The Guy and The Girl...now plus one!

Welcoming Ruby Sue

2012-02-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

We have been home from the hospital for a week and Phil started back at work today...so I guess its time I start a routine, this new routine includes getting back to blogging! Phil and I have both said this has been the best week of our lives. Welcoming little Ruby Sue into our lives has been an easy and amazing transition. We couldn't be happier or feel more blessed! Let me tell you what happened about a week ago........

Wednesday Feb 1st I was officially 37weeks preggo.
Thursday February 2nd we picked up our good friend Tiffany from the airport for a fun filled 4day vacation. We had previously made plenty of jokes that I would go into labor during her stay and because of her experience as a nurse she would have no problem helping us deliver the baby. We started off her visit with a traditional local style dinner of "plate lunch" and poke. It was Phil's last night of working nights and was handing over the responsibility of his crew to someone else and he joked at dinner if there was any night for him to have to miss work, that night would be the night. After Phil left for work I took Tiffany to KoOlina, the resort village a few miles from our house, for the sunset and a cocktail.

Throughout this time I felt like I was having more contractions than usual but not enough to raise any red flags. After sunset Tiff and I were both pretty tired and decided to head back to house for an early night to bed, but first I wanted to finish the very last thing on my "get ready for baby" to-do list and that was to buy a video camera... we left Target empty handed and prepared to research the web for a better deal since I had 3weeks, plenty of time, until my due date.We hit-the-sack at 9:00pm and I passed out. The 3 previous nights I hadn't slept for more than a few hours so I was looking forward to a good nights rest.

11pm, 2 hours later, I woke up to the feeling that I was peeing my pants. I jumped out of bed that was thankfully still dry, and ran to the bathroom. I had a giant gush into the toilet but I was still confused if it was pee or if my water was actually breaking. When I stood up I continued to gush. I slowly walked to our guest room shocked and confused and woke up Tiff, explaining to her that I think my water broke but I needed her to examine the fluid. We decided the pinkish tinted fluid on my bathroom floor was indeed amniotic fluid so she called her sister, also a nurse but specializing in labor&delivery for advice and I called Phil. I prepared myself before calling Phil that I needed to tell him gently as to not freak him out that I thought our baby girl was on her way...but to my surprise Phil was very calm, excited and his normal humorous self. I was the one slightly freaking out and still in shock that everything was happening not according to MY plan. Before allowing Phil to come home I sent him to the 24hr Walmart to buy a video camera. He called from Walmart to jokingly ask if the baby was "still in" and if Tiff wanted anything from McDonalds. ha ha ha. His humor was key to keeping me grounded. My next move was to get the car loaded but I had trouble focusing. Everything was packed and ready for the hospital but there were a few things that required last minute packing, Tiff was able to follow my detailed premade lists while I sat in the bathroom reflecting on what was happening and what was about to happen. I needed to talk to Jenn, my sister-in-law who's due date was about 1 week ahead of mine. It was 1am her time but I called both her and Pete until someone answered. Talking to Jenn calmed me down even more and we decided that Tiff would keep her updated on the event details and she would keep everyone else back at home updated. Phil finally got home with our newly purchased electronics and it was time for him to change so we could go. For some reason it was important to me that he changed into athletic clothes and out of his work clothes, he didnt want to and for some reason I got mad at him and slightly yelled at him that he needed to change. ha ha ha so weird that I was fixated on what he was wearing but he compromised with me and change into some shorts.

We loaded everything up in 2 cars to head to Kapiolani, in Honolulu about 18miles away. We calmly started the trek to the hospital when I realized the new video camera Phil just purchased did NOT include a memory card so back to Walmart we went. I stayed in the car while Phil went shopping and I managed to get a hold of Phil's mom, Nancy. She was due to fly out Feb 19th 3days before my due date and we had talked in detail about the birth and her important role as our doula/advocate. Her not accompanying us to the hospital made me sad and slightly worried but her always calming encouragement gave me confidence and I concentrated on every word of prayer she prayed over the phone. I had confidence that Phil and I, with Tiff's help were going to get the baby out naturally according to plan. Our trip to the hospital was fast, Phil luckily knew of the nightly road construction closures so we had no delays and made it to Kapiolani in record time. I had to make one more call, this one a little funny, before going into the hospital and that was to Jim Roe. It was his birthday and we had joked earlier that day that if I had the baby on his birthday he could name her and if I went into labor he would be the first that I would call. I still had enough of a sense of humor that I HAD to wake him up with the news.

12:30am walking from the truck to the hospital I unfortunately had another big gush and was leaking fluid everywhere. It was so uncomfortable walking from the parking garage to the hospital and then taking the elevator to triage and then waiting in the waiting room. I felt gross but Phil and Tiff kept the humor going requesting a diaper from the nurses, no diaper, but I did get a very nice pad to sit on.

We waited in triage for quite a while. The needed to test my fluid to make sure my water was really broken. Around 2:30am it was confirmed and I was officially admitted. It was a busy night for babies so as women who were further along in the labor process arrived I would get pushed back on the list for a room. Phil and I were fine hanging out in triage, I had no pain and barely felt my contractions. When the nurse finally arrived she hooked me up to monitors to monitor my contractions and the baby's heart rate and told me I had to stay in bed. Meanwhile Tiff was still in the waiting room and Nicci had arrived. They were allowed to come in once the Dr. met with me. I had no desire to stay in bed and kept asking if I could walk around... the oncall Dr told me no as to not risk the cord prolapsing. boo. Because of previously testing positive for Group B Strep they had to start me on antibiotics. The nurse attempted multiple times on each arm to put in my IV. I hated this...thank goodness for the local anesthetic!

After a few hours my contractions didnt pick up as fast as my OB had liked so she instructed over the phone to start me on pitocin. I was upset and fearful that all the stories I had heard of pitocin would come true and cause me to need an epideral. Because the triage was so busy I managed to skate by without the medicine a few more hours before making it to the labor/delivery room but my body still wasnt producing enough contractions.

Around 4am I finally got a room and they started pitocin. I was started at level 2 and requested they not turn it up every 30mins as per their protocol and requested to please let my body do what I trusted it was made to do. They honored this and increased slowly. By the end of labor I got up to 14. The crew was tired and did their best to nap knowing we were in for long day. At times I also tried to nap hoping to charge my batteries. I had packed some marathon gel that I tried eating every few hours out of fear I'd be one of those women who don't have enough enegry to push after a long labor... the gel was gross but it helped.

I had requested intermittent monitoring so I could stay mobile but being on pitocin they required the baby's heart be monitored the whole time. I refused to lay in the bed so I had about 4 feet of cord allowing me to stand next to the bed. I was frustrated to be hooked up to machines but accepted my small square of space to sit on the ball, lean on the rolling table thing or sway standing. I was super bummed to not be able to walk the halls and not use the massage shower.

My labor on pitocin was hard but I managed. I managed because of friends at home. I kept thinking about all the friends who had accomplished a natural childbirth and felt if they could do it then so could I. I managed because of beads on a bracelet made by friends and family at my baby shower. I clenched onto that bracelet during most of my hard labor and counted the beads and thought of my support team back at home.

I managed because of my baby girl waiting to come out. I had her little coming-home-dress in front of me so I could keep my mind on the joy that was coming. I managed with the support of Tiff and Nicci, knowing they were there to help Phil and I with whatever we need.ed. Tiff was a great advocate for us. Her nursing experience helped a ton. I managed mostly because of my husband. He absolutely blew my mind! I had confidence in him that he would do great during my labor but I had no idea how awesome he would do. He remained calm the whole time and always said the right thing and did the right thing. During heavy contractions we were a perfect team getting through them. Some positions we were in required him to hold all of my weight as I became a "limp noodle" after the contraction was done. He was sore the next day from working so hard. I am actually glad we didnt have a doula, it gave Phil and opportunity to step up to the plate and be exactly what I needed him to be. I'm more in love with him after his ability to get me through that terrible day of pain.

I had to wait until 1:30pm to be checked for the first time by my OB... and when she checked me I was very disappointed to find out I was 2cm dilated, 80% effaced and baby at a -2. It had been about 13hrs since my water broke and I was exhausted. I had worked so hard to get to 2 I thought there was no way I could make it another 13hrs on pitocin...

2 1/2 hrs passed and labor was hard and slow. I knew I needed to stop looking at the clock, I swore it was broken. Contractions were consistently 2mins apart and all I wanted was a short break to take a nap. I requested from the nurse they check me again because I needed encouragement and I was losing my mind...I had said "mind" but I meant my will to keep a natural birth. At this point I didnt even want an epideral...because that meant I still needed to push her out, I wanted a C-Section but wouldnt never say that out loud. 3:55pm the on call Dr checked me and once again I was deflated to find out I was only 2.5cm, 90% effaced and -1. Everyone kept encouraging me that this was good news but to me it meant many more hours of pain...

At this point Nicci was gone because she had to go to work and Tiff was tired. She too thought it would be hours so she went home to shower.

the next 3hours were intense....but I some how found this crazy zone that changed my once very vocal labor to a peaceful meditation. During contractions I tried my absolute best to relax and not fight the contraction...I kept "telling" my uterus If you can push her down, I can push her out. I found a breathing rhythm that helped me manage the pain and of course clenching to the bracelet and counting the beads encouraged me. This is also when the throwing up started. It was terrible throwing up during a contraction but it also felt good feeling her go down a little more each time. I spent the majority of these hours on the ball with Phil sitting on the bed behind me holding my weight up during the contraction then letting me sit on the ball to rest. I had so much pressure in my "downtown" during the contractions I couldnt sit but I was too weak to stand.

7:00pm I felt a crazy change in my body. It looked appealing to kneal on the bed, hugging the back of the bed and Phil behind me squeezing my hips. I could no longer access my peaceful zone and the pain was so intense I was almost frantic.. I kept it together but told Phil to call for the nurse because I thought I was getting the urge to push. The nurse brought in a DR and told me I was only 6.5cm 90% efaced and +1 station. I heard the nurse call my OB to give her an update and I could hear the Dr. tell her to update her on my progress in an hour. I slightly yelled at the nurse that I was not waiting for my Dr and that I knew the baby was coming. I told her I was going to push her out and she told me not to, I wasnt dilated enough enough I risked tearing my cervix and causing it to swell...but I couldn't control my body. At the peak of each contraction I felt my body pushing out the baby. I tried to control it the best I could. 20minutes later I told the nurse she had to check me again, this time she did it herself and I was 7.5cm so she called for the oncall Dr. and mine letting them know I was progressing fast. 13mins(7:43pm) later the On call Dr arrived and checked me and I was at 10cm, 100% effaced at +3. About this time Tiff finally made it back in time to grab the video camera. They tried to get me on my back and I refused. I laid on my right side with Phil behind me. They hadn't given me permission to push yet so I continued to fight the urge but couldnt control the work my body was doing on its own. The team busted in and got the room ready as fast as they could. Between contractions my strange brain needed to meet the new Dr, Dr. Lum(sp?) and I had to explain to her my birth plan. She probably thought I was crazy but I did not want them to mess up my carefully typed out plan. ha ha ha. From all my movement the werent able to get a good heart reading on the baby and when they finally found it her heart rate was too low for their liking so for the first time the Dr. gave me the goahead to push and told me to push as hard as I could. She told me to pull up my legs but I couldnt. Phil held me in a cradle position and I wrapped my hands around his neck. So with the next contraction I was finally able to give pushing some of my own effort and with the loudest mama bear scream I had in me I pushed through the "ring of fire" and at 7:54pm, 11mins after the Dr. checked me, she shot out of my body head and shoulders all at once. It was the best feeling pushing her out. After many many hours I finally was in control of something and knowing it was up to me now it almost felt "good" pushing.

A chubby little baby covered in gunk was placed on my chest and I wasn't in awe like I thought I would be or instantly attached like I thought I was supposed to be... I was in shock and confused. I was distracted that the bad day was finally over with and confused that pushing was so fast and "easy". Once I calmed down from pushing her out I was looking at a tiny face that I had never seen before, she was a stranger that I hadn't met and I needed to introduce myself.

Looking up at Phil I saw tears streaming down his face and it was slowly settling into my brain that this was OUR baby, the baby I've been waiting for for 9months and the baby I've been wanting for years.

She was healthy and she was perfect. I couldn't believe she was on my chest and I couldnt believe for 3 weeks early she looked so chubby.

Phil cut the cord once it stopped pulsing as I instructed the on-call Dr. before I pushed her out, and the nurse immediately helped me try to nurse.

They let me have about an hour with her before taking her to get cleaned up. Hospital protocol required a 2hr monitoring of the baby... I was mad but Phil calmed me down.

I was so surprised when my 3week early baby was not a tiny skinny little thing. I for sure thought she would be in the 6lb range MAX. But she came out a very healthy weight. I can't imagine how big she would have been if I carried her to 40weeks!

My OB missed the birth. I was fine with it. As some might already know I didnt like my OB. She treated me like a "patient" and not a "person" and Im pretty sure she doubted I could deliver my baby med-free. She made it in time to stitch me up and her attitude toward me completely changed. All of a sudden we were good friends and she kissed both Phil and I in congratulations. I didnt care that she missed the birth and I accidentally told the nurse and the on call Dr. a few times during my contractions that I didnt like my OB and I didnt want her to come. ha ha ha

The baby at this point didnt have a name. I wasn't ready to commit until things settled down. It took a few hours to get me stitched up(2deg tear) and cleaned up and wheeled up to my recovery room. The Dr. was concerned about the amount of blood I lost so I had to stay on pitocin through the night and next morning to make sure my uterus continued to contract. SO ANNOYING! By the time we got settled in to our room 11pm my baby was back.

Phil had wanted to name the baby Ruby Sue for months and after meeting her I agreed Ruby Sue fit. She would be named after our bestfriend Ruby. Someone we both admire and respect. We hope our Ruby is as hard working, thoughtful, creative, adventurous and loving as her auntie.

