Impossible

Avatar in 3-D

I'm not a scifi movie girl but Adam and my sister Kat were dying to see Avatar. So we all went to see it in 3-D. I haven't ever been to a 3-D movie before, it was amazing!! I would highly suggest seeing this in 3-D in the theatre. It was so fun!!!!

Family Fun

Last Saturday my brother and his girlfriend Jessie, and my sister were all in town. Since my sister just recently turned 21 (well she turned 21 in March but we haven't all been home since then) we decided to go out on the town. It was a blast!! Adam had to work the next day so he was our DD. We went to a couple bars in Kirkland. My brother taught my sister and I some great dance moves (well maybe they weren't "great" but we had an audience).

Baby It's Cold Outside

Last Sunday Adam and I went over to Leavenworth to shop and enjoy the christmas lighting. This will be our 5th year of going to Leavenworth for the Christmas Lighting. We are so lucky to have such great friends- Anna & Nick and Stacey & Ryan to come with us. Nick was a fabulous driver (we had to go over Steven's Pass with lots of snow/ice) Adam and I were able to sit back and relax. We met Stacey and Ryan at our favorite pizza and had some yummy cheese pizza and then we ventured into the cold. We walked around a few shops and learned how to make taffy. Then the we waited outside for the big event. We sang Christmas Carols and then all the christmas lights were turned on one by one. It was beautiful. What a great day!!!

Raichel and Friday Night

Over the weekend, Adam and I got a chance to watch our niece Raichel. It was a blast. She getting to be such a big girl! Her vocabulary is really expanding. Her favorite words seem to be "Ball, Baby, Book, Money (Bunny)". Adam and I were in owe with how smart she is. She didn't cry or fuss at all. We had the best time. I would have to say this was probably one of my favorite ways to spend a friday night.

"Ball- No Peas"

Gone But Not Forgotten

Adam rode down with the procession for the 4 fallen officers in Lakewood and I spent the day trying to stream the memorial on my work computer. The service was beautiful. The slide shows of each officer was amazing and the one officer that sang Garth Brooks- "The Dance" was heart breaking.

The dispatcher at the end of the service said each officers number and then "Gone but not Forgotten."
Here's an image from Adam's drive-

Thankful Friday

Outside My Window....ice sunny morning

I am Thinking.....I can't wait for 5 0'clock!

I am Thankful For..... the beautiful sunrise this morning- the one good thing about my long comunte in the morning

I am Wearing..... Black UGGS, black velour sweatshirt, black scarf, and Jeams

I am Remembering..... Snow days as a child

I am Going to..... a Christmas Town Lighting Tonight, Stamp Party tomorrow afternoon, Wedding tomorrow night, and cutting down a christmas tree with Adam's Family on Sunday

I am Reading.... a bunch of Holiday Magazines- Love the Recipes and Crafts

I am Hoping.....we will be blessed with a family sooner than later

On my Mind....how fun the Holiday season is

I am Learning... To be thankful for all that I have

From the Kitchen... Leftover Meatloaf and homemade mashed potatoes- Adam loved them!

Around the House....Holiday Decorations, I love getting home after work and turning all the christmas lights on

One of My Favorite Things..... Peppermint Mocha's from Starbucks

I stumbled accross this video on someone else's blog but I am so touched by it. It's a little long but so powerful. This women is so composed and thankful for all that she has and she as endured more grief than anyone I know. Watching this video really made me think.

Enjoy-

http://vimeo.com/7651719

"Is your house on fire Clark?"

As I made the left turn down my street I saw such a great surprise, Adam put up the Christmas lights! He did such a great job. I love the addition of the Christmas lights on the little trees in our front yard. Those trees were just saplings when we bought the house two years ago and they've grown with us. I think my husband has officially turned into Clark Griswald. Adam and the neighbor are having a friendly competition of who can put up the most Christmas lights. So far Adam's winning! Check it out:

Officer's Wife

I'm blogging today with a sad heart. Recently there have been two incidents in our state where officers have been killed. The first one on Halloween night, one police officer was writing a report in his car and was executed by a drive by shooting. The next happened on Sunday morning. Four officers were sitting in a coffee shop, a man walked in, and started shooting at the officers, two were killed execution style, and the other two were able to put up a fight but all 4 died. Adam and I spent most of yesterday watching the news and talking to other officers Adam works with.

It makes me so sad that these officers but their lives on the line everyday for everyone else and then some A** takes it upon himself to take their lives. It's amazing how many people lives were changed in seconds. The 4 officers leave a total of 9 children, spouses, family members, and co workers, who's lives are now changed forever. I can only image the way their spouses felt with the Sargent standing at their door with the bad news. My heart goes out to all those families. My thoughts and prayers are with all of them. I feel so honored and proud to be married to a police officer.

