Cinco de Mayo

Nothing like another day to celebrate this week! It was a smaller production compared to yesterday, but the party spirit was there. My day started with sleeping in and getting a solid 9 hours of sleep! Heaven! Then I had my temple shift, which has to be one of the most special and sacred experiences of my life. After the temple, Bryce came over and we headed downtown for some Mexican food.

We found a place that did not have a 2 hour wait and got good, cheap burritos! The only thing we forgot were our sombrero!

After dinner, we came home and watched some of the Timbers game. Soccer is a good Cinco de Mayo activity! Then we watched Downton Abbey, which is based in England. That is another country so kind of Cinco de Mayo fitting, right??

Happy Birthday My Love

There is something so amazing about birthdays! I love everything about them. So with Bryce's birthday I just couldn't help myself. He gave me a few hints on what he wanted and I took it from there. My favorite part was thinking of presents that would be fun and funny to give him. So let's get unwrapping!

So first, I gave him a penguin pinata filled with his favorite candy, Laffy Taffy! I mean his birthday is one day before Cinco de Mayo, I had to get a pinata! Plus, look at that cute penguin! My heart melted when I saw him.

Next, I got Naked for him! HAHA. I just love that Mighty Mango juice and all the great things you can say about it!

Then I made him keys to my apartment. It is pretty exciting that he will be my roommate next month! Just need to start making some room for his stuff because somehow I have my whole apartment filled!

To continue my funny ways, I gave him 25 quarters to celebrate his quarter of a century birthday! Who doesn't like to have their pockets full of quarters? I was planning on using them to buy ice cream, but he wanted to use them for laundry. Silly, but practical guy!

For his real present, I got him a print of his favorite photography's work. It took me a few weeks to find a good one, but finally Amazon had one! Now just have to wait for it to arrive because online shopping has got to be one of the best teachers of patience!

Finally, I made him a card and wrote a list of the 25 things I love about him. I had to write tiny to get them all to fit, but it was so fun!

After showering him with presents, we went downtown and ate some sushi with our friend Adam. Every time I each sushi, I can't believe how quickly I fill up, which I am sure Bryce loves so he can eat more. We got a good variety and he seemed to enjoy it!

After dinner, we went to this funny little park. When I saw these two trees I saw endless possibilities of cheesy couple poses so we took some!

We then got ice cream! Bryce got buttermilk blackberry and I got cinnamon. It was a great way to top of the meal!

Once we got home, I pretty much crashed! The week had been pretty stressful and I had stayed up until 2AM the night before getting everything ready for the birthday celebration. But it was all worth it. Happy Birthday Bryce!

Birthday Eve

In addition to Bryce finishing his first year of law school (CONGRATS!!), Thursday was Bryce's birthday eve so clearly we had to celebrate! I gave him a list of 24 questions and a card. Then I made him do 24 push-ups.

He is such a stud that I couldn't even get the camera to focus! Also, I was suppose to be counting, but I was too busy with the picture that he ended up doing a few more. Sorry!

He was so sweet and brought me roses! Law school was pretty rough on both of us so we are pretty glad it is summer break now.

Best of Friends

This past weekend, Heidi came and visited me! She is my first visitor since moving to Oregon and I was so excited to see her. It has been so long since I had seen her and life is just better when we are together. So she flew in Thursday evening and it felt like waiting for Christmas morning! It was so exciting. We got back to my place and I showed her all the wedding stuff that I haven't been able to show anyone. Plus, my wedding dress had arrived that day and I was so excited to show her.

We stayed up much too late that night, but luckily work wasn't too bad. I came home during lunch and we just chatted the whole time. Then finally the party really started when work was over! I came home and we decided to get some Indian food for dinner and experience downtown Portland. I took her to my favorite Indian place, Swagat, and it didn't disappoint!

The world is just better when we are together!

After dinner, we went and picked up Bryce and went to Powell's Bookstore.

I loved the bookstore because we found books that had trivia and random questions that we asked each other. Heidi likes both crunchy and creamy peanut butter, but it just depends on what she is eating! It is a fun place to go and not that far from Voodoo Doughnuts, where we also made a visit.

Of course she had to try the bacon maple bar!

