31 October, 2011

Happy Carving

Not only did I gain a fun friend in my sister-in-law I also gained my very own, "Sarah 4-1-1" as I like to call her.  And this weekend she taught me some neat tricks to carving pumpkins!!  I was lucky enough to receive a mongo pumpkin from my co-worker's garden, thanks Jim!!  It was the biggest and most beautiful pumpkin I had ever seen and it needed to be made awesome! I obtained this great knowledge just in time!

I may have been in the dark all these years, and it is possible everyone else knows these tricks, but I am so stoked at how cool my pumpkin turned out, I have to share just in case I can enlighten someone else!

Trick one- 
I still don't know if I am sold on this trick, but I thought I would try it anyways. Instead of carving the pumpkin from the top, carve it from the bottom.  That way, it is easy to place the pumpkin over the lite candle!
(Thank you, strong husband, for cutting through this VERY thick pumpkin!)
And then you place the pumpkin on your head, naturally.

TRICK 2- Pumpkin Pattern
I guess I never really thought about it but you can buy pumpkin patterns. I always free-handed my pumpkins and was amazed at the fancy pumpkins I saw on other people's porches.

1. Find a pattern- there are plenty of free patterns on the internet, or you can make your own with images you find!

2. Pin the pattern on the pumpkin and take a push pin and poke holes on the outline of your pattern.
(Do you like the pattern we chose, I know, very patriotic!)

3. After you have pinned your pattern outline you take the pattern off the pumpkin and use that to carve your design!

Look at our final product!!  Our beautiful pumpkin all lit up!
(Aren't you impressed, I am!  Oh, PS- we found out the day we carved our pumpkin it was the Statue of Liberty's 125th Birthday! Extra fun!)

This pattern thing is genius for un-artsy people like me! So many options!  Happy Carving!

27 October, 2011

Thankful Thursday

When Kev and I were first dating I was working as a waitress... let's just say I did not have a great attitude during my employment.  At the time Kev and I were dating long distance and I would call him on my way to work. On my drive to the restaurant I would cry and on my drive home from the restaurant I would cry.  Kev was a great sport, I am so thankful he stuck with me and all my craziness.

Anyways, when I would call Kevin, all in a bad mood and hater of the world, he would make me tell him 5 things I was thankful for. At the time I despised this game, I didn't want to be thankful, I wanted to be mad and pouty and talk about all the things I hated.  But, after I forced out a few things I was thankful for, I felt better.

So, as our weather here in the beautiful NW is starting to turn to months and months of rain, I though I would start a Thankful Thursday and say 5 things that I am thankful for each week.

1. I am thankful for: The beautiful fall leaves! They are everywhere and we haven't had rain in a while so the leaves are crunchy and fun to kick up as you walk!
2. I am thankful for: Close friends at work! Always someone to talk to when I don't feel like working.
3. I am thankful for: The Healthy arrival of Baby Lucy! Praise the Lord! (see yesterdays post)

4. I am thankful for: Purchasing our plane tickets for the Erickson Thanksgiving Extravaganza.  And when I say extravaganza I mean it!  There are at least 30 people at this meal, it is a party!

5. I am thankful for: having so many family members living close.  On tonight's agenda; dinner with Brother Dan, Sister-in-law Sarah and my sweet bug-a-boo(nephew)!
Try it, it makes you feel better, I promise!

26 October, 2011

Job 1:21

As I mentioned in my last post Kev and I were in Southern California last weekend. We love visiting Kev's family, but this trip were were particularly excited to get down south.
Bags packed and gifts in hand we were were going to meet our new little niece, Lucy Grace! (Kev was VERY excited about giving Lu that little puppy, he picked it out himself!)

Everybody loves a baby but we were extra thrilled about this babe because we have been praying for her for years, literally years.  Kev's sister and brother-in-law(Rob and Karen) have been trying for, what feels like forever, to have a little one.  There were several years with heartaches, disappointments and sorrow.  But, we all kept praying for a baby Kimmons (BK as I would call her before she was formed. Jeremiah 1:5).

In January 2011, Kev and I got the call, Karen was pregnant!!!  We praised the Lord but we didn't stop praying.  Karen's pregnancy was anything but easy. Six months of bed rest, hundreds of doctor visits, thousands of prayers and nine months later BK was born!
Isn't she adorable?! It crazy how you can spend so much time just staring at a baby.
We spent the majority of the weekend, starting at the baby, talking about the baby, holding the baby and whispering while the baby slept! Here are some pictures of our baby filled weekend!
How many men does it take to put together a baby swing?
Kev and I taking a break from staring at the baby and enjoying the California sun.
Back to staring at the baby, look at those little piggies!!
Rob and Karen singing a song Rob wrote and composed.  God gave Lucy to some really awesome people.
Just a few of the people that prayed for Little Lucy's safe arrival.
Kev and I practicing!

