from Lake Cocolalla!

Trina and I loaded up the car...and I mean LOADED...and took off about 1:00 this afternoon (had to get my hair done first...important stuff!) headed toward Idaho.  We stopped in Rathdrum for a few groceries to get us by, and then on to the lake.

We arrived safe and sound at the DaValle's cabin around 5:30 and almost immediately headed down to the dock.  Ahhh...deep breath, fresh air, quiet = relaxation!

It's beautiful weather, it's beautiful scenery.  I can't wait to unpack, get all my scrappin' stuff out, and take all this in.

Day 179

It is summer, and it is BBQ Season!  And this is how we do BBQ on a Friday night at the Auchmoody House!  Yum!

Tonight I cooked Rob and I up quite a feast.  I baked a couple potatoes, and made some beer bread.  While they were baking, I made spinach with mushrooms and bacon, and threw a couple big fat steaks on the grill.  Topping off the meal...a Widmer Citra beer...light and refreshing.  The whole combo was really spot on!

Day 164

Our little Lucy turns 6 today!

Rob reminded me at work today that it was Lucy's birthday...I have to admit that I had forgotten.  Poor girl, she so unassuming, and so passive, she seems to get forgotten often.

Well, I tried to make it up to her by stopping by Blylee's on our way home and picking her up a special Happy Birthday doggie bone shaped cookie.  She seemed to really like it - so much so, it was hard to get her to 'pose' for her birthday photo.  But she's a good girl, and humored me long enough to get a picture.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!! ♥♥

Day 153

This is how the girlies help with yard work! It actually is helpful when they behave themselves like this, and just lie in the shady grass, instead of trying to wander around and visiting neighbors!

Awww...fresh cut, cool green grass on the belly. This must be the life!

Day 139

This is how Lucy rolls.  She prefers a pile of laundry that smells like Mom and Dad, to her stinky bed that smells like her!

We were just getting ready to turn out the lights tonight, and I could HEAR Lucy, but I couldn't see her.  She wasn't in one of her usual spots...then I followed the snoring and found her here, just outside the closet, next to the hamper.  Silly little dog!

Day 138

Here she is, the Bride To Be...all aglow!

Today was Billie's Bridal Luncheon, which really turned out to be somewhat of an all day affair.  First we gathered at Kim's for mimosas and a few eats to toast the bride.  Then we headed to Hot Spa Nails for pedicures all around.  Finally we ended up at Anthony's for lunch, and an intimate bridal shower of sorts.  It was low key, with just the group of us girls...friends forever, and of course Mom...because, well, she's everyone's mom and I have to say I don't mind sharing.

Day 137

It's just lil ol' me.  Most everyone who knows me knows I hate being on this side of the camera.  But every once in awhile, I get a wild hair.  Maybe I'm having a good hair day, or a good make up day, or it's just the right light, or the right angle...whatever. 

Today was one of those days.  I had just finished my hair, and was sitting in the bathroom putting on my makeup and decided to snap my own photo - truth be told to send it to Rob while he was out working.  Other than my big nose...I thought it was a decent photo of me.

Day 132

Happy Mother's Day!
I had a great day, spending the day with my mom.  After church, Rob dropped me off at her house and her and I went out and about.  Mostly we spent the day getting odds and ends taken care of for Billie's Bridal Lunch coming up this weekend.  But we also had lunch, and ran out to Christine's to visit her and Aunt Marlene.
That's where this picture was taken, just outside Christine's window along her fence line was this brave little quail...rather close to the house.  I could only get his back side of course...but you get to enjoy the view he's taking in!

Day 131

Look...aren't we cute?  And aren't they cute too??

Tonight was the Christ the King School's 5th Annual Dinner and Auction Fund Raiser.  Thanks to Jerry and Britt Han, the Huntingtons and we were invited to join them at their table.  It was a very generous offer that we gladly took them up on.  So we put on some of our best duds and headed out for dinner, and entertainment of sorts.

We had a great time, even though we threw in the towel kind of early.  Jerry and Britt had to leave due to kid troubles, and Tom and Trina had to take of to nurse Tom's post-surgery knee.  And, after having a banquet last night as well, we didn't really have our dancing shoes on...so to speak.

We are so thankful to the Hans for the invite, and hope to get together again with them, when we don't have to cut the night short!

Day 117

This very cute puppy that you see here lying in her bed...is actually the brat dog that kept me up most of the night!  She looks cute, but looks are deceiving.

We arrived last night at our motel pretty late.  After stopping for the puppies, getting stopped by the Oregon State Police, and stopping for dinner, it was about 11:00 pm before we actually got checked in.  And although Rob and I just wanted to settle in and get some sleep, Baylee and Lucy had other plans.  Baylee just could not get settled.  I guess it was the strange location, but she wanted to go out at midnight, and again at 2:00 am, and then wanted breakfast at 5:00.  I tell you, this pooch is gonna be the death of me.  And just look at her now, all comfy now that the rest of the world is up and awake!

We are in our room getting ready to go pick up Sequoia and have some breakfast, and then see where the day takes us!  At least it's a nice Portland day today...no clouds in sight!

Day 52

On Tuesday I explained that I was trying to start a new habit of getting up an hour early each day in observance of Lent.  Well, also for Lent, I decided to give up Diet Pepsi...which then leads to all soda really.  And you know, just for kicks, you really shouldn't have caffeine if you are trying to get pregnant. 