Our first night together as a family in the hospital I couldnt sleep. It had been 2days since I had slept but all the endorphins had me wide awake. I wanted to hangout with my baby and continue to get to know her. Phil was exhausted and passed out immediately. Our first night in the hospital he slept for 12hours! Not sure how he could sleep through people constantly coming in and out of our room. I wasnt tired but I was starving! I couldnt eat enough or fast enough. Holding the baby in one arm and trying to eat with the other wasnt working so I started to eat my hospital turkey dinner with my hands. ha ha ha. It was soooo good! I was surprised at how hungry I was and as of today the hunger hasnt stopped! Pretty sure I'm eating more than Phil.

I didnt allow Ruby to sleep in her plastic hospital bassinet, she had to be in my arms the whole stay. I had to touch her and know that she was breathing.

I also attempted to nurse every 2hours and I was strict about it. I was determined that little Ruby would learn to latch. Nursing was one of the things I was scared about, maybe more than delivery. I think it is so important so I wanted to make sure we got-it-down-pat before we left the hospital. My OB didnt allow us to check out early. We had to stay the full 48hrs post partum, so thats a total of 3 nights in the hospital. This gave us extra time with the nurses and a great lactation consultant. A very funny lady who was very comfortable with her breasts and mine. Its amazing after giving birth Im now 100% comfortable with my body. I had prepared myself to be disappointed by the hospital but to my surprise I loved being there! The mostly filipino nurses at Kapiolani were outstanding and I grew to love them. They were that maternal presence I needed. I felt like a queen. They catered to my every need and at times I felt bad asking for things but they were just so happy to serve. The food wasnt terrible as I had expected. I had so much fun filling out the order form for my meals and allowed myself to have whatever I wanted.

Phil changed his first poopy diaper and did awesome!

We had a few visitors in the hospital.

Tiff and Nicci brought us lunch from my favorite mexican restaurant Saturday, and Sean and Jessica our new pastor and his wife came to meet Ruby Saturday night. I didnt have the energy to call people for some reason but did manage to facetime Jenn in the delivery room, post delivery and Ruby Saturday night.

Sunday afternoon we were cleared to leave the hospital. When we were finally all packed up and driving out of the garage I started crying. It was kind of a weird cry. I was sad to leave the hospital and the great care I was getting and I was going to miss my nurses. I was also crying because everything was DONE, Phil and I were finally driving home with our baby and it was a crazy feeling. We were on our own to take care of a tiny little girl.

And now my new life starts. My new life as a mom. Its an incredible feeling and I already feel like she is growing so fast.

Halfway Done!

2011-10-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

I am finally LOVING pregnancy. I'm 20weeks today and I feel almost 100% normal. I'm celebrating the fact that I haven't had my head in a toilet for over a month! I have a ton of energy and so does our baby girl, I feel her kick all the time now. I started feeling flutters at 16weeks and the last 2weeks she has been kicking somewhat on schedule. Phil got to feel her for the first time last night during her "evening session". So special.

Sleeping is starting to get interesting. I'm already having trouble getting comfortable and waking up twice a night to use the bathroom, (I think this is too much for only 20weeks). Phil doesn't seem to have a problem sleeping through my tossing and turning. I really want to upgrade our queen to a king and get one of those giant maternity pillows.

I bought my first maternity dress, I still fit in most of my clothes but it was fun to go shopping. Strangers are finally asking me if I'm pregnant. I'm also noticing people being nicer to me... I can live with this! At first I was embarrassed and a little prideful, "I don't need help!" but now its kinda fun and actually starting to be necessary.

I've had the "pregnant waddle" for a while. My balance is fine I've just had terrible hip pain since 11weeks that causes me to limp. I'm glad I finally have a belly to go with the waddle, before I just looked stupid. My hips wont allow me to run anymore, I wasn't the best runner anway, but I try to make it to the gym at least 3times a week for zumba or the elliptical. Im trying to workout as much as I can while I can... a friend who is a few weeks ahead of me has warned me the third trimester is slightly miserable.

I've got lots of little nursery projects and lots of good reading to do. Darling Miss Charlotte mailed me some great books:

1.Real Food For Mother and Baby
I remember Ruby reading the book Real Food when we were roommates, she taught me a lot of great things about the benefits of eating REAL FOOD, now the same author has more insight on "eating for two" and "baby's first foods".

2.Ina May's Guide To Childbirth
I've been fortunate enough to witness 3 natural childbirths and I hope to deliver our sweet girl INTERVENTION FREE! Obviously I am keeping an open mind. I've had friends who have been lucky enough to not need intervention and have had those that had no choice. I'm not going to freak out if I can't have a natural birth but its my goal. The same day I got Ina May's book I saw her on tv. Phil and I watched the documentary called, The Business of Being Born. I can see how this film might scare some people but I felt very encouraged at the end.

Phil is working a LOT. He worked 76 hours last week. I miss my guy and I spend a lot of time alone but for some reason I'm not completely freaking out. I have always been an extrovert and needed people around me constantly but lately I've been content working on my projects and resting. When I get antsy I remind myself that in February when I am no longer able to sleep when I want I'll miss these "boring days alone". Other than my nursery projects reading and working out I've also decided to start baking bread...TODAY. Beka emailed me a great recipe so I'm going to try it out for dinner. I've never liked baking because I dont follow recipes. wish me luck!

Beginings Of A Nursery

2011-09-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

First thing...pick out a crib. I decided I want neutral gray walls with a white crib. I plan on transfering our kids from the crib to a twin and skip the toddler bed so the 4-in-1 cribs aren't necessary(they all turn into doubles, havn't seen any that turn into twins have you?)

I like this clean "box shape". nothing fancy about it, just clean.

Another box shaped crib that I love because of the extra storage. Our little girl's room is TINY. I need to get creative with storage.

I also really like the old school cribs... very simple and small, good for a tiny nursery.

I knew I wanted simple solid gender neutral baby bedding. My goal is to buy nice bedding once and use it for each babe(genius idea executed by Jenn). I had this picked out before I knew the gender.(babybedding.com) Gray walls, organic red bedding and simple gender specific accents that can be replaced if our next baby is a boy.

Deciding on the "girl" accents was hard. My original theme is no longer on www.fabricworm.com so I decided today to just buy something and stick with it. I'm happy with what I decided. VERY LIMITED PINK! My mom and grandma were a little disspapointed with how much I dislike the idea of PINK EVERYTHING :-) but they are good sports. They almost died when I said "red and gray nursery" but I think with this post they'll get the idea. I ordered this bundle, one yard of each. I'll figure out a way to make curtains, accent pillows, wall art... little things to make it feel like a baby girl's room. I need all my talented sewing friends to come over and help me!

I can finally feel my baby! Its a crazy feeling. She is very busy, I feel lots of "flutters" everyday. I can't wait until Phil can feel her.

CHING IS A SHE!

2011-09-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

I'm officially 17weeks and carrying a baby girl!!!

Yesterday we found out the sex of our baby! Phil had a meeting and couldnt come with me so we compromised and had the tech conceal the gender in an envelope for Phil and I to open when he got home from work.

The ultra sound experience was amazing and surprisingly stressful. I was sent to a fetal diagnostic clinic, not my regular doctor. As I sat in the waiting room I started getting anxiety. I knew finding out the gender was going to be exciting but I also knew this is when I would find out if our baby has all of its major organs, 2 legs, 2 arms, no cleft pallet and a strong heart. Dr. Chun the comedian/MD let me know our "kid was a winner". He also let me know I'm going to spend the next 20years not in charge of my life. I can't even express how thankful I am that little ching-ling so far is growing as she should. I'm starting to understand what most mom's already do, "having kids is like having your heart walk around outside of your body," my little babe is still IN my body but I am not in control of her development... I can eat healthy, sleep, exercise, read all the baby crud but there is so much out of my control! I'm not used to this.

Finding out we are having a Miss Ching sorta feels like I found out I am pregnant all over again! It is so much more real now! A baby girl! "I'm going to have a daughter, " it just sound weird when I say it out loud. I looked at baby clothes today but I didnt allow myself to buy anything...for some reason its still so surreal.

We got a dvd with photos and 4 short videos. For some reason blogger wont let me upload more than one...look how cute and WEIRD/alien but still cute she looks! Streeeeeeeetching and grabbing her ears. I've watched these over and over!

I guess we have to start saving for a wedding!

Heatbeat, Vomit and Guests

2011-08-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today Phil and I got to hear little Ching's heart beat! It was a beautiful little sound! We scheduled our gender appointment for Sept 12th. SO SOON!!!!

My pregnancy has been a roller coaster. First trimester was miserable. My morning sickness was all day long. I couldn't see, smell or eat food. 90% of the food I ate I would throw up...there was this terrible mental battle if I eat I get sick, if I don't eat I'll get more sick. As person who loves to cook food, read about food, write about food and watch t.v. shows about food I was stuck in an 8week depression force feeding myself peanut butter toast.

One of these depressing evenings Phil decided to have a left over pork chop as a late night snack. The smell of his little snack sent me straight to the bathroom to up-chuck the minimal substance in my body. Phil came in to bring me water and then the smell on his breath initiated a 2nd round of heaving. I went straight to bed. When I felt Phil crawl in next to me there was a strong smell of peanut butter. I asked him why he smelled like peanut butter and he said, "babe I ate a spoonful of peanut butter instead of brush my teeth so I can sleep next to you". ha ha ha very sweet and SMART!

I'll be ending my 15th week on Wednesday and I'm still battling nausea. This time its only at night and happens when I eat too late or get too tired. I struggle grocery stores. The smells are too strong, I usually end up grabbing a plastic produce bag and hold it as my vomit-exit strategy.

I don't think I've had too many hormonal moments... I find myself snapping at Phil when I get hungry, I realize how unreasonable I am and quickly apologize. Phil is good at handling me...he never takes anything personally.

I don't think I'm showing yet, I just look bloated. My clothes still fit but feel most comfortable in stretchy dresses...good thing I live in Hawaii. I'll be wearing stretchy dresses everyday!

We had an amazing week with Abby and Denny. It confused my brain to have them here then have them leave. I felt like I got a little piece of home back and then it was torn out of my hands! ha ha ha. ok i dont need to be so dramatic. I'll let A&D blog about their trip.

This is what we do on the weekends. We set up shop and chill at the beach. Im looking forward to all of our upcoming guests!

A Pair of Babies

2011-08-12T17:02:00.001-07:00

Our last night in Corvallis we spent the night at Pete and Jenn's. We woke up to Emma and Mo crawling on us and and a nice graduation card for Phil signed by Pete, Jenn, Emma, Mo and "?". It took a while for it to sink in that Jenn was PREGNANT! That evening we left for Kelley family vacation. The next morning I woke up and found out I was pregnant. ABSOLUTELY CRAZY! I almost told Jenn before I told Phil ha ha ha. Anyway the following week Jenn helped us move to Hawaii. PREGGO SISTERS DUE AROUND THE SAME TIME!

Jenn had special plans of how she wanted to tell the Kirkbride family and the Kelley family on father's day but she was flexible to change her plans for me....such a nice lady. There was no way I could wait until father's day to tell the Kelley family and it would be waaaaaaaay more fun to hit them with a double whammy. The evening after I found out I was preggo Pete proposed a toast to Chuck and Nancy for their anniversary congratulating them on many years of marriage, 4 kids and 5 grand kids(currently they only had 4) Chuck and Nancy immediately realized Pete and Jenn were announcing another baby and everyone started yelling, it was a great celebration. Jenn revealed a "big brother shirt" that Mo-Mo was wearing. After the crowd settled down Phil and I present Chuck and Nancy with an Anniversary card and gift we had purch ased ahead of time and signed the card Phil, Jenna and Ching(just like Jenn did to Phil). It was such a special memory I will never forget! Lucky for me Pete happened to get video on his Iphone.

It was hard for me to have to tell my Family and our bestfriends over the phone....I almost drove from Seattle to Corvallis/Lebanon just to tell. Thank goodness for technology and we were able to Skype a lot of people. I figured out how to take "screen shots" on my phone and I realize now it would have been fun to take photos of everyone. But here are a few people we told and their reactions:
My Parents Were excited, in disbelief then over-joyed!! I've been looking forwa rd to this moment for years! I loved telling my parents.

Telling Abby and Denny. LOVE Abby's Face!

Telling the Riley's was also fun. I look bad but NATHAN LOOKS AMAZING ;-).

We had to wait a week to Brad and Sharon so Jenn could tell them her big news first. I got nervous they would find out about me before I could tell them so I frantically started texting people telling them it was a secret...ha ha ha ha. This special call took place while we were driving. I love technology!

We got a lot of amazing reactions! I'm kicking myself for not taking screen shots of everyone... It was a very fun and special time telling friends.

As far as telling the DAD-to-be...I had thought about it for years how I would want to tell Phil but to my surprise I was way to shocked and nervous I didnt even care about being creative. I just woke him up gently and reminded him Mo-Mo is going to be a big brother(a topic of humor to us at the time) and was going to be a role-model to his cousin Ching. Phil kept asking me "really, is this for real" We had a special tearful moment and then I made him go outside with me where Pete and Jenn were alone with the kids to tell Jenn ASAP! I was dying and Jenn's reaction beats any birth announcement I've ever seen. Screaming, jumping, running....that would have been a GREAT video!

In The Middle Of The Ocean

2011-08-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

So far marjority of my first trimester was spent throwing up and sleeping so I don't have any exciting andventures to post. Despite all the nasty barfing I'm happy that I haven't had any irrational hormonal emotional explosions. I totally anticipated being the crazy pregnant lady crying about everything...maybe this is still in my future.

During the work week Phil and I both start work at 6am, I get off at 2pm and nap until Phil gets home. Phil gets home between 6:30pm-7:30pm. We usually eat dinner outside, watch a show then go to bed. BORING.