It was a long process and many years of waiting but little BK is here! Kev and I learned so much about patience and God's faithfulness.  I can't imagine how much Rob and Karen must have learned!! Welcome to the world Baby Lucy, you will be very loved!

He Said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there.  The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." - Job 1:21

25 October, 2011

California Cravings

This past weekend Kev and I spent time with his family in Southern California.  Kev was born and raised in Southern California and I lived there for four years while attending BIOLA University (B-I-O-L-A, I am yelling our school chant in my head while I write this).  Even though I only lived in Southern California for a short time I grew to LOVE and crave a few things.
Ok- this may be very stereotypical, but it is so good!  In-N-Out is a-mazing! I sometimes want to go hog wild and get TWO double doubles.  But, I practice self control and limit myself to one single cheese burger with grilled onions.  My mouth is watering.
Don't be deceived.  This is not just an iced drink, this is THE BEST iced drink to every be brewed!!  I am not a big sugar connoisseur, so this unsweetened Vanilla Ceylon Ice Tea from Coffee Bean Tea Leaf could not make me happier.
And yes, I did order the 32oz much to my husband's dismay!  I mean, I can only get this drink when I am in California or Arizona.  Coffee Bean come to Oregon!!

Oh and I miss my California girls, Joce, Megs, and Rachy!

21 October, 2011

Retainer Girl

A few weeks ago I served on a week and a half long jury.  It was a very interesting processes and I learned a lot about our court system and a trial process.  What I found the most valuable were the skills used to present a convincing case.

So today, I will be presenting a, hopefully convincing, case of:  
Retainer Girl vs. Husband

History of Case:
I was nine years old when I went through the dreaded process of braces.  Though it was a young age I was done with braces at the age of 12, just in time for the cruel world of Junior High. I was able to get rid of the braces at a young age, but, I have never won the battle of the retainer.  I was told by my orthodontist that I would have to wear my retainer for life (are you kidding me?). Well, at the ripe old age of 25 I still slip on my tight retainers and wear them to bed a couple nights each month hoping they will keep my pearlers in the right place.

With out fail, the nights that I decide to wear my retainers, I hear, "Hello Retainer Girl," followed by, "Huh? What are you saying?  I can't understand you with that lisp." Thanks for the support Kev-o. Trying to keep my smile snaggle free for you!! Kev and I have had the discussion if my retainers help at all. ( I think he may want to avoid ever seeing retainer girl)  So, I decided to provide a little evidence of the importance of bring retainer girl to bed from time to time.



Evidence:

Exhibit 1.
Night before retainer use. Please pay close attending to slightly crooked bottom tooth.
(Please excuse this scary, and much too close picture)

Exhibit 2.
Night after retainer use
(Can you see a difference in the crooked bottom teeth department?)
 

Closing Statement:
Though changes may be slight in one night of wear, maybe the crooked tooth would never show his face if retainer girl showed her face more often. Is it worth it to be called names, to be made fun of and to be asked to take out my retainers before we pray at night? I think so.  Case and Point.
If no one else appreciates my efforts to keep a straight grill, I know my parents will.  Thanks for all the orthodontic work as a kiddo! Love you guys!



PS- My retainer case is red, who do you think owns the dusty blue retainer case? Naughty, naughty.

20 October, 2011

Anxiously Look About

Lately I have been struggling with my job, actually as I am writing this I am sitting at my desk at work.  When I hear someone coming, I quickly switch to my outlook and pretend to look at an email, don't judge me.

I am a personal assistant.  Yes, exactly like "2 Weeks Notice", "Devil Wears Prada", and "Bucket List".  I am asked to do and accomplish many similar tasks as the assistants on those movies (within moral and ethical reason, of course). On my facebook profile, my job description reads, "I am Pepper Pots."

Even though my job has me doing and experiencing some really neat things, I have been mulling over many thoughts: does my job have meaning? What am I going to do after this job? Am I learning a skill? I want a job where I can use my brain.  Is this job ever going to go anywhere?

Poor Kev has had to hear me talk in circles over and over and over... you get the picture.  And every morning I bring it to God asking him to tell me what I should do; to settle my heart and my anxiety over all the questions I have been asking.  Well, this morning I got my answer.  God has placed me in my job, these are the people he wants me to share his love and joy with.  It doesn't matter what I am doing or who I am working with, at this job is where he wants me.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10

(me and my co-workers that made it to mine and Kev's wedding)

Now, the only thought that must mull over now is, "am I pleasing God in the place where he wants me?"

19 October, 2011

Fellowship of the Ring

I really need to get better at taking pictures.  I feel so blessed to do so many awesome things and I get so caught up in the moment I forget to capture it. So, with that being said, I apologize for the lack of pictures for this post!