So, here you have what is left in the world (besides loaded with sugar lemonade) for me to drink...cans of...water.  Calorie free, caffeine free, sodium free, artificial sweetener free, and let's be frank...taste free!  But I have to admit I do enjoy the little bit of fizz, rather than water straight from the tap.  But I use the word 'enjoy' quite loosely! 

Although I am enjoying starting my day with the daily readings and am hoping to make it a habit, I am not enjoying my Diet Pepsi free life, and look forward to Easter when I can crack one open again!

Day 51

Oh, it's those two silly girls again!  This time they are basking in the sunshine at Grammy's house.

Mom sent this photo to me this morning...and her text along with it said, 'Had to take this of the girls.  Lu is asleep sitting up!!'  That silly dog, I think she's afraid she just might miss something if she actually lies down and relaxes.  But not Baylee, she's all about relaxation, and where better to do it than in the rays of the sun?  Enjoy girls!

Day 50

This is my stack of daily reading.  This morning I was up at 4:45 reading them.  Yes, ME...up at 4:45!  I don't think I've been up that early since I was on a fire assignment.

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday and marked the beginning of Lent.  One of the things I'm doing in observance is getting up an hour earlier each day to read these books, each of which have a specific daily reading.  I find it hard to carve out time normally to do this, so I'm taking this opportunity to try to form a new habit. 

Now, an hour early is actually 5:00, but I woke up at 4:30 and couldn't go back to sleep, so up I got, went to the couch and started reading.  The first of the books, really more like a flyer, has daily reflections specifically designed for Lent...Called to Life, Called to Love.  The little mini book LivingFaith is a daily devotional published quarterly.  The third book Give Us This Day is a daily prayer book which includes daily mass, readings and prayers published each month.  And finally there is the Magnificat - Year of Faith Companion, which provides something different each day, either a reflection or meditation or prayer, that is designed to take you through the entire Year of Faith, as designated by Pope Benedict XVI.  Each of these is a relative short read, and combined together is like a little exercise for the soul...bending, stretching, aligning. 

I have to admit, as much as I do not like getting up early, and am not a morning person...I'm kind of digging starting my day this way!

Day 49

It's the Luck O'The Irish!  I had fully expected to get all of my Valentines put away and my St. Patty's Day out long before now, but it just didn't happen.

With yesterday being such a very long day, it was good to have a third day off today for President's Day.  Rob and I were able to sleep in a little, and just spend the day lazily getting a few things done...one of which was finally decorating. 

Once I was done I snapped a few pics, and took those boring old things and tried out another photo app, PhotoGrid.  I have seen Bre do some pretty cool things with this app, so I thought I'd give it a shot.  This isn't all that cool, but it did the job...showcased some of my green all in one photo group.

Day 48

Wow what a great day!  A very long day, but a great day!

This morning Rob and I attended mass and the Rite of Sending.  I was so glad Mom was able to make it too, to see us both stand before the parish with Tom and Trina, and to see me sign the Book of the Elect.  As someone who has not been baptised, signing the book puts you into the book of life, so to speak - sealing your covenant with God.  Boy was I nervous and excited, and very thankful I didn't cry!

After church we made a stop at the house for a quick bite to eat and to take the pups over to Mom's.  Next stop...Tom and Trina's.  We picked them up and headed to Holy Family Parish in Yakima.  And what a lovely day for a drive it was!

When we arrived, we headed to the gathering space of the church where there were probably a couple hundred people.  There were catechumen, candidates, sponsors and RCIA leadership from about 20 or so parishes in the diocese, all there to meet Bishop Tyson in the Rite of Election.  Once we filed into the sanctuary and were seated, we were called to the front parish by parish.  Our names were read one by one as an introduction to the Bishop.  With a quick bow of acknowledgment, the Bishop then signed our Book of the Elect and we returned to our seats.  For some reason it wasn't near as nerve-racking as standing before our whole parish. 

After the ceremony was over, we took a few photos outside and then headed out.  Tom, Trina, Rob and I headed to the Olive Garden where we had a very nice dinner.  A great end to a most wonderful and memorable day.

Day 47

Here are the results of a successful day of shopping. Mom and I had a good time out hitting the mall this afternoon...and I have the picture to prove it!

Tomorrow is a big day for Rob and I at church.  First, we will both (along with all the others in our RCIA group) be called to the front of the church for what is called the Rite of Sending - where we (and our sponsors) declare that we have accepted the tenants of the Catholic church, and as a result our parish will 'recommend' us to the Bishop.  Then Rob and I and our sponsors, Tom and Trina, will head to Yakima to actually meet with the Bishop in what is called the Rite of Election. So, standing up in front of the parish, then meeting the Bishop - a girl needs something new to wear, am I right? 

Mom and I started at Shopko where I grabbed one blouse...kind of a panic move, that 'what if I don't find anything better' kind of purchase.  This may or may not remain as part of my wardrobe.  Then we hit the mall, and Christopher and Banks was having a buy one get one 1/2 off sale, so I found a nice sweater for tomorrow and scored an extra everyday type shirt at 1/2 off...and Mom scored an outfit for herself too.  The only problem was, I couldn't find any new black slacks I liked. 

Thankfully, I also needed some Bare Escentuals so we headed to Macy's and got what we needed, but decided to make a pass through the Women's department...and score again!  Not only a nice, reasonable priced Alfani pair of slacks, but a lovely striped sweater too!  I think I've just found my outfit for tomorrow.  And the other sweater...well there are several more Sundays to be called to the front of the church!