So we came home and chatted some more and it was so fun to have a sleepover! We went to bed at a more decent hour, which helped because we got up pretty early on Saturday so we could fit in all the adventures. We first went to the gym to start out the day right. Then we got ready and went to brunch. I bought cinnamon rolls and she got a wrap!

After we went shopping in hope for a good engagement photo outfit, but the stores were against us. There just wasn't anything amazing. We then came home and I spent probably an hour trying on different outfits. Bryce then came over and we took engagement photos. We went to a few parks and downtown, but it was crowded everywhere because of the good weather. Also, I don't really know good places in Portland for pictures.

Anyways, after we got my favorite kind of pizza and we came home to rest! Of course, we talked more, but we were exhausted! We went to bed at 10:30pm....are we getting old?! Sunday, we woke up and talked lots more. Seriously, Heidi is the best person to talk to and I never like when we have to stop. Unfortunately, we had to so we could get ready for church. Luckily, while we did our hair and make-up, we could keep talking!

Then church was really good. The talks and lessons were especially good and Heidi was able to meet a lot of people. Finally, faces with all those names! After church, we went the temple, which was just beautiful and the sky was so blue! It made the temple look so white.

Aren't we just so springy bright!

We then went to the Moses' for dinner. They had prepared a feast and there were about 15 other people from the ward there. I was very excited for Heidi to be there and get to know these people who I have been friends with since moving to Oregon. We then came home and talked more! As the night got later and later, I became more and more sad that our time together was going to be ending. It just is never long enough. Monday, I woke up and went to work, but only for a few hours and then I took Heidi to the airport. I either wanted her flight to be canceled or for me to fit in the luggage!

I don't think I have ever left the airport so close to tears! I have always been very blessed in the friend department and Heidi is no exception! She always inspires me to be better and everything is more fun with her! I just always want more Heidi time because she is the best.

April 9th

April 9th has become one of my favorite days of the years. First, it is my dad's birthday. He is my hero. I remember when I was only five years old going to bed saying I wanted to be an engineer when I grew up just like my dad. He is kind, funny, smart, and very dedicated to our family and faith.

This day is also special because I got my Patriarchal blessing 12 years ago. It has become one of my greatest treasures from the Lord. I am constantly amazed by the words and inspiration that come from it and how the Lord uses it to teach me.

Then 2 years ago on this day, I went through the temple for the first time. It was one of the best days of my life as I learned more about the Gospel and God. I have tried to go at least once a week since that day because I can feel the power and protection when I attend.

And now the temple has become even more significant to me because I have been given the opportunity to serve as a worker. For the past two months, I have worked the Saturday mid-day shift. Sometimes it feels like a burden and I never know how I am going to get anything done, but the Lord is so good to me and every time my shift ends, I realize there is no other place I would rather be.

The temple is such an amazing place to find love and peace. It really is a piece of heaven on earth and the Spirit is so strong in its walls. It is such a privilege and a great responsibility to do the work of the Lord, but I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to serve.

The Lord is so merciful especially when we trust Him. He gives so abundantly and loves so completely. I am always overwhelmed with how patient He is with me and then blesses me for my tiniest efforts. And then knowing that my efforts would never be enough and I would make mistakes, He gave His Son. I am so grateful for my Savior and Redeemer.

And then two months from this day, I will be marrying Bryce! He is so smart and funny. He is very kind, loving, and thoughtful. He has a strong testimony of the Gospel and values the importance of family. Even when we first started dating, he would talk about how he wanted to raise his kids (I didn't know guys even thought about that). He loves to think about things from different perspectives (definitely the lawyer type!)  and will share his thoughts with me. He isn't much of a night person, but maybe he can help me become a better morning person.

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter! Today was a beautiful Easter Sunday with lots of sunshine. The Easter bunny visited and left Bryce a basket of goodies....gum, Cadbury mini eggs, and Cadbury creme eggs. That bunny sure knows exactly what I like!

Then church today was really good with a special sacrament program with beautiful music and really good talks. I love talking of Christ and learning of Christ. I know that he is my Savior and Redeemer. I am so grateful for His sacrifice and His love for me. He lives!

After church, while dinner was cooking, we went on a walk because it was so nice outside. You have to take advantage of good weather!

Hello Popcorn!

Love spring and all the blooming trees.

