Birthday Weekend!!

One of the cool things about my parents is that although they are several years apart in age, their birthdays are just 1 day apart. Yesterday was my dad's birthday. I wish I could tell you their actual ages, but once they hit a certain age, I liked that number and so it stuck. They will and forever be these ages in my mind.

So yesterday my dad turned 54 AGAIN!! Happy Birthday Papa!

Today my mom turned 40 AGAIN! Happy Birthday Momala!!

Has there ever been an age that just struck a chord with you and you wish that someone could always be that age?

Finally!!

I have been complaining, whining and pineing (sp?) for a printer or to get ours hooked up to my computer and get it working. It has been so difficult the past 3 years without a printer, we have had to always plan ahead and use the printers at work or at our parents. For Christmas my present was ink for the printer (since that was the excuse given - we were out of ink). Applying for all of these jobs has made it difficult to do since I have to print things and don't have a printer. Thomas - that dear husband of mine - finally hooked up our printer this afternoon and it is working!! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders!

what things have you been making excuses for not doing?

We Traded in our Classic!

Our house is an old house...not vintage or full of old charm but it was built in 1989. Luckily the kitchen is large, we have a spacious great room/open concept living and a generous master with walk in closet. When we moved in - everything was original. Original carpet, paint on the walls, appliances (except I believe the washer/dryer are from the 90's). Slowly but surely we are doing what we can to update. (more on that later)

We traded in our classic range (circa 1988 as per the owners manual) for a new stainless steel range for our anniversary!! Well our anniversary is still a few weeks away...but early presents are always welcome!! Sorry can't find pics of the oldie, but here is the newbie!
We didn't just get a new range because we wanted one, but since it was old it was starting to have some issues. Our favorite burner when turned on was a constant HIGH no matter what setting it was on. Then I had the unfortunate event of forgetting I had our enamel coated tea kettle on the stove while out in the yard (talking with the neighbor - so I will blame him!), and melted it to another burner. I figured that it made more sense to buy a WHOLE NEW RANGE than to get a new burner.

So here we are. Two appliances down (we got a new dishwasher last year for our anniversary - stainless steel) and two to go - the fridge and microwave but right now I would like to say that we are in no hurry.

Get Pampered? YES Please!!

Just got one of these this morning at a nail salon by my house. It opened up about 6 months ago, but I am nervous about trying out new places (this is a new found fear of mine) in case its "no bueno". But alas I didn't feel like driving so I thought I would try it out. The Pedicure I got was called a "Spa Pedicure" at only $25 it was a great deal with a hot stone massage. I will definitely be going back!

Have you pampered yourself lately? What is your fave way to pamper yourself?

Dog Dayz of Summer?

The summer this year has been hit and miss. On the hits this is how the girls spend their days. Loungin in holes (or feed buckets). Relaxin and chillin like villains in the hot summer days.

They definetly keep us entertained.

On the misses this is how the dogs spend their days. (keep in mind that they are camera WHORES and it is a challenge to get a picture of them without having them look at the camera).

how are you spending your summer?

Fresh Out of the Oven

Mmmmm, just made some delicious Sour Cream Coffee Cake. I added some extra cinnamon to the batter and it is divine!

When the eatin's good

Our dinner the other night. Chicken Fajitas on handmade tortillas (not by us) and home grown lettuce (yes by us). This was delish!!

What are you summer dinners like?

Hitchin' Time

As I mentioned before, Thomas and I went on a road trip to Spokane (with Sakari). The reason for the trip, you ask? Well my dear cousin Leah got married to her beau Brandon. They both met at and attended Whitworth University and were part of the varsity teams. Leah played basketball and Brandon played Football. It was a match made in heaven. They are the most adorable couple (I can say that because they are younger than me) and I am so happy that they are starting their lives together.

The Girls (three basketball players and the sisters) BEAUTIFUL!

Us. Enough Said.

The KISS, its official ladies and gents.

Cousins. (bad angle of me but that bride is GORGEOUS)

The Dance.

It's a Birthday Kinda Day

Today two of the most important boys in my life are celebrating their birthdays!! No they are not twins, far beit. One is turning 26 the other is 4. I feel so lucky to have both of them born on the same day (kinda makes celebrating easy). Both of these boys represent milestones in my life. The first one, Jazz (my horse) represents freedom and dreams being fullfilled. The second one, Cooper (my dog) represents the beginning of my new life and family. I love my little "children" and I am so happy to have them in my life. While they may not fill the void they definitely bring about LOTS of happiness!!

Road Trip

We had the pleasure of going on a Road Trip to Spokane over the holiday weekend for my Cousin's Wedding. It was beautiful but First I want to share about our Road Trip.

Our trip to Spokane was supposed to start super early, but as usual we take longer to leave than when we are coming back. So we ended up leaving about an hour after we had hoped. We took along our husky, Sakari (Sah - car - eee). She was such a good girl in the car we stopped once on the drive there, but the place we stopped didn't have any grass so she held in her bathroom break until we got to Spokane...what a patient little girl. To help keep her hair at bay we needed to cover the seats with sheets, it looked really good.

On our way to Spokane, we stopped at the "Running Horses" just East of Vantage. I have been by them many times but never stopped and hiked up to go see them. It was so fun having a first experience with Thomas and our little girl. I didn't think that the hike was going to be as steep as it was, I got to take Sakari up the hill, but no way was I taking her down the hill (I somehow hurt my knee and had to take it slow on the way down).

Although the trip took around 6 hours it really didn't seem like it took longer than about 90 minutes! That has to say something good about the company we were keeping.

On our way home we left SUPER early so that we could stop in Ellensburg and Thomas could fish on the Yakima for a little bit. Then we stopped at Rossow's U-Tote-Em for burgers and malts. We love the Burg and it always brings back such great memories of that wonderful place. There are so many things to do in the Burg, but not on a holiday, just about everything was closed on July 4th.

Please enjoy some pics from our road trip.

She disappeared one night in our room at Hotel Ruby in Spokane and we found her here in the bathtub. It was a pretty nice little room. This is a little hotel with great room rates and an awesome location in downtown Spokane. The only downside is that all the windows in the rooms face the outdoor walkway so it is not very private with your window curtains open. I would probably stay here again. My favorite part was the shower head, we are going to invest in a massaging one.

Our last night in Spokane we got to stay at the Davenport Tower, this was an amazing hotel and the beds are gorgeous to sleep in. If you have the cash I would recommend this place in a heartbeat.

What vacations are you planning during this summer season? Any hotels that you would recommend?

Happy 4th of July!!

Wishing you and yours a safe and wonderful Independence Day!! It is beautiful here and the sun is shining!