Last night Kev and I were given 4 tickets to Lord of the Ring in Concert at the Rose Garden.  We offered the other two tickets to Dan and Sarah, and bonus, bug!!  This concert could not have been a more perfect event for Kev-o and I.  Here is why, Kev-o LOVES all things that are intelletual: classic books, orchestras, politics, etc. I love all things that are mindless: blogs, cooking, movies.  This event was a perfect mesh of both!!  On a huge jumbo screen they showed the movie, "Fellowship of the Ring" and then a live symphony performed the score!!  It was Regal on steroids! We were both very pleased!  We would go again in a heart beat!

(Sarah and Bug- he slept through all the action, like a champ!)

17 October, 2011

Cake Taker

My mom is amazing,  I am sure many people feel that way about their mother's but mine really is the best.  She is the best tickler, story teller, cuddler, therapist, comfort food maker, and encourager.  But, where my mom really takes the cake is when she throws a party!

Last Saturday was my Grandpa's birthday (don't worry, Grandpa, your secret is safe with me).  My Grandpa is a wine connoisseur, so, naturally, my mom threw him a Wine and Cheese party.

(Disclaimer: I wasn't very diligent at taking pictures at the party, so we will have to make due with that I captured.)

Full spread of cheese, fruit and munchies.  I think mama purchased most of the cheese from Costco.
My Grandma made little placards for each cheese; stating its origin, contents and which wine it was paired best with.
Yum-0 cheese fondue, super easy.  Find the recipe here. ( I probably should havewaited to dip my bread before I took the picture, it was just so yummy, I couldn't wait!!)

We asked Gramps to give us a quick wine education, but as Grandpa goes, it was not very quick!  =P
I can't take any credit for this event.  I literally showed up to the party empty handed, gorged myself and didn't even help clean up, I know, shame on me! From the cheese placards to the wine glass charms, my mom thought and did it all (with some help from my dad I am sure).  She doesn't miss a detail. Everything she does has thoughtfulness and love attached.  I hope one day I can be like my mom, and not only by learning manners and helping out, but by learning from her so that I can make everything as special as she does!

15 October, 2011

Apples and Bugs

My husband and I live in Portland, OR, and there are many great things about living here. It is beautiful, green, and lush; our city has incredible restaurants and food carts; the people are environmentally friendly and in return our city is clean.  But the best part of Portland is that my family lives here.  My Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brother and sister (Mom and Dad are in Bend but we LOVE to visit there) are all nearby. We love having family around because there is always someone to hang out with.  The only down part of living in Portland is the rain, rain, rain and our short two months of summer.  Being October, I have been in denial that the big, hot, sun will not be lost and forgotten for 9 months.

Last weekend, Portland experienced a rare rain-free Saturday in October. I had never been to an apple orchard and always thought a picnic in an orchard sounded nothing less than amazing!  So, I called up my sister-in-law, Sarah, to see if she, my brother and my sweet 2-month-old nephew wanted to visit an apple farm.   With little convincing we were all jam packed in their Suburu headed to Hood River to visit the Kiyokawa Apple Farm.

It takes an hour and half to get to Hood River from Portland and with a two month old baby this could have been dreadful.  But, my little bug-a-boo (as I like to call my nephew), was very pleasant the entire way to the apple orchard.
When we finally arrived, we ate or packed lunches, did a diaper change and a feeding for the bug to keep him happy, and then the exploration began. Kev-o picked up a Orchard Map and became our tour guide. The five of us wandered, I mean were guided by our lovely guide, through the apple orchard ooing and aweing at the 75 different types of apples grown on the farm.  It was the Honey Crisp Harvest so we were properly taught the technique of picking apples and we hunted for Honey Crisps as large as Bug's head, we came fairly close.
(Kev teaching us the proper way to pick an apple)
(Huge Honey Crisp Apples!!)
(Earwigs found in apples, not the kind of bug I like!!)

After successfully picking the best of the bunch of Honey Crisp apples, exploring the orchard, and drinking freshly-pressed apple cider, it was time to head home. It was everything I needed to accept that my summer was over and it was time to embrace the season of fall.  God knew what he was doing when he created seasons.  He created different treats and delights for each season for us to enjoy.

14 October, 2011

Buddy

I am going to write about my all time favorite thing in the whole wide world (well besides, Jesus, of course).  I want to tell you about my buddy, my best friend, Kev-o.                                                         
If you know me, you know that I have given Kev several names.  He is pretty good about answering to most of them: B, BF, Boyfriend, Kev, E-Roc (my personal favorite), mochi mani, Sucker, Buddy, lover, babe, and husband.

