Babies and hats

Why is it so fun to put hats on babies? I, along with several of my friends, enjoy purchasing all sorts of head coverings for our little ones. They're so darn cute! (the babies aren't so bad either...) Here's us before our walk last night. It was a little more chilly than normal outside, so OF COURSE, we had to bundle up and wear a hat. =D Henry also wore a hat on Sunday, which was part of the super-cute sailor outfit Myrna got him. AHOY!
In case you've forgotten what his head looks like, I've added another picture. Please notice head to dad's hand ratio. Geesh!
Because I love posting pictures and to make an even mom/dad showing, here's one with Jim and Henry. Awwww. I wonder if Henry's eyes will be as bright blue as Jim's someday?? I'm wondering when I will actually have some stories or bright ideas to post again... For now, this is what you get!!!

Stupid formatting.

This pic is a couple weeks old but I just love it. I just want to squeeze him silly, he's so cute! Wouldn't it be nice if we adults could nap like this more often?

I promise some newer pics in the next couple of days! 

Grandma, we miss you!

Sup?

Henry is always flailing his arms about, making him look like a rapper. Yo, yo, yo! It's quite funny. Also, notice how loooong his arms are. Someone is going to be tall like his dad!

Here is our first family pic since the day Henry arrived...

Could I be any cuter?

I think not.

 

Time flies!

Our baby boy is four weeks old today! Good grief! Didn't I just give birth to him? I can see why people keep saying to enjoy this and that while he is this little. So precious, so little...but growing every day. I am love, love, loving being a mommy and watching Jim be a daddy.








My mother, proud new grandma, has been here visiting for a week now and we are just having a blast taking Henry all over town. He is very well behaved when we're out and about. Must mean he likes to shop! Ha. Grandma Johnson is having so much fun with Henry - playing patty cake (yes, already) and putting him to sleep faster than you can say "shhh." She's got the touch, I guess!





Seems to enjoy "patty cake," no?

We just love our little boy!

Smitten

Naptime

On our way to Sarah's birthday party!

Seriously though...could he be any cuter?

Henry James Marr

Well, I have to say I have never been more overjoyed or thankful than I am these days. Today, our precious baby boy turns 2 weeks old, and life has been nothing but perfection since his birth. Sure, there are fussy times and dirty diapers...but it is all so worth it to hold this little creation in your arms. Praise the Lord for His healing and faithfulness! The tears of joy have not stopped since I first saw his face.





We love you, little Henry James. We have waited for you and loved you even before you were made.





And a huge shout out to Jim, the most incredible husband and adorable daddy. Thank you for taking such good care of me and our little guy. I can't wait to see him grow up and follow in your footsteps.






Here is my favorite pic so far of Henry. This was the day he was born and we were forever smitten. Ah, parenthood...




Thank you Jesus for this little treasure!

This is my life

Here's me...ready to have our baby!
I am going to give birth while Portland is experiencing triple digit temperatures. I know it. And then, the city will be using so much power, what with all the A/C demand, that our hospital will lose its power. Can that happen? Hmmm...maybe that doesn't make sense. Hospitals have to have some serious back-up generators or something to keep people well and living, right? Yes. That is what I will cling to! Although, maybe that is just to keep machines running and not so much for the A/C. Dang.



Here's me from the side...WOAH!
Maybe I should be more concerned about our A/C working when we get home. Poor hot baby! I know all the born and raised Oregonians are saying "Get over yourself! We've been doing this for years!" I can't help it! I was raised where if it's hot outside, you pump your A/C!!!




Last but not least, our super-cute crib waiting for baby.
Doesn't it look like he'll be so comfy? Then why is he not coming?? Come out little one! Make your presence known! I am ready for you! (As you can see, I am technologically challenged and cannot erase or rotate this picture now that I have placed it here. Sorry!)

This is the type of decor you use when your daddy works at Nike...

And your uncle. And your other uncle.

Help!

If I do jumping jacks, will the baby come?

And I quote...

"Well, that's a nice size baby you've got in there!"
Spoken yesterday by doctor, while viewing amniotic fluid on ultrasound.

ACK!

Baby, oh baby, you're precious to me
Still kicking and squirming and swelling my feet
It's hard to believe that so soon you'll be here
Filling our hearts with such love and such cheer
We've waited for you, we have prayed for the day
That we'll welcome you home, where you'll live, grow and stay
Your daddy and I so await your debut
To see your sweet face and to say "We love you."

