Wedding Dress 2009

I think the tradition started in 1999 ... putting my wedding dress on every five years and taking pictures. Even though we have a professional photo shoot coming up we had to take a few on our anniversary last night.
There's always a little anxiety ... will it still fit after 35 years? Whew ... I can still get it zipped but I'm sure it's not the same fit as in 1974 : )
We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Olive Garden ... thanks, Barb! Still keeping with the Italian theme for this year.
We have enjoyed celebrating our 35th anniversary this summer!

Las Vegas, OREGON?!?!?!?!?

Today's high was 102 degrees but within hours we went from this beautiful sunny day...















to this -- Yes, that's a downpour! No sunglasses required here:




















Since this is the evening for our outdoor gondola ride we moved our reservation to an indoor ride. It is clearing up this evening and the temperature has returned to the upper 90's. For some reason this weather event reminds me of our Wallowa vacation. There's one common factor ... the weather always changes there when Tim comes to town (heeheehee) Sorry Tim, I couldn't resist! : )
Tomorrow ... the all-day Grand Canyon tour!

Adventures in Las Vegas

We are enjoying the sights, sounds, and the sun of Las Vegas.
We arrived early Sunday afternoon and after checking in to the Venetian we set out on foot to explore the strip. A walk can be quite a workout in the 100 degree heat.
We are enjoying the atmosphere of our hotel ... the ceiling has been painted to look like the sky, "streetlights" are dim giving an evening ambiance, storefronts resemble Venice and the canal/gondolas tops off the effect.
We have a adapted well to a daily routine. Up early. Out for a walk in the cool morning temps. Lounge by the pool to read and sleep in the afternoon. I'm halfway through my second book ... I hope I packed enough books! I just finished the 8th Confession by James Patterson and now reading Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber. I think I'm starting to unwind from the "craziness" this spring.
Monday night we went to see Beatles Love ... it was an awesome experience! Definitely something I would see again. Our show started off with technical difficulties and we were a little worried they might cancel the performance ... bringing back memories of our canceled cruise visit to Catalina! But the show did go on and it was breathtaking.
Yesterday we walked from the Venetian down to Manadalay Bay ... probably close to 2-3 mile journey. We walked through each hotel and as we were trying to find our way out of the MGM we heard a familiar voice ... Tim and Rae. They had just arrived and were heading out to the pool. It was a fun moment to share our vacation adventures thus far.





Not one to gamble ... we did play a few penny machines. I was excited to find a Bejeweled game. Here's my take home winnings ... hahaha!







Tonight is our gondola ride ... an anniversary gift from Tim & Rae. More vacation news to come ...

Spring Beach Getaway

Following Calleigh's birthday party in May, we hit the road for a three-day beach getaway to Cannon Beach. I had some comp time to use before the end of the year, and with the unusually warm spring weather, it made for the perfect Oregon coast visit.
We actually got a little too much sun while walking on the beach and despite sitting under our sun shelter my ankles were exposed below my capris and I went home with permanent red "anklets" ... not a good fashion statement with marshmallow-colored legs : (
Matt drove down to join us for the day on Sunday ... only to find it a bit windy with a touch of fog on the beach. However, it was warm and beautiful in town. We had an opportunity to tour the Lockwood Beach house ... then enjoyed a nice pizza dinner together before Matt drove back to town.
For a few days previous to our trip I felt a sinus/respiratory thing starting up and by Monday I felt a little feverish and just wanted to lay on the couch and read. We left early Tuesday morning and exited the freeway near the Urgent Care clinic. I was sent home with antibiotics/sudafed/cough syrup and took the rest of the day off work. I never did improve and was actually diagnosed with pneumonia two weeks later.
Cannon Beach is one of my favorite vacation destinations ... it's quaint, quiet and a place for restoration.
Credits:
Font: Bulkyrefuse type, chromosomeLight, american typewriter
Template: JZ Designs -Template 12
Paper: Shelly Bauzon -P3 Beach Bum

Backtracking

I need to step back in time because I missed a few posts during my illness and studying for my test. Here are a few layouts of Calleigh's second birthday party from May:
It's hard to believe she is already two ... where does the time go???
Michelle had the room @ Conestoga Park and Rec decorated with such cute decor and each activity, the food, etc. was so well thought out. She is truly a "party planner." It was a joy to see Calleigh's delight with each gift she opened and how much fun she had blowing out the candles. Year two has much in store for this precious little girl!
Credits:
Quick Page: Ange qp printemps
Element: Summer Driggs -Sweet Springtime Bird 3
Font: American Typewriter
Word Art: Lindsay Jane -Icing Cake Happy Birthday Wordart






























As soon as the party was over, Calleigh made a beeline for play equipment ... no fear in that girl. We lost track of how many times she ran across the bridge and then down the slide. It was one of the first truly beautiful blue sky days of May and it felt good to soak up the warmth of the sun while watching her play. As soon as we said goodbye, we drove down to Cannon Beach for a Spring getaway. More on that in my next post!


