Phil is loving his job and has made a few friends. I'm really happy and excited for him. One of his friends is a local guy, his wife just had a baby last week, I cant wait to meet her and snuggle their baby. I have crazy baby fever...waiting for Ching is soooooooo hard.

Our weekends consist of going to the beach and working on the house. Everything is very expensive here so we try to keep our weekends simple and save the "touristy stuff" for when friends get here to visit...we don't exactly want to go to Pearl Harbor 8 times so we're saving up these kind of events for the future.

I'm finally starting to feel like a human again so I hope to be more outgoing the 5hours I wait for Phil to get home. :-) It has been really nice having an old friend from home living here, some of you may know Nicci. We lived together for a short while back in college, she has been here 8years. We've gone on a few adventures and we have many more planned.

We've had a few hangouts with Sean and Jessica, the pastor in Kailua that Doxology is affiliated with. They are a lot of fun, appreciate good food and have 3 adorable little kids. We like them a lot and hope to join their community. Its a 20minute drive to the other side of of our giant 500sq.mi. island and they meet before Phil gets off work...we have some scheduling to figure out.

The weather to most is amazing and always 86 and sunny... but to me its too hot. I cant wait for winter when its in the 70s. I'm stranded in the middle of the ocean!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have you looked at a map lately? Hawaii is soooooo isolated. I'm missing Oregon summer LIKE CRAZY! Its the best time of year to be an oregonian and I'm missing it! I'm missing the rodeos, strawberry picking, festivals, bbqs, long nights, fires. You dont have fires here. The coldest it gets at night is 75. We need to buy a water feature or something to sit around?! ha ha Im not complaining about living in paradise...when it hits fall, winter, spring I will LOVE IT...BUT nothing beats an Oregon summer.

The Highlight of My Week:http://youtu.be/Hmk1m_AiIf0
I had my 2nd appointment on Wednesday and got to see Ching again! Our littl babe was very busy until I brought out the video...but you can still see its cute little heart beat. My official due date is Feb 22-24th.

The Highlight of Phil's Week: http://youtu.be/_P9J1t8EymM
Saturday we set up our beach station at Ewa Beach. Phil brought his trout pole and took a stab at some shore fishing. The locals at the beach told us the fish was an 'ulua' and they couldnt believe Phil caught that off shore. Our neighbor at home said people try months and years to get these guys, especially the size Phil landed. This made Phil very excited. We had an excellent dinner Saturday night!

Fresh Start and NEW LIFE

2011-07-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Well I've given up all attempts at updating my blog with the lost memories from Fall 2010 and Winter/Spring 2011. I've accepted defeat but I will not fail my friends and family again as I have NEW REASONS to blog.

Phil has graduated college....

Phil has started his career....

We have left our lifelong home/family/friends in Oregon....

We Live in Hawaii....

And we are starting our fresh new life with another HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!!!!

IM GROWING A HUMAN!!!!We are proud to announce I am with child and happier(and sicker) than ever! Meet baby "Ching" we love him/her and can't wait to meet him/her shortly after we celebrate our 5th anniversary in late February.
our little babe is smiling...aawww

Its funny to reflect and ask "how can our life be any more different than what it was a few months ago?!

school-work on the Fridge!

2011-04-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

When you were growing up did your parents hang your artwork/report cards on your fridge? Where do adults hang their construction paper crafts now? I guess my parent's fridge has been exchanged for my blog.

I'm proud of this small 'snipit' from my company's quarterly newsletter:

Promotions

Jenna Kelley was recently promoted to the position of Lead in Complaint Issues, and has been with CentralDispatch starting out as a Processor in 2007. Showing her dedication and talent for customer service, Jenna moved into answering phones within a few months. We were fortunate to have her assist in Complaint issues starting in 2008 where her true colors shine as she continually adds to our team with ideas of how to tweak and improve services for our customers as well as her fellow co-workers.

Jenna’s high standards for herself translate easily into her work performance and she is an asset we value very highly in Complaints. Keep up the Great work Jenna! We look forward to the opportunity to work with you in continuing to make CentralDispatch a provider of quality services, with quality people.

~ Mollie, Customer Service Supervisor

In The Market For:

2011-02-15T09:51:00.001-08:00

I'm jealous of Ryan & Holly's and Grahm & Charlotte's. I want one too!

Wine, Rain, Craft

2011-01-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

I organized my yarn collection this week while drinking wine and watching wheel of fortune. It is the rain's fault. I found multiple projects that I started circa 2003 and never finished, mainly scarves. I turned a few partially made scarves into these:

The trend back in 2003 was looong scarves. Lucky for me the recent trend is short infinity scarves. Project 1 COMPLETE

Meet Kevin. He is a sweet little monster. A partially made scarf folded in half. Great idea.

Kevin is also a Kindle Kozy

Kevin the Kindle Kozy. Place your orders now! Project 2 COMPLETE
This little monster belongs to Crystal.

This new winter head wrap was also a partial scarf. Project 3 COMPLETE
Warm ears=happy filipino
Project 4: Hat.
Phil doesnt seem to like it that much. you can have it.
Project 5: I'm currently working on turning a partially made hat into an octopus? sure!

Science+Coffee=Our Dear Friend "Nessy"

2011-01-19T15:11:00.000-08:00

RUBY!!!!!!!!!!!!! COME HOME NOW! oh Hey Lewis, you can come too :)

RAD! By an old friend.

2011-01-19T09:50:00.001-08:00

Wore It Deep (The Tree Ring) from Destin Cretton on Vimeo.

We're Still Here I PROMISE!

2010-12-30T11:44:00.001-08:00

I'm still a frequent blog reader but haven't been much of a post'er.

I know you know the feeling: the further I get behind the more I procrastinate updating!

I missed all of Sept, Oct, Nov and Now Dec!

I think I'll start fresh with the new year! See you in 2011 Blog World!

Our dogs are still alive and still not smart. They sit here everyday outside my office window. How could you NOT laugh at them? Apple has been gaining weight, I think shes a little self conscious about it. Jericho still sleeps standing up.
Ruby sucks and is moving out 5months early! Lewis and Boobs are moving to Senegal for Jan, Feb and Mar then coming back home for April and May-ish. So we'll have an empty guest room for you to come stay!!!!!!!!!!

With the departure of Ruby and Lew we are adding a NEW ROOMMATE... Miss Heather. I'm looking forward to living with my gym partner. I envision our alarms going off at 5:10am and Heather yelling across the hallway, "Jenna its time to wake up and get our dance on!"

Check It Out

2010-11-14T19:01:00.001-08:00

Remember how my parents breed english bulldogs??

http://fontanosebulldogs.com/

Back in the neighborhood

2010-09-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

We are finally home, not quite settled in but we're definitely Corvallis residents. We got home Saturday evening and jumped right back in to our wonderful community, I sure love you guys! We've been so busy since we've been back but I love it! Ben and Christine moved in down the street over the summer... we now have 4 couples on our street, we are going to have such a radical fall/winter!

This morning we got a cute little delivery from the sweet Bain girls down the street.
so so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!Mama Bain made some delicious guilt free muffins!
I ate 2! I guess I need to save some for the rest of the house but it will be hard :)

Coming To An END

2010-09-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

Its our last week in Portland! Phil and I have had an amazing summer. I'm disappointed in myself for not blogging more frequent and taking more photos. We have been so busy! The last 4 months have gone by fast. I wish I had more time to explore PDX and I'm crossing my fingers that we get to come back here next spring(for those of you that haven't heard Phil was offered a job with the company he's been interning with). Lots of eating, lots of playing and lots and lots of eating! But they highlight of the summer was definitely our landlords upstairs! I've been wanting to take a picture of them for a while and introduce them to you but I've been a lame blogger.

We chose our apartment 100% for the location but once we viewed the inside we instantly thought "double score!" We had an amazing location and a cuter studio than I could have imagined... the craigslist photos we saw ahead of time didn't do it justice. We thought the landlords were nice and the kids were adorable... I had no idea I would fall in love with this family! "Triple Score!"

I am so so thankful to have made new friends and am looking forward to visiting them on a REGULAR basis!

Ryan: music maker, wine maker, beer maker
Holly: baby maker, art maker, joy makerPax: lego tower maker, joke maker, story maker
Remy: smile maker, drool maker, noise maker
I'm going to miss the sound of these little nuggets chasing marbles!!

Holly made a blog post about us with a few photos from our summer: http://30yearsin.blogspot.com/2010/09/phil-and-jenna.html

August and Stuff

2010-08-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

August has been a good and busy month. Phil and I ended spending 4weeks in Bothell together and he spent an additional 2 weeks without me.....it was just too boring and Wubby was home to visit.

Saturday August 7th Phil and I came down to Portland from Bothell(he had to be at the Vancouver office Monday and Tuesday for "intern days") and met up with my fam for the Oregon Bite. I was AWESOME and my first time.

My parents treated us to a night of wine, food, wine, dancing and wine :)
My dad LOVES to try different foods just like me or maybe I'm just like him...either way we both were excited. There was a featured Chef's Tent with a sched of different chefs selling small plates of amazing food for $4 each. I could have spent all day at the chefs tent trying all the good food.
August marks my parent's 30th anniversary.
We had a great table with a view of the bridges. Phil got way to excited when a barge drove?/floated? by and the bridge raised.

There were multiple stages featuring small acts, cooking demonstrations and live music. My parents LOVE to party....especially my dad!

we met up with Tiff(aka Stephani) and Christina for a bit. Those girls are Craaaaaazy.

Monday the 9th I had a very special visitor bring me a very special birthday gift. Miss Ellyse and her mama Kayla came to see our apartment and visit for a few hours. I miss those kissable cheeks!
Tuesday Aug 10th Phil went back up to Bothell and I went down to Corvallis to visit friends and family. Ruby has our week documented... I got too lazy. Wednesday was a very special evening. I got to hangout with Wubby and Nate visiting from AZ and miss Angie visiting from...? well not sure where she calls home. We've been friends since middle school and we hadn't hung out in ages.
Wubby, Ruby, Lewis, Nate, Heather and I were a pretty powerful clan for a few days we spent the weekend of the 14th in Portland and had a wild and crazy time, I couldn't keep up with those AZ folks.

The week of Monday Aug 16-Fri 20th I spent alone while Phil was in Bothell. I got sick...boo but it was a good week of relaxing and hanging with Tiffy.

Friday 20th-Sunday 22nd Ruby, Lewis, TK and Jenny stayed with us. Phil got home late late friday night.

Ruby and I started the night having a nice dinner just the 2 of us and desert at Bread and Ink on Hawthorne. Very very good. Bread and Ink own Waffle Window and our chocolate dipped waffle was divine!
This summer has been a summer of eating....I couldn't think of anything better!
TK requested we hangout at the Bagdad...his old stompin grounds back when he used to live in P-town.
Ruby Lewis Tk Jenny and I took an $18 taxi ride to The Bye and Bye on NE Alberta to meet up with friends. Tiff and Sarah Nolde hungout. So fun! Phil drove straight from Bothell to meet us...what a trooper.
I missed my guy so much. See how much he missed me!!
Miss Jenny and Ruby.... Future sister-in-laws!
The TK. So happy to see him on his short visit home from Paraguay.
Tues Aug 24th to Thurs Aug 26th I came back down to Corvallis for our niece Elli's first birthday party.

Tuesday night I got to see my Bem and Pete & Jenn and the small guy Mo-Mo. The made me a delicious dinner! I love and miss them...they're nice.

Wednesday Miss Elli turned 1 then I went to Mark's show at the Cloud. It was fun hanging with friends.

Thursday after a day of sickness I went back home to Portland to see my Phil.

Friday night date night we walked to Ken's Artisan Pizza on 28th and Stark. Soooo good. Very similar to Intaba's in Corvallis as far as method of cooking...the pizza crust at Ken's was chewier.

I loved my ceasar salad. Why chop it? Its more fun to eat in spears.
Phil ordered the calamari, delicious.
We shared the sausage onion pizza. I liked it. The menu was very short which helped indecisive me actually choose something.
Today, Saturday the 28th I got to sleep in, go for a run and hangout with my mom. She was delivering a puppy to the airport and the flight got delay so I am taking the puppy for her. Isn't it cute?!!
Its so tired in here.
So I'm caught up. Its Saturday evening and Ruby is on her way and Lewis is already here. The boys are taking naps and I'm blogging at Stumptown. I wonder what we will do tonight... COOL BYE

Entering the Late Twenties

2010-08-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

I had a GREAT Birthday this year! Phil and I have been in Bothel, Wa for a few weeks and I was a tiny bit bummed I wasn't going to be with my friends and fam for my b-day... but I was SUPER lucky to have Rubes, Lew, Jim and Bre drive up to celebrate with me!

Jim and Bre got up a bit earlier than Ruby and Lewis so Bre and I got to do some shopping at H&M and went to Nordstrom to get our makeup done..so fun!

Getting ready is maybe the most fun??? Some times the excitement for the event is the best.

We stayed at a beautiful hotel in downtown Seattle called The W Some of you might be familiar with The Nines in Portland??? It's with the same hotel group. We were right on 5th Ave which also happened to be the night of the Torch Light Parade (its apart of Seafair). We watched a little bit of the parade from our window.

We walked to the waterfront for some yummy birthday seafood! For some reason we decided not to sit next to our spouses...probably Phil's idea.

Pretty lady and a handsome guy
Yewis and Bootstraps
suuuuuuure
Bre, SO HOT
Ruby and I LOVE eating out together. we of course studied the menu and made sure to taste each other's food.
Phil got some yummy yummy clams. His juice was pretty popular. :)
Lewis super excited as always
Roob got a tasty clam bake.

I got the chowder and crab cocktail with mango and avocado.Free Birthday Cheesecake!
sooooooooooooooooo In Love!
From the restaurant we walked to a pretty fun dance club Trinity
These girls are ready to DANCE!
My guy
happy couple number 1
happy couple number 2.....sorta "oh Lewis"
Trinity had 3 different rooms. A techno blue and white room, an asian decor rock and roll room and of course the bling-bling hip-hop room.