We asked a nice lady to take our picture because you have to take a couple picture on Easter.

Such a cute couple in our Easter outfits! Also, please notice Bryce's tie with pink and white stripes! I gave it to him. I got it in Europe back on my study abroad in 2007.

After our walk, we ran into my neighbors and it was so fun seeing their three little girls in their Easter dresses.

I made a ham dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy and a salad. We even had some sparkling cider. The gravy wasn't quite right and how I remembered it....will need to work on that, but it was a yummy meal that definitely filled us right up!

California Adventure

This past week, I went to Los Angeles for work to do client training and it was a great trip! I was a little worried about the additional stress it would cause but it actually was a great stress reliever.

Monday, I left bright and early and slept for most of the flight. Once we got there, we got the rental car and headed to the hotel. It was actually the same hotel I stayed at when I went to LA for training working with KPMG, but this time I got a room to myself with a big king bed! It also had a great view of the pool and I loved the big windows letting in all the sunshine.

We then went to the hospital and finally got the right training room where we met the two coordinators. It was so fun to finally have a face with the voice! The first day was pretty long especially since I had only had about 4 hours of sleep and no food all day! So one of the coordinator recommended Umami Burger, a hip hamburger place close by and so we went there. I got a Greek burger and sweet potato fries that were delicious. Then I also got dessert that was good, but more sugar and fat than I have had in a long time....and I thought LA was all about healthy eating!

After dinner, we got back to the hotel and I took a nap. Well, Bryce called me 10 minutes into my nap so we chatted for a little bit and then I took a nap until 9:30pm. I got up for an hour to finish some work and then went to bed.

Tuesday, started off with a buffet breakfast at the hotel. Good thing I wasn't paying because the hotel didn't have complimentary breakfast and my breakfast ended up being $28! Of course, the bacon was amazing and I ate lots. I also got french toast and fruit. I wasn't going to starve two days in a row. So then we drove to the hospital which is located in Hollywood. I loved seeing the Hollywood sign!

Day two of training went well and I was able to do some of it. We finished around 3:30 and headed back to the hotel.

So the miracle of the whole trip was that I found my wedding dress online a few weeks back. I ordered it and everything, but then a few days later they told me that they couldn't get my size in time for the wedding. However, they had the dress in a size smaller that might work. Well, of course doing everything online and over the phone made me nervous to go with a smaller size and I didn't want to have a ton of alterations. Well, the store ended up being in Orange County which was only an hour away from the hotel! I talked to my coworker and the store and was able to arrange to go down to the store.

So Tuesday, I headed out at 4:30 braving the LA traffic to see if I could get my wedding dress. The traffic was as bad as every says it is because it took me two hours to get there! My foot was hurting by the end. Anyways, the store is actually at this lady's house who sells modest dresses. It was pretty amazing. And the best part was the smaller dress size fit! So got that all taken care of and clearly the Lord is helping me out! So grateful for miracles! And the drive home only took an hour even with a wrong turn and going down a super scary road where the Lord gave me another miracle of all green lights!

Wednesday, I was starting to get tired, but training was going well. It was another full day and I had some other work meeting throughout the day so I was glad when it was quitting time. We went back to the hotel and decided we needed to find a fun restaurant for dinner. We drove around downtown for a little bit not really finding anything, but then on this random road we smelled something amazing! It was called  Blue Cow, kind of a hipster vibe for the financial district. We went all out for the meal! We started with Crudite (Japanese cucumber, baby carrots, Belgian endive, red peppers & crostini
with walnut hummus, romesco & tzatziki) and Country Fried Chicken Rolls. Then I got a Roasted Beets & Not Burrata Salad (AMAZING!!!!! I want some right now). And for dinner I got a French dip sandwich, which was good, but I was so full I could only eat half of it. Of course, I found room for dessert and we got this amazing gooey cake! Next time, I would just get the salad and dessert! Every bite was heavenly.

So then Thursday was our last full day of training. I skipped breakfast because I definitely did not wake up hungry. Then tried some Mexican for lunch, which wasn't too bad. The coordinators also wanted us to try a little bit of LA and got us Sprinkles Cupcakes, which were very good!