Credits:
Template: JZ Designs -030509 Challenge FS
Alpha: Scarlet Heels -red alpha
Font: Pea Faye, Pea Jay
Elements: digitreats jump brad 8
Paper: Kevin and Amanda -red pattern paper, Yellow Solid PP

Fashion 101

Today was my last personal day of the school year and I scheduled it around getting ready for our Vegas trip. Walt has been checking the weather and it will be 100 degrees when our plane lands. That only means one thing ... a trip to the Woodburn Company Stores to shop for a "lighter, cooler" wardrobe.
My favorite "fashion consultant," Donna joined me and, "Wow!" can she ever spot great fashion at a steal ... no, we paid for everything : ) She helped me find things to mix and match and pointed out many things I may have bypassed on the search. It was so much fun going from store to store and enjoying a good time with a great friend.
Thanks, Donna! My suitcase would have been rather sparse without your help!

She's a Girly-Girl

What a joy it was to have the grandkids overnight last weekend while Michelle went to PH Women's Retreat.
We enjoyed an evening of playing with toys, going to the park, watching a movie etc. We pack as much into our time together as possible.
One thing Calleigh requested ... to have her nails done. This time it included the full spa package with a foot and hand massage. She was so intrigued by all that Grandma was doing.
In the morning she wanted velcro rollers in her hair like Grandma and a touch of "spray" when it was styled just right. She's growing up so quickly!
What fun it is to spend time with these precious little ones : )
Credits:
Misty Cato -Photo Display
Font: Pea Kate, ChromosomeLight, Witchcraft, American Typewriter
Paper: A Work In Progress-Designs by Vicki -Pink Coffee Cream Papers #6
Wordart: CW Picket and Company -News Print Alpha/Girl

Stepping Out of the "Waiting Room" ...

This afternoon I received a "Recall from Reduction in Force" notice stating that I will be working at Mary Woodward Elementary starting August 26th as a Media Asst. Had I refused this offer I would no longer be eligible for recall with the District.
I am thrilled with my placement and look forward to working in an elementary school library again. The last four months have been a roller-coaster ride and I'm so thankful for those who have been a great support, have lifted up prayers and encouraged me. There were so many ups and downs ... twists and turns. It is such a relief to know my assignment now rather than worry about it most of the summer.
What an exciting new adventure ahead!

Then and Now

Our wedding day was captured by a very contemporary 1970's Portland photographer, "Photography by Fudge". They were not your everyday modern snapshots typical of that era. They were creative, the lighting soft and very unique. I remember we made a decision to make our wedding pictures top priority in our wedding budget. We wanted a keepsake from our special day to look back on and to love what we see 25, 35, 50 years later. I still find JOY in looking through our album. No regrets in the investment we made.
I scanned a few photos of me and mom taken before the wedding and combined it with one from our anniversary party. We look more like sisters than mother and daughter. It's hard to comprehend all the life that's happened over the last thirty-five years. I'm thankful for those who have come alongside us on the journey ... especially our parents.

"Fancy Family Foto"

Here we are ... fun and fancy on our anniversary celebration.

35 Years Later ...

... I go on choosing you!

Just a quick photo from blending our 1974 wedding picture and our recent celebration at Fiorano's with family and friends.
More photos to follow ....

35th Anniversary Party

Saturday ... on a beautiful warm evening ... we were joined by 25 friends, family and our wedding party to celebrate our 35th Anniversary ... a month early.
We spent an enJOYable evening at Fiorano's on the Lake of the Commons. Since our dream has always been to go to Italy this restaurant had all the atmosphere we were looking for. The food and wait staff were wonderful and they made us feel comfortable -- "at home" -- since we used a majority of their restaurant for four hours.
It was fun getting everyone together and a great time to reconnect with those we haven't seen in years. Each person in this picture represents someone special who has had an impact on our marriage and in our lives. God has truly blessed us and we felt so honored to have them celebrate with us.
More pictures to follow ....

Passed!

I was officially notified today that I passed all three sections of the para-professional test I took on Saturday. Whooo-hooo!
I am so thankful to everyone who prayed for me and encouraged me. The 3.5 hour test was challenging to take while having pneumonia ... especially trying not to cough. I didn't want to disrupt others taking the test. Bottled water and lemon drops got me through it. If I had taken my prescription cough syrup, I would have fallen asleep on the keyboard.
Walt brought this white board home from work and I spent hours going over and over story problems. It helped me see the process ... I am such a visual learner.
I am so thankful to have this "hurdle" behind me and whether I have a position at work or not next year -- from this point on -- it doesn't matter. I have been stretched and I learned a lot about myself in the process. Math takes everything out of me ... it really tries my patience. Who knows?!?! One day I may take a college math class and discover I really enjoy it : )

Wii Are Getting Fit!

