Happiness

For so many years I felt content, sometimes a little sad or worried, but for most of my life I have been content. The biggest struggle I have had is my weight and my acceptance of myself and my body. That has been a major pitfall and the amount of years spent wasted on the hell my bigger body has caused is embarrassing and almost tragic. Something started changing 4 years ago, I started changing. Yes I had lost some weight and found some new motivation in myself. I sort of just stopped "thinking" about everything and starting doing things, making changes. Meeting Kent and then marrying him was the smartest and best decision I have made to date. Last night as Carter was fussing and Kent kept getting out of bed and rocking him to sleep I was struck by how happy I was. My days are limited with Carter and I hanging out at home and that does make me cry, but I know it is going to be OK. What I am so struck by is that my happiness is not centered around a smaller body (I still have quite a bit of weight to lose), it's not about an upcoming vacation or new piece of furniture. My happiness is centered around my family. I love to say that word, my family. I have a family, one I have created myself, not that I was born into. I don't really care about what the fall's latest fashions are, or if I should have highlighted my hair differently or what Anglelina and Brad are up to. What I care about the most is the two men in my life, both who bring me more joy than they know.

Usually around the holidays I get really stressed/upset. This year I have felt so mellow. We have several stops on Christmas Eve and then we will end up at our home with a few friends coming over for dinner. If something happens and nobody can make it, than I am fine with that too. I have everything I need in my home right now, pure love. I swear that Carter knows exactly when he needs to smile, or make a little cooing noise. I love how Kent and Carter are total buddies and make one another laugh. This is what I want for Christmas, my family. I don't really care about the presents, or the decorations. These memories we are creating are by far my favorite thing.

There is something so refreshing for me that I am happy, I am truly happy. I have a hope that is very bright for my future. I am looking forward to getting healthier again and taking a little time for myself. I want Kent and I to both take our health more seriously now that we have Carter and one day more kid(s). I think it is the holidays that make me feel so grateful. I have a healthy family that can afford to pay their bills and put food on the table. I am not really a praying person but I think very kind thoughts for those out there who don't have what I do. I do feel very strongly though that I created this happiness. I was terrified to date and have someone see the real me. Thank goodness I finally changed my mind.

Where has the time gone

Carter will be 6 weeks old on Thursday, I honestly can't believe it. I see the calendar moving so closely to December and it makes me terribly sad, as I will begin working on January 3rd. Before Carter was born people would ask me if I would return to work, and I automatically was saying, YES, with a big capital Y-E-S. For many reasons I couldn't fathom staying at home all day long and caring for this unknown person. Well now that I do know my little Carter, it is hard for me to imagine NOT being around him all day long.

I do know many things though that are helping this situation become more comfortable. Kent and I need to be a two income family, it is just a part of life. We enjoy a fun lifestyle, with two mortgages, and I don't see us making it on one income. I know that I enjoy the challenge of work and that having some away time from Carter will only make that time that we are together even better. Carter also has a great nanny who is making my heart and brain so much more relaxed about leaving him. I also know myself well and eventually, I would be crawling the walls.

Carter and I are making the most of these days though. Yes, the Christmas music on the radio makes me tear up, as December 25th is so close, which means that January 3rd is right around the corner. I'm drying up those tears though and we are just chilling and playing as much as we can. I bought these awesome stickers off of ETSY to help catalog his first 12 months. Look at how cute he is!

He really is my "living doll"... I dress him up daily!

We bought his first pair of Gap jeans. I'm in love.


Yesterday he had his first look at snow, which is unseasonably early, and not a common thing in Seattle. Of course we had to put his snow suit on!


As Thanksgiving is just two days away...we had to get ready for what we were going to wear.


I love this little guy, I love my life, I love having a husband who is just as excited as I am about being a parent. Who knew that going out for a nice dinner, all we would think about was getting home to see Carter! Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy 2nd Anniversary

I am a little behind in this post, but Kent and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary on Monday. We had wanted to get away for the week-end, but our house is taking over our lives. So we had sort of a "stay-cation." On Saturday we ran a couple of errands and then we drove to a small town called La Conner and had lunch and browsed the shops. We did get Shim a little frog for him/her to play with some day. I'm starting to wish, just a little, that we knew the sex of the baby. I believe though that this is saving me a ton of money, as I would probably be shopping like mad! After we left La Conner we stopped by ice cream and headed back home. Sunday morning Kent gave me the Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper bag I have been eyeing. I love it, and he was so funny about it. This might be TMI, but I went to empty by bladder and came back to find the sheets all different. Kent had this under our bed and quickly tried to hide it under the covers. I was upset though because he agreed on no anniversary gifts and he said that this wasn't for our anniversary, it was because he knew I wanted it, even before we were pregnant.



