Carpet, Decorating and Dirty Hands . . . Oh My!

Based on my sick in earlier this year - I committed to a few small redecorating projects. A few people have been bugging me that I haven't gotten any of them done. Not true, just forgot to blog about it. Still in the works, but Scott's Dad kicked it off with helping paint the living room wall. Thanks so much - that is one seriously tall wall. The color is great - it took me a while to get used to it but now I love, love, love it. I changes during the day and into night. It is moody - I love it.

I did a few crafty projects in an attempt to fill my already too busy life. :) A shout out to the pups:


We filled in with some cheap finds . . . because we decided after 5 years of terrible carpet we were going to commit and replace it. Loving the new carpet. Worth the price - almost. :)

Thanks to all our friends and family that still came and hung out even though our carpet has looked like this for the better part of the time we've been in this house . . .
Gasp . . . I can't believe I am showing this, but let this be a record of the past. And if I ever complain about the cost - lets all remember the horror of the "carpet that was fugly-ugly". The new carpet is SOOOOOOOO much better!!


**Joyful sigh of pleasure***

Followed by . . . "Biscuit, what are you doing", "Addy don't take that on the carpet", "Cinnamon!" This is stressful people!

Moving everything was a challenge, but doable.



We gave Addy some crafts to do, and when we took a break from moving stuff this is what we found:

Good times!

So bring on the party for Addy's 3rd birthday next weekend - we are ready. (Except for food, decorations, party bags, cupcakes . . . okay, it will be a busy week.)

Oh, and I have to show you my Addy corner decor . . . just finished tonight. I couldn't figure out if I should go fun or more classic - obviously fun won out!


I love it when a plan comes together! And I am very ready to be done for a while. Have a great week!

12th Man

We had a great time at the Seahawks game today! Beautiful weather, great fans and a great game . . . well, okay perhaps the game wasn't the best ever . . . but we looked hot for a while. Frankly, when I get a chance to eat one of my favorite foods of all time without any guilt - I mean you can't watch a game without Kettle Korn right? - how bad can it be!!??

There were awesome moments! We cheered, we laughed, we spilled a little beer . . .

There were really sad moments. We hung our heads and had to listen to the Bears fans next to us - boy, these were real, grew up in Chicago fans!

They were totally fun, loud and pretty cool for Bears fans. (Although if I had to hear them scream DA BEARS one more time I was going to cry.)

We lasted until the last moment clinging to hope that America's team (Jeff - I mean the Seahawks) would pull it out - but alas we didn't. The 12th man still cause 3 penalties and so we get free Jones Colas for our hard work!


And even when the game had us down the view was always uplifting!

Hears hoping for a win next week!

My Silly Blue Angel

This weather is unbelievable - perfect! What better way to spend an evening then frolicking in the yard with a pretty blue dress on.

Isn't life grand? :)

10

Today Scott and I celebrated our ten year anniversary. Ten years ago we said our "I do's" and rode off into the sunset to live happily ever after. 15 years ago this month Scott and I started this crazy adventure together dating as freshmen in college.

As a way to celebrate this memorable occasion, here are my top 10 things I love about my marriage:

10. Partners. We survived the frying pan argument in college and found a way to create a meaningful partnership. (It was close, an egg pan almost ended this beautiful relationship.)

9. Adventures. Regardless whether it is handling crazy times (flooded kitchens) or seeking a new thrill together, like travels - Scott is always willing to find new adventures with me or turn the ordinary into a fun adventure too!

8. Family. We are blessed with amazing family and friends (we call family) that surround and support us. And provide amazing role-models for a strong, working partnership.

7. Someone to put up with my uniqueness . . . heavy metal, blistex freak-outs, wrestling, Gymboree addictions! Scott even survived the dreaded musical night, the Pirate Movie debacle, and has seen Ghostbusters about a gazillion times.

6. Challenge. Scott challenges me and inspires me with his mind and spirit. I love a good challenge.

5. Joy. We have joy in our lives. Living, laughing, learning . . . with joy.

4. Disney. Like duh!!!????

3. Travels. A partner to explore and learn with . . . willing to go new places and try new things. (Lets never try the tower in Boston again, I thought we were going to die! Or Packwood either.)

2. Addison.

1. Comfort. My home, my love, my life!

Thanks for 10 wonderful years of marriage and 15 wonderful years of growing together.

Falling

Welcome to fall! Had to add some fall touches to the house to welcome this most wonderful time of year!!




Addy and I put up all the decorations this weekend. My Mom has passed down to me all the decorations I put up as a child - some still have my Grandma's name on the back, they've been in the family a while.
Addy got some decorations in her room too!


I loved this picture. Little was enjoying the warm fall day as we decorated outside. Ya-Ya the monkey was a big help.

Rock of Ages

Some friends and I rocked it at the Poison and Def Leopard concert last night! It was great!


I am sure I embarrassed myself with my continued love for all things hair band and rock n roll. It was a great concert. Poison was fun and DL was fantastic! Here are some other fanatic fans - all dressed up!

We were rather tame by compare:


Here I am with some other rock n roll freaks - they were wearing Motley Crue - what could I do but get a picture with them!


Thanks for the great times! And thanks for sharing your pictures Brandy! It was such a fun night with you.

Raod Trip Part 3 - Coming Home

We took a different route on the way home in order to enjoy the last few hours of no rain before coming back to Western Washington. We stopped to get fresh fruit, enjoy the views and find new places we'd never seen before.




I slept well last night - amazing how a change in scenery and returning to roots can help remind you of what is important!

Road Trip PArt 2 - The Beginning

Our other reason for the road trip was to head back to the beginning. The beginning of Scott and Jessica. So, we spent the day at Whitman College. It was fun memories, awakening remembered hopes and dreams and sharing possibilities with Addy all at once.

It is a beautiful campus.




We got to see all the new buildings and changes. (There have been a lot in the 9 years since we've visited.) Number one on Scott's list was the new pool.



The pool was so nice! The entire facility is new and looks amazing. Scott spent some time with the Assistant Coach and heard all about the current team. There are still a few records left to be broken, but this new team of men are pretty awesome. Scott may find these records history!


And you can't go to Walla Walla without enjoying the wheat fields. As you can see Addy was captivated.



The community is amazing and someday I hope we can make it our home again. I took a walk to enjoy the beautiful old homes.



And I was still feeling pretty good about my "Year of the Gardener" until I stumbled on this . . . I still have a loooooong way to go.


Then we finished the day with a trip to our favorite park.


It was a reminder of where I've been, where I wanted to go, and where I want to go in the future.