A thought...and a new vow

I am making a promise to myself that I intend to keep forever. If a pregnant woman ever tells me she is tired, I am going to empathize with her and remind her of how much it is worth it! Especially if this pregnant person is super close to giving birth. Why do people feel the need to constantly say, "Pfft. It only gets worse."??? How does that help anyone? I would think it actually gets BETTER at some point and that you should encourage them toward that thought. So what if it takes a year to get there? I think it is important to validate pregnant women and how they are feeling. Not make them feel like poo. This is my lifelong goal now. =)

**And FYI - none of my friends or family have made me feel this way whatsoever! It's some people at work and random people who shouldn't be offering their advice to me anyways! Leave me alone! =P

For Roy...

This post is dedicated to Roy Bunch, who wants to know how we are doing in our 9th month of pregnancy (WAY past 7th!!).

We are great! It is a bit hot, but not too bad. I am big and my body gets sore, but sitting down with my feet up feels great. My ankles swell by the end of the day but at least it's not my face (yet). Sometimes my emotions get the best of me, but I have a terrific husband who talks me off the ledge. =D I would say that physically speaking, I am ready to just have the baby! I can't wait to bend over the sink to pluck my eyebrows again or tie my shoes or use my hands to pick things up off the ground rather than my toes! But I am looking forward to a few weeks of rest before the big welcome for little Henry.

Jim is handling pregnancy quite well. =) I'm sure I am a constant source of entertainment for him as I explain (not whine, thank you) all the woe's of my poor body. He is very accomodating and I am very appreciative. He is doing great at his new job and enjoying the different company culture that NIKE offers. I am so happy for him.

That's an update! Woohoo for me!

WOW

My husband ran a marathon on Saturday. He rocks. He was a bit salty-faced at the end, but had a great attitude and a huge smile on his face whenever we'd catch him on the run. I am so proud of him! I still think he's crazy...

And props to Trent, who ran it with Jim, and kept him laughing the whole way! =D

Since I've married Jim, he has become many things:

1. An avid hiker
2. A backpacking enthusiast
3. Camper extraordinaire
4. Snow shoeing adventurer
5. Sometimes not so graceful cross country skier (hehe)
6. A casual runner (to keep him in shape for all his other hobbies)
7. A marathon runner

I think it is fair to say that I was not made aware of this adventurous side of Jim when we got married. If only I knew what I was getting myself in to...

I would still love him.

The difference a year can make

Tomorrow marks the anniversary of one of the saddest days in my and Jim's lives. I can still feel the pain of loss like it was yesterday, but the Lord has blessed us so much in this one year, way beyond what we could have imagined, that the pain becomes easier to bear. I cannot explain the depth our marriage has grown or the strength our friendships have taken, but these things are what I am thankful for each and every day. We have a precious baby boy on the way, a new house to put together and enjoy with our friends and family, so many baby nephews to love and hold born in the last 8 months, amazing, AMAZING friends and family... I am so thankful that even in the deepest heartache, God can reach down and grant us peace - that He makes His love for us known in so many other ways. True, it is hard not to get just what we want, right when we want it, exactly how we planned for it. But now I cannot argue that the Lord knew better than me - knew the person I would become, the things I would learn, the bonds that would grow stronger.

Thank you to all our family and friends, who have helped make this past year not one of suffering, but one of many joys and good memories. I am eternally grateful for the love and support that has helped put the smile on my face today. Thank you especially to my husband, who has shown me more love than I deserve and who sacrificed so much to keep me going. I love you all.

Uh oh

My appetite is increasing. The days of "I've worn the same pregnancy clothes throughout my whole pregnancy" are sure to be over soon. Ah well!

Does 10 weeks seem like it's not very far away to anyone else? AH!

So, I'm having to train multiple people at work in several different areas of my job. I would say that it is the most stressful thing I'm involved in right now - over preparing for a baby, selling a house, buying a house and Jim starting a new job. But the funny part to me is, I am getting so tired of talking! I know! Who has ever heard of such a thing? =) But seriously, I talk, talk, talk and explain things all day long, every day. I'm tired of hearing my own voice, and I didn't think I'd EVER say that. Huh. And how am I supposed to pass along all the info I just so happen to know after working here so long?? Ayaiyai. Too much.

And I'm hungry again...

Best news ever...

One more thing to be absolutely happy about!

New home

Hello everyone! Jim and I made an offer on a beautiful home last night and it was accepted! If everything moves forward according to plan, we will have the keys to our new house on June 12th. Yikes! Just enough time to put a baby room together - not to mention the rest of the house.

Here are some pics of the house, though I don't think they do it justice...

Bums, burgers and burns

I love how I've been saying, "Wow, this baby's got a sharp behind" when all along it's most likely been his foot. =D

Only 3 1/2 pounds gained this month! Woohoo! According to our doctor, I am perfect, my uterus is perfect and my baby is perfect. A man who knows how to treat a woman! After hearing all this "perfect" business, I felt totally justified in stuffing my face full of Wendy's right after my appointment. Mmmm. Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, Fries and a Frosty...you warm my heart. A girl's got to indulge sometimes! Especially when she is "perfect."