After training, we drove around Hollywood and Beverly Hills for really two reasons:

1. I wanted to see someone famous! Don't even worry I spent a good hour googling where famous live and hang out. HAHA! But we did not see anyone famous during our drive.

2. I wanted to see the nice parts of LA because it is a pretty ugly and dirty city from what I can tell. Of course, if I could bundle of their weather I would in a heart beat. The sun and blue skies were just amazing. It was in the 70s and I could just feel my skin itching for some color!

After exploring the nice parts of LA, we decided we should drive down to Disneyland. It took an hour with traffic so we got there around 9pm so we decided it wasn't worth going into the park. So we hung out and got dinner in Downtown Disney. It still had a magical feel about it and I had amazing sweet potatoes with my salmon dinner!

 

Friday, was a very quick day with a few hours of training in the morning and then we headed to LAX for our flight. This was my last chance to see someone famous! Well, I wasn't disappointed when the Chivas USA soccer team was on my flight! And I sat in between two players...James Riley and Rauwshan McKenzie!! They were very nice and I asked them ridiculous questions. Lucky for them though, I was also very tired so I slept for most of the flight.

So I got back to Portland and luckily it was sunny here and so much pretty with all the spring blossoms! Just need the weather to stay sunny and be in the 70s.....

General Conference

I am so excited for General Conference. I have been listening to talks given at previous sessions in preparations. I love how relevant and timely the counsel that is given. The Spirit is so strong as these chosen men and women of God speak of Gospel truths and principles. I am so grateful for my testimony and be spiritual fed.... And I get to do it by siting in my love sac for 8 hours. Relaxation and spiritual feasting here I come!

Spring Break

This week, Bryce has been on Spring Break and it has been great! I almost feel like I am on Spring Break except when I have to get up for work. But despite working, we have had time together every night this week.

Monday was FHE. Usually I ride solo to the activities because Bryce is studying so it was great showing up together. After we went to the mall because I wanted to get his ring size.

Tuesday was a mini date night. A few months ago, my coworker told me about Taco Bell combining forces with Doritos. Right away, I told Bryce about them and we decided we needed to experience it! So we went and I actually really liked them! The nacho cheese and sour cream combination was dynamite.

 

Side Story: I also kind of love Taco Bell because Bryce and I went there back in October right before we started dating. It was after we had gone to a corn maze with friends and I realized that maybe he was really interested.

After Taco Bell, we went to BedBath&Beyond to register for stuff. Of course, walking through the store all I can think about is "where would we put it" or "really how many pans or towels do we need?"

Wednesday was temple night. I love the temple and for the last month I have been working the mid-day shift on Saturdays so to be able to be a patron was special. Then after the session, the ward had a little get together and some people there didn't even know Bryce and I were dating let alone engaged! We were both pretty happy that we had been so under the radar.

Then tonight, we did dinner and a move. We went to Burgerville and it was kind of interesting mostly because of the people. Then we went and saw Hunger Games. It was pretty intense, much more than reading the books.

 Anyways, it has been a fun week with Bryce!

March Madness

I wish I could said the madness of this month was due to all the college basketball, but it has been of the wedding kind. Who knew wedding planning could be so stressful?! I have never really thought about my wedding or what I wanted before now so I am having to make a lot of decisions, which, by the way all, seem rather trivial compared to the actually decision to marry someone. Just trying to keep things in perspective....wedding = one day, marriage = eternity. So happy I have one decision figured out. Anyways....

Bryce and I have managed to have some fun despite all the planning. Last Friday, we went out to the coast for a day. His sister was in town and it was so nice to get away. And the weather was just perfect.

 

 We started at Cannon Beach with a picnic lunch. Of course, I managed to get sand in my "sand"wich....so gross! Then we went on a long walk. I just love the water and being in the sun! We then drove to a few other beaches that required a little walking and weren't as crowded. At one point, I considered leaving the life I know to become a beach bum! Then when I tried to take a nap on a rock, I remembered my bed and apartment and decided the relationship between me and the beach would never last.

We then found some dinner at a restaurant that was just off the main road. It was very tasty! Then we went back to Cannon Beach and did a bonfire. There is something so amazing about fire and then combining it with the beach. Can't do much better. It was a good day and much needed break from busy life.