Going through the photos of the dance party I couldn't keep my composure I was laughing so hard. So I had to post at least half of them! I still haven't decided who got MVP for the evening....I'm pretty sure Lewis (as always) took it. These photos don't need captions:

This poor crazy girl was clueless......

After the dance party I made some friends with some police officers who recommended we eat at 5 Point Cafe for the best mix of late night grub. Half the crew got tired but the rest of us weren't going to go down so easily. Lewis, Ruby and I weren't quite ready for bed so we caught a cab and headed north!

I got some delicious bacon mac n cheese, ruby got pancakes and lewis got chilaquiles. Perfect food at 3am!!!!!!!!!!!

ITS MY BIRTHDAY!

Sunday morning we all woke up feelin great and ready for some touristy action.
Jim really wanted to see the guys throw the fish. :)
I love Pikes Place. My dad is from Seattle so we used to go up multiple times a year.
We ate at the Copacabana, we enjoyed Market and water views on the second floor patio deck.

I'm pretty sure every time I eat out with Jim and there is a cinnamon roll on the menu he orders it?? Am I right?
Yummy, a bloody mary to start my day.

After breakfast Jim and Bre had to hit the road but Ruby and Lewis stayed until dinner time. The boys literally spent 6hrs at the Fox Sports Bar while Ruby and I shopped.

Ruby took me in search of a special top secret place. I LOVE SURPRISES and I was trying so hard to figure out where she was taking me....we found a mall, we walked inside and I was lead with my eyes closed to the entrance of Lululemon! I was so excited!!!! Ruby said I get to pick out any item of my choice! I got the reversible groove pant and I am soooooooooo happy with them. It feels so good to have someone know me so well. I've wanted a pair for a while now but wouldn't dare spend that much on a pair of pants.... I've worn them almost every day since!

- We finished the day with delicious Vietnamese food from a random little place.
When I order Pho I always ask for extra veggies and usually get disappointed they don't give me more but this place had a Veggie Pho. Yum so healthy!
I was so sad to see my Roob-boo and Yewis go but all good things must come to an end.

This is the 520 bridge going over lake Washington from Seattle.... its the reason we are up in Bothel. Phil's company is putting together a bid to replace it.

Monday my actual birthday Phil surprised me and came home for lunch. He put together a cute little birthday lunch while I got ready.

When I came back from the bathroom I sat at my desk and watched Phil cook and the whole time I didn't even notice what he had put on my computer! What a ditz! Phil got me a new Ipod touch and accessories for running. I lOVE IT!My birthday lunch. So pefect.
I am beyond thankful for my family for mailing me cards, my friends for making the drive up and my husband for putting it all together. I love you all so so much!

Missing Home

2010-07-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Phil and I are still in Bothell, Wa until further notice. There is talk of coming home in 2weeks and there is also talk of not coming home all summer. Its driving me crazy not being able to make plans. Doesn't Phil's company know I'm a PLANNER?! Seriously! :)

I of course miss Corvallis and I really miss Portland. I've grown to LOVE LOVE our studio, neigborhood and awesome neighbors. But I'm most surprised that I am missing Lebanon. My hometown, the town I swore never to move back to. Being in Bothell, which might be the same size or smaller than Lebanon, makes me appreciate small town life on a farm. My parents have a great place between Lebanon and Sweet Home. I'm so bipolar... one day I wanna be a city girl, the next I wanna move back to the farm.

Now that my brothers and I have all graduated my parents decided to replace us with dogs! I'm only slightly joking!

Seriously check it out! (Ok, now who in this photo doesnt belong? ha ha ha ha)

When Phil and I first started dating we bought our first english bulldog Jericho. My dad fell in love with him so the following year we as a family got him his own bulldog for his 50th birthday.
And now they have 6. They've sold most of their cows and are only raising enough for their own beef. They also built a really nice kennel on the farm and now spend most weekend at dog shows. I've learned a lot about dog shows and I'll tell you the movie Best of Show is pretty accurate. :)
In order to champion your dog you have to earn a certain number of points. To earn points you have to win a certain number of shows(its way more complicated than that but you get the general idea). Last weekend my parents championed one of their 2 males, Ace. I'm so proud of them! Isn't he cute? A face only his mother could love! :)
Side Note:

Last night Phil and I went to North Gate Mall to get my birthday dress. He is such a trooper. He sat at The Ram with his crossword puzzle book(it keeps his brain sharp) while I shopped. After finding THEE dress I joined Phil for dinner. I normally don't like chain restaurants but I was pleasantly surprised by The Ram's bloody mary and Hillybilly Burger: bacon, blue cheese and crunchy onions with sweet potato fries on the side(Nathan it wasnt as good as your burger but the crunchy onions might be a nice addition?). yuuuuuuuummmm! Can you believe this garnish?! The glass was rimmed with a salt mixture I couldn't quite put my finger on.... maybe chili powder? delicious!There is a Ram in Salem but I've never tried it....

1,188 things to do!

2010-07-28T17:18:00.001-07:00

Phil and I hit our first weekend in Bothell, head on, ready to do LOTS of fun stuff.

Friday we explord downtown Kirkland(85th street on east side of Lake Washington) sooooooooo cute. Tons of restaurants and right on the lake. We got tired and went to bed early.

Saturday we sat at our laptop and looked at Seattle Weekly's website with all the things to do in the Puget Sound.....um.... we spent 3hrs(talking before breakfast, during and after) reading until we got overwhelmed and decided to stay in town. HA! There were literally 1,188 things to do on Saturday July 24th. Unbelievable.

Phil had a master plan to pack a wine and cheese picnic and head to Bothell Landing and chill by the river.
may favorite type of meal. lots of snackies!
There are a ton of paved paths here just like Corvallis. I run along the river a lot. The Sammish River trail is a 10mile trail from Bothell to Redmond. Maybe I'll work up the courage to run it. Don't quote me but I think its also apart of the Burke-Gilman trail something about an old rail road from Seattle to Snoqualmie Falls was paved into a path all along the river 47miles. So awesome.

After our restful picnic we went in search of the best pinball machine in town. During our journey Phil of course met all kinds of weird people but we were able to get to know more about the area. We ended up in Kenmore, which I'd say is the same as Philomath is to Corvallis, at a quaint little bar on the lake. I dominated Phil in pinball, YES!

Sunday was a good lazy day. We slept in, moved hotels then napped. We have to move hotels because we can only book one week at a time, its kind of annoying but we get to try out different places which I think is fun.

Sunday evening my Cousin Deanne organized a family dinner in Bothell at the Red Hook Brewery.
Evan(Deanne's boyfriend), Deanne, my uncle D.
The brewery is in a touristy area surround by wineries. One that may sound family is Chateau St. Michelle http://www.ste-michelle.com/
The brewery had a fun beer sampler. I liked that it gave you a placemat with a description for each beer.

My Uncle D is actually my dad's cousin but they basically grew up brothers. My Aunt Claudia is the youngest... I think 7yrs younger than my dad?

My cousins. Our birthdays are in August. Deanne on the left is one year older, I'm in the middle and then Nikki is one year younger than me. I'm excited to spend more time with these girls. Phil loves them!

The group.
my cute aunt and uncle. It would be so fun to own one of these and cruise around in the summers!

Worshington

2010-07-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

View Larger Map

We are here in Bothell (27mins outside Seattle according to this map) until who knows how long. We are paying rent in Corvallis and in Portland and not living in either of those 2 places?! Ha ha ha. Phil's company is taking good care of us up here but its so so strange. Its very weird to live in a hotel. I have no chores....my only chore is to make my bed and the cleaning lady gets very confused when I tell her I don't need service so I stopped telling her no. We spent our first week at one hotel and I got super tired of eating out for every meal so we moved to a new hotel that has kitchenettes. Don't get me wrong I love eating out and trying new restaurants every night but my waistline cant handle it! We sorta found a rhythm. We work, I run during my lunch break, I lay by the pool until Phil gets home then we go out to dinner and I cancel out my run.

There have been a few good evenings spent with new friends and my family. My Dad is from Seattle so I have an Aunt, Uncle and some cousins up here.

Last Wednesday My Aunt Claudia and Uncle Mark drove over and we went out to a really cool Italian restaurant.

The owners take their staff to Italy every year...isn't that awesome?! Their wine list was overwhelming!

My beautiful Aunt... she never ages! I hope I inherit those good jeans!!
Thursday night we went to the City for a Mariners game, compliments of the company. I was surprised at how young the engineers are. I guess I had a vision in my head that Phil would be the young guy just like he was at Knife River.
He may not be the youngest but he is the new guy and I loved that they call him "intern Phil". ha! This is Bill. We like to call him Helvey because his sense of humor and personality is so much like Adam.

It was actually a really good game. Well sorta. We left at the top of the 9th inning because we thought the game was over but as we left the Mariners managed to tie the game and it went into the 13th inning. I'm not a sports person but I got super into the game on the way home. We turned on the radio to listen to the ending and I kept shooshing Phil. ha!
I like SPORTS!

Another Portland Saturday

2010-07-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

We had a FULL awesome Saturday July 17th. Phil started the day having to work boo, but only a half day, yay!

Abby and Denny came up and we met up with Tiff and her sister Nicole and headed to the west side. We did some walking and some eatin'. I miss my neighbor!
Can you believe Denny??? Gotta Love him!

After a few hours walking around the west side we head back to our stomping grounds for a quick stop at St. Cupcake. Phil and Denny went to Belmont Inn to play pinball and us girls visited in our apartment. Tiff and Nicole had to leave for Tiff's Family Bday and Phil, Abby and Denny had to leave for a wedding reception in Mollala. It was a hard decision but I decided not to go.
Ryan and Holly, our awesome neighbors/landlords/friends were hosting a house show in their backyard and I was helping with the little babes. It was a blast! Ryan had some home brewed beer and wine and we sat underneath the beautiful blanket of hanging grapevines entwined in white lights. I need to take a better picture of it for you to see. It should be in a magazine!
Sunday:
Phil made me breakfast in bed, what a cute nugget. I had no idea that that would be our last day in our Portland home for a while.... Thursday the 15th we found out Phil would be working in Bothell, Wa for a week or two and now we found out we'll be here until.....well... "whenever something changes." Not sure what that means. We could be coming home next week or next month. I guess its an adventure.

Food and Friends

2010-07-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Phil and I are eating really well this summer. So much good food to try. I run regularly but I'm pretty sure I'm getting fatter.

Tuesday:
Phil has a few other OSU buddies working for the same company as him this summer. Kyle or as Phil calls him "hot Kyle" or "tall Kyle" is also in Portland for the summer working for a different division. We had him over for a shrimp fest. We like to sit at "our table" infront of the old Belmont Fire Station.

Shrimp and sausage simmered in a garlic butter white wine sauce with toasted bread to soak up the juice, apple bacon salad and yams.
Wednesday:

One of the best things about living in Portland is seeing Stefani a lot more. She only lives 10blocks away.

Tiff is well loved and had a huge birthday celebration. Wednesday before we took her out to Foster Burger, our treat. It was amaaaaaaaaaaaazing! I never order burgers and a rarely eat the whole thing. I LOVED IT!Rumor has it that they use lean beef for their burgers and then bacon fat to hold the sucker together. Genius.
I look like my grandma in this picture. :)
Friday:

for Tiff's Bday celebration we went to American Dream in Portland. Unfortunately it is NOT as good as Corvallis. Phil had to work the next morning so we missed the craaaaaaaazy party. She got the best gift ever.... the shake weight! ha ha ha ha

Every Second Counts...

2010-07-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

I flew home Saturday July 10th refusing to accept that vacation was over. It's hilarious to me that when Phil flew home from Colorado all he wanted to do was relax at home, When I flew home from Oakland all I wanted to do was not go home. We are so different it cracks me up.

A few hours after I got home Phil granted me my wish to not end vacation and we went to McMenamin's Bagdad theater for dinner and a movie but first we stopped for drinks.We love people watching, especially on Hawthorne. It was my first dinner and a movie at Bagdad. Super fun and so smart.
Sunday we slept in then Phil made us a marvelous breakfast that we ate outside. What a good guy. Then we walked to and hiked up Mt. Tabor. I guess its similar to Bald Hill but the top is much bigger with a few different parks. The street you see is Hawthorne.... I think.

You pass a few reservoirs during the hike. At the top there is a statue of this dude. I forgot who it is.
After our hike we showered and napped. Very smart. We walked over to Hoda's and order the sampler plate that I have been wanting Phil to try since Ruby, Tiff and I tried my first night up here.
So much food. and so so delicious.

This night would be a very important memorable night that would shape the rest of our summer evenings.... this was the night that Phil and I rediscovered PINBALL!!!! We went to Side St. for drinks and finally found something that I can actually compete against Phil in. Its kinda embarrassing to admit but we almost go out every night after dinner for a drink and some pinball. We keep track of our scores and try to beat each other! ha ha ha I love it!

Family Waycation and Strep Throat

2010-07-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July Weekend Phil and I flew down to Pleasanton for a family vacation with Phil's mom's side of the family. Before the weekend events we spent Friday night at Brandon & Kayla's along with Pete & Jenn.