We were both awake at this point so we went and enjoyed breakfast in the sun. We then went our separate ways during the day and then went to our favorite Sicilian restaurant, La Fontana.


We laugh every time we eat here because the waiters remind you 100x that the place is a very authentic Sicilian restaurant. It is totally yummy and we loved sitting outside by the water fountain.





It was so romantic. Kent and I were single for many years before we found one another. We reminisced about our vacations together, our shock of getting pregnant and the overall joy we have for one another. Last year we celebrated our anniversary with Champagne and Jewelry, this year it was water and a diaper bag. I wouldn't change it for the world! Love you honey!

Easter throughout the years....

When I was younger my Mother always dressed my sister up in white dresses, patent leather shoes and a handbag of our choice. We were accessorized head to toe for our trip to church and then to the Easter egg hunt at my Grandma June's. As the years have passed there is no longer a trip to church, or Grandmas, or white dresses; but there is still an Easter egg hunt. It's embarrassing, but it is a competition that I still love to this day.

My mother loves the holidays, she loves to spoil us. She grew up with 10 brothers and sisters and poor as dirt. Her family is a tough bunch of peeps but through all their drama, they are still family. Her goal seems to spoil us to the core and it continues into my 35th year of life. At Easter she still buys plastic eggs and fills them, not with candy, but money. This started about 6 years ago and we were shocked to find $5, $10 and $20 bills scattered around the house. My favorite hunt was one a few years ago that we just picked from a basket because she had her eyelids done two days prior to Easter and she couldn't see. She wore these pink sparkly sunglasses at dinner and I kept calling her Stevie Wonder. That Easter Kent and I killed my sister, of the 3 eggs she picked 2 were total duds, nothing in them. Apparently my sister has been buttering my mom up for Sunday's hunt and asking what colors have the most money. Kent and I are like an Amazing Race team in my parents Puyallup House. We can spot a clue box in a flash. I plan on kicking serious butt on Sunday.

Tonight I am taking Kent to see Hot Tub Time Machine, my expectations are low and I am sure we will still have fun. Then Saturday, if the movie is a bust, I am going to get back at Kent by making him join me for a live performance of Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion. I am jacked. His voice is totally calming and I love the fictitious town of Lake Wobegon that he tells stories of. NPR is not something I find myself listening to often. My ultimate favorite show though is This American Life. For any of you out there who need an hour every once in awhile to tune out, these shows literally can take you into another world.

Oh you pastel bastards...

So here's the deal...I love me some Easter candy. I hate how those pastel beauties call my name as I do my best to stay away from places like Target, as they are the mecca for Easter goodness. Today I had a serious hankering for sweets. Being the kind wife, daughter, sister I am I chose to spend $27.19 on candy, which was ALL on sale, to place in my loved one's baskets. Now it needs to sit in my trunk until Sunday morning or it will sit on my hips.

Birthdays and Life...

TGIF everyone! I mean seriously, what a crazy emotional week. That is just life though and trust me, I am full of emotions!

Last Sunday Kent and I celebrated our 39th and 35th birthdays. In the past we have had blowouts which has included appearances by a Neil Diamond impersonator (who also shares our birthday)
He was the WORST impersonator, which made is all that better. (YIKES...look at my boobs in this shot!)

Back to the current year. Since we are going to Palm Springs in two weeks we didn't travel anywhere, we did a one day stay-cation. I sent Kent an evite a few weeks ago and he was so excited when he opened it, but then realized he was the only person invited. Kent loves a party, but his muffin just didn't want it this year. Next year..when he turns 40, a blowout for sure. I really wanted to just spend the day with Kent and do some fun things that were all a surprise to him. We started with brunch at Cafe Campagne in the market. If it wasn't so packed I would have taken a photo of my croque monsieur which can literally bring a tear to my eye it is so delicious. We had mimosas and frites and loved that it was semi-sunny.


After brunch we went over to Sur La Table, my form of porn, even though I am packed to the gills with kitchen items and I am only a mediocre cook. Kent can not pass up a sale so a newly coveted cheese plate was mine. Upon leaving Sur La Table we ventured on down to the SAM (Seattle Art Museum) for the Michelangelo drawings exhibit and an awesome exhibit of Alexander Calder, who does amazing mobiles. When we were in Venice and went to the Peggy Guggenheim museum she had several of his pieces that were hung throughout her house. Kent was excited to go the museum and we spent about 2 hours there.

After we left the museum we walked across the street to the Four Seasons and went to the Art Bar. I had the delicious dill martini (sounds gross, but quite refreshing) and Kent had a beer.