On to other things... Do you ever wonder why you do certain things? Especially when you KNOW what the consequence will very likely be? Thanks to my pregnancy born clumsiness (ok - so I'm not the picture of grace when I'm not pregnant either), I burned my thumb on my curling iron a couple days ago because I wasn't paying attention. So I have this lovely mark that is starting to heal over. I get it real close to my face to have a good look. For some reason it strikes me it would be neat to pinch the skin in the middle with my nails and see what happens. DANG IT! WHY STEPHANIE? I KNOW what is going to happen! OW! Raw spot in the middle! Now it burns all over again.

Friends

Can I just say how blessed I felt yesterday? I got to watch as Mike and Eric slaved away at our house with Jim - finishing one chore and asking for another as I watched helplessly, unable to climb ladders, lift heavy objects...you get the picture. My favorite mental picture (should have taken a real one!) was watching the three of them pick weeds together in our front yard. They were chit-chatting away and laughing and filling paper bags to overflowing (which I suppose I should be embarrassed about). =/ Anyhow, I just feel so lucky that we know so many people who would offer their time and backs to help us with such icky housework. I know we often take for granted what a blessing it is to have such amazing friends. I have people tell me all the time that they wish they could say the same. You guys are awesome!! Thank you SO MUCH!

And we've got all your backs when the time comes for any of YOU to pick weeds and clean windows!

Good practice

Ohmygoodness. I cannot tell you how much fun it was to take Jim to have his wisdom teeth pulled! It only took about a 1/2 hour, which was fantastic for me, and the doctor was really nice. When they wheeled him out in the wheelchair with a mouth FULL of gauze, I could NOT contain myself. The poor boy! He was so funny! Funny looking with the gauze, but also as loopy as they come! I don't remember laughing so hard in a long time. The whole way home he would repeat himself over and over, asking the same questions, telling me he wanted to spit... And THEN he wanted to come into the grocery store with me while I filled his prescriptions!!! I had to tell him quite firmly, "NO. Stay in the car. I'll be right back." But he was so cute! So helpless! I loved it. =D

The practice part came into play when we got home and I got to change his narsty gauze many times, stick wet tea bags in the back of his mouth, remove them, more gauze, medicine. AND WHEN HE COULD START EATING! Oh boy, then it was really game time. I can't tell you how many times I heard, "Stephanie...I'm hungry!" =) I felt like I was constantly on the move to keep him comfortable, but I'll tell you what, I loved it! It's nice when you get to turn the coin and be the one "taking care" of someone else. He has proven himself a worthy caretaker of me many different times and deserved all of my attention.

I'll tell you what else... It was all worth it just to spend that one hour of total loopiness with him on Friday. I will never forget that precious hour when my husband, for once, was nowhere near being in control, saying the most odd things, stuffed full of cotton and totally dependent on me. =) Sweet boy.

PS Jim recovered very well, for the most part and is doing great.
PPS Oh yes...I took pictures.

Pictures, Puss and Poo

I thought I'd provide a picture of my growing belly for all of you who don't see me on a regular basis...or at all!

Here's me at 20 weeks:















And here's me on Monday, at 26 weeks (yikes!):















Things are quite well - baby is still quite active and we are just enjoying the miracle of the "alien in belly" phenomenon. I just passed on a horrid cold to Jim (oops), but I'm glad to be over with it. There is nothing worse than being sick and miserable and not being able to take anything to help numb your pain. I watch Jim take his Tylenol Cold PM every night with a bit of jealousy... But I'm glad he can take something to help him sleep, especially now! I would still keep him up with my out of control bladder if he weren't on drugs!

Speaking of Jim being on drugs...he gets his wisdom teeth out on Friday! I can't wait to see what kind of reaction he has to the surgery. All I remember is him walking into my bedroom just hours after I had mine taken out and LAUGHING. So my cheeks were a little puffy! I will have the camera charged and ready. Blood, puss and swelling to you (man, I'm gross)! Muahahahaha! (I really do love him a lot) =D

I have discovered a new joy...shaving my dog. She has been very patient as I test out different ways to trim her long wispies with the clippers. So what if she's a little crooked looking on the backside? It's getting hot and she'll be so much more comfortable! I am suffering from the "trying to get it even" syndrome, and I just end up taking off too much in huge clumps - one side, then the next....wait...now I need to fix this side... You see? The pattern goes on and on. So I just stop at some point and let her look a little nerdy. =D All I know is Maddie still loves me and I love her more when she doesn't get poo on her hiney hair.

I have nothing further to share at this point, so I say, TOODLE LOO!