It was an extra special time for us to see the babes. We hadn't seen Bem in weeks such a change from seeing her multiple times a week. We missed our little friends. Friday Kayla made an amaaaaaaaazing Vietnamese feast. So yum. I hate myself for not taking pics! Poor Bwandon got the nasty throat sickness so he did his best to hangout. Poor Randy.
Saturday morning I got to wake up to 3 special humans. Mo, Ellyse, Emma and I had a cuddle session on the couch. Man I love those kids! Emma is getting soooooooooooo old. Its so crazy to have her sit still for french braids!

silly ladies

BemDoodle looks so much like her mama
The little Mo-Nugget is the easiest going guy. It cracks me up when Jenn holds Mo and tries to talk to me and Mo is just staring at me smiling. He sits and smiles, eats and sleeps. WAY different than bossy baby Emma.
Phil's Aunt and Uncle hosted 21ish people not including their family of 5 for the weekend. AMAZING and super relaxing. They have a huge beautiful house and large property with lots to do. We spent most of the time hanging out in the front yard watching the kids and men play. They borrowed 2 camp trailers to help host. B&K joined us each afternoon for the day's activities.

Hello! B.O.B. commercial. Saturday after an awesome biscuit and gravy breakfast we packed up for an afternoon at the County Fair. I forgot to take pictures of the adults :)
oh hey tiny nugget man.
Back at the house there was this thingy....whats it called again? Phil of course had to play with it. I had no idea digging a hole then filling it up again was sooooooooo fun.
Our accommodations. After staying in this for a few days I decided I really really need one. It was the kind of trailer where the living room pops out for more space.
Anna, Phil's hot cousin from Bend and Crystal, Jenn and I.
Hangin out in the front yard.
Phil's super fun Aunt Tracy, our amazing hostess.
Grandma and her little grandaughters. So Cute.
Mr. Clay. Anna's son.
Noah, Anna's husband and Mr. Seth.
Uncle Rick, (Nancy's brother) hand crafted this awesome smoker!
Lovin the goggles! Uncle Rick is very tall, I'm too short for this Man-Smoker.
Elli and Elly. Sweet little babes are 26days apart.
oh Mo-Mo, there you are, sitting and smiling as usual.
After a hard day at the driving range the guys needed to come home and cool off in the kiddy pool.
oops, babe... you fell through your chair!?
All the sun and fun gets tiring.
more hanging in the front yard. So perfect.
It was fun watching the guys play volleyball...very competitive!
hey Randal!

Nice one Phil!
after hours of cooking it was time to shred and devour the meat. sooooooooo GOOD
Casey, Phil's cousin.
Bemmers looooooves the camera. I hung out with her as much as possible. I love family vacation.
Mr. Clay was a few days shy of his 1st birthday. Anna made an amazing rich chocolate cake. Yum I wish I had a slice right now.

Monday the guys played golf in the morning and it was time for people to start leavin. Pete and Jenn started the trek home and Phil flew out that evening. I on the other hand stayed the week to spend more time with B&K and see Sara.

Tuesday morning I was planning on going to B&K's but then poor Kayla got the yuck in her throat so I stuck around Pleasanton. Corey, Phil's cousin, was nice enough to hangout and drive me to Santa Cruz. Anna, Noah and their boys went too.

First you dig a hole:

then you bury someone:Then you torment them :)
Kainoa is the oldest, then Ryan then baby Clay.
Corey found a little sand grab, Ryan was equally scared and amused.

Cute baby Clay ate lots of sand.

The weather was more like the Oregon Coast than the California Beach. But it was still a ton of fun.

I failed to bring out my camera for the rest of the trip. Tuesday I stayed in Pleasanton an extra day, headed over to B&K's Wednesday evening. Friday I was suppose to go to Oakland to hang with my friend Sara but guess what she too got SICK?! Oh my. So I stayed with B&K until Saturday. My trip kept changing but it was totally great to just relax and play it by ear...not really my personality but I loved it.

Change is Good? (revised)

2010-07-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

This Blog Is Going Private

I don't really want to but out of respect for those parents who have already gone private, and I put pictures of your kids in my posts, I'll follow the trend and protect them from creapers. Phil has also been asking me and I've been resisting. I'm worried family members who don't know how to create a user ID will stop viewing our blog ;)

comment on this post with your email address so I can add you as a viewer. I'll adjust my comment settings as private so no one sees your email address.

cool
thanks
awesome
bye

P.S. It has been fun getting your comments and seeing who actually reads our blog. I wanted to tell those that maybe we've met and we aren't close friends or maybe those who are friends of friends you can send me your email. I'm not planning on denying people. One of the other big reasons to make our blog private is for future employers of Phil who might google him or something??

Oh and Denny, I'm pretty sure phil@yourmom.com and jenna@phils_mom.com are not real emails! ;)

Have a Happy Fourth!

2010-07-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Phil and I will be flying down to the San Francisco area for a family reunion with Phil's family for the fourth of July weekend!
Phil will fly home Monday and I will extend my stay to spend quality time with the Kirkbridges and end the week with my girl Sara K.
Have a wonderful holiday!

The Lion King

2010-07-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last night my guy and I went on a date and saw the Lion King at Keller Auditorium downtown. AMAZING! I loved it!

Our seats weren't the greatest but it didn't matter. It was beautiful! I've saw the movie a hundred times when I was a kid and its so funny that I remembered all the words!I got choked up a couple of times, I'm so cheesy!

Phil and I got there early so we didn't have to rush around. We enjoyed some pre-show wine. wish I had a better picture of us...if I'm going to get all dressed up and wear my most painful shoes I want a picture remember it!

the Doug

2010-07-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Last night Phil-Gill and I went to the to see Jake D and the Cleaver Brothers & Co. who were playing a show in the downstairs venue.

Guy and I got there early to eat some grub. I had never been to the Dougfir, I like it. Fun atmosphere. Lots of cool little nooks in the lounge, however, the bathroom was very scary. Its dark and there are lots of mirror-walls I almost ran into one of them.
Phil can never take a normal picture...

It was so great to see Jake Dr. Its been a long time, such a great human! I always forget how funny Chris is! Such a crack up. I love that Philomath whit!!
Mark and Dave. Nice guy from Portland who recommended I eat at Gravy. I guess I'll be going there soon.Voila my meal. The Cedar Mill Platter. Delicious smoked salmon and trout with pickled onions, capers, cucumbers, ect... Delicious.
MY NEW FRIEND. Brooke. She was just visiting one of Jake Dr.'s friends or something.. I forgot. But she is moving to P-Town this fall so we'll get to hangout again. We became instant friends after discussing our love for food and our lack of international travel :)

I havent been to a show in sooooooooooooo long! highschool/college Jenna used to go all the time. I love the energy. It isnt Phil's scene so I feel extra loved that he went because he knew I loved it! Thanks babe.
Beautiful Kellie. I'm excited to spend more time with her and Mark. They live just a few minutes away. Its nice to have friends from home close by.

15sec exposure. I did it on an accident but I like the colors. Mark is so mystical!
I think its so special that brothers get to play/make music together. I'm sooooooo cheesy.
He was having more fun than he looks. It was great to see the Cleaver guys and the Kettle parents came out too!
Wednesday night fuuuuuuuuun!!!!!!! Looking forward to a few months with these kids!

Real Quick

2010-06-30T17:13:00.001-07:00

Just a shout out to the bloggers. It looks as though everyone is back to blogging?! Even Jenn posted 2 in one week! It must have been a hard spring for all of us!!!!

Eat Run Love

2010-06-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

Wow we are in to week 3 and I'm feeling more at home. We have more of a routine down and I love it. Turns out I love our tiny apartment. I don't have the weight of house chores hanging over my head. I was telling Phil today I want to always live in an apartment. Yards are too much work, animals are too much work a 3bedroom house is way too much work to keep clean. Simple living is so nice. I know after a few months I will miss the yard and garden but for now I am content.

I have been running regularly. This is my time to, of course, work off all the eating out and to explore. Phil and I go on walks most nights after dinner. When I dont feel like cooking we like trying new places to eat. Last night we ate at a Korean Hawaiian food cart called Namu 4ish blocks away. SO GOOD. If you are a fan of Kimo's Sweet Ribs from Local Boyz then you have an idea of Namu except Namu has delicous sides to go with your meat other than rice. On the side they serve rice smothered with a special coconut peanut sauce, homemade kimchi(spicy cabbage) with lots of fresh ginger, seaweed salad and pickled cucumbers. This might be my new favorite place to eat.

I cant keep saying that or I'll lose my credibility... I guess I'll have to break my "new favorites" into categories. Namu is my favorite food cart. Ruby was trying to help me count the restaurants I have been to... I have tried 13 or more new restaurants in 2 1/2 weeks?! Its my dream come true!!! I love reading menus and taking them home. Isn't that weird?!

Husbandless Weekend

2010-06-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday-Sunday Phil was in CO for his childhood friend's wedding, Jake Kettles. Phil was honored to be a groomsmen and I somehow forgot to send the camera with him.

I was nervous to be alone all weekend so Ruby believe it or not came up for her 4th weekend in a row! She is a dedicated friend!!!!

Friday Heather hooked us up with a free ticket to see Jewel at the Zoo. It was a blast. Ruby and I were to meet Heather at the zoo so Rubes and I tried the Gold Dust Meridian for happy hour before hand. It was recommended twice so we had to try it.

The food was cheap and yummy. Pork skewers, risotto balls, and chorizo&clams. YUM YUM
I tried to be a real city girl and plan our trip to the zoo using public transit. My first try went pretty well. We missed our first bus no biggy but to get to the max on time we had to run a few blocks...I can only imagine what people thought of those 2 screaming girls holding hands running aimlessly.Heather's Aunt got there early and laid out blankets so we were very close to the stage. Heather's step-mom made a bomb picnic. Ruby and I felt so blessed and undeserving of the special treatment. Jewel was great live. She sang beautifully and yoddled at the end, so fun.

Heather spared us the public transit ride home and drove us back to the east side. Ruby and I tried another new bar on Belmont the Hobnob...it was ok not great just ok. We had sliders and pizza off the late night menu.

Saturday Ruby let me sleep in while she went to Stumptown to read...what a gal. When I arose from slumber we decided to walk to Screen Door for breakfast. OH ME OH MY! Best breakfast of my life. This picture doesnt do it justice, I shouldnt even post it.

We met Walker, Ruby's brother who also lived close. He got the breakfast sandwich with fried chicken. Ruby and I shared the Spring Veggie Hash with eggs, praline bacon(bacon baked with brown sugar and pralines DECADENT) and a side of biscuits and gravy...of course we had to try their biscuits and gravy.

Phil and I had tried the Screen Door when we first viewed our apartment in May and Holly & Ryan recommended if we didnt need to rush home to have dinner there. It was love at first taste and I had no idea then that they served breakfast!

It felt so good to walk home after filling our tummy's full. After breakfast we did a little shopping, stopped at St. Cupcakes for a tiny snack then got books and a blanket and laid in the park. Then we went to the Loyd Center for some XX1 shopping and Sex and The City 2. Honestly I think Ruby and I agree there were to many cheesy parts but we will continue to love our Carrie Bradshaw.

After the movie we went to Pho Van for dinner. There is a location close to my house. I'm no stranger to Pho Van. After Bwandon and Kayla first introduced Phil and I to it last summer I requested it every time we visited. Sorry we were so boring!!! Ruby and I were crazy and walked to Waffle Window for dessert.

Ruby went home Saturday night because of Sunday morning work. I was able to tough it out one night alone. Phil got home Sunday afternoon and we went out to eat AGAIN. My waistline is in jeopardy! We tried Cha Cha Cha on Hawthorne. A pleasant surprise! Cheap delicious mexican food. I think it is Phil's new favorite and only a few blocks away. I had the tamales. Up until this point Intaba's in Corvallis made my favorite tamales... Cha Cha Cha takes the lead!

Midweek Visitors

2010-06-29T22:26:00.001-07:00

Wednesday after work the Kelley parents Chuck and Nancy came to see our new apartment and take me to Phil's Great Uncle Dan and Great Aunt Eleanor's for dinner. They live in a lovely house in Battleground just outside Vancouver, WA. Phil met up with us after work. We had a yummy dinner and amazing homemade icecream for dessert. After dinner we retired in the living room for some music by Sir Charles Kelley...baby Elizabeth wanted to help but she was too tiny.

Aunt Eleanor is Phil's maternal Grandma's sister.When Phil and I were dating Uncle Dan and Aunt Eleanor were the first of the extended family I got to meet. I LOVE spending time with them, they have so many stories and you can feel their love for people! We were lucky enough to head home with 2 jars of their special homemade jam!
Papa and Elli
This little nugget is growing so fast! She has been pulling her self up, making tons of noise and crawling everywhere.

Week One

2010-06-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Week one was all about trying to find routine in our new life. our first Tuesday I cried. It was a combination of funny small things. I think the main thing was it was the first day with no visitors and it was too quiet. I hadn't found my routine yet and I needed to adjust. Phil's first week he left around 6:30am and got home around 6:30pm. I love having dinner ready for him when he gets home. I thrive off of schedules and routine. After dinner we go on walks, sometimes I get ice cream its very "Charlotte and Harry" for my SATC fans!

Believe it or night Friday Ruby and Lewis came up again. So Crazy I know but it wasnt just to see us they were working early saturday morning at the Saturday Market downtown. We romped around the neighborhood Friday night and tried Nick's Coney Island on Hawthorne... I give it a "meh". Saturday Phil and I went to my favorite, Waffle Window for his first time and "ding ding ding" he loves it to. I dont want to talk it up too much but seriously friends, its goooooood.

Saturday we came home for AJ's B-day and Lewis' epic birthday bash! I was happy to be Ruby's assistant and in charge of drinks as she whipped up an amazing feast. All the photos were on my camera but I'll let her blog about it. Nice work Rubles.

Father's day we had a fun lunch at the Kelley Parents and a dinner at the Fontanos Farm. Its hard traveling 4 different cities in one day. I hope we don't have to live far from home in our future. Phil and I took separate cars down so I could stay Sunday night in CV and work from Corvallis Monday. Sunday night Ruby, Lewis and I went to Pete and Jenn's and tried to recreate Waffle Window. It was a humble attempt. The toppings aren't hard to mess up but the dough is still out of reach until we find 'pearl sugar'.

It was hard to drive back home Monday, I love Corvallis, its so cozy.