Sparkling Diamonds

So I just love my ring! And the story with it just makes it even better. Ok, so I started looking at rings back in January. Honestly, I have never really thought about what I wanted so I didn't know what I liked. So I thought I had better start figuring it out if things were going to happen with Bryce.

Well after deciding what I liked, I went ringing shopping again in mid-February, but everything I liked was so expensive. Of course, I would like the expensive ones! So I just wanted to forget the ring because who cares about the ring if you have a great guy. Well, my friend, Adeline told me her great uncle is a jeweler in Utah and I could contact him about getting something made. I decided I would email him and at least try.

He ended up calling me the next business day! I told him what I wanted and the budget and he said it was totally possible. I sent him a few pictures of rings that I liked and then we discussed the changes. Then to add to it being amazing, he said he could have it done in less than a week! That seemed like a miracle after talking to jewelry stores in Oregon that said 6 - 8 weeks!

So up to this point, Bryce and I had not gone ring shopping together. But we had to get my ring size, so we went to the Shane Company together. Ring shopping with Bryce was hilarious! First, we told the saleslady made up stories about our courtship and why we couldn't buy anything that night even though I knew the exact ring I wanted to look at in their store. Then we were both standing with our arms crossed and I think we made the saleslady nervous because she told us to relax. HAHA!

Anyways, Bryce called the jeweler and worked everything out with him! So the ring was to arrive on Monday. I was so excited because it was being shipped to my work! There are two drop off times, 9AM and 2PM, and so when I didn't get an email about a package by 10AM, I figured I had one last chance. At 2:17PM, I got an email that I had a package! I think I skipped to the front desk and could barely contain myself. I had to lock it up in my desk so I wouldn't keep shaking it or be tempted to open it.

After work, I drove over to Bryce's to give him the package. It killed me that he got to see it and then didn't even say if it looked good, but it all worked out and glad that it was a surprise to see the ring when he proposed! Also, there is a matching wedding band with the little diamonds!

Two side notes: I swear I have never heard so many radio commercials about diamonds and rings as I did the last few weeks. And I was always with Bryce, who would kindly turn them up so I would not miss them. I swear the radio was in on it!


And now that I have the ring, I keep finding myself staring at it! It has incredible sparkle and fire - two words that are used in all advertising of diamonds...I get it now!

And this one just because it is my favorite DeBeers commercial and I remember watching it as a little girl.

The Proposal

Where to begin?! Ok, so Bryce asked if I wanted to do dinner Friday night, which we typically do, but I was just really happy to hear he had a place picked out. Sometimes I struggle to make a decision of where to eat when I am hungry. Anyways, Friday afternoon, I get a text from Bryce saying to dress up, which pretty much from that point I was completely useless at work! I wasn't sure what to wear. I really wanted a new outfit. But do I go flirty/fun or classy/nice?

After work, I went quickly to a few stores, but nothing was calling my name. I came home and found something in my closet to wear that was classy with some fun. I wore a black pencil skirt with a black skirt, a purple cardigan, blue belt, and nude heels. And the earring Bryce got me for my birthday!

So around 6:30pm, Bryce showed up at my place with two dozen red roses! I loved it. I was trying to play it cool and so put the flowers into a vase and talked about my day. Of course, all I could think about was when and how would he propose! I became suspicious of anything he said or did....haha!

We then headed to dinner at St. Jake, a French restaurant in SE Portland. It was a fun place and the food was amazing. We got tenderloin and bacon salad with bread and butter for our appetizers. So good! Then for dinner we got braised lamb shoulder and roasted trout, which were just incredible. For dessert, we got a hazelnut chocolate cake. It was good, but I did accidentally eat a coffee bean thinking it was a chocolate chip! Those things are nasty and I am pretty sure people throw away the coffee grinds for a reason.

After when we were walking to the car, Bryce told me that our friend, John, had texted him about going over to their place. We hang out with those friends a lot so nothing crazy, but I just figured they were some how in on it. So we headed over to their place and we were just talking and stuff when Bryce told me we were going to make a detour. He turned down this one road and I was trying to think of something that would be down that road. Bryce then turned around. I was really confused until he drove into the park!

**Funny story - Bryce told me later that night that you can't make a left turn at the light for the park so that is why he turned right and then turned around to get to the park. Ha! I just thought he was trying to trick me.