Here's a poem I heard on the way to work:

My Husband, The Police Officer

"Forever and always is my love for you

My hero, my best friend, my guy in blue

So young and so handsome it's hard not to stare

As you strap on your vest and other police wear

So strong and so courageous as you patrol the street

While I stay at home worrying under the sheets

When you leave for work, I never say goodbye

Its "Babe I love you, and have a safe night"

The best sound I hear is the unlocking of the door

Your home THANK GOD! I won't worry anymore

You kiss me on the forehead and tell me you love me

I say the words back, but I still feel empty

Because although your in my arms for the rest of the night

I worry for all the nights to come, will tomorrow be alright?

I guess the only thing to do is to take it a day at a time

And pray for God to help you when you're out fighting crime."

Adam will be wearing a band around his badge in honor of his fellow fallen officers.

The Blind Side

Yesterday afternoon Adam and I went to see the movie The Blind Side. I would have to say this is now my favorite movie. The best part is that it's a true story. Adam really wants to read the book, it will be interesting to hear how closely the book and the movie are. I love Sandra Bullock's character, she is so strong and yet so compassionate. This movie is hopeful and healing. I loved it!! Go see it!

New Moon

I ended up with 3 free tickets to the New Moon Premier at Pacific Place in Seattle. So last night Kristin, Anna, and I went. It was so fun!!!! When the movie started everyone started screaming like we were at a rock concert. The books are way better than the movie but the experience of going to the movie was exhilarating. All in all it was a great night with fantastic friends. A fun night out on the town with my peeps!!!

Simple Pleasures

Sometimes you just have to stop and enjoy the little things. Today I was surprised by one of my co-workers with this fantastic Starbucks Cup. I just love it! It has a little holiday flair with the red and white striped straw. I'm working on seeing the good and making a choice to be happy. I think in life you can make a choice and focus the bad or look for the good in every situation. So here's to looking for the Good! Cheers!

Simple Woman's Daybook

To go along with my new view on life, I joined the "Simple Woman's Daybook" Blog. The blog talks about lingering on the simple things and focusing on simplicity and the beauty of the "everyday moments."

Outside My Window... cool crisp windy fall day- I think the rains coming

I am Thinking... about getting home tonight and making my husband dinner and watching Survivor- one of my guilty pleasures ;-)

I am Thankful For... my family, the support that my family gives is more than I can describe in words.

I am Wearing... Jeans-a blue t-shirt-white cardigan -white rain jacket- I'm still too cold to take it off

I am Remembering...being a little girl in grade school with my Catholic school girl outfit (plaid skirt and red sweater with white tights) Playing on the playground and getting my white tights so dirty

I am Going...to see my friend Jill this evening- can't wait to catch up

I am Reading... New Moon- I'm on the last chapter- so excited to finish and go the Premier on the 19th

I am Hoping... to have a restful weekend, so I can kick this cold that I have

On My Mind...my fabulous sister in law Rhonda who makes me smile

I am Learning...to be hopeful and look at the good things in life rather than focus on all the bad

From the Kitchen...my chicken noodle soup for lunch today

Around the House... my two favorites- Brodie the puppy dog and Jadie cats

One of My Favorite Things... getting to eat dinner and spend the evening with my husband. I feel so fortunate he's working days now

I'm Alive

I love this song by Kenny Chesney and Dave Mathews. It goes right along with my new attitude of being content with what I have.

So damn easy to say that life's so hard
Every body's got their share of battle scars
As for me I'd like to thank my lucky stars that
I'm alive and well
It'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you've sat
and watch go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it
smolders in the rain
But not me....
I'M ALIVE
And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and outs a blessing can't you see
Today's the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well
I'm alive and well
Stars are dancin' on the water here tonight
It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
This motor's caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I'm alive and well
And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and outs a blessing can't you see
Today's the first day of the rest of my life
Now I'm alive and well
Yea I'm Alive and well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tex0U7qS7h4

Greener Grass

Last night I had dinner with one of my best friends Britt from highschool (we were locker partners our freshman year and have been besties ever since). It was so great to catch up with her!! I love love love her!!! It was so nice to have a night out that I didn't talk about babies and kids. Most of my friends/family either have kids or are trying to have a baby and it consumes our conversation. It was such a breath of fresh air to just talk about life and what's going on without having the pressure of having a baby or the focus of the conversation being on children and babies.
We talked about how it's so hard for our generation to just "be happy" with what stage we are in life. How it's so funny that everyone seems to think the grasses is always greener. We are constantly comparing ourselves to everyone else, instead of just being content with what we have. It's so easy to be jealous of others but after talking to Britt last night, I decided something: I'm going to spend more time focusing on the good and being surrounded by people that make me happy. Life is too short.
Here's a picture of Britt and I from the wedding:

Happy Halloween

Halloween was so fun this year! Adam and I were originally going to dress up as Shrek and Princess Fiona but it poured all day on Halloween and painting ourselves green didn't seem like the best choice. I was lucky enough to find some cheap German costumes that worked great with my wig ;-) We handed out candy to trick or treaters and then headed out to our friends the Feskens for a Costume party. Stacey went all out with the Halloween decorations. It was so fun!! Here's some pictures of that night.

