Farewell 2011!

Well, it's that time again! Time to bid another year adieu and look forward to what the new year has in store for us. But before we do that, let's look back at how 2011 treated us:

January - What I Wore Wednesday, a.k.a. WIWW, continued into 2011 {a fun way to look back and see how my style has evolved}; all of the kids in Sam's family treated his parents to a Portland Trailblazer game for Christmas, which we attended in January; and we spent quality time with family & friends.

February - I bragged about my brother's accomplishments; some Valentine's baking occurred; and more WIWW posts.

March - You got to know me a little better; we celebrated our SIL & MIL's birthday and a baby shower for our niece; I fell in love with the cute town of Seaside, OR; neither of us get Spring Break off, but we still enjoyed the weather with friends + family; and, of course, Kristi kept us well fed.

April - Sam built us {+ the Weathers} raised beds for our garden, which turned into a complete backyard makeover; Lily got a new Molly Mutt bed; my SIL's church through her a beautiful baby shower; and we spent Easter down in Eugene so we could listen to our SIL sing one last time at her church down there.

May - Kristi & I went to see Something Borrowed after reading the book a couple years back; Sam turned 29 & we celebrated both his birthday + Mothers Day in Sandy; and Linnea Elizabeth finally made her appearance {a little over a week late} & we all fell in love instantly!

June - I hoped on a plane to see one of my best friends in TX; there was some quality time spent with my college roommate; my brother graduated from college; I continued to read more books thanks to the BlogHer Book Club; we moved my BIL & SIL up to Portland; and Sam & I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary!

July - 4th of July was spent with friends + sparklers; I saw Sara Bareilles in concert with friends; and Sam & I went to the east coast {his first time + I haven't been back in 5+ years} to visit my dad, attend my cousin's wedding, + celebrate my 26th birthday.

August - thanks to Kristi & Sherlai, I attended my second concert this year - Gabe Dixon {+ we got to meet him!}; Sam's family came down for a 'staycation' at our house; and Sam built himself a backdrop for my WIWW photos.

September - I shared how I was feeling lately; we remembered 9/11 - 10th anniversary; and I participated in a scarf swap.

October - Sam & I visited the Oregon Garden for the first time {and are already looking forward to using the membership we purchased}; I played catch up - hair color change, breakfast date with Sam, exploring Portland with Kelly, family photos, and a trip to Redmond to see Michelle + the kids; and we all got together for the 4th annual pumpkin carving party.

November - Sam created a moving picture of our adorable niece that I had to share; I bragged about my talented friends - Jon & Rachel; another 'about me' post; we took Lily to her first dog park; Thanksgiving was spent with Sam's family this year + I shared what I was most thankful for!

December - lots of highlights - more dog park visits, fun with friends, watching my BIL do what he loves, seeing family, & selling my car; I participated in another swap - this time gloves; went to the theatre for a holiday performance; Christmas cards were sent out + the house was decorated; and we managed to see both families this Christmas season.

Overall, I would say this year was a good one for us. We traveled, spent some good time with family + friends, and welcomed our first niece. Even with 2011 being so good, I'm still excited to welcome 2012 and see what it has in store for us. So until next year... :)

Over the Weekend

Last week was Spring Break for our area and even though I work for the school district, I sadly don't get the week off {or the summer, due to being a 12-month employee}. I did get a lot accomplished with such a quiet office, which helped keep work off my mind for the weekend. Throughout the weekend {+ the end of the week}, we had dinner with family & friends. On Thursday, we headed over to our friend's/neighbor's house for dinner & TV. We usually head over on Mondays to watch the Bachelor, but since it's over to the summer, we moved our standing dinner dates to Thursday night. I'll be honest, I look forward to these EVERY week!

{Kristi never fails to provide a delicious meal for us!}

On Friday, we headed west to Monmouth to have dinner with Sam's cousin + her husband and play a couple hands of pinochle. {Sorry, no pictures were taken.} Saturday brought some time in the kitchen & yard for us. While Sam took to both the front & back lawn, I took to the kitchen, making maple scones & cleaning it top to bottom.