This was sort of our relaxing and recooperating spot as we then ventured on to Spa de Lago for mani-pedi's. I know what you might be thinking, but it is my birthday too. My girlfriend Susan gave me a certificate there and I really wanted to pamper myself. I had Fran's chocolates and champagne ready so Kent couldn't complain.


The lady who worked over his feet was a riot. When she started doing his treatment I looked at her and said, "the lady who does his feet normally is really crappy. Good luck." Her mouth dropped but Kent started laughing because I am the once forced by that cute smile to work on his feet. I hate it, feet gross me out. I love my husband though and I've just realized that when I pull out that pedicure basket of mine, that means a couples pedicure awaits me.

After I had my fabulous appointment with the OPI color "I'm fondue of you" I gathered our things and we were headed to the last planned event. I have been wanting to eat at Delancey's for several months now. It is a husband/wife team who own the place and the wife Molly is a pretty popular blogger, her site is Orangette.blogspot. I love her photos, her recipes and her overall style. I decided to invite a few of Kent's friends to join us, as I know how much he really does like having a birthday together. Delancey's is the type of place that takes reservations for parties of 6 or more. The place is really small and without a reservation, your looking at an hour plus wait. Well word sort of spread that I was doing Delancey's and I suddenly found us with 13 people who wanted to join us. Crap, that is 1/4 of the restaurant. Molly was awesome though and they just rolled with the punches. We had amazing pizza, like I wish it was just Kent and I as I would have eaten ten times more!





As I noticed the line getting longer and longer and longer I knew we had to give up our 2 tables. Most people split except for Monkia and Miles, our fun friends who we spent Christmas Eve with at the drag queen show and NY's Eve at the moisutre festival. They are a riot and we walked across the street to A Caprice Kitchen for dessert. Delicious!

This was the best birthday I have had in a long time. I feel blessed in many ways and look forward to whatever happens in this upcoming year. Of course I want to get pregnant, but I wanted to last year too. Time and crappy drugs will tell!

Christmas 2009

I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen to our holiday cheer and spirit this year. I've been in the total dumps with the fertility issues I have and work has been very trying lately. I attacked and decorated the house with vengeance to literally evoke the Christmas spirit wherever I turned. I forced Kent to listen to Delilah on 106.9 ( I know, gross) the station where sappy Christmas dedications are played for hours on end. Maybe someday I will send Delilah a dedication to play for Kent about how much I love him. Truth be told we probably wouldn't listen to 106.9 during dinner but sadly this station gets the best transmission.

Our Christmas celebration started on the 23rd with a trip to the Paramount Theatre to see the Rockettes. I was looking forward to seeing this show, but within 5, yes 5, minutes of the show starting I knew we were in trouble. It was frickin' awful, like I wanted to strangle myself during almost every act. The dancing by the Rockettes themselves was not that terrible, but the bloody mish mash of holiday spirit in between proved to be too much. We left before the show ended and it was the best decision I made about the show.


Kent looking oh so cute in his fashionable velvet jacket
On Christmas Eve I had to work for a few hours that morning, which ended up not being that bad. Patients were in good moods as was the staff. Kent and I went and picked up him mom and dropped her off at her friends house. Kent's mom has total issues and right now it is best that she hangs out with Sylvia, someday we will find a better balance hopefully and I can handle her condition a bit better. I was worried about doing anything this day as the cyst I had more than likely popped as I had incredible pain for several days in my left ovary. The pain was steady and spiked occasionally. This pain was pretty bad as we were driving out to Kent's Aunt's house, but luckily we managed. Kent's Aunt Lisa has 2 children, and we hung out at her house for a few hours, sang a few songs and then rushed back to Seattle for the evenings true entertainment.


Dina Martina in the flesh, whose to say a picture is not worth a 1,000 words?
First I must admit that when Kent's friend Monika invited us to The Dina Martina Christmas Show I didn't know what to think. I told Kent Jesus would not like this and hanging out at a bar on Christmas Eve just didn't seem right. Monika and Kent convinced me that the holidays were about spending it with friends and family, and truthfully, Monika is like Kent's sister. Monika's boyfriend Miles is from Britain and this was his first holiday without his family so it only felt right to spend it together. When we arrived at the Re-bar I was happy to see the show was sold-out and within 5 minutes of the opening number I knew I was at the right place. I have not laughed that hard in months, many many months. The show was so funny and everyone around us was so nice and full of holiday good will. Tears practically rolled down my face as "she" performed her own rendition of holiday songs. This show literally brought me my spirit back. I walked out of that bar and felt better than I had in months. How I wish I could put some of the performance up on my blog, it just rocked.