Spokane Weekend

Last weekend Adam and I went to visit his sister Samantha, her husband Jake, and our niece Korynn in Spokane Wa. We had a such a great time, just hanging out. Adam and Jake played video games "just like old times" and Sam tried to teach my how to knit a beanie (I'm still working on it ;-)

Korynn has grown so much since we've seen her, I can't believe she's already 3!! I swear she's already smarter than me ;-) By the time we left on Sunday she knew how to use my iPhone and she's quite the little photographer. Sunday morning she came in and woke Adam and I up, then she started taking pictures of me on my phone. Here's some examples of the great pictures:

Here's Korynn and I coloring:

Month Long Birthday

There is nothing like feeling loved from your freinds and family. My birthday has officially lasted a month. It's been so great. I guess turning 27 isn't so bad after all ;-)

My co-workers through me a big party at work on September 11, 2009 (because I was on vacation on my actual birthday). It was so awesome! They decorated my cube and brought all kinds of yummy breakfest treats, then we all went to Taco Time for lunch (it was my choice- I love Taco Time). My friend Sarah gave me a beautiful star friends ship necklace- I love it!! I also recieved lots of Starbucks cards- my friends know me too well.

Then on my birthday (September 14th) I was so spoiled with flowers and cards delivered to my house. I also received a huge edible bouquet of chocolate covered strawberry from my sister Kat. They were absolutely delicous. Then I enjoyed my birthday dinner at Famous Daves BBQ with my mom, dad, grandparents, and Adam. It was so fun!!! Everyone left so full of food. Famouse Daves BBQ is definetely finger-licken good. Adam already gave me my fabulous camera a month early.

The next day we took off to Florida where we spent the time relaxing on the beach and riding 4 wheelers. The Friday night we were there, my family threw me a huge BBQ with steak, shrimp, and pinapple skewers. Then they surprised me with a ice cream cake! It was so fun!

When we got back home, Adam's family treated me to dinner at Bob's Burger and Brew. It was so nice of them and Baby Raichel was there to entertain us. She is getting so big! She was laughing along with us at our jokes and using her sign language. I'm such a proud auntie.

And finally last weekend I drove down to Tacoma to celebrate with my Aunt Michelle, Aunt Lori, and Melissa. It was so nice to visit with everyone and my Aunt Lori gave me the most beautiful fall mum. I love it!

I feel truly blessed by my friends and family. Each birthday gets better and better and it's all because of the people around me. I love all of you and thank you for making my birthday so special!

Florida Trip

Adam and I were lucky enough to take a trip to Panama City, FL to visit my dad and sisters. Adam had a lot of firsts on this trip: first time to change time zones, first time to swim in the ocean to name a few.

We spent the week enjoying time with family and seeing the sights. The weather and the people are amazing in Panama City! Adam and I truly enjoyed the "Salt Life."

It was an amazing trip and I can't wait to go back. I'm already starting to plan our next trip.

Here's some pictures from our trip-

Fall is for Football

Fall is my absolute favorite season. It starts with my birthday and then continues until after New Years (well I guess fall and part of the winter ;-) I love the way the trees change color, the crisp mornings, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin candles, spice cider and getting all cozy. Last night I was lucky enough to go to the Seahawks game with my girlfriends from work. The company I work for (BDA) just signed with the NFL and became one of the merchandise licensee, so in turn BDA has 4 nice club seats at Quest Field. The tickets were awesome and sharing it with my girls was so fun!! Here's some pictures-

Starbucks just came out with their Pumpkin Spice Latte which I love! I enjoyed my first one of the season this morning.

Wonderful Weekend

Last weekend was one of the first weekends in a while that Adam didn't have an over time shift and we took advantage of it.

Friday night we spent at my parents house with family that was visiting. My Dad's sister Kathy was visiting with her daughter and her 4 grandchildren. The house was buzzing the way it used to when we were all home. The granddaughters ranged in age from 3 years old to 13 years old. They were so outgoing and hilarious. The little ones called my dad "Uncle Bobblehead" and my mom "Aunt Maureena" too funny!! We had pizza and listened to the banging on the roof (my parents were getting the roof redone). Such a fun evening.

Saturday, Adam and I ran some errands and we were invited to the Mariners game with our friends Nick and Anna. They had great tickets- 5 rows up from the 3rd base line. The weather couldn't have been better and Anna and I spent most of the game chit chatting ;-) The Mariners won!

Sunday, we spent the day at home. I love Sunday's at home. Adam did some yard work and then washed his truck. I cleaned the house and then brought my new camera outside to test out some of the settings. I think these are Brodie's favorite days, he spent the day chasing the water that comes out of the hose and jumping in and out of the bed of the truck. It made for some pretty cool pictures.

I live for weekends like this last one, if only it lasted a little longer.

Brodie helping Adam wash his truck