Kev and I met in 2005 when I went in for an interview for a student government position in College.  I walked into a conference room for my interview and there he was.  I was caught off guard, first, by his good looks and second by his nice muscles.  I had never seen such an incredible specimen.  I interviewed with Kevin, and two other fellows.  Looking pretty dapper myself, I, of course got the job. A whole year we worked together and I was convinced by the end of that school year I was going to get Kev to ask me out.  He obviously missed my hints, he never did.  But, I never stopped hoping. It was not until the Summer of 2008 that Kev finally got the hint and asked me out. Almost one year from our first date in the summer of 2009 we got married.           
                                                           
From 2005 until 2009 when B. and I were finally married we had both gone through a lot of things in life.  Things that shaped us, things that changed us, things that hurt us, but in the end it was incredible to see how God brought our two lives together.

"For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not calamity.  To Give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you and you will seek me and find me when you search for me with all of your heart."  Jeremiah 29:11-13

We have now been married two years and it has been a blast.  He is so hot, funny, playful, thoughtful, cool, strong, fearless, leader, smart, and is obedient to our Lord (so sexy).There isn't anyone in the whole wide world that I have more fun with then my husband. I daily thank our Lord and Savior for the blessing and gift he has given me in a husband and friend.   

11 October, 2011

Foodie Scale

I would consider myself a foodie.  Even though I will eat almost anything, I still appreciate, good tasting, unique foods.  I acquired my love of food from both of my parents who frequent the cooking channels and constantly creating masterpieces in their own kitchen.  We often rate our food to describe how much we love or dislike something we have eaten.  So, I thought I would create a more elaborate scale to describe the different food I try, either in my own kitchen or someone else.

Scale:
Cleanliness: On a scale of 1-5.  1 being the dump and 5 being comfortable to eat off the floor.
Taste: On a scale from 1 to 5.  1 being a turd and 5 being the best meal ever made in history.
Service: On a scale from 1 to 5.  1 self services and 5 being your mom when your sick.
Presentation:On a scale from 1 to 5. 1 being a cafeteria tray and 5 being Noma in Denmark.
Atmosphere: (+) or (-). I can't really give a number rating to atmosphere as it differs from ambiance to milieu. So I will just describe it as I liked it or didn't like it!
TOP SCORE: 20


Here is my first victim!!
Last Sunday Kev-o and I met my cousin Katie and her boyfriend, Michael, for dinner. They both love Asian cuisine so Kev and I took them to a newly opened restaurant near our home.

(Cuz Katie and beau Michael, P.S.- they are in love!)

We took them to Dr. Sushi and BBQ.  I know, the name is very silly, but, don't judge a book by it's cover.  Kevin, having been to a Korean BBQ before, insisted we had gogi gui for dinner.
(my B and me.  You can tell Kev is super stocked!)

Gogi gui is a Korean method of BBQ-ing and the grilling is done in the middle of your table, and you grill it yourself, wild!  We ordered two types of meat: chicken and Galbisal Gui (beef) and started our grillin.  It was a blast, though I did find it odd I was paying to cook my own food, which I could have done for free at home.  But none the less, we had a blast!

DR. SUSHI AND BBQ RATING:
Cleanliness: 4
Taste: 4
Service: 4
Presentation: 3
Atmosphere: (+) New, polished, especially loved the chandeliers, calms.  It was loud because of the fans above the table but it was not unpleasant.  Think of it was a way of keeping your conversation private! Over all I liked it!

Overall rating: 15 with a (+) for atmosphere!!  It is a keeper!

07 October, 2011

To Write of Not to Write

It is almost 3:00pm on Friday afternoon and I am trying to get motivated to work, I have been trying since 9:00am... I don't think it is going to happen.

I thought I would take another stab at this whole blog thing.  I have been thinking more about what I am going to write about and I have decided! I am going to write about all the things I love, and I love a lot of things so watch out!!

Here is a small list of all the things I love: Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.  My Hubs (aka- B, Babe, Kev-o, sucker,Mochi Mani, among many others).  My family, my besties. Doggies and puppies, scented candles, seasons, holidays, looking at pictures. Oh and food, I love thinking everything about food, cooking it, reading about it, looking at pictures, talking about it.  I love food!

Hopefully there is something in there for you to look forward too!  Take a peak above at some of the many people I love!

Some of my besties
Me and my B.
Sis, Bro, Hubs, Me, Dad, and Mom

06 October, 2011

HERE I GO!

Here I go! I have had two dreams that I started a blog. Whether those dreams came as a direction from God or because I spend way too much time looking at blogs at work, I don’t know. However, I thought I should be obedient and start just in case it was God. It has taken me a while to get started because I have no idea what I am going to write about. I am afraid no one will follow me (except for you Kev, thanks babe). And I don’t want everyone to discover that my grammar, punctuation and spelling are all horrible! But, I guess this is all part of the adventure. So here I go, I just completed my first post!