Rock-a-bye Baby

And I don't mean lullaby. Our baby is a rocker! He is constantly moving, poking, kicking at all hours of the day! I know all you women who have been pregnant are laughing at this girl who thinks she is the only one who gets to go through this, but I am not that dense. I know this is the life of a pregnant woman! I just have to talk about it! And I seriously think my baby might move a bit more than normal! Am I naive?? :) All day! ALL day! What does that mean when he's out of my womb?? Oh dear....

It has been lots of fun watching our little one move body and limbs all over my tummy. Quite strange and yet, such a miracle. :) We had our 6 month appointment yesterday (ACK! 6 months!) and everything went very well. Only time in my life I will be okay to hear I have gained 19 pounds. ACK! Apparently, 19 lbs. at the 24th week is still right in the middle of where I need to be, so I am okay with it. But come on, when anyone hears, "So, you've gained 19 pounds..." your first reaction is "WHAT?!" :) Where did it all go? Hmm. Maybe I shouldn't ask that question...

Anyhoo. Life is full of so much good stuff. :) Jim and I have been very faithful with our nightly walks, averaging about 45 - 60 minutes each walk. It is a great time to laugh and talk and watch Maddie get excited at everything she can see. We feel so blessed with so much, it makes it hard to complain about anything (like heavy budgeting - arg).

Life is good. Thank you, Lord!

Does anyone remember yesterday when the sky was blue and the air was warm and the birds were chirping and the kids were playing? That was AWESOME.

What happened?

Fridays

Fridays are the best days and the worst days. You wait for Friday all week long and daydream about what you'll do on the weekend (or how much you are going to rest...yes!) and as soon as Friday gets here, it's the longest day in the world! What's up with that?! Can't it be 5:00 already? I think I'll write a poem...

Friday, you are here at last!
Thank goodness that the week has past
I'm all burnt out and going crazy
My little brain is going hazy
Rescue me from work, I say!
It's time to rest and eat and play!
Friday, loyal, trusting friend
Won't this hour ever end?

Yours truly,
Stephanie

Happy Birthday to me...

I wanted to share the precious poem that Becky and Sarah wrote for me on my birthday. Get ready for pure delight (and entertainment!!)!

Stephanie Stephanie Marr
She has a pretty new car
With a fancy new do
One thing is true
When people walk by they go "Rarr!"
Inside her tummy is a boy
Who certainly brings her great joy
When she sings "lala"
He goes "Hi-yah!"
We sure hope he likes Chips-ahoy! (my personal favorite line...)

Isn't that special? I love my friends! Delight! Delight! We had a lovely day together full of Red Robin french fries (yummm) and waiters that sing to you (giiiiiiirls!) and shopping yesterday. All with two babies! Good times for all. Thank you to my dear, sweet friends for the fun day and the gifts. You shouldn't have... :) I love you all!

Is it weird that my legs are sore from two days of walking? I mean, I do keep a mean pace, but is that sad? I don't mean they are sore like I really strenuously exercised. They're just sore. Mostly my calves. Must be the hills. =D

We're having a....

BOY!

And so is everyone else in the world!! Where are all the girls? Jim just found out today some friends of ours from his work are also having a boy. Good grief! In the past year, I have had 13 friends who have had or are expecting boys - and only one little girl! I think it's because there has been such a shortage of men in the world. This will give more women a chance to find themselves a mate. =D

Our baby continues to grow...his movements get more and more obvious every day. It's all very exciting and I can't wait for Jim to be able to feel his little kicks, too. I keep making him put his hand on my tummy and wait...wait...wait...DANGIT! He just can't feel it yet. Soon enough!

So things are great and I am huge. I know, I know. I'm not "huge" yet. But I just feel it. I know, I know. It only gets worse. Ayaiyai! Fun times.

On another note...Jim and I went for a long walk last night and I have decided we must do it more often. We do it once or twice a week, but mostly on weekends. It is such good exercise, especially around where we live, what with all the hills (geesh!). Plus, we just get to talk and Maddie is happy. So out comes my rainhat! Fitness, here I come!

(hahahahahahahahahahaha)

Today is a day of constant ups and downs (in regards to excitement).

I wake up to a lovely blanket of snow (Ooooh, pretty!).

I turn on the news - hear that it will soon turn to rain (Aw, man!).

I'm at work, it starts to snow again, pretty heavily (Sweet! We'll get to go home soon!).

It starts to rain. (Grrrr...)

It's snowing again! Huge flakes! Sticking to the cars! (I wonder what's happening at my house?!?! Should I go home??)

Rain.

Nothing.

Wet.

Boooooo.

Oh well. It was pretty while it lasted. But I'm not so sure it's over.

Ack! It's time for lunch! No wonder I'm hungry!!

PS Jim, Maddie was SO excited in the backyard this morning. Paw prints everywhere!

Jim...

