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.