I just returned from taking the Highly Qualified I/A test and I believe I passed : ) Still waiting for my writing to be graded but I know I passed Applied Mathematics and Reading for Information (even with pneumonia!). Whew ... what a relief to have that behind me! Thank you, to all of you who were praying for me. The only disappointment in taking the test today was having to cancel our "wedding dress" photo shoot with Kim. It would have been a perfect morning. Oh well, we'll soon reschedule and I may be healthier by then too.
Now on with life ... to finally be able to scrapbook, read and blog ... everything I set aside in preparation for the test. Now back to where I left off ... there's much to catch up on.
The guys made Mother's Day so special. They cooked an amazing meal and it was fun to just be together. The kids totally shocked me with a gift of a WiiFit. We had fun trying it out and I was so happy to hear that in my "fit age" I am seven years younger. Whoohooo : ) Me!!! -->The couch potato! Who would have thought?!?!?
I started out strong ... getting up before 5:30 each day ... improving my scores etc. and then ... I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I am anxious to get back at it but maybe not so early in the day.
The guys made our Mother's Day so memorable. Love those guys : )
Credits:
Frame: Mary Giles -Framed 11

Old Technology - New Fun

While I'm home with pneumonia I thought I would catch up a bit on my blog. Since I'm so far behind I will probably do a few posts between naps.
I love these pictures taken of the grandkids on Mother's Day. Even though they have never seen a phone like this, it seems to be one of their favorite toys. Who would have thought that old technology could be so entertaining.


Credits:
Alpha: Shel Belle Scraps -For the Boys Alpha
Template: Linda Roos / In The Making Design -Template XVll
Paper: mkoegelenberg -tropical escape kit 2 solid 005, LDD Vintage Dreams-Retro PP7
Journaling: Lauren Reid -Journal Me This 05
Font: American Typewriter, Pea Neffer, Pea Sarahloo, An Unfortunate Event

Whooooohoooo...

Yes! Kris Allen wins the American Idol title!! I love seeing the "underdog" win. I was not much of an Adam fan -- he's talented but just not my style. He lost me at "Ring of Fire" -- Melney too : ) What fun we had watching our first season from start to finish. Such amazing talent.
I wonder how many hours we invested in this season??? It's now time to move on and get outdoors ... spend more time in the garden and enjoy the fresh air.

Remembering Lori

Lori
(center -wearing lavender)
October 19, 1953 - May 18, 2009

With much sadness our group of high school friends are grieving the loss of our friend, Lori. Sometimes in our busy schedules or life circumstances we are not able to get together or keep in touch as often as we would like. Yet, when an opportunity to gather together comes our way, it feels like only yesterday since we last saw each other. We are united by a rich history ... a common bond ... we shared so many teenage experiences together -- dances, football games, slumber parties, dating etc. Today our hearts are heavy ... our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Join Me for a Stroll in the Garden

I love to see new life shooting up through the earth ... shouting, "Spring is here!"
The colors are amazing ...




Credits:
Font: BearerFond, Ck Ali's Writing,
ChromosomeLight, Pea Andrea,
Junkos Typewriter
Paper: HPDP In Grunge Brown
Elements: Designs by Sine -o5, 07, 09,10
Template: Miss Cutie Pie -The 80's Me

I Never Thought ...

This week our Ford Taurus turned 100,000 miles ... I was shocked -- but thankful that it made it to this "milepost." As the daughter of an auto mechanic, I was always given advice about Fords ... "Fix Or Repair Daily" so it would have surprised Dad to discover that I have been a Ford owner for years AND that it has survived a decade with very few problems.
So far this is one of the longest running vehicles in our 35 years of marriage. Our VW Bus needed a new engine while under our ownership and our Chevy Astro (Always Something To Repair On) fell apart (died) at 88,000. I guess we have owned several cars featured in the book, "Crap Cars." : )
We are so thankful for the reliability of this great little car ... sorry Dad!

btw ...

It has been a long time since I last posted. I have one steadfast rule about blogging ... never, never write about work, my employer, coworkers etc. Hence, the explanation for my "time to be silent."
The day following my last post I was informed that, due to the economic condition of our state, my position with the district will be eliminated in June and I will not have a job in the fall ... the first time in 20 years! I should be getting my RIF notice in a few weeks and will be joining Oregon's 12% unemployed in June.
I do have mixed feelings ... it will be strange not going back to work in September but a part of me is also looking forward to the break. I am on a twenty-seven month recall if the economy turns around but perhaps not in the same position or building.
I am so thankful for such supportive friends/family and those who have modeled how to graciously walk through this with trust, hope and faith.