As we were leaving Monika and Miles asked us to join them next door for Ethiopian food. I immediately thought, of course, Ethiopian food...it is about as Christmas as attending a drag queen holiday special on Christmas Eve. We walked into the restaurant at 10pm on Christmas Eve and it was very quiet and we were definitely the only non-African patrons. Monika and Miles have both been to Africa several times so they instantly knew what to order. We all washed our hands and dug in. It was spicy and yummy. I didn't quite care for the Injera, which is the spongy like bread that you use to "eat" the food with. No utensils used here, just bread. I did like the assorted vegetarian dips and the lamb wot was quite tasty. We finally left at midnight as I told Mr. Davis that Santa was coming and we needed to stay on his "nice" list. We bid farewell to Monika and Miles and rushed home to fill each others stockings.


Santa was very good to both of us. I love how Kent wraps every one of the items he puts in my stocking. He was so sweet and bought me my beautiful navy handbag that I have been coveting for months.

Kent and I are doing our best to live by a budget (well talking is more like it..talking about being on a budget) so I couldn't justify the purse. Christmas morning though there was a wacko present wrapped like a giant tube and shoved in here was my navy beauty. We then had to hurry and dash to my parents house in Puyallup to have many, many presents to open and food to gorge on.


My Grandma June with the largest box of Russel Stover chocolates ever created. She loves this crappy candy...and she's totally diabetic. She is 88 and rocks though.

This holiday turned out really well. I was so concerned with how emotional I have been recently that I wouldn't be able to enjoy it. I did though, I enjoyed it. I didn't cry when I saw big pregnant bellies or commercials for Folgers coffee. I looked around me and saw this awesome husband of mine and the life we have. This Christmas was very special and I look with great joy to the New Year.

Happy Holidays....

I'm starting to get that warm feeling, the happiness feeling that I haven't felt for awhile. I am enjoying the beautiful decorating Kent and I did together and the fun things planned over the next few days. I'm keeping my stress at bay, even though it is all around me. I'm controlling what I can and putting the rest aside as it will do me no good. I'm so thankful that I have a husband who will make a mad dash with me to the store and make 12 gifts for all my co-workers on a moments notice (like last night at 8pm).






There are so many reasons that I love Kent, but here is an example of what makes him that fabulous guy. The other night I was putting some presents under the tree and I noticed this one gift that looked really out of place. It's wrapping was terrible, you could see weird paper shredding, cat hair stuck in the tape and the bow was ridiculous. I thought to myself, we don't have kids! I forgot our only kid though is Kent's 16 year old cat Stoney who apparently went shopping for me and wrapped his own gift. The tag said To Mom Love Stoney. The fact that Kent intentionally wrapped this gift poorly and put a chunk of Stoney's fur in the tape is a testament to his thoughtfulness.


This has been a rock and roll of a year, literally. Some days are rocky, some days we roll on by. We've had our seat belts on the entire time though and I couldn't be more happy to be side by side with Kent. My wonderful friends too have been a testament to the word of friendship. Thank you everyone, have a wonderful holiday!

Positve direction

Happy Monday. I'm super sick right now, but I see the end is near and a few new positive hopes in our sights. This past week I went to a nutritionist with the hopes that I could get some new information to help me combat these 20 (jesus christ) pounds that I have put on this year. One hour later, probably $200 out the door, I learned something that I needed to discover this way...I am pretty damn smart when it comes to nutrition and my body. This doesn't mean that I am always making the right decisions, but I literally left this hour long consultation with nothing. Who in the hell doesn't know that a balanced snack like a string cheese and 5 almonds is a good idea. I left pissed and on the next hunt. A few days later, I totally scored. Through two different doctors I was able to get in touch with a nutritionist who lives in Arizona and her speciality is PCOS; not just a little dabble here and there; her passion is PCOS and helping women through the difficulties that come with this. I am jacked! Honestly, I think this is seriously good news. She gets the insulin component and she will help me with weekly meetings. I'm having my first conference call with her on Wed. I know that only a few people read this blog, but for any PCOS peeps out there she has a blog www.incyst.com.

Today Kent and I also had a follow-up with the RE that I immediately scheduled after finding out we failed this cycle in ovulating. 5 minutes into the conversation I felt my shoulders relax and my tummy calmed down. He apologized for the ARNP making such an off the cuff statement about IVF being our next step. He helped us understand that normally you have 4 successful clomid ovulation cycles and if there is no pregnancy then we move on to another pill, Femera, before we begin injections. IVF and other invasive tests and surgeries are in the far future for now. I am just an almost too be 35 year old woman with PCOS, I just don't ovulate. Everything else looks good so we will continue down this route. When ever my period shows up we will up our cycle of clomid to 150mg (shit) and we will try this two more times. He also didn't think we needed to do the IUI as Kent's junk is awesome. For my peace of mind and a mere $400 I would rather do IUI as it gives us just a little better shot. Oh..and he took me off Metformin! Thank you baby Jesus as my tummy is forever grateful.