Come home, come home
It's time, my dear
The dog and cat are
All in tears
The house feels big
An empty place
The bed is cold
With too much space
So quiet is
The stairway down
Into the place
We eat and lounge
Every door
Is locked and sealed
There's not a window
Giving yield
Our home will feel
Much safer when
Its man is back
In it again
My heart will be
At peace once more
As soon as you
Walk through our door.

Shoes and stuff

There is something so satisfying when you know a brand of shoes so well, you can walk in, like how a pair looks, tell how the heel will feel and just purchase them without even trying them on. I have found this brand of shoes - Franco Sarto. I do try them on b/c I'm like that, but I know I don't need too. It feels good.

I also love gift cards that pay for this brand of shoe. =)

I only share that b/c it's been the highlight of my day and Jim needs me to blog so he can feel connected to the rest of his world while he's in Astoria. I'm trying to think of anything else that has crossed my mind that is in any way interesting to share...

My cat is fat and whines too much.

My puppy is cute.

Why do animals follow you all around the house - up the stairs, down the stairs - all the time, every day? Have they not learned that there is no pot of gold (or in their case, pot of treats) at the end of my journey to the closet upstairs? And then to the dishwasher? I think they have a disorder.

It's more fun when Jim's home.

There should be no such thing as meteorology in Portland.

I am 98 % sure I felt our baby kick last night. It was a little "thump, thump...thump" and it was over, but it was the most precious thing I've ever felt. It was also so different than I expected it to feel. It's funny how you have no idea what to expect but then something happens and you just know what it was. Now if only he/she would do it again...

Something my male boss should never share with me: "Does it smell like raw sewage in the women's restroom? It REALLY does in the men's. It smells like, well, nevermind. It just smells bad. (chuckle) Maybe the air freshener is out." Uh...

That's all for now!

Happy Friday with lots of sun

Oh my goodness. Let me start by saying I love being an assistant. I love feeling like I help the executives of our company finish projects and complete processes. I love hearing "thank you" every single day. However, it is very hard to be the assistant of both the President AND Vice President!! I get torn in a million different directions sometimes! Today is not so bad, but it makes me laugh when every time I go to sit down, one of them walks in with something new and off I go to scan it, copy it, type it, review it, file it, etc. As soon as I get back, it's the other! I'm so tired! =P

I'm so excited b/c Jim comes home tonight!! YAH! Maddie is desperate to see him. I am, apparently, not enough for her. I come home and she wags her tail and takes my pats for a minute but no sooner am I through the kitchen that she is plopped facing the door to the garage waiting for Jim to come home. I walk her, feed her, pick up her poo, and still do not satisfy her little heart like her dear, sweet Jim. Pfft. Animals.

On a happier note for me, Sam doesn't seem to notice Jim is not home. As long as someone is filling his food bowl, he is fine. I'm sure I will take that statement back when Jim walk through the door (MEOOOW, PRRRPRRR, MEOW), but whatever.

You know, it's a funny business- wishing for things. Doesn't it often turn out that you wish for something with all your might and when it comes, it knocks you over with full force? Yes, well, a few weeks ago I was saying how I just wanted my tummy to grow so I could have reassurance my baby was growing. And hello! All of a sudden I'm an Easter Egg! Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but I feel like I'm much bigger than either of my dear best friends who were just recently pregnant were at this stage. I suppose I will have to embrace it! =D

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

STOP IT!

For all of you wondering what Maddie would look like as a mommy... sweet girl.













Too bad!!! (Is that evil?)

Sooo...does anyone remember a few years ago when the news reported that workplaces should implement naptime for those employees who wished to take advantage of it b/c it made for a more productive environment? Yes, well, I think it is a grand idea and why is it that 5 year olds with endless energy must have naps but dragging adults get none?!?!? All that to say, I'm tired.

Here's a pic of Jim's new friends...












Now, just for fun, let's look at how Sam used to look before he loved to eat (also notice how thrilled Jim is to be taking a picture)...













Can you tell I'm bored today? Not that I don't have anything to do, I'm just bored of doing it! I hope everyone is having a much more exciting day than me.

Here's something to talk about...LOST. There were some great revelations regarding Claire - Ethan is so creepy. What does anyone think about the clothes and fake beard and stuff that Kate found in the lockers last night? Obviously, we know what that means, but WHY? It's one huge psychological game!! There is still some mysterious power on the island that I'm not understaning yet. And I still need to know where the heck a polar bear came from. And why. Sigh.

I will end this pointless blogging session now.

Random bits and pieces

Well, it's gorgeous outside right now, which is great, since the forecast has nothing but rain for us starting tonight. I just love bright blue skies scattered with big, puffy, cottonball clouds.

