Saturday, July 31, 2010

The Good Life

 Eat
 Play
 Rest
Swim

After looking at the way things are on this earth, here's what I've decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that's about it. That's the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what's given and delighting in the work. It's God's gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It's useless to brood over how long we might live.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (The Message)

Happy day!
hi-d

Friday, July 30, 2010

Name that Flower

Okay...this inquiring mind wants to know. What is the name of this flower? I see it all around the pond where I walk. It's a large bush that has beautiful pink blossoms. The buds look similar to a cherry tomatoes.


Happy day!
hi-d

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Natural Solutions

I love this stuff...


It's a liquid laundry soap that is free of chemicals.

My Mom gave me a container of it to try. It's made with a built in laundry softener, it's earth friendly, but most importantly, I think it might be Rob friendly. My husband is so sensitive to soaps, detergents, colognes, perfumes. What I love so much about this stuff, is that it has a light scent...clean smelling & is 100% natural. So far, so good. I haven't heard Rob complain about it or break out into an itching frenzy, like a monkey at the zoo.

You can check out Ecos Laundry Detergent for yourself. It can be purchased at Costco. And another perk - it's MADE IN THE USA!

I've tried a couple of other natural household things lately...trying to use stuff that will do the job, but that doesn't have the nasty fumes or chemicals.

Vinegar & water mixture in a spray bottle. Good for cleaning the kitchen countertops. The smell is a little strong at first, but it doesn't last long.

Water & dish soap in a spray bottle to hopefully get rid of some little bugs on my flowers. I'm hoping this natural pesticide works.

Are there any products or home grown product solutions that you use that have worked well? I'd love to know.

Happy day!
hi-d

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Hydrangeas



Here's the color of my hydrangea this year. When we bought it 2 years ago, it was actually a lavender/blue color. Last year, along with pictures, I included a link that gives you instructions on how to change the color of these guys here.

I did try adding some coffee grounds to the soil, last year, in hopes that it would change the flowers to a more purplish/blue color. You can tell that it's starting to go that direction, but it takes at least a season or so before you see any changes. I may just add more grounds, and wait to see what happens next summer.

Regardless...I pretty much love any color of flower out there. What about you?

Happy day!
hi-d

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

A Little Pampering


Even Kooky likes to take a Bubble Bath


Happy day!
hi-d

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Baby Talk

Things are progressing well...


Photo used under Creative Commons from kteague


Yesterday I had a Doctor's appointment and had another ultrasound. The baby looks right on track and we saw the heartbeat. That was a comforting sight. I will continue to have 4 week appointments for now, with my next ultrasound being in 8 weeks.

I think I'm past the nauseous state for now. Yes!

As far as finding out the sex of the baby? I know some of you have asked...well, get this...At first I was leaning towards wanting to find out, but Rob was wanting to wait until the baby was born...Then...about 3 weeks ago...Rob said, "I think we should find out. It would just make things so much easier." AAAHHHH! Too funny. Well, the only bad thing is that I have fixed my mind on not finding out, so I'm sticking to it.

 Photo used under Creative Commons from Northampton Museum

Photo used under Creative Commons from Creative Tools


Names - We've had those picked out for years! If we have a girl, we're going with Sophie. If it's a boy, we'll name him Maximus, (Max for short). It's always interesting looking up the meaning of one's name. Sophie means "Wisdom" & Maximus means "The Greatest." Cool, huh? If you don't know the meaning of your own name - check it out here.

I decided to start up swimming again. It has been great! I really missed it. Apparently I've been getting too much sun though. I got scolded by the Doctor that I need to limit my sun exposure - that pregnant women can have a lot of skin changes...Oh, and I need to start wearing sunscreen. Dang - so busted! And Rob was there too, so no living that down. I have been enjoying laying by the pool lately...but I'll be more careful.

We have also been working hard to downsize some of our stuff and clean out the spare bedroom. We still have more to do, but that we've done so far feels goods! We found a big cabinet on Craigslist for a fraction of the price that it goes for in the stores. It's perfect for storing towels, linens, toilet paper & miscellaneous items. My Mom still has the bassinet & crib that all of my brothers and I slept in when we were babies. We're going to check them out one of these days and may go with them. I'm thinking I'll make some curtains for the room and probably dress up the crib & bassinet.

Well, that's about it for now.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend!


Happy day!
hi-d

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Kooky Learning Italian

Come si arriva alla spiaggia?
(kohmeh see ahr-reevah ahl-lah spee-ahdjah)
Translation: How do we get to the beach?