For the scones, I went with Living the Swell Life's "Must-Make Maple Scones" recipe and it didn't disappoint. Shortly after we finished with our respective tasks, Charles & Kristi asked if we wanted to head to the Woodburn Outlets. As someone who can always go shopping {right mom?}, we were in! It was fun to wander around & check out stores with someone who likes the same thing as you. Plus, I scored a top for under $4! {Sidenote to Kristi: you've got a shopping buddy in me anytime you want! :)} Saturday night brought us with more plans {which is highly unlike us!} - dinner + a movie with Sam's cousin + her husband. They had talked about going the night before and invited us along. Our original plan was to see The Tourist, but it was sold out. We ended up going to grab pizza & then coming back to the theater to see The Green Hornet. Good company, food, & movie! And after a busy Saturday, we've resorted back to our usual way - lounging around watching movies + basketball games. How was your weekend?

Happy Valentines Day!

{When I poured the sprinkles in, they made a heart - even they knew it was Valentines day!}

Weekend Highlights

This weekend was jam packed! As usual, here are a few of the note-worthy highlights {with pictures!}:

First, we helped bring the Christmas spirit to Sam's parent's house by
assembling their tree & filling it with memorable ornaments.

Next we proceeded to make over 5 pounds
of fudge using my MIL's delicious recipe!

Then we rounded up the weekend with two Blazer games
{Friday & Saturday}, which both resulted in wins!

Other {non-photographed} events:
*My first ride on the Portland Max {the city transit}.
*My BIL's awesome preach on The Birth of The King.

A good weekend + a short work week = a happy girl!

Weekend Highlights

Not too much to report on about the last couple days off, but enough to devote a post to it.


Friday - Neither of us had the day off in honor of Columbus Day {we're not off today, Monday, either}, but I did get a couple hours off to go to the dentist. Are you all ready to hear about my mouth again? Yeah, that crazy amount of dental work is picking up again...


Saturday - We were home-bodies for most of the day, with the exception of a relaxing pedicure {for me} with Kristi.

Sam also bought me some beautiful orange roses for no particular reason {love when that happens} and I like to think he just wanted to bring some more Fall into our house. He also tried his hand at butternut squash soup, which was more delicious than I thought it would be!

Sunday - The day was pretty typical - church, lunch, gym - but we also took a trip up to Portland to have dinner with my Aunt Leslie {who lives in California}. She had spent the morning running the Portland Marathon, which is very impressive in my book. Some of my grandma's family came too - Uncle Wayne, Aunt Carol, & Suzy - and made for a good time at Deschutes Brewery.

{My Aunt Leslie & I}

Love: Hot Spot Pie Accessories

{via}

Did you know I enjoy baking? Because I do! Although baking can be a challenge sometimes, that's what I like most about it. Give me a {sweet} recipe and I can't wait to see what comes out of the oven. That's why I think Anthropologie's Hot Spot Pie Accessories would fit in perfectly in my kitchen. Just think of all the cookies I can roll out with that stylish rolling pin. And pulling a pie out of the oven in this beautiful dish would definitely be worth all the time & effort. Oh the possibilities!

Weekend Recap

Our busy, but fun weekend included:

*Having Charles & Kristi over for dinner, then to see Iron Man 2 (in honor of Sam's birthday).

(picture from Kristi's masters graduation)

*Co-hosting a shower for Sam's cousin Jessica's upcoming wedding.

(getting ready to announce the shower game)

*Sam taking some fun engagement shots of Matt & Krista.

(the amazing couple!)

*Celebrating Sam's birthday once more with a weenie roast & some family time.

(the weenie roast)

(one of Sam's birthday presents - the book, not the dog)

*Staying up late talking with my in-laws (both happy & sad tears were involved).

*Honoring the mothers on Sam's side of the family with a potluck lunch & delicious desserts.

(the "mom" pie I made)

Another weekend full of memories & fun. Can't wait for the next (which isn't too far off)!

OOTD 2.28.10 & Baked Goods

Sweater: Urban Outfitters

Tank: Gap Outlet
Skirt: me!
Flats: Privo

On Friday, our plans for the weekend changed a bit and instead of going up to the in law's, we decided that a weekend at home would be best. For my husband, this meant a weekend to rest. To me, this meant a chance to try my hand at a sewing project that had caught my eye last week. So after an evening of watching TV (Go Blazers!) and following this tutorial, my first skirt was completed! It was easier than I thought it would be and I can't wait to make a few more!

I also channeled a little more of my domestic side last night by baking Ina Garten's Blueberry Crumb Cake, which turned out delicious (according to my husband).