Oh hey Kari. Found this on my camera. MISS YOU! Come See ME!

Our First PDX Weekend

2010-06-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

Friday June 11th. The day I had been waiting for since Novemberish when Phil first got his internship. It was finally here the beginning of a small adventure in a fun city with my favorite guy! I took Friday through Monday off to move, settle in and explore my new neighborhood.

Months ago, one of the rare afternoons Ruby and I actually watched TV in the "man room" we saw a show on the travel channel that featured Pok Pok in Portland on 32 and Division. It was a Thai restaurant that looked fun, trendy and DELICIOUS. I was super excited to finally try it. It was about a mile walk from our house. The wait was insane 1hr 30mins. However there is a "waiting lounge" across the street. Whiskey Soda Lounge that serves tasty drinks and treats while you wait for your table.
I ordered the "King and I" cocktail. 2 thumbs up! We also order the sweet and spicy chicken wings. finger lickin' good!
Lewis, so daring, ordered the pig ears. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiinteresting... crunchy chew edible
Don't they look like they are having so much fun?! In my and Ruby's opinion the wait was well worth it. INCREDIBLE food. I plan to eat there again and soon. Phil was surprised by the prices and small portions so that is something to consider. I was surprised by the explosion of awesome flavors, no complaints from me!
Saturday morning the boys slept in while Ruby and I went on a 5.2mi run. Down Belmont to the river over the Morrison St Bridge down to Hawthorne Bridge then back east to our street. Toward the end of our run I had no idea where we were when Ruby said "Hey this looks like Sarah Nolde's house" I looked up and on the balcony was little miss Sarah talking on her phone. SO RANDOM and fun to see her and realize how close we are to each other.

After our RUN the boys needed to watch the opening game of the world cup so Ruby and I went to stump town and did some shopping on my street. Cute vintage shops and clothing boutiques.

Lewis is pretty happy about his tacos. Phil was extra thrilled. His goal this summer is to find the best taco truck in Portland and loves that we have one right down the street. I think these boys ate here 3 times in one day?!
If you look closely you'll see a pogo stick guy. Interesting mode of transportation.
Outside our house there is a table and chairs chained to a post. Great place to sit and people watch!

My favorite snack in the whole world. Baguette, brie, roasted garlic and apricot jam. Unfortunately one of the first mistakes I made in Portland is spending $76 on one bag of groceries at Zupan's. Note to self I may walk there for emergency items but I can not shop there. I loooooooooove Zupan's. Their prepared food section is like nothing we have at home in Corvallis!

After relaxing in the front Ruby and I walked to Hawthorne for Waffle Window...OUR FAVORITE still.

The boys met up with us later.
We are really close the McMenamin's on Hawthorne. One of their multiple bars is the "backstage" with huge high ceilings. Its my favorite place to get cheap food late at night.Ruby and Lewis left EARLY Sunday morning because Ruby had to work. I had such a great time exploring with them and so thankful for their help moving!

Later that afternoon Phil and I went in search of business man clothes and a Winco and loaded up on groceries. We got home just in time for Pete and Jenn to bring Emma over for a sleep over. P&J had a wedding so I volunteered to take the Bem. I was so happy to have her at our new place. Ryan and Holly have a 3yr old that Emma played very well with. They have a great backyard with lots of kid stuff. Monday morning Emma and I made homemade biscuits for breakfast. She was a great helper and very proud of herself.

When P&J came back from their stay downtown we went to try another restaurant from featured on the travel channel or food network Pine State Biscuits(less than a block from my house). Having just had biscuits for breakfast I got a corn dog. ha ha ha I LOVE corn dogs especially disneyland corndogs and this one was very very close! Jake Dorr you need to try it!

I was happy to have convinced P&J to go on a walk around my neighborhood kidless with both hands free! I'm very happy that they went to the Waffle Window and loved it just as much as Ruby and I. It was actually my first time watching both the babes at once. I loved it.
silly Mo-Mo... "SURPRISE!" he said.
It was a full busy weekend with friends and visitors and settling in, so happy I took Monday off. Tiffy came over for dinner that night to welcome Phil home from his first day of work!

Phil got some sweet loot at his first day of work. Check it out. I was excited about the water bottle. I didnt pack one from home.The worker man on his first day. He was nervous to go to work over dressed and turns out wearing a polo made him under dressed. Long sleeve button-ups for him this summer VERY different than his dirty oily pants from that last 4!!! What a change!

Weekend one. completed.

Independent Women

2010-06-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

Moving to Portland took two separate weekends. First weekend, the weekend before Phil's finals, Ruby and I did most of the move all by ourselves. I was so excited to see our place, it had been 3ish weeks since we first viewed it and I was starting to forget what it looked like. And of course I was even more excited to show Ruby. We had planned on leaving Saturday morning but we left Friday night instead, so crazy! Just to let you know how great our new landlords are there was a fragrant vase of flowers in my entry way. So welcoming!

Saturday morning before shopping we walked to breakfast. Our landlords Ryan and Holly recommended the Waffle Window on Hawthorne. We obeyed them and were pleasantly surprised by delicious sweet and savory waffles. Our new favorite place.

Ruby is a super woman as most of you know. I was so happy to have her help me unpack and set up. Saturday we made a HUGE trip to ikea. Our main goal was to find a sleeper sofa, we found much much more :)

Tiffy met up with Ruby and I after shopping to help with assembling. I was so so proud of us girls doing everything on our own! I'm used to Phil doing all this hard stuff.

This step Tiff and Ruby had to do some teamwork! I love it!
This shelf/room divider was TERRIBLE to assemble but I am so glad we have it. It separates the bedroom from the living while also creating my new office!
After our hard work I took the ladies out to dinner to the recommended Hoda's. We order "taste of the middle east". An amazing sampler that said it feeds 2 but I guarantee you we could have had a 4th person and had been satisfied. It came with(spelling straight from their menu) kafta kabobs, chicken kabobs, lemon rice, humos, baba ghanouje, tabouleh, falafel, stuffed grape leaves and an unending supply of fresh hot pita bread. So so good and $32 for all 3 of us with leftovers. Hoda's is one block from my house. LOVE IT!

Thanks again Tiff and Rubes for your hard work and friendship!

Portland....say what?!

2010-06-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

I'm here, living...in the city! I'm finally caught up with our blog so I can start sharing about our adventures here. Stay tuned!

Moving Prep and Party Time

2010-06-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

The weekend before our big move Phil and I wanted to focus on helping out in the yard. We didnt want to leave a crazy yard for Ruby and Lewis to tend to alone. Phil and Lewis cut down part of a tree and we spent a few evenings having a burn barrel. Since we had to be outside tending to the fire we celebrated with a par-tay with Mark and Kel

Jericho partied too.I got motivated to do some serious weeding.

Cutting down the tree would allow more light on the garden this summer. Last summer my herbs didnt do very well because there was too much shade.
Our lovely guests.
The spread. yummmmmmmmmmmm... I'll sure miss hosting with these 2. We really are powerful when we work together!
Jericho can sleep anywhere in any position!
Phil had wet bottom. ha ha ha. He got the bad chair. Way to take one for the team babe.

Lebanon

2010-06-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

The week before Memorial Day weekend I house sat for my Aunt and Uncle while they were in Hawaii. It was an awesome relaxing time while I mentally prepared for all the cleaning, organizing, packing and moving to come. Phil came back and forth between Lebanon and Corvallis. My uncle's house is awesome... I don't think I'd mind living in the country.

I lived in Lebanon my whole childhood and I had never went to Willamette Speedway. Phil and I HAD to check it out. I totally forgot that an old friend and her family owned it. We got in for free and got free drinks. So thoughtful.

It was crazy and so fun and sooooooooo loud! So much adrenaline!
The crashes were scary. After this crash there was a little boy maybe 8 who yelled "I know awesome and that was aaaawesome!" ha ha ha ha
Being in lebanon meant I also got to spend some good quality time with Jess and the kids. Miss Ruby and I went on a mission one night to find dinner to-go for mama and Finn. Lebanon has some really good Thai food!! She is sooo cute, I love that she calls me Johnny. ha ha ha

Go Kenny!

2010-06-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

My little baby brother who in my head is still 7yrs-old is actually a college freshman and is holding on to his dream to play college ball. He's been training with a private trainer for the last year. May 15th my family went to support Kenny at a combine. It was cool to watch him perform and I'm proud to say he had the fastest shuttle time. Way-to-go baby guy!

Big Brother and Big sister watching proudly.

Proof of Sun...

2010-06-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

Its sad how raining this spring has been but we did have a few awesome sunny days. Here is proof of a sunny Tuesday. I'll miss watching little Bem every Tuesday. She is soooooooo cool with her sunglasses. In this photo we were having a picnic at wildcat park for dinner.

Mother's Day In Redmond

2010-06-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day this year we took my mom and grandma wine tasting. we paid my little bro to drive my parents new 12passenger van. it was a blast but sadly I forgot my camera...STUPID! The Eugene vineyards are gorgeous. My favorite was Sweet Cheeks...thanks Heather for the recommendation.

For Phil's mom we wanted to take her out to Cowboy dinner tree in eastern oregon where they were staying but unfortunately Nancy and the kids got sick so we didn't meet up with them. We did however spend some time with the Heidrick's and the Roes.

I had to post this photo because its so cute. Falling asleep together on the couch like little boys and sleeping on their food.... ha ha ha.

We spent a lot of time hanging out at the Heidrick's new place and of course the cafe. It was fun to be around for Heather's first weekend of work and witness the Cafe have a record busy day!

One night we went to Bend for a movie and some sweet video gaming...Don't ya just love Phil's outfit?!
We did get an afternoon hike in at Smith Rock. We hiked misery ridge and it was good/hard/nice/windy. While Bre and Phil ran down the entrance hill Jim and I did some sight seeing...

This series of photos make me laugh. Jim and I running to catchup with Phil and Bre....

The hike was very steep. I was huffin and puffin but so happy we did it.

It was a creepy looking down because the trail is so steep and narrow.

Bre was our MVP and pace setter.
Sweet view from the top. It started raining once we reached the top so we had to hurry down.

oh Jim...

Thanks for the great weekend. I wish I had more pictures!

April Happened

2010-06-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

Back to blog catching up. Scrolling through my April photos there are a few things worth mentioning!

Delicious spring salads! Ruby has taught me you always need some kind of fresh fruit, some kind of dried fruit, a nut, a cheese, a few veggies and a meat/tofu/avocado. Perfect salad every time. We've been extra lucky to have fresh greens from the garden!Beka had a birthday it was fun girls night and I guess I forgot to take pictures of the guests when they arrived. :) Ruby and I got there early to decorate!
as always lots of slumber parties with Emma. She loves "yewis"
I'm so happy that Ruby works at purple moon. I visited her a lot in the mornings and the days I didnt she brought me coffee after her shift. (I always paid for it of course.)
We cannot forget about the spring chinook that Lewis caught and the fillets that Ruby's dad gave us. Oh my....definitely one of the best things about spring!!

Lots of fun things happened in April I of course was on a blogging hiatus which means I also didnt take pictures. Easter happened, Jaimie's Birthday happened (Heather I want more risotto!)Pete's 30th was awesome, Jeff H.'s graduation party was fun, Jim's welcome home from Iraq was even better!

Fifty and Fabulous

2010-06-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

Before I can start blogging my "Summer in the City" I need to catch up on a few very important events.
P
March 16th my mommy turned 50! We had an amazing 3day celebration.

I kept each phase of the weekend a surprise. The weekend before her birthday we shopped for a "couple" birthday outfits,(turns out my mom and I have similar shopping habbits :)).

Phase 1 started with a detailed packing list and instructions for my mom to come directly to my house after work on Friday. Decorated my bedroom as a birthday guest suite including her favorite chocolate and wine and of course a few 50yrs-old gag gifts.

First event on Friday was to go get coffee and shop at Border's for books for top secret Phase 2.
After shopping we went home and got gussied up for a girls night on the town. First we went to Fireworks for cocktails and dinner.

Fireworks has the best firecooked pizza and I love their raspberry lemondrops.After dinner we went to Bar 101 for dessert.
Everyone needs their own giant cookie on their birthday.

After dessert we went home and had popcorn and watched Julie and Julia...perfect movie for my mom. Then to bed for a big day Saturday!

Save Now

Saturday morning we woke up early and went to Sam's Station for breakfast. I really needed my mom to taste their AMAZING shirred eggs. You need to try them if you havent.

After breakfast we went to yoga at my gym. It was my mom's first experience and she LOVED it. Too bad Lebanon, where she lives, doesnt have yoga. She was so energized and happy afterward.

After yoga I gave her a card to let her know that she is "Fifty and Fabulous so lets go get beautified!"

We had prepacked bags with our previously purchased books and went to Epic Day Spa(prev: 7 Stones)

First off we lounged in the steam room and relaxed in the viche showers.

After that we lounged some more in the sanctuary while we waited for our facials.

After that we had spa lunch and wine.
After lunch mom had a manicure.
We both got pedicures.
She'll kill me for posting this but its all apart of the transformation! ha ha ha. She got a cut, color and style. Coloring takes soooooooo long! We read our books and I napped in the sanctuary. We also drank more wine...
Final touch, a makeup application. Look at that hair!
7hrs at the spa... I seriously could do that everyday of the week!
After the spa we went home to put on our new dresses for dinner.
Isnt she beautiful. If you dont know my mom she is sweatshirt, jeans and nike's kinda gal.
I was so proud of my mom for buying these heals! I carried backup flats in my purse just in case :)
Speaking of hot....check out my Grandma!!!
My parents were so giggly and like teenagers all night. My mom was just glowing. My goal to make her feel special was exceeded.

We had reservations at Terzo. My Aunt and Uncle flew up from LA, she was SO surprised.