So these next few weeks are going to be about relaxing, celebrating with friends and family over the holiday season and beginning a positive journey back into weight loss and taking care of myself. This is the best gift I can give myself right now (that still doesn't mean I don't want that beautiful Navy handbag Kent..hint hint hint). This past week-end we enjoyed our annual "Cousin" holiday dinner with one of Kent's few relatives, his cousin Brian and wife Liz. Our outing included drinks, dinner, drinks, carousel ride, drinks, more drinks and a nightcap of drinks. Hey...I'm not pregnant yet, so let the holidays be merry and bright!

Kate...Take a hike!

For the past few years I have loved to watch the reality show on TLC Jon and Kate plus 8. I usually cry because I want a family, but I smile a bunch and get a kick out of the kids. I cringe a lot during the show too though as Kate is pretty feisty and sometimes down right rude to her husband (well ex now). It is almost uncomfortable to watch. Over the past few weeks I have found myself acting "Kate" like. Very short tempered with Kent, raising my voice too often, almost condescending in a way. My emotions are over running and I don't quite know how to take everything into perspective. I hate that here is my kind husband doing his best, yet I always have to find the one minor flaw, or what I see as a flaw. I even have begun to start to refer to us as Jon and Kate...the second. This is so not good. This is not a positive way to communicate with one another and to live together in a partnership.

I have started seeing my therapist again as I need a refresher. I am finding myself in a downward spiral and it helps if I can just go and talk to her and try to process what I am thinking. I feel like I have slipped so far down that I don't know how to get back up and take steps in the right direction. I know that I am very hard on myself and we all have setbacks. I feel like I need to be aggressive for the next few weeks and really just be good to myself. Taking small steps everyday towards the nice things in life is my goal. These are minor things too...like working in my garden, reading a book, taking a walk or cooking a meal. I am on low energy right now as I am just expending too much of myself from the moment I wake up. I need to just chill over the next few weeks and take better care of myself. I basically need Kate to hike it back to the East Coast where she belongs.

Yesterday was our first anniversary. I still can't believe it had been an entire year. Kent and I celebrated by renting the same Orange top Electric Boat that he proposed to me in. When we went the first time I did not realize that we were going to be getting engaged that evening and that there was going to be a surprise party waiting for us. Kent was very nervous and definitely not himself that evening which made our time yesterday even more special.

Here is a picture of us from our surprise engagement party as we are arriving at the dock.

Kent and I had about 3 hours on the water where we had a picnic and finally enjoyed our bottle of Dom Perignon that we received as a wedding gift. While we were on the boat Kent reached under the seat and pulled out a wrapped box. We had pretty much agreed on the fact that we were not going to give each other gifts. I did get him tickets to see a comedian, but that is more of an I'm sorry as there has not been a lot of laughter in the Davis household. When I opened the box I saw this beautiful Tahitian pearl necklace. When we were at the mall the other week-end I happened to see a display of these and I commented on how much I liked them. Kent is such a good listener!!! I love the necklace so much. We then went to dinner at Palisades and had a beautiful meal. While we were at dinner Kent was staring at my necklace and he told me that it looked lonely. Then he gave me another box that had matching earrings.


Kent driving our boat


The best wind blown photo we could take


The little picnic I packed us

I love you babe! Thank you for a truly amazing first year! Here is to a million more.

My favorite shade of blue...

Last night while Kent was sitting at the computer he was sort of mumbling to himself. He started talking to me about my blog, but I was in another room and couldn't hear what he was saying. When I walked into his little computer area he was scrolling through my Valentine's post and mentioning that something was missing. I smiled because I knew what it was...I didn't mention that while I was making the dinner course he had placed a small tote of my favorite shade of blue...Tiffany Blue to be matter of fact. We were eating and talking and I truly did not see the bag sitting there for quite some time. Of course I was terribly excited when I saw it; in fact I squealed.

Earlier in the morning while Kent was opening his gift I was being a woman and trying not to be selfish and told him I hoped he hadn't bought me anything. He did present me with a beautiful card that listed 25 things he loved about me. So sweet...secretly though I wondered if there wasn't a little something for me. Yet, he went into the shower and we moved on with the day I had planned. Frankly I forgot about it, except when we went shopping and I secretly left him in the men's department to purchase a necklace super fast that I would disguise as my valentines gift from him. Tricky and rude..yes..but sometimes a girl had to do what a girl has to do.