Happy day!
hi-d

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Like Sheep on a Bridge

Yesterday, we were driving in Portland, when all of a sudden, cars came to a halt. The Morrison Bridge was lifting and there were droves of people jumping out of their vehicles looking over the sides of the bridge.

Isn't it funny how a small group of people can cause everyone else to follow suite? At times we are all like a bunch of sheep just following one another aimlessly.

I have to admit that I succumbed to the curiosity, so...with a little coaxing from Rob, I jumped out of the car and looked over the railing to see what the big fuss was all about. A guy standing near me asked what the big deal was all about...and said that he too, got out of his car because everyone else had.
A sailboat was setting sail down the Willamette River. It was quite amusing to see how a fairly small boat could cause the city to stop in its tracks for several minutes.
It wasn't too long until it passed through safely and we were back on our way.
I hope you're having a pleasant weekend!

God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot.

Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—but what you say is always so good.

See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!
Psalm 119:33-40 (The Message)

 

Happy day!
hi-d

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Pink


I was kind of amazed at the amount of pink flowers that I planted last week. Hmmm...wonder if that means I'm going to have a girl?

Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity.
Proverbs 14:29 (The Message)

Pregnancy update: 10 weeks along. I guess I was too soon to speak - feeling nauseous again. Super tired yesterday, so I took a nap, which caused me to not sleep well last night. Bought some new tops yesterday - not maternity...just went with larger sizes. Need to shop for a new swimsuit. Oh joy! HA... 

 
Happy day!
hi-d

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Playtime

Kooky, his cousins & Herman are out enjoying the sunshine today!

Happy day!
hi-d

Sunday, July 11, 2010

A Bit of Nostalgia

Last weekend, Rob and I were driving down a stretch of road pretty close to our place...When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a red Double Decker Bus!

I haven't seen these buses in ages!
I remember riding one as a kid...it was the  c o o l e s t  thing!

I hope you're enjoying your weekend...

Happy day!
hi-d

Pregnancy update: 9 ½ weeks along. Feeling much better this past week. My stomach has calmed down and I don't feel as nauseous. I still get pretty tired during the day...Also, not sleeping the greatest at night...but overall, I'm doing well.  

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Garden Shop

I love going to garden stores. The big box stores are good when it comes to value & price, but you don't get the same kind of charm, variety & uniqueness that you do from the smaller, specialty stores. Last week, my Mom took me to Gardener's Choice. They are located in Tigard and have a huge inventory of garden décor & flowers. They don't have a website, otherwise I would link it here.
I love the little sign "Garden Tours 25¢"
 
Tons of water features & fountains. I thought this one had a cool modern twist to it.

Love the willowy branches, the screens & the poppy colored paint.

They had a boatload of planters - pots, urns, boxes, you name it - merchandised by color.
Garden Art
A goofy looking bird.
Brightly colored watering cans...and tons of flowers...
I should have taken more pictures.

My Mom bought me this colorful dahlia & I planted it in a pot that I had. Thanks, Mom!

I hope you're having good weather. We finally got some warm temperatures! It's going to be in the 90's for the next 3 days.

If you haven't been to a local garden store in a while, at least get out there and do some window shopping. It's good therapy.

Happy day!
hi-d

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

What's for Dinner?


Not sure what to think about the 3 Piece Chicken Dinner...

Is this really edible?


Happy day!
hi-d

 

Friday, July 2, 2010

Oh, Happy Day!

I have some very exciting news that I want to share with you...

Some of you already know,

BUT

For those of you that don't...

I am

Pregnant!

Yep! Very thankful! I appreciate all of the prayers.
Since I'm older...I will be 40 when the baby is due, they are monitoring me a little closer than they would most pregnancies. This is our first child after almost 14 years of marriage.

~Here are the quick stats~
I am 8 weeks, 2 days pregnant today
Baby is due February 10th (which was my Grandmother's birthday on my Dad's side)
Had 2nd ultrasound yesterday - they discovered 2 embryos on the first ultrasound, but followed up with a 2nd yesterday and found out that only one survived. Kind of sad, but we prayed for God's will, so we are thanking him for the one and continuing to trust Him.
Parents on both sides are VERY excited.
Rob and I are very excited, needless to say.

I'll keep you updated in the coming weeks and months, as it's still early.

I have 7 months to go!

Photo used under Creative Commons from Real Estate Zebra

Happy day - for sure!
hi-d