Beach trip- Memorial Day 2010

Bryan and I took off for one night this Memorial Day Weekend to Astoria (which, as it turns out, is really not a beach). We had fun driving across big bridges, climbing tall dunes, playing with Bryan's RC car and the sea lions, looking at boats and pigs at the local police station, relaxing in the hot tub after a few drinks and some really good pizza, resting in our king size bed, and attempting to climb a really tall column and eventually settling for a view from a lookout at Ft. Stevens. We checked out the town of Astoria at depth, and walked around Seaside as well. And what would be a trip to the beach without a stop at the outlet stores? Bryan got some shoes for a good deal: $23!

We came home on Sunday and had a BBQ and watched the Blindside with family. Today I am freaking out with all the stuff I have to do in the next 12 days. Overwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe it.

Bryan's Birthday Week

So May is a very busy month for us! Bryan celebrated his 26th birthday on Tuesday night, with a party at Red Robin followed by a viewing of Iron Man 2 in theaters, with family and a few close friends. We had a great time! Red Robin is always good, and Iron Man is a favorite!

On Thursday, we visited with my cousin Jonathan, who is in town on business from North Carolina. For fun, he opted to go see Multnomah Falls, so we piled into Heather and Nick's suburban for a view of this marvelous landscape. Bryan was not too thrilled by the heights of the falls, however. On the way back we drove along the gorge and Marine Dr and watched the beautiful sunset.

Saturday early noon, Bryan and I packed up a picnic and went to Blue Lake Park in Fairview. Upon seeing the line to get in, it seemed everyone else and their dog was there, too. However, there was much to see and do. Bryan brought along his rc car, so I took pictures of that and the gorgeous views. Last night we bbq'd steak, which was also a yummy meal.

Today Bryan and I took care of some errands in the morning, I did light housecleaning, and we took Brandon out to dinner at Olive Garden. Of course, I did not get as much done as I had hoped. But now I am not planning on getting a lot done until exactly 25 days from today (or four school weeks), when school is over and I can reclaim my freedom!

On the plans until then: a baby shower, a graduation party, a birthday/welcome home party, maybe a trip to the beach?, the Portland Rose Festival beginnings, and lots of lots of projects at school to finish up. Sigh. I love spring!

How do you make a marriage work?

Live in...Harmony....each... with the attitude of Christ.” Romans 15:5


Somebody said the difference between courtship and marriage is like the difference between the pictures in a seed catalog and what actually comes up! But it doesn't have to be that way. Author Steve Stephens offer this advice:



"Start each day with a kiss...always wear your wedding ring...go on regular "dates" with your spouse...accept your differences...be polite....be gentle...give little gifts....smile often...touch...talk about your dreams...adopt a song as "your song"...give back rubs...laugh together...sent cards for no reason...do what your partner wants before they ask...and learn to listen for what isn't said...encourage one another...do it his or her way...compliment one another daily...call during the day...slow down...hold hands...cuddle...ask for your mate's opinion...be respectful....always welcome your spouse when he or she comes home at the end of the day...make an effort to always look your best....wink at each other...celebrate special events....learn to apologize...forgive quickly...set up regular romantic getaways...ask, "What can I do to make you happier?"....be positive...be kind...be vulnerable...respond quickly to your spouse's requests...talk about your love....reminisce about favorite times together....treat each others friends and relatives with courtesy...send flowers on special days...when you're wrong admit it...be sensitive to your spouse's needs....watch sunsets together....say "I love you" often….never go to sleep angry....end every day with a hug...get professional help when you need it....and above all, pray daily for (and with) each other"



Adapted from On The Right Note

Bryan got his car running!

Here is our latest fleet of vehicles! We sold the white Integra, that we bought for cheap in the fall, for a profit and Bryan bought a CRX. So now we have a Honda CRX, a Honda Civic Si Hatchback (the special edition race car) and a Honda Civic coupe (mine). Bryan just got the Si running this week- though it still needs to be tuned and go through DMV...then it will be ready to....sit some more in the garage?? And no, we do not typically park our cars on the lawn. Only for pictures :-)

Happy Mother's Day!

To the women in my life,

Who help me through happy and rough times

Even when I am wrong

You remind me to stay strong

You put up with my stubborn ways

And always know how to put a smile on my face

And when I need your advice

You don't have to think twice

If I don't agree with you

You show me a side I never knew

So thank you to the strong women

That I have so graciously been given

You have loved and influenced me

I hope this poem will help you to see

Just how important you are to me.

I love you Mommy :)

P.S. These flowers are from Naomi and Nicole to Mom.

Bryan is famous!

http://yp.com/beaverton-or/mip/twin-oaks-northwest-autoworks-905677/photos?autoplay=true&geo_location_terms=beaverton-or&search_terms=twin-oaks-nw#videos

He is in a large part of this "commercial" advertisement for Yellow Pages. His crowning glory for the job he left, and as it turns out, returned to this past week!!! He loves Twin Oaks too much to leave (and now you can too...just bring your car in!). :-)

Reception for the Boys

They got an awesome "Welcome Home" reception! Way to go Mom!