Tired of being tired?

Friday things

Oh, man!  What a crazy week.  Of course, I feel like I say that to every end of a week, but this one was quite exhausting.  We are looking forward to our trip to Arkansas for Halloween, but there's so much to do before we go, that I am going to need at least a day's worth of a nap once we get there.  Ha!  Anyway, here's the things that made this week awesome!

1.  This tent photo.

Because I came across this photo a few days ago while digging through the photos on my phone.  It was a tent from when we took a road trip to Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon.  What a fun trip! (Those photos coming soon)

2.  This sky

Because a lot of people are always skeptical about these jet lines in the sky, but I couldn't help but snap a photo of it over our house.  It just seemed like the perfect shot, to me.

3.  These birthday treats.

  

  
Because we had back to back birthdays to celebrate here.  Mine fell on August 28, Jeff's was on September 16, and Skylar had his on September 30.  It seemed we no more got past one, that we had another pop right up.  We've had such a busy last few weeks, so we decided to wait until Skylar's birthday to celebrate them all.  Jeff picked up a Hello Kitty ice cream cake for me and some wonderful earrings to replace some I lost a few years ago.  I was devastated when I found out I lost one of the ones from years ago, and Jeff's been on a hunt to replace them ever since.  I was so happy he found an exact replacement that I didn't ask where he found them.  I have been wearing them every day since!  

We went out to dinner for all of our birthdays and had the best hamburgers!



Skylar got some Jurassic World Dinosaurs, a Lego set to put together, and some Fruit Roll ups.  He is also getting a new bicycle.  We haven't had the time to go to the bike shop in Corvallis lately, but we are going to take a trip over when we return from our Arkansas trip.  It is time he got a good bicycle to ride with us.  He is growing so fast!  He turned 12 this year and I am still in denial about it all.  

My mom (Arkansas Grandma) sent us all a card with some "extra" cash in it and Skylar and Jeff received a card from the Jeff's mom (Oregon Grandma) here with a nice hello and happy birthday.  It was fun celebrating all the birthdays together.  

(We also got a cool package from my brother in Arkansas.  He sent some birthday gifts for Skylar and the perfect Halloween wreath for our door.  Of course, anyone that isn't a fan of The Walking Dead won't get it, but we loved it!)


4.  These leggings.

Because I've been wearing them quite frequently lately and at first, I didn't like the way they looked on me.  Over time though, I have grown to enjoy the way I look in them and accept my body for the way it is.  Mainly because, I can do more things now than I could a year ago.  I am getting stronger and I can see the changes.  I am enjoying my yoga journey so much and teaching it is really a treat.

5.  This foggy morning.

Because it's getting colder here in the valley and the morning are foggy.  Not sure I am okay with summer being gone, but I enjoy fall, but not really looking forward to the rain that comes with the season changes here.  I tend to take it as it comes year after year.  Some years are better than others, so fingers crossed this year will be "bearable."

A few extras:

1.  Free Halloween Tote.

If you haven't tried Honest Company, now is a great chance.  We've been using it since the beginning of the year and we love it so far.  Right now, you can get a free Halloween tote just for trying it out.  Give it a go for a month!  See how you like it!

2.  A New Article From Examiner.

There's a new article up at Examiner, written by me.  It's about the fall activities to enjoy in Oregon right now.  Head over and take a peek.

• New Item In The Shop

Have you checked out the new Rustic Stars in the Peppermint Bee Shop?
You can get a medium star and a small star for $5.  These are made from Oregon twigs of Oak, Redwood, or Hickory and come ready to display.  They are great for a rustic wedding, or outdoor party.  Order in bulk, or just order a few.  While you're there, check out the other items up for sale at the shop too.


• The President's Visit To Oregon.

On Friday, at about 2:30 p.m. PT, President Obama boarded Air Force One and headed to Seattle.  He came to Oregon to visit with the families of those that lost their lives to a gunman on October 1, 2015, UCC/Snyder Hall in Roseburg, Oregon.  




We live about 30 minutes north of Eugene, Oregon, where Air Force One landed, and took the quick drive down to watch it take off.  Unfortunately, we weren't able to get a good view of President Obama boarding the plane, but we did get some great shots of the aircraft, his motorcade and the motorcade being loaded on the C-17, Marine One helicopter, and the three Osprey half-copters.  It was quite an amazing thing to watch, and Skylar being as young as he is, it was great for him to watch, as well.  I hate that the president had to visit Oregon under these horrible circumstances, but still a great thing to watch.  He is supposedly staying in Seattle for the ninth and will head back to Washington sometime today (Saturday). 
(If you follow me on Instagram then you've already seen this wonderful picture of Air Force One.)


















After we watched the Presidential motorcade and planes leave the airport, we went to eat at a pretty neat restaurant.  It was called Buddy's Diner-Nowhere Finer and inside reminded me of a diner from the 50s.  We had the best hamburger and even talked to the waitress about the President's visit.  She said that she was surprised to see so many people come into the diner that watched him fly in and fly out.  She was bummed that President Obama didn't come in for a milkshake though.  






Road Trip: A quick trip to Portland, Oregon

Sometimes we have no rhyme or reason to just jump in the car and take off somewhere at the drop of a hat.  I like to plan things, but sometimes an impromptu road trip helps break up the monotony of the week.  That's exactly what we did this week.  Just jumped n the car and drove up to Portland to go out to eat and just drove back.  It was a lovely day too.  The sky never looked so blue.











Ever wondered what the West Hills looks like in Portland, Oregon?  Well, there's a quick glance before we hit the tunnel.


You know, the West Hills?  From the Everclear song, "I Will Buy You A New Life."
At 1:20 he says, "I will buy you that new house, way up in the West Hills."

If you're interested in these homes and their prices, start HERE!



Sometimes road trips are well worth the time.


Five simple things

Another weekend, another wonderful week down.  I'm currently in the process of planning a Halloween party back home in Hot Springs, Arkansas and it has literally been a task.  It's not so much the planning, but the effort to bring everything together and I have this weird obsession with making everything perfect.  Ahhh!  I have had a lot of fun getting things together for it though, and I am super excited to see a lot of people.  I haven't decided if this will be a yearly thing yet, but for this year, I will be thrilled to have a reunion with some old neighborhood pals.  So anyway, onto what you're really here for.  Here are the things that made my past week wonderful.

1.  This decor.

Because I've been on a mad dash through my house to get rid of unnecessary items.  I've been following this blog:  Reading my Tea Leaves to gain a grasp on living more minimal in the city here.  It's a hard task, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Stay tuned for the finished home tour of our home.

2.  This meal

Because it's all local.  The zucchini and carrots are from our own garden and the chicken breast is from a local farm here in the valley.

3.  These changes

  
The fall season is rolling in slowly here in the valley.  The changes in the tree colors and the rain will be here before we know it.  Sad to see summer go, but fall is a good time to clean up the yard and get things ready for the back-to-back holiday season.

4.  This tea

Because I am a tea drinker and these brands are some of the best I've had.  You can get the Coconut Chai below and the Blackbid Tea here.
  


5.  This guy

Because he works hard and is appreciated every day!  He gives so much and doesn't know how important he is to two people that love him a lot.  Thanks for being who you are, Jeff.  We love you so much more than words can express!