Fast forward a few hours and after my squeal I ripped into the bag and box and found a fabulous bracelet to match the necklace Kent had given me for our first Valentine's Day together. He is so sweet..I love him. I didn't mention it in the previous post because 1)I was rude and bought my own gift 2) I love that he was so excited and snuck it on the table---it was my own little fun secret into how amazing my husband is.

So honey...let the world know that you have in fact remembered again my favorite shade of blue. Along with also knowing how great BIG diamonds are on an above average sized woman---the little diamonds just get lost!

I love how the bracelet closes...

1st Valentine's Day

I am a little late in posting this week, but I wanted to share the super fun Valentine's Week-end I had with Kent. It wasn't about extravagant gifts, it was more about spending time with one another and our friends.

On Friday night we went to Sushi with Monika and Miles, who are 2 of my favorite people. Miles recently moved here from the London area so I love to just listen to him; his accent is so fabulous I could listen to him read the dictionary. He is so funny and I love his perspectives on American culture, specifically "Americana". I am a tad worry as so far, his greatest experience of this "Americana," was his recent viewing of the Monster Truck Pulls that were in the Tacoma Dome. He thought it was bloody fantastic and I can only think we have a mere crisis on our hands..this can not be his ideal vision of being an American. His multitude of photos are hands down hilarious and to listen to him speak of the dirt, the trucks, the people; it is really priceless.

Saturday morning I woke up early and made Kent heart shaped toast and picked us up a latte. The toast was cute, but I must have picked up the largest heart shaped cookie cutter possible as the bottom of the heart just didn't make it. I spent the next hour preparing our dining room for the dinner I was making Kent. I decided I didn't want to go out for dinner, I was going to make it. I had a really fun menu planned:

Appetizer
Buffalo Mozzarella with Fresh Basil and Balsamic
Toasted Baguette

Salad Course
Endive and Frisee Salad with Oranges
Parmesan, Basil and Lemon Wafers

Main Course
Fettuccine with Chicken, Pesto, Sun-dried Tomatoes
and Pine Nuts

Dessert
Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake with
Raspberry Chocolate Ganache Filling
Limoncello Liqueur

The gifts I gave Kent were then centered around our dinner. I bought these beautiful green glasses that I served wine in, new linens, candle holders and plates. I love that Kent enjoys a beautiful table setting. We have so many wonderful items from our wedding and it was so much fun to see the crystal goblets, the beautiful butter dish Lucy bought us but was embarrassed about it (seriously..it is so pretty) and all of the other components come together. Here is a few photos,but it was so much prettier while sitting there.





Once the table was set we went to Woodinville to a winery and did a Wine and Chocolate tasting. The place was so busy and chaotic...here I thought this was going to be a romantic fun thing- well apparently hundreds of other people thought the same thing. We braved it and managed though.



Once we finished with the tasting we stopped by the Bellevue Square Mall and picked up the artwork we bought our non-existant, but future offspring. Of course I felt the need to window shop as we never go to the Eastside. Let's just say we helped stimulate the economy a little.

Dinner turned out really great and it was very fun and romantic. The romance didn't stop that evening though as the following day we found ourselves at an engagement party for two of our friends, Trever and Colleen. It brought me back to my own engagement with Kent and our surprise party. It was just a fun, fun week-end and one that I am very grateful for. My love and admiration for Kent grows stronger each day. Thank you honey! Love your muffin

Happy Birthday to Us....

When Kent and I went on our first date we discovered that we have the same birthday, January 24th. I love that I am 4 years younger, but what I love even more, is sharing our special day together. I am not good at being the center of attention or celebration so this is perfect for me; we can share the spotlight together. Our first birthday together we had a huge party. Our house was packed with over 60 people and it was crazy fun. I even hired a Neil Diamond impersonator as he also shares our birthday. It was a fabulous blast and reconfirmed we were on the path to spend many more birthdays together.

Our first birthday together. Try to ignore the crazy fur wrap I was sporting!

Our 2nd birthday celebration was low key as we went to Mexico for 6 days and had a blast. Sun, beach, books, beers, and tons of laughter. The most perfect idea of seeing some sunshine in late January will probably be on our list of to-do's for many years.

