Pike Place Market

I.Heart.PikePlaceMarket!

Flowers....

So big, a little girl can barely carry them...

Pasta... Check out all the kinds of Orzo.... So many to choose from....

And the veggies and fruits.. Fresh, local, beautiful (and yes, my nieces are beautiful too).

What do I love more than Pike Place Market? Fresh Halibut from Pike Place Fish Market!! I didn't get any pictures of them throwing those babies, but boy, they are so yummy.

35 years...

So, today is my 35th birthday. Now, I must be honest, I am not one to get all worked up over the years nor really that excited about birthdays. I mean, after 16 and 21, they all started to run together.. :) I was not bothered by the big 3-0, nor am I bothered by 3-5..... At the same time, I am at a point to reflect on where I have been, where I am now, and were I see myself going.

I thought about listing 35 blessings I have or have had.. but really, there are so many I am not sure where to begin.

You see, I am living a very different life than I grew up experiencing, I am doing things I never thought I would do (firstly being a stay at home mom, among others), and am pondering what comes next for us... (no, I am not talking about baby number 3). I am not always content, but I am always happy. I am not the picture perfect mom, but I do my best and I love my children with everything I have. I know I am not always as patient with them or Kyle as I would like to be (a constant source of prayer...), but I know when to step back and breathe. Compared to others, I probably lead a boring life, but it is mine and I love it.

But I am not comparing myself to others. Life isn't about comparison (that is how we get into conflicts).

In 35 years, I have seen a lot, accomplished many things that I am proud of, and made many friends. I know my journey is not over and that there is a lot more left to do. I know that each day I need to be thankful for the moments and blessings. I plan to live a lot, laugh more and love mostest!!! :) Really, what else can we do?

Card Making

So, I was hoping to put these photos into a collage, but as you may have seen on my previous post, I am PSE illiterate..so, here are some pics of my recent card making adventures thanks to my Cricut Cutter....

Annoyed.

OK, so I bought PSE 8, figuring it would not be that hard to learn.... Now, I do not consider myself a computer wiz, but I feel pretty confident using most common programs. However, I am unable to figure out even the most basic things in this silly program. I even have a hard time getting photos to open. Seriously, am I getting too old? Thats it. I need a class. I know, a lot of friends have told me they can help me.. but there never seems to be the time to just sit down and play. AND, i dont even know what to ask or where to begin. So, now it is the time to take a class.

anyone know of a good class locally or online?

Running out of Time...

Summer has barely arrived, yet I feel like it is on the downward slide to fall. Where has the summer gone?

I don't typically consider myself an overscheduled person, yet, I am starting to feel like every day is filled with some type of activity/event/meeting, etc. I like having things to do, but do not want to feel so busy that time flies by without me enjoying it. I want to savor the moments, yes, even the crazy times...

So, that is my goal. To ensure atleast one day a week is at home with nothing planned but time with the family....enjoying the little things life has to offer.

Old Friends

I just returned from a quick visit with my good friends, the Girvan's and Huskey/Hernandez families, in Minnesota. I have known Carrie since High School, and Becky and Erik since our days at University of Alaska Fairbanks. Wow, it seems like a life time ago.. amazing how 15 years seems like a life time now. So much has changed since I left Alaska and UAF 13 years ago... and mostly, all for the good.

All of us are married, two of them to each other, and have our own little growing families. Our careers have taken us on very different paths, and yet, our values remained grounded and similar... Even though we get together only every couple years, it is like no time has passed. And, there is something so wonderful about being with those who have known you before.. before we were what we are now: parents, spouses, professionals, stay at home moms, etc. What we are now is good, yet it is comforting to be around those who loved you when you were just a young naive little human... :) it is like putting on your favorite sweater...

I am blessed to have friends like this, and this year seems like I have been able to see a lot of them.

More strawberries...

And to wrap up the strawberry season, we made freezer jam. I found the perfect pectin that requires little sugar and the jam tastes like fresh berries, not like sugar as does so many jams out there..

Then, just for added fun, we made a mixed berry freezer jam with Blueberries and Raspberries... and have begun picking our marionberries.. oh, how i love berry season!!