I need to say something. I am so SICK of American Idol. Why is it on three nights a week for 2 hours? And even if I work up the desire to watch a few idiots try to sing Celine Dion or Mariah Carey songs, it doesn't last long b/c of the million commercial breaks every 2 seconds! What IS that? I'm tired of watching Paula and Simon argue. I'm tired of hearing Randy say "Dawg." I'm tired of hearing okay singers complain about how they are so much better than they really are. Get over yourselves!

Sorry - had to vent.

Here's some follow-up news on the sinkhole on Tualatin-Sherwood Road (b/c I know you are all dying to hear it): The city has recently been doing work with the pipes under the Road closer to Sherwood which has resulted in a very long concrete bump in the road. Well, THAT is what sunk in! Nice job on your work, boys!

What else can I go on about? Oh yes. I think our cat has IBS. Either that, or he just loves to hang out in his litter box. I am awoken every night by the sound of litter being sprinkled all over our bathroom floor (lovely for wet feet) and the constant dig, dig, dig. What is he searching for? Lost treasure? Gross. Jim has had the thrill of cleaning out the litter box for the past 5 months, so he knows first hand that Sam is keeping busy in there.

Wasn't that a charming piece of info for you?

Jim is still gone and I still miss him. =( But I got a lot of filing done! Until next time, my friends!!

Question...

What do you do when your husband is out of town and you have a backache?? Call a spa? =)

For all of you reading who are Jim's friends (that's pretty much everyone who is reading), he is doing well in Astoria and went for a lovely run this morning. He has a nice hotel room with a King size bed (enjoy it while you can!!) and heated bathroom floors (ooooh). He says we need to come back together and spend some time b/c there are lots of "fun shops and restaurants in the downtown area." That's right. My husband said fun shops. =) (that better not mean outdoor gear)

I have nothing left that is interesting to share...WAIT! There is a sinkhole on Tualatin-Sherwood Road!!! Can you believe it? I saw it on the news this morning and changed my route to work. Okay, so that wasn't really interesting. Toodle loo!

Raining cats and dogs

Have you ever had a moment where it dawns on you that your dog and cat love your spouse more than you??? I have had this moment. When Jim says "Come," Maddie comes. When I say "Come," Maddie looks at me and keeps on with whatever she is doing! Excuse me?!?! Also, when we let her come up on the bed, Maddie snuggles her face into Jim's neck. If it's just me on the bed, I get to snuggle with her bum.

Then there's the cat. He pretty much jumps up in Jim's lap as soon as he sits on the couch, purring away contentedly. The only recognition I get from him is the "MEOOOOW" which clearly means, "Dude. I'm out of food." WhatEVER.

Sooo...Jim goes out of town and the beautiful, clear forecasts turn to rain. Every day. Just when I am solely responsible for walking Maddie. Booo.

I do not like it when Jim is gone. It makes things feel like something is not right. And the bed is much colder. Luckily, I have made a list of lots of things I plan to get done, so I will be very, very busy and out and about! Hopefully, that means the week will go by faster... Plus, going to bed at 8:00 PM really helps the time fly. =) (On second thought, maybe I'll just sleep a lot).

Soiree

Guess what, everybody?! Guess who had fun at the Valentines Soiree?? You betcha! None other than our dearly beloved Jim Marr!!

Yes, folks...he laughed at jokes, enjoyed the music so much we bought a CD, had cheesecake, made guesses at the extremely difficult Valentines quiz and talked it up with Clark and Glennie Tanner and Lee and Cheryl Albaugh who were sitting at our table, along with my parents. He even said all the words with sweetness and sincerity when we all had to stand up and renew our vows to each other. I think I even saw a tear...maybe not. But maybe. =)

It's true. He had a good time. Don't let him tell you otherwise!! Men can like soirees, too! It was a really great Valentines gift to be there with him. Awwhhh...

Mmmm...delicious

There is nothing as satisfying as a good orange.











Just thought I'd share what I was snacking on. =) You're welcome.

On another note...you know you've found great friends when they're willing to enter a talent show with you and act like rappers. Even the pregnant one! Sweet. Someone bring a video camera.

Thank you, dear...

So Jim and I reinstated our weekly "date night" that we stuck to like glue when we lived in Seattle. We wanted to support a local Sherwood coffee shop, but they all close by 6, so we ended up at the Sherwood Starbucks. At least we know it's good coffee! We had a nice, relaxing time together, even though the rain was pelting down sideways against the windows. Ah, Oregon...

This brings me to the next phase of events. We finish our coffee and Jim says, "Let's go over to Safeway so I can get some snacks for skiing tomorrow." I said that would be fine but then Jim added the words, "Let's just walk." I of course put up a fight, seeing that we might get swept away by the severe winds and torrential downpour, but noooo.