This was our 3rd celebration and it was great. We are saving our money for Italy so there was no pressure of having to throw a party or purchase gifts for one another. That morning we woke up and went to my trainer Chris's spin class. We went overboard and I felt sick for a few hours. We are still doing great on our fitness/diet plan and I was proud of us for getting up and pushing ourselves. We later went and had an amazing lunch in the Pike Place Market at a little French place. The meal was yummy, but really rich, so I felt a little sick for the rest of the day. It was worth it though and just another reminder by my body that I have a sensitive system! We later went and had a drink up on Capitol Hill and then on to a friends house for game night and dinner. The following day we had brunch with friends and then off to my parents house for dinner. I had such a fun week-end and I loved sharing it with my man!

Bring it on...

So I broke down today and bought myself a delicious Non-Fat Short Peppermint Mocha with no whip cream. Then I was in even more trouble when I saw that delicious looking Gingerbread loaf with the cream cheese frosting and chopped fresh ginger. Starbucks is promoting the campaign Red, which I am all about, as it is the brain child of my beloved Bono. Would these calorie filled items put me into more of a holiday mood? Nope...I just suffered from a sugar coma that was only resolved with another bite of chocolate that I found in my office kitchen while I was tidying up.

Now I will remind myself that delicious treats do not equal the holidays. They equal tighter pants and lower self esteem. So I say bring on the treats, I will do my best to have my power shield on full force to block out those desires to eat myself into an oblivion. My true test will be this week-end as I head to my parents house to bake holiday goods. Lord help me...my husband wants his muffin to be a min-muffin, not a big ass Costco sized one!

Thanksgiving Week-end

Kent and I were getting ready for bed the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving and we were discussing the holiday and our desire to sort of have our own holiday. I love my family and enjoy going to their home, but part of me would really love to try this Thanksgiving thing out. I don't really want to put my hand up a bird's butt, but I have a few recipes that I know would be winners for sure, and I would love to give it a whirl. I love the production of the holidays, the beautiful linens and fancy dancy that is possible. I also have a horrifically expensive set of beautiful china for 12 that needs to see a table sometime in the next year! I am determined, even if it is chicken fingers and fries. While Kent and I were discussing the holidays I brought up what it would be like if it was just the two of us. What if we didn't have family close or family that we weren't "close with?" Kent had no problem mentioning that he would be happy to spend it with just me. It is probably that little insecurity that sits on my shoulder and still questions why in the hell he married me. Not only did he marry me, but he would pick me to be the only person to hang out with on holidays?! Seems too far fetched to me but I do believe every word he said. Then he brought up how it would be fun to take a trip or rent a cabin somewhere. Suddenly I was transformed to a beach or cabin with a cozy fire and my favorite person on the planet next to me.

Back to reality though. We found ourselves in Puyallup, with my family, and the same old same old. Not to be ungrateful, but it is the same recipes, same sort of dry turkey and the constant bickering that comes with being a "Kelley." The bickering tends to be between my sister and I, but at times it is also between my parents, or the dogs, or my grandparents, or my sister and the barking dogs or me against the world. For years I wanted a fancy holiday, but that is just not my family. I wanted to wear beautiful clothes and sit around the table and discuss what we were blessed with. Maybe even go so far to write a small note to each person at the table. Instead we tend to sit and eat and usually complain about the dogs begging and waiting for my Grandpa to possibly say something and scream across the table so my Grandma can actually hear something. When we first arrived there seemed to be a tension in the air, it was thick, and I had no clue what it was about. Tends to be over something so minor, and that is so incredibly annoying. This is my family though, and there is no turning back. This is where I came from and for many years now this is all I know. There is just a small part of me who wants to shake it up, who wants to serve something other than the same damn side dishes. I want to turn the TV off and talk. I don't want the alcohol to run so freely and I want people to really focus on the day. It is not a day to stuff themselves, it is a day to ponder and think about what we have. Just last night Kent and I saw a documentary on the AIDS pandemic in Malawi and I still can't get those images out of my head. Maybe I am the one who is ungrateful? I will ponder some more.

My fabulous little puppy Frank Kelley and I had some serious bonding time so it eased my tension and brought a total smile to my face for the whole week-end. He is just fabulous and funny and my total buddy. My mom and I were up at the crack of dawn the next day buying things that nobody really needs. I couldn't turn down 2 screaming deal handbags. I'm still not losing weight, so a handbag is the best purchase as it always fits! After many hours of shopping I then was tortured to decorate my parents house. For pretty much ever I have been the decorator in my house. Now I am able to share this chore with husband, who really is such a trooper. What other man would be on a ladder to place a billion santa's all over the place? This man won his gold star and more!

Kent and I did pick up a tree for our place and the lights are on, but no ornaments. We have both been so tired, but I will find that energy tonight. I love the light that glows from the living room. It is so cozy that we just sit out there and talk. It is our own little quiet time and one that I am quite grateful for.