My brother Joel and his gorgeous girl, Ana,(not so sure how he tricked her into liking him?!)
Tonya, my brother Tracy's girlfriend. After dinner at Terzo we went to Cloud 9 for drinks and music.
Baby Kenny. He's so cute. Not sure how he got into the bar?!
The "adult table". Clockwise. My mom, Uncle Bob and his wife Aunt Angie, Uncle Ken's wife Aunt Heather, my weird Dad, and my Uncle Ken from LA.
My guy. I loved my hair. It took me a while to figure out how to make a curl pile on the side of my head....so spanish senorita!
Sunday we all headed to Lebanon for brunch at my Uncle Bob's.

Aunt Angie made an amazing spread!

Memosas

fruit scewers, sausage egg crustless quiche muffins, blueberry sourcream pancakes, pulled pork tacos.I ate it all and then some!
After brunch we walked around the Tyler Hill area. I love these guys!
So happy to spend time with the Californians. Tyler Hill area is so pretty.

Wrapping up the weekend.
I had an amazing weekend with my mama. I love you so much!! Happy 50th!

Phew...

2010-05-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

I've been in Lebanon for the last week house sitting for my Uncle and I have had a CRAZY craving for American Dream Pizza. The main reason I want is obviously because it is soooooooo good. The 2nd reason is because I can't have it, its too far away. I know there will be lots of good, maybe even better pizza places in Portland but there is nothing quite like the flavors of home. I just remembered there is a Portland American Dream and I looked up the address and it will actually be closer to my Portland apartment (1.4mi) than Corvallis Dream was to my house(4.5mi)!
Turns out the original American Dream Pizza opened in NE Portland in 1985. Cool fact everyone!

The Countdown

2010-05-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

It is my goal to update this blog before we move(June 4th-ish)!
Maybe I'll do it this week??

I've been so behind in blogging and for some reason I stopped taking pictures... we've done a lot a fun stuff March, April and May... darn.

Phil got assigned to Vancouver, Wa for his summer internship and I luckily convinced Phil it will be super fun to live in a busy, trendy Portland neighborhood instead of the Couv. I'm excited to explore the "big city"... this might be my only chance to be a "city girl". I've accepted the fact that I married a country lovin' man.
Out of all the exciting options, Hawaii, Alaska, San Diego, L.A, Seattle....Vancouver might seem like the "most boring". I still think Phil is a little disappointed but I couldn't be more thrilled.

Reasons:
-I kept crying when I would be reminded I was leaving my friends and family for 3-4mos. I'm such a baby. I LOVE our Dox Community! I think it is special and unique. Corvallis is where I want to start our family...when I'm 28yrs.....maybe.... So I'm happy to be driving distance to home.

-Hey, I love Portland. I've lived in Oregon my whole life and I don't know Portland very well. I know its the closest city out of all the options but its still a really cool city that has SO MUCH to do in the summer.

-It also makes sense to do your internship where you want to get hired. I would be pretty sad if Phil got sent to then hired out of Hawaii or Alaska(obviously we'd take any job he can get). Vancouver is the closest Kiewit location to home so I'm happy he can get to know the managers in this office and PRAY for open doors.

-Low stress moving. It was way less stressful to find a place to live. We got to go up to Portland, drive around neighborhoods, view different apartments and talk to different landlords before committing to a place. Phil and I are keeping our Corvallis home(Ru and Lew will still be there) and bringing minimal items. It will be nice to move gradually over 2 weeks. If we forget something we can just go home and get it. Moving is going to be soooooooo easy.

-I get to connect with old friends! 2 of my LIFE BEST FRIENDS, Angie and Tiff, live in Portland. Girls I love and miss and are super excited to spend more time with. Our place is only a few blocks from Tiff's, YAY! It is a HUGE bummer Randy, Kayla and the babe moved to San Fran a few months too soon. I'll have to go to our favorite Pho spot in memory of them.

OK. I've got some March posts to catch up on. Bye.

2010-04-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

what!
its almost May
which means its almost June
which means I need to start spring cleaning and organizing to get ready for
our move!
I move in 8wks!
dont know where yet
but I'm moving away for the summer.
wow

I watched it, I loved it.

2010-03-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

I never like posting strong opinions on my blog. I use my blog as somewhat of a journal to keep our grandmas and moms up-to-date with our lives. But this Food Revolution has gotten me really excited. Over the past few years I have been educating myself on nutrition and preparing for the huge responsibility of keeping my family healthy. I'm lucky to be surround by so many moms who are already setting a GREAT example.

Ruby had posted a speech given by Jamie Oliver. His new show premiers this Friday @ 8pm. I of course will wait until it airs on www.hulu.com.

Dead Week

2010-03-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

Dead week is a slang term for the week before final exams in the United States of America. The week is known thus because of the propensity for university students to study for exams, and because papers/projects are often due. Students prepare for the exams and papers by pulling all-night study sessions, often with the aid of stimulants such as coffee, caffeine tables and energy drinks. During this period some students will suffer from sleep deprivation, increased irritability, and stress. At some schools this week is referred to as Hell Week, Reading Period, or Reading Week.

This is a photo of my precious husband finishing his 45th hour on a huge project for his highway design class. He has been swamped and ghost-like. Dead weak is prominent in this household.Just one more term until we leave for Phil's summer internship and then come back for 2 more terms until Graduation....
SO EXCITED.
ALMOST THERE!

Kelley Fam

2010-03-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Thursday the Kelley Family got together at Papa's Pizza to welcome home Chuck from his Latvian travels. Papa Chuck had not yet met 6wk old baby Mo.
we love our cuddly Mo-Mo
Emma, with my help, took pictures of everyone. Teaching her to use the camera is a great distraction while waiting for our food.
She loves taking pictures of herself.
Cousin Elizabeth
Aunt Karen
Auntie Crystal
more Emma and Nu-Nu
more Bill and Elizabeth
Friday night Uncle Bill and Dada had an out of town birthday party so Bem and I had a girls only sleepover at Nu-Nu's house. Our last few dates when I ask her what she wants for dinner she says "soup please with noodles". Emma LOVES asain soup! Especially Pho. She even eats the weird meatballs. This time we went to Blue Sky for some Chinese. Once again we played with the camera while we waited for our food.

Saturday afternoon we went Whacky Bounce.

Emma's artistic angles.

me and my bestfriend.

All American Weekend

2010-02-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

We had an AWESOME weekend in Lincoln City last weekend. Our good friend Jim was home for Iraq for 2wks and he and his wife Bre bought a house for few of us friends to partay.

Jenn and I left early on Friday to decorate the house with American Gear. Everyone missed the first beautiful sunset. The weather was unbelievable all weekend.
I didn't take a lot of pics but the ones I did take were 90% babies. We had an Adults Only weekend with a few newborns.
beautiful Jenn and her baby man.
Friday night would be wine, cheese and appetizer night. Each meal was to be family style at the table. Sat we had Biscuits and gravy for breakfast, snacked for lunch and had an American BBQ for Saturday dinner. I ate so much meat! Pork chops, steak, sausage..... Sunday we got to sleep in and had pancakes.
We had a designated American puzzle table. There were 11 of us and we did not complete it.
Each couple wore matching sweatsuits. Unfortunately Phil forgot my luggage so I had to improvise. Jim took me to Goodwill and bought me a really beautiful wardrobe.

Jeff and Heather made HILARIOUS suits with a giant cross eyed Jim.
Lovely Kirkbridges.

Here's what Jim found for me. A nice night gown. Jim picked out a few pant outfits, a shorts outfit, 2 swimsuits, 2 jackets, a nice summer dress and this little number. I changed outfits multiple times a day. Too bad I don't have a picture of my "casino" outfit.
Sleeping Mo Mo. I realized I spend SO much time with Bem I don't get to hold Mo very much. I held him every chance I got.

The lovely hosts.
Something weird happened to my camera but here is the crew...
oh Brandon.
I can't wait for Jim to get home for good in 2months so him and Bre can make one of these.
I can't believe how fast baby Elly is growing!!
more baby
and more baby
Mo looks terrified. Elly was trying to eat him.
Strong boy holding up his head. How cute.
The crew out on a nice sunny stroll. (Dont you love my dress and jacket?)
Baby Mo's first day at the Beach.
Mo's first trick.
We love the babies...do get it yet?
Ellyse isn't afraid to show off her curves.
The house was awesome. Each couple got their own room. It had a great deck with a great view. Sunday afternoon Pete, Jim and Phil led us in an awesome time of jammin and singin. We pulled out all the old Hub songs we all loved so much. This was my favorite time during the trip.
On our way home Jim IV, Bre, Glenda, Jim III, Phil and I went to the Casino and out to lunch for III's birthday. Jim III you are so much FUN!!!

Sun and Science

2010-02-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got sad and jealous of the stay-at-home moms that get to play with their kids in this beautiful sunny weather. 4days of sun in the WORK WEEK. boo! Thankfully I have a nontraditional job that lets me take my laptop outside for a little bit.

I'm loving this warm February weather and so are the dogs!

Only Phil would find this on the side of the road, pick it up and bring it home to replant?! ha ha ha. He loves SCIENCE
"Jenna its a cabbage growing out of a cabbage!"

Kids

2010-02-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Superbowl was super fun this year. We had DELICIOUS food and fun friends. It was great to spend time with some much loved and missed outta towners Bre and Heather. I didn't take pics of the event but I did take a pictures of the kids. At one point at the party we had 9kids 4 and under in my small living room. I'll admit I started going a little crazy. At the end of the night I turned on a movie and all the kids sat like zombies. WHY DIDNT I THINK OF THIS EARLY when I was going insane? I know most parents don't want their kids watching TV but I think there is a time when it is a MUST! The funny part is that the game got over about the same time the kids calmed down, this was also the same time all them men came in from the otherside of the house "wow they're so well behaved", if they only knew...
How cute is Lily and Emma? I'm pretty sure Lily is old enough to babysit now. She's like 13 in a 4yr old's body.
Rew and Lew had their adorable nephew for a night. Phil aka Red Guy, LOVES Jack. Phil made up a game on the globe.

This picture is funny because once Jack noticed I had the camera he resituated for a "better shot".

Girls Night

2010-02-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

Kylie was in town and taught a few of us how to play a really fun game!Everyone brought some dinero for the pot and some delicious snacks.

Jenn walked away a big winner. Lets do it again with MORE people. Wanna come?

1-2-3 ZUMBA!

2010-02-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

I'm not CRAZY...ok maybe I am!

Sometimes I get ideas and get super excited about those ideas and then take my ideas way to far.

A little over a month ago Heather tried a Zumba class at our gym(I unfortunately slept in that day). That morning I received an email from Heather stating: "Jenna I have found your calling!"
I spent all that next week eagerly anticipating the Friday Zumba class and I FELL IN LOVE!

I only been to 4 classes and have experience 3 different instructors. Each instructor has a different style and level of intensity. Depending on your instructor, you'll get a fun mix of latin, hip-hop and even Bollywood style dance aerobics!

I WANT TO BECOME A CERTIFIED ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR!

Phil's pretty good at calming down my crazy ideas. I think I'll continue to take the class for a few more months then reevaluate my spending the $$$$ for certification. until then...

Timberhill Athletic is doing a Benton County Foodshare fundraiser having a 2hr Zumba class for members & nonmembers. I invited and showed my bestfriend Jessica, former co-LHS and co-WOU dancer some Zumba videos and her first response was "I want to get certified to teach!" So maybe I'm not THAT crazy. We can open our OWN studio... thats when I start to get crazy.

I wont be singing while instructing!

Star Struck

2010-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

I had a really fun, busy weekend with my friends Jenn, Emma and Moses. Pete was outta town for a speaking engagement so we had a SLUMBER PARTY.

Emma and I rented a super sweet Barbie movie and watched it on a projector in the playroom, she ate almost a whole thing of popcorn! We didn't finish the movie, what 2yr-old can sit through a whole movie? My confession is that after Emma went to bed I just HAD to find out if Barbie got accepted as a Musketeer...good news her and her friends saved the prince and reached their dreams! ha ha ha

Silly Emma woke up at 6am on Saturday! CRAZY. We wanted to let Mama and Mo sleep so we went on an adventure. Her and I played in Fred Meyer for an hour, then got hot chocolate at Coffee Culture. We sat at a table and colored Wyatt a birthday card for while we waited for the stores to open to get Wy-Wy a birthday present.

I dropped Emma off at her house and rushed home to prepare for a fun little get together with girlfriends to meet baby Mo that Whit, Ruby and I threw. A Cocktail Luncheon!

Whit made an AMAZING lunch. Amazing! Her salmon dip is my favorite!!
She also made this delicious flourless chocolate cake that tasted like heaven!

Vodka and Gin cocktails with all kinds of yummy juice mixers
Abby Amanda and Lindsey
Jenn and Jasmine
Jessye, Leslie and Avery
Sisters Ruby and Beka
Tall skinny hot girls Kayla and Whitney
I look horrible, no shower and old make up, but Jaimie looks cute. She has the cutest baby bump with a tiny little baby boy inside!!!!
Kari, Dawn and Ami
Jenn and Erica. Erica was also throwing a huge 2yr-old birthday party, her son Wyatt, so nice of her to squeeze us in!
Baby Mo was a trooper! No fussing at all getting passed around the room.

After our girl party I rushed Emma to Wy-Wy's 2nd birthday party at Peak Elite. Have you been? I didnt even know it existed and it was AWESOME! Abby was saying us as adults should rent it for a party and just play, ha ha ha.

After the party I rushed home to clean my house as to not leave Ruby with a huge mess. I was happy to find that some people were still hanging out. Emma got to play with Baby Ellyse, Brandon and Kayla for a bit while I cleaned.

Got Emma home in time for bath-time and I ate a ridiculously large amount of salmon dip. I literally passed out Saturday night. The couch in Emma's playroom is REALLY cozy! I was amazed at all I had accomplished in ONE DAY!