The George Roger City Park is right on the river front and we went there before on the Saturday after Bryce had finished his fall semester. Good day because we actually got to be together during the day because he didn't have to study! Anyways, it is a small, but nice park with great walking paths. So we walked down near the water and luckily it wasn't rainy and the moon was bright. Then Bryce was saying all these nice things. I made a few comments, but then realized I should let him go with it! It was so amazing and then he got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. YES!

Of course, I had so many emotions in the moment. First, I got a little teary and then I was just really happy and somehow I bit my cheek during it, too! It was just such a happy moment! He then told me that he had written down his little speech for me since he knows how I like to document things. Isn't that just the most thoughtful and wonderful thing!

We then drove back to my place and started the phone calls to family and friends to share the good news!

Portland Timbers

Tonight turned into an exciting Portland experience and my second night in a row of watching soccer. Bryce got hooked up with some free tickets to the Timbers! We were six rows from the field and just a little off from center field.

 

 We got our picture with Timber Joey who carries around a huge chain saw and when the team scores he cuts a piece of wood off a huge log. I love it!

 

 For dinner, we got Timber Brats. A brat wrapped in bacon....everything is better with bacon!

The game was so fun even though it ended in a tie. I also know nothing about soccer! But hopefully I learn more because we already have tickets to the game against Real. Also, I really have to experience the Timber Army section because they sing and chant the entire game! Chants like "No Pity in the Rose City" and "When I Root, I Root for the Timbers!"

One Year

Today was my one year anniversary working at Huron Healthcare. I am so glad I decided to take this job and even though the learning curve was hard, I have learned a lot. I love that I get to work with clients and work in databases. I enjoy the people I work with and love that I live 7 minutes away. I come home at lunch and take naps! It is a great place to work.

The Artists

Bryce and I had a lot of fun on Saturday being artsy. First, we went to dinner at Montage where they make amazing things out of tin foil with your leftovers. We actually went there on our first date and I was quite please with my giraffe. They also have amazing mac'n'cheese, but don't even think about eating it all because you have to get tin foil creation!

So as we were driving downtown Bryce thought it was a shame to drive to downtown just for dinner, but we already had an activity planned. Well, we got to the restaurant and there was a 45 minute wait so we decided to walk around. We found a place to play pool, which was actually quite fun and I wasn't half bad!

After we went back to Montage and ate delicious mac'n'cheese! They have funny sitting where you share tables so we were highly entertained by two high school girls. Oh, the excitement to be headed to college! And how your mother made you apologize to your teacher for being rude! We had a good laugh.

 So of course, we didn't find our meals and how cute are our kissing swans!

We came back to my place and got out the paint and brushes! We each had a 12x12 canvas to create our masterpieces. I wanted something to put up for Spring and Bryce used a photo from his favorite photographer as inspiration. We spent three hours painting and we were quite focused. I didn't even realize how long or how quiet I had been until I accidentally got paint in Bryce's hair when I was holding up my painting to get a better angle. HAHA!

I think they turned out pretty well!

Dinner and A Movie

I love Friday date nights! Tonight was no exception. I left work feeling energetic because I was ready for the weekend and had taken a great nap during lunch. As I was leaving work, I could smell the Thai restaurant down the street from my work and I was hungry!

Well, Bryce picked me up and suggested we try Curry in A Hurry! He didn't even know I was craving it earlier so of course I said yes. It was pretty good too. I especially liked my fortune "You will step foot on the soil of many countries in your lifetime." SWEET! So far I am at 11 countries but there are still lots to see!

After dinner, we went and saw The Artist at the little Lake Oswego theater. It was such a good movie. It is a silent film and as Bryce said it was "charming" and clever. I was so happy with the quality of entertainment, too. I feel like I need to watch it again because I am sure I missed things especially since the old ladies behind us kept talking! Yes, the dog is cute and I don't know what is going to happen next. How about we watch and find out together!

One Year Anniversary

Exactly one year ago I arrived in Portland to start a new chapter in my life. It has been a crazy year with lots of growth and opportunities. I am very blessed and so grateful that the Lord is so good to me.