It can't be...

Is it honestly a few days away from Thanksgiving and 1 month exactly from Christmas? It seems so hard to believe. In years past there was more enthusiasm for the holidays, but due to the sliding economy, things have changed. The commercialism of the holidays is different this year simply because people are barely able to make their house payment, let alone fulfill a Christmas wish list. It is seeming to me that because the holiday gifts are unable to be purchased, the holidays are feeling like just another day. I'm not hearing of lavish parties, the "tickle me elmo of this holiday" or any true enthusiasm regarding the upcoming days. These are merely what I have noticed but the more I discuss it with others, the more I realize that I am on the same page as many. I personally enjoy the holidays for many reasons, not just for what is under the tree. Something in particular is the kindness and warmth that can come from complete strangers. It could be a warm smile in the elevator and good wishes by a stranger. It can be heartfelt and rewarding, like adopting a family in need and bringing them some holiday joy.

Kent and I have decided that since we had such a generous, almost glutinous year filled with travel and our wedding we were going to forgo the multiple presents and buy 1 nice piece of art. Our budget is also feeling very stretched, like most people, so I have been scanning the papers for fun, free activities that we can participate in and get the feeling of the holidays back into our spirits. We are looking forward to the viewing of the holiday ships, riding the carousel at Westlake Center and this year I think we are going ice skating. Kent is generally a trouper and just agrees to anything I usually want to do. We already have our decorating day in place, I am planning on sending out holiday cards, making very small gifts for co-workers and neighbors. I am also going to really remember all of the good that is in the holidays, the unity it brings forth in many communities. Kent and I do not practice any religion on an ongoing basis, but I really use to love going to church during the holidays and singing. We have tickets this year to see the Seattle Men's Chorus again and I can't wait. I use to love to sing, even though I have a horrible voice. This holiday I think my gift to those around me will be a little pep in my step and a bit of cheer. As Charlotte sang to Wilbur , "Chin up, chin up / Everybody loves a happy face / Wear it, share it / It'll brighten up the darkest place / Twinkle, sparkle / Let a little sunshine in / You'll be on the right side, looking at the bright side / Up with your chinny-chin-chin, chin up!

Post Halloween 2008

Halloween 2008 was another fun year filled with ridiculous costumes, laughter and beer. Thank you Monika to another great Halloween and a pot full of yummy spiked cider. Kent you rock my world as Richard Simmons...
Can you believe I married this man?

Our lovely hostess Monika went as the fabulous Dolly Parton...

The more reserved Dolly costume of the evening

I chose to be Candy the Cougar. An older lady on the prowl for a younger man..

The sad part is that I actually OWNED all of these clothes and makeup!


We had many other fabulous guests, Amy Winehouse

MacGrubber, A Teletubby and more. Everyone had a great time and we can't wait until next year. Our annual Halloween party at Monika's...woo hoo! Thanks lady!

Pre-Halloween Love

As long as I have known Kent he has had a serious passion for Halloween. Not the type of passion that involves candy, even though he does LOVE candy. Kent has forever loved the craziness and dressup that is involved with Halloween. I would give anything to post photos of some of his previous years costumes, but he would kill me. Past costumes were: Mrs. Roper from Three's Company, Anna Nicole Smith, Luke Skywalker, some batman character and more. Last year Kent and I were invited to an impromptu Halloween party at our friend Monika's house. We literally had about 3 hours notice to pull something together. I do not share Kent's passion, but I will join in because I know how much he loves it. Kent ran down to our storage in the building and brought up 3 large boxes. Within these boxes I found several delights and items that made me question who I was dating. The man had all of these wigs, shoes, clothes and hats. It made no sense to me. Leopard underwear; there were leopard underwear in his box. Like tight underwear, almost speedo like. He went into a big speech about how it was from his fraternity days---I felt like that made it even worse. Kent is funny like this and that is why I love him. Here's a few photos from last Halloween. Kent was a butt rocker and I was his lady Shirley.



This Halloween we are going to Monika's again, which we are super excited for. Wigs are mandatory and do I have a doozie. Kent and I have not spent a lot of time on this year's costumes, but I do hope they turn out great. We are off to JoAnn Fabrics tonight to pick up some embellishments. It reminds me of the good old days of wedding planning. I am afraid to think of how many GoodWill's I will have to enter as well. Kent refuses to go to a costume shop for his items- he says there are hidden gems within those thrift store walls. Being the spoiled woman I am I only smell something funky and see a lot of crazy crap.

Stay tuned for pictures from tomorrow night....Have a safe and spooky night!