After much whining, I grumpily conceded to Jim's plan. Since I was wearing my glasses, I took them off so I didn't have to deal with streak-time USA while we shopped. This was my mistake. I tried to follow Jim as he sprinted - yes SPRINTED (thank you 6'4" man) across the parking lot. I was in a steady trot far behind him but instead of jumping over all the huge puddles that were sprinkled across the lot like he so gracefully accomplished, I landed right in the middle of every one, since I COULD NOT SEE WORTH BEANS! And then all Jim got was beef jerkey and pork rinds. I got soaked for THAT?!?!

Date night...fun times.

To blog or not to blog?

It is funny to me that the whole premise of a blog is just keeping a diary of sorts, yet we all refrain from posting anything unless we have something funny or extremely interesting to share for fear of our friends thinking we're boring. We're not all like Mike or Jim (recently on a leave of absence from the blogging community), who can turn the most mundane series of events into a humorous tale worthy of sharing. Sometimes during the day something will happen to me and I'll think to myself, "Oooh! I should blog that!" Mmhmm. Do you think that even 5 minutes later I remember what happened or even that I have a blog??? So sad.

Anyhow. Here's my funny story. Last night there was nothing worth watching on TV, so Jim suggested we go upstairs and throw a movie in until we got tired and fell asleep. It was about 8:45 at that time. We started the movie at 9:00 and at 9:15, I woke up to Jim's heavy breathing. Oh yes, my friends. Both of us out cold. Funny thing was, right before Jim suggested watching a movie, I suggested going upstairs to read to which he replied, "It's only 8:45, Steph." Haha.

See? Not even funny!!

Jim has to get his wisdom teeth out! It's about time!

A Great Promise

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3

Thanks, Mom. =)

I love Mickey Mouse.

C onverses
A dorably with
R eally
S illy and
O h so cute
N oises

What a cutie pie we have to love !!!















**Inspired by numerous gurgling conversations this past week.

Compromise

The sign of a good marriage is the ability to creatively compromise. I was reminded yesterday how lucky I am to be married to someone who though totally different than I, can understand my needs, no matter how silly or "unreal" they are. It makes me feel good to know that Jim acknowledges my need for make believe and magic, especially during this time of the year. Let's be honest, Jim is the more realistic half of our marriage. =) BUT--we have mixed both our families traditions into one that we will someday share with our children. It feels good.

Here comes Santa Claus
Here comes Santa Claus....

Ode to Jim

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are your branches
So full of sap we cannot see
How lovely are your branches
You're never straight on the first try
When you fall down we wonder why
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
Why do we even booooooooooother?








Please note: Once it's up and lovely, we love it. :)

Weather

I am tired of living in a place that can't anywhere near accurately predict the weather. My expectations were to awake and spend the day in a magical winterland with my dog, but alas...rain.

Boooo.

WASHINGTON SQUARE

The day after turkey we head to the mall
Now filled with such fun decorations for all
A big, red SALE sign at every store front
Causes ladies to push and to glare and to grunt
Women balance purse, bags and hot Starbucks cup
As the husbands try ever so hard to keep up
Children are screaming and running around
Teens wander off in hopes they won't be found
I love the excitement of this shopping day
Happy day after Thanksgiving, to each in your way!

Yikes!

It was Halloween when I last blogged and now it is almost Thanksgiving! So much has happened since then!

Jen's in choir again! Woohoo!

Maine...Boston...amazing trip!

HARRY POTTER 4!!!!!!!!! Yesssss!

For the first time in over 2 months, Jen, Sarah, Becky and I went out for several hours together!!

Hi Lindsey! =)

Carson played Outburst with us!

In two days I will be making my first Thanksgiving meal!!! Ayaiyai!

Sorry there is nothing more interesting to blog about...

However, I would like to say thank you to my family of friends who so willingly offer their prayers over tough situations. You know of what I speak and I am so grateful to all of you. Love you all!

ps I bet no one can use as many exclaimation marks as me!

Happy Halloween everyone!

And here are some lovely photos, courtesy of Jim's parents, of our Jim as a youngster, enjoying himself as a cat and an apple. Wasn't he darling???















Meoooooooow. (That's Jim's sis, Kathy, as Raggedy Ann, I think)















Don't you just want to coat him in caramel and nuts and eat him up?

Fantasy land

No, not Disney World.

Do you ever have days where you wish that the world around you was like what you watched in My Little Pony or Rainbow Brite? And the bad stuff that happened in your life could be destroyed by goodness and cheery dispositions?

Today I wish I could shoot a big part of a rainbow out of my tummy and Care Bear Stare some people here at work. 'Cause GOSH, they need it!

I shall close my eyes tight and imagine that everything around me is poofy clouds and colorful landscapes, talking animals and glimmering waterfalls. Actually, that is a great thought. My co-workers have just become cartoon characters in my head. Hehe. Sweet.

Last night was...

...A bsolutely
...P ositively
...P ure
de L iciousness for
...E veryone!!!

