You and Me: So Happy Together!

We've been through alot, Blaine and I.

We celebrated 25 years of marriage last December, we home educated our children (and our youngest graduated last June), Blaine worked (alot - so our children could be involved in various activities) and traveled for the company while the children were growing up, we've dealt with my ongoing health issues, and we're still working through changes in our lives and healing as we strive to not just get through each day, but to fully live...

And, in May ~ we decided to make some decisions about us. No one else. Just us.

We purchased a new car, a trailer hitch, a bike rack and new bicycles. It's been a longer process than expected waiting for our car to arrive, getting our bikes and being ready to "hit the trail". Well, everything has finally arrived, we're equipped (to get started) and we are beginning a new chapter; a new season in our lives... We're really excited!

Today we went on our first bike ride together. A gorgeous sunny Sunday morning in Seattle at Alki. And, Blaine taught me how to put the bike rack on our car, to load the bikes and remove the rack... It was a great start to a new season in our lives together!

Sometimes you just need a break...

And we took one. We had Starbucks vouchers for Mariner tickets and Monday night was one of the games you could choose to see. Late afternoon, we headed to yoga and then went straight downtown afterward with a stop at Uwajimaya for Blaine to get sushi for dinner. It was a nice evening, although quite blustery!

At the game ~ we never did sit in our ticket seats...
(and there were PLENTY of seats to choose)

Gluten-free fish and chips for me
plus Blaine's sushi selections

Blaine always enjoys peanuts at the game

We brought a few gluten-free chocolate chips cookies for a sweet treat!

We discovered a large carrot across the field in the stands...

...and Blaine with his favorite strawberry Japanese candy.

*I struggled at the game, because the music volume was ridiculously loud! We moved around the stadium and sat in various places to see if it helped. The outfield bleachers were pretty good and then we found a spot over the visitor's warm-up bullpen with NO SPEAKERS! Yay!

A fun time!

Celebrating 25 years of marriage!

25 years ago at 5 o'clock in the evening, God blessed my life with the most wonderful husband... A man of great character, unending patience, great faithfulness; who makes me laugh, who comforts me in sadness, who reminds me every day how "lucky" he is and makes me feel so beautiful! I love you, Blaine Harris and I would say, YES, all over again.

Rejoice, rejoice and again, I say, Rejoice. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say REJOICE! I am so thankful for God's love, grace and faithfulness in our lives. Without Him, we may not have been celebrating today. He is the glue that has held us together in the worst of times and the source of our great joy in the best of times! His love endures forever and we pray for His continual blessing upon our love for each other, as we allow it to flow in and through our lives.

And God willing, here's to 25 more adventure-filled years together...

Celebrating 24 years of marriage, December 14!

The market is a magical place as they close up shop for the evening... Love the lighted pear, carrot and strawberry!

It's us outside by the market tree

We started a new tradition this year ~ buy an ornament on our anniversary! Will be fun for Blaine and I through the years ahead...

Downtown Seattle ~ where last night it seemed there were more homeless people than shoppers. A sad sight amidst all the Christmas lights and decorations...

The Christmas star at Macy's

Christmas tree at Westlake

Toasting to each other with organic green tea :)

It's us!

Gluten-free chicken lettuce wraps at PF Changs

Ginger chicken with broccoli

*This dish was not as tasty as usual last night. After being served, our server didn't come back and ask how things were. She came by with desserts, but we told her no. She then brought the check and we told her we were disappointed with this dish. She took our check away, the manager came and talked with us and told us he took care of it. Our server brought our check back again and we owed nothing. They wanted us to return again. We were completely surprised and didn't expect this at all. Wow! Thanks, Lord.

My fortune (can't eat the cookie though)

Blaine's fortune

We watched this movie after we got home. A must see for everyone!

Homemade apple crisp ~ yummy!

Blaine and I decided that we should go out on mini-dates each evening this week. Stayed tuned and see how we do... Thanking God for 24 years of this crazy and amazing adventure!

Portland, Oregon Day Trip

First stop of the day... Starbucks, of course (there is not a Peet's Coffee along I-5)

Woodlands, Washington ~ a town off I-5, but this isn't a Starbucks in Seattle.

The counter gal could not get my drink correct and really didn't know what I was talking about... Talked directly to barista to get it right!

Gorgeous Fall day in Portland!

Bob's Red Mill

Such a gorgeous setting!

A whole aisle dedicated to gluten-free products!

An example of the stone wheels they use to grind the flours...

Maybe we got a little carried away...

This store is HUGE now...

Found a King-size wool blanket (prototype) for a great price!

The awesome Navigator!

Another old favorite store! Huge fabric selection...

Thrilled to find the wool fabrics that I was searching for!

Now I have fabric for next year's Christmas stocking project... :)

A beautiful drive!

Lloyd Center (big mall) in Portland. Ready for some serious shopping!

Tired shoppers with a Jamba Juice for the road... Ready to head back home!

A really great day.