Sunday Emma woke up super early AGAIN. So we went out to breakfast to Sam's Station. Everyone needs to eat there if you haven't and eat there more if you have. My vote is the best breakfast in Corvallis. Order the Strata or Shirred Eggs...AMAZING! After breakfast we went to my house to play with Bill and the chickens and we had a special special visitor!

Beka had made a joke on her blog about meeting AJ was like meeting a "celebrity"....SERIOUSLY it is. I was sooo nervous meeting him Friday, and I'm not sure why! I'm glad I got another visit so soon!

AJ LOVED Emma. He is already showing so much confidence with the older women. I think he just really liked her butterfly.
Auntie Ruby!
These two are going to be hanging out a lot together. Beka! Remember last summer when we were jealous the mom's got to play with their kids at the fountain while you and I worked at our desks?!!!!!! Dang, I'm still at my desk.
Beautiful Beautiful Boy.

Ruby keeps cancelling out my hard workouts at the gym with her delicous baking!
I can't stop eating these!

I took Emma home just before nap and packed up my stuff. Thanks Bem for a fun fun weekend! I've spent 15days with this girl and now her Auntie Ky-Ky is here. Last nights my roommates busted me for talking like a toddler. What am I going to do with my free time????

Ruby and I had a nice Sunday afternoon of more salmon dip, sewing and girl movies.

After Dox we had Jeff and Heather Heidrick over for American Dream Pizza... can you believe how these girls have grown!!

Maggie and Lily

They spent most of the time trying on my princess dresses (lingerie) and coming out to show us. So funny.

Week 4

2010-01-29T08:28:00.000-08:00

This week has been fun & boring, busy & slow, exciting and uneventful.
I'm thankful for new babies, friends from out of town, making it to the gym, my friend Emma and swimming play dates. I've been keeping busy and surrounded by people but I've been lonely at the same time.

I miss my guy. He is SO busy! Studying, stressing, staying up late, waking up early... HE IS ALMOST DONE! I've been doing my best being patient and helpful where ever I can but I still get sad. I know that once Phil is done with school he'll be just as busy with his new career. But it is a different kind of busy. He'll get to leave his work at work and when he is home he will be home with ME! During the school year I physically see Phil more often but mentally he isn't often available. Phil brought me flowers this week thanking me for being patient with not having a husband.
I'm thankful for my husband working hard for our future and our future baby Chings.

Aso

2010-01-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

I probably know like 5 words in Ilocano(my grandma's language) and Tagalog(country's main language).

Aso = dog

when my Grandma says dog in "english" she says doog-doog

maybe my new life goal is to learn Tagalog so when I go to the Philippines I'm not a total idiot or tanga.

Any recommendations on programs? Rosetta Stone?

Seriously! Could Jon be any cooler?

2010-01-21T11:01:00.000-08:00

Jon it was great seeing you. I'm so excited for your latest ventures, congratulations on being so cool. Please take care of Casey and Lauren!!!

I need to get this picture AUTOGRAPHED!

I'M FINISHED!

2010-01-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

I just made like 12 catch up posts from the last 2 months. Because my blog is kinda like my "journal" I dated each post
when it should have been posted.
So check my history from
Nov to Current!!!!!

Total Girl

2010-01-21T07:17:00.000-08:00

I've adjusted my work schedule for a few weeks, I'm working 7am-3:30pm so I can take Emma on outings after nap.

Yesterday we spent about an hour at KMart and we didnt buy a thing!

-First we tried on shoes for about 25mins. She LOVES putting on other peoples' shoes.
-Then we explored the 4 isles of toys.
-Then we found a twirling sunglass stand full of kid sunglasses. She spent a good 20mins just trying on glasses and looking at herself in the mirror.
-And finally, the jewelry section. We tried on all kinds of bracelets and necklaces.

She's only 2 and already likes to shop like her mama.

P.S. While holding baby Mo yesterday(or should I say baby Peter), he had a little spit-up... then he coughed and it all went in my mouth.

Happy Birthday Mo-Mo

2010-01-20T10:15:00.001-08:00

Phil and I have had a fun full last 4days. We had Emmers for 3nights while mama and dada were a tiny bit busy giving birth to Mo...

Emma is a silly silly girl that LOVES Beyonce. Hard to get her to sing it full out. We prettymuch have the music video on replay all day.

Emma is talking so much. When she says a word wrong I have a hard time correcting her because its so darn cute.

Every time Emma comes over she ALWAYS wants to call Betsy.

Big Girl Emma loves her new princess boots and Nu-Nu's fake glasses.

Mo was very thoughtful and thought he would come in the early afternoon on Sunday. Perfect timing for Emma's nap. We got to wait in the waiting room with Bumpa, Bill, baby Elly, Uncle Branen, Ki-Ki and Ruby.
We were so so EXCITED! It was a good day.
Ruby took Emma so Phil and I could visit P&J in the delivery room. Emma would have gotten confused and sad to see mama in a bed. When it was my turn to hold mr. man I couldnt hold back the tears. I had to take a min. ha ha ha

Our new baby friend! We love love him!
I'm excited for Mo to wrestle Jericho and go on a dump truck ride with Bill... you know, boy things!Nu-Nu needs to buy more boy toys! I've been surrounded by girls!!!

That Time Of Year Again

2010-01-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

I AM SO EXCITED.

Last year was so much fun. I want to go to every single one!

2nd Annual Corvallis Culinary Week

Monday, January 18 - Sunday, January 24

From January 18th through the 24th stop by any of these fine restaurants to receive a signature sampler plate for only $10. From traditional French to Southwest cuisine, Corvallis has something for everyone! Come enjoy the culinary delights of historic downtown Corvallis!

Who wants to go with me?! Which night and restaurant. Last year reservations filled up FAST!

Le plat du jour

2010-01-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

You might have read on Ruby's blog, click here, that she has been inspired by Julie & Julia and received 2 Julia Child cookbooks for Christmas. Monday she cooked an amazing tuna in a tomato white wine sauce and last night she made the BEST roast chicken with scalloped potatoes and mushroom port sauce. THE BEST. The chicken was moist and succulent...for some reason I hate the word "moist", ha ha ha! She had to baste that sucker every 10mins, seriously! She was cooking for HOURS yesterday.

Our house and our friends are blessed by Ruby's inspiration! I'm so thankful to be her taste tester! Praise God for Julia Child and Ruby! click here

Je vous remercie beaucoup, vous êtes très gentil et vous êtes très jolie.

Hey, I took 3 years of french in high school and I dont remember a darn thing!

Exciting News on the Kelley/Kiker Farm

2010-01-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

We're off to the State Fair!

Happy Birthday Jenny!

2010-01-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Lauren (laurenhurtphotography.com) and I organized a maternity photo shoot forBeautiful Pregnant Jenn.

The Photo Shoot happened to fall on the day of her birthday and Casey Hurt's last show. Big fun day.

Peter took Emma out while we pampered Jenn.
We had Coffee Culture americanos, virgin memosas, a fruit&cheese tray and floweres to set the mood.

I hired a professional to come do Jenn's makeup. Thanks for coming on such short notice Caylan!
After the shoot Emma saw ALL the makeup and wanted to play. Lucky me!
She loves being girly!

We took a few hours to relax then headed to a special bday Dinner for Jenn. Our accountability group took her out to Bar 101 for a delicious dinner! Their new 'spoon bread' is so so good. Go try it, especially if you love bacon!

After dinner Jenn went to bed and the rest of us went to Cloud 9 for Casey Hurt's last show.

I'm going to miss the heck out of these humans but I'm so excited for their new Hollywood Adventures!

Best of Luck Mr. & Mrs. Hurt!

Since all of the parents had baby sitters we HAD to have an after party. We went to the new SPANISH dance club, La Bomba!

Kari and Nathan...so so so cute.

Beautiful Abby and look at those gorgeous naturally long eyelashes! ;)

All of us girls took turns dancing with Juan. He hopes to open a dance school.
Yay for Adults Only!

Amanda is always the life of the party. She knows how to shake it on the dance floor!Its Garrett! Hey guy! Mr. Esary is having baby #2. YAY
Newly Weds. How wonderful.
Hey babe lets dress up and go out... Oh, nice sweatshirt.
Its 'Twist' from the Fresh Beat Gang. Check him out on Nick Jr. He's amazing!

Booyah
Hey Abs. I love being crazy with you! Praise God you FINALLY feel better. I'm looking forward to our once-a-month dance parties!

Thanks Beka

2010-01-05T14:41:00.001-08:00

Beka found our baby son Ching! He loves to dance just like his momma.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

New Years Day With Emm

2010-01-01T23:46:00.000-08:00

Peterman was in Redmond for a wedding so we took Emma off of very-pregnant-Jenn's hands.

Its always fun having Emma at our house. She loves to sit in Bill's giant pillow chair! The queen in her giant chair looking at me like "Nu-Nu, seriously... you're interrupting Mickey Mouse!"
After the Rose Bowl we thought it would be fun to take Bem to Portland for an overnight trip to the ZOO!

On the car ride up to Portland Emma was cracking us up. Just singing all her favorite songs.

We found a hotel with an indoor pool.

Emma loved jumping to me. over and over and over....
Watching Elmo with Bill.
We got a room with 2 queen beds. This is how a 2 year old can take up a whole queen bed!
Emma is ready and excited for the Zoo! She brought her baby to show them the monkeysPretty funny ugly goat
Lucky Emma got a stroller. I'd like an adult stroller for days like this.
Emma can you say "sturgeon"

It was at this moment that Phil and I realized Emma would never survive in the wild.
The cutest 1yr old baby elephant!

The monkey was copying Bem
This guy woke up from his nap and walked all the way up to stare at Emma. We think he wanted her baby or cookies.
He just STARRED at Emma. It was incredible!
And ANOTHER animal dropping what they are doing to come say hi to Emma. I think she's like a wild animal whisperer.
We spent about 3hours at the zoo and this is what happened...
Fun Portland getaway bemmers.

3rd Anniversary

2009-12-30T23:31:00.000-08:00

Like I've said we had a staycation for our usual annual Christmas/Anniversary vacation. This year we had a staycation.

For the actual day of our anniversary Phil and I didnt have a plan. We cleaned the house and packed an over night bag just in case. We went to lunch in Corvallis and then went on a long drive. We love just driving around and looking at property. We ended up in Dallas so we decide to go to Lincoln City for the night. The weather was surprisingly beautiful!

What a jokester!
I corrected it. But he is kinda right. I cant believe we've only been married 3yrs. It seems like he's been my world for much much longer!
This picture is funny. i think we both look like dorks.We had a delicious dinner at the Casino...not the buffet but the nice restaurant.
I love this guy!

So when we got home from the coast on New Years we decided to get CRAZY! We partied all night long....NOT. we went to bed at 830! I got crazy motivated to organize the bathroom, pantry, spice cupboard and tup-a-ware cupboard. Awesome way to bring in the New Year!

Full Fun Christmas

2009-12-26T22:43:00.000-08:00

Phil and I had a very full FUN Christmas Week.

We love our best friend/family overlaps that allows for the best holiday Celebrations.

Phil and I spent the week with my family, his family and the Kirkbrides. I of course dont have any photos from Phil or my family's celbrations, whats wrong with me?

The Kirkbrides had their Christmas Crab Night and Christmas Eve early.

The beautiful new family of 3
Sister-in-laws with the same name.
Babe? You look like Kurtis!
Cocktail hour.
Have you seen anything cuter? Twas The Night Before Christmas.
Phil and I love the time we get to spend with these folks. We love them dearly.

Christmas Eve we had a roommate reunion slumber party at Pete and Jenn's. We ate soup, watched a movie and slept next to the Christmas Tree. In the morning we had an amazing Christmas breakfast. Sharon, Brad, Chad, Kylie and the boys came over and we had french toast. Someone, not sure who, was very smart and started experimenting with Bailey's Irish Cream french toast. SO GOOD!

Bem got some fun princess things from Nu-Nu and Bill for Christmas. She looooves dressing up!After the awesome Christmas breakfast Phil and I spent the night in Lebanon with my Family. We had a delicous Christmas dinner at my Uncles newly remodeled beautiful home.

Then the next morning we headed to the Kelley's in Philomath for some delicous Indian Food. This year instead of exchanging gifts, each couple told the family what they would like from the family. It was a thoughtful, creative idea, some examples: Scotty and Crystal want us to a snow day and Pete and Jenn want us to spend a day at Camp Tadmor.

We were exhausted from the long week, I think we went to bed at 830?!

I LOVE SURPRISES but stop me if this starts to happen....

2009-12-22T15:42:00.001-08:00

House Christmas

2009-12-21T22:59:00.000-08:00

We had our house Christmas on Monday evening before Christmas. The guys gave the girls their gifts and the girls gave each other a few things and Phil gave Lewis a popcorn tin.

Lewis got to open his stocking first...
- AND....he got sausage!
- It was a warm and cozy night for Christmas fun.
Beeeeeeest Freeeeinds
So Phil got me a snuggie. Its not a joke gift, I really wanted. I actually got tricked into thinking it was aaaaaall I got. After some awkward silence, ha, Phil sent me on a scavenger hunt to find my final gift. In the oven I found a jewelry box.
I would have been happy with the box. I was bawling. I'm so weird. Just the thought of jewelry turned me into a mess. But to my surprise I got my first strand of Pearls with matching earrings.
Ruby got loads of chocolates. I've been doing a good job not stealing from her room, hasnt been easy for me.

Kelley, Kirkbride, Kiker, Kavanagh Fun! Whats up with the K's!

2009-12-20T23:04:00.000-08:00

We love it when Chad and Kylie come home. Sunday before the Christmas events started we had the Kirkbrides over for dinner. We had a fun Pizza party. We are starting to master this party theme. I looooove it!Phil made an amazing shrimp dip we kept hot on the wood stove. Great appetizer!

You might notice our really nice holiday family photo on the mantel. Zoom in for a classy photo of Phil.