And a big thank you to Sarah and Eric for hosting a Caramel-Apple-Making-Party, which I might add, were scrumptious. And thank you to Mike for pounding up the peanuts ever so creatively...and to Jim for taking pictures...and to Becky for trying to squeeze a ziploc full of leftover peanuts back into the peanut container. A huge "we missed you" to Jen, Trent and Carson!! This is definitely a do-over type shindig.

Harvest Party

Several days later, I feel the need to speak my enjoyment of the Thompsons' annual Harvest Party. 'Twas on Saturday, starting with the 'ol pumpkin patch on Sauvie Island...always a fun trip, with yummy corn-on-the-cob and scrumptious elephant ears. I was oh-so-thrilled that Jen and Trent were able to come with Carson, who slept the entire time. Woohoo! What a trooper. My favorite part of the pumpkin patch is always when I pick out the largest pumpkin at the very back of the patch and Jim has to carry it all the way back to the tractor. Hehe. Not intentional, I swear!

Then on we go to the Thompsons' house for fellowship and lots-o-delicious fixins. Can I just say I love mashed potatoes?? Yessss. Good times. What good friends and family we have. =)

Thanks to Sarah and Eric for a super fun time!!!

Sarah

Sarah is the sweetest girl
Ever in the whole wide world
She's thoughtful and extremely kind
The prettiest you'll ever find
A quiet spirit, fresh and new
Forever selfless, loving, true
A friend like this is hard to find
I'm so glad I can call her mine.

Puzzles are fun

Jim and I have taken up puzzles as of late. It's one of those things you forget you like to do. When we were younger, Jeremiah and I would spend hours actually not fighting and putting a puzzle together. Good times. Now Jim and I are spending quality time together over a puzzle rather than the TV all night. It's quite nice. I unfortunately chose some rather difficult puzzles full of all the same colors with 1000 tiny pieces. We're going blind but having fun!

In case my mom is reading, we finally have our new fence put in to go with our new backyard lawn. It is all so very beautiful. I let Maddie go outside to test it all out for the first time last night and she was so confused. She walked all the way around the perimeter, staying only on the barkdust. When she ended up back on the porch, she looked up at me very confused. But then, before I could say "It's just grass," she took off in what I call her back-and-forth sprints, where she runs back and forth about 20 feet a million times. She seemed to enjoy the new backyard as much as we do. Then, in the spirit of loving something so nice, we went to the park so she could not poo on our pretty grass. =)

LOST II

Was I right about those new characters or was I right? Woop woop! (how sad that I have also picked this up...)

LOST

I need to answer Eric's question regarding who took Walt. I still believe there are "others" on the island. I just don't think it's the group we have now seen. I think they are survivors from another part of the plane and have taken a different approach to surviving than Jack and crew. I could be wrong, but that's my guess. Perhaps they have seen more of the odd stuff on the island, which causes them to react aggressively to newcomers. Hopefully, some light will be shed on THAT one tonight. Hmph.

Man...there are some days that just aren't good for working. That is today for me. I need to crawl back under my covers and hibernate for a while, as I am not anywhere near being productive today. On the one hand, I love the change to the cool, rainy season. On the other hand, it just makes me sleepy. Oh well.

Did you know you could set up a registry at potterybarn.com for any occasion?? How cool is that? Of course, no one will know it exists unless I tell them, which seems weird..."What do you want for Christmas?" "Oh - check out my registry at Pottery Barn!"...but it's cool! Hmm. I suppose we do the same thing with Amazon wishlists...Pottery Barn should call it a wishlist instead. That makes it sound better. You have to choose a date for your occasion, so I chose Christmas day. Ha. 74 shopping days left!!!

For you, Jim.

B een at a
L oss
O f
G reat inspiration to blog lately.

Maybe more later?

I knew it...

This guy was on the plane and is not one of "the others."

How do I know? Because he was friendly with this woman:

Though I do not expect this common sense to hold, coming from JJ Abrahms. Question: How can this man fix an ancient computer in under 5 minutes? In the dark, no less?

Grass

Grass is green
Grass smells nice
Providing backyard paradise
Friends and dogs
Can celebrate
With hamburgers and fresh grilled steak
A place to run
And spend the day
A place our dog can cleanly play
In times of rain
I will not cry
When Maddie whines to go outside
Way easier
To scoop the poop
To that I yell a loud "WOOP WOOP!"
Thank you Jim
My husband dear
For having grass put in this year!

Autumn Rain

Rain is calming, soft and strong
Streaming down for hours long
Washing clean the earth's domain
Making fresh the air again
I do not mind the sun's farewell
I'm under fall's enchanting spell

Becky

I love Becky, yes I do
She's funny, kind and pretty, too
Here's a picture of my friend
Whom I'll love to the very end.



Heeeeee!