Greek Yogurt

I love yogurt! I miss my Austrian 10% fat yogurt, but Greek yogurt has come close. I have only tried a few, but I got The Greek Gods Honey yogurt and was so happy! Today when I went to the store to get more they were all because it was on sale so I had to spend twice as much and get Chobani Vanilla. Uncle Jesse from Full House is in the commercials so the yogurt has to be good, right? WRONG.

The Greek Gods have it!

Also,  my little brother, Hyrum, turned 15 years old today! Happy Birthday! How is that even possible? I left for college when he was 7 and now he is taller than I am. Time flies!

Valentine's Day

I have always loved Valentine's Day! My mom was so good about making us feel special and thoughtful about giving little gifts like socks or soap. I also love holidays and love so it is a beautiful combination. This year was extra exciting spending it with Bryce. He brought me roses!

He then helped me pick out an outfit because I couldn't decide what to wear before he came over. I ended up loving the outfit because it was cute and comfortable!

We then went to a Mediterranean restaurant in SE Portland. We were kind of late because I totally gave him bad directions. My pride of having a good sense of direction has been hit multiple times since moving to Portland, but this was pretty bad. Luckily, it all worked out. The food was so good with really unique flavors. I got pumpkin raviolis with mushrooms. Probably the best raviolis I have ever eaten!

After a nice dinner, we decided we needed some donuts to complete the meal! I got my favorite, bacon maple bar, and Bryce tried a Voodoo man, which has a raspberry filling.

We then rented Breaking Dawn for a good laugh. I can't believe how ridiculous it was. The acting is just terrible and the lines are even worse. Then it was so choppy and all over the place. I have never seen such a miserable bride on her wedding day and such a misery husband on his honeymoon! Then there were the talking wolves, but I will stop there.

Anyways, I gave Bryce a BYU shirt and made him a card and a big cookie! I got the idea from a German/Austrian tradition when I lived there and thought it would be fun.

Sadly, we didn't take a picture together! I don't know what has happened to me, but I have become terrible at taking pictures. Maybe if I got a new camera that would help:)

Party with Friends

On Sunday, my friends, John and Adam, invited me and Bryce over for a birthday dinner. They made a strawberry bacon mushroom salad, yams, and BBQ brisket sandwiches. It was amazing! The best part came when we did the candles for the birthday cake. They put all the candles in the middle of the cake telling me it was a "27 candle" thing that no one told me about. It got really exciting when we realized they were trick candles. After they sang to me, I tried to blow the candles out, but it was more like a blow torch. The flame was at least six inches high and would re-ignite after blowing as hard as I could. Adam tried to help me and John tried too, but finally we just had to throw them in the sink! It was a blast and I hope that is a sign for how this year is going to go!

Red & Pink

So this post is close to a month old, but I had guilt posting about Valentine's in January! I just cannot help myself with decorations, I was very excited for Valentine's Day fun. I already had some amazing stuff for the kitchen, but needed a few things for the mantle and really wanted to make a pink blanket. I just wanted my house to be full of pink, white, and red!

KITCHEN

I love this little pitcher and matching cups! My mom got them for me back in college and every year I am so excited to pull them out!

 

 I think my mom also got me the matching pink towel!

 

I wanted to tie in more of the conversational hearts so made this little vase thing. It is just fun and pink!

 

LIVING ROOM

So the living room was lots of fun. I went shopping with my friend, Adeline, and we had the most incredible luck finding amazing stuff. First, we found the cute LOVE plate and heart candles, which aren't in the mantel, but next to the TV. Then we found the little love birds at Target along with the heart wreath.

The best part was when Bryce saw the love birds, he told me he was the white one and I should think of him when I saw it. HAHA!

So this is the pink blanket! That I actually cannot claim I made, but has the most incredible story! So Adeline is amazing at sewing so I convinced her to help me with making a blanket. 

 

We went to the fabric story and found this amazing pink and brown fabric. It is super soft! So it is kind of expensive, but was 30% off and so we got 5 yards cut. We get up the cashier and my bill comes out to $80. Ok, so this was going to be one expensive blanket!

Anyways, we asked if that was the sale price and the cashier told us the fabric wasn't on sale. We were a little confused because they had a sign that it was. She told us we read the sign wrong and that it wasn't on sale. So Adeline went and took a picture of the sign and showed her how it looked like from the sign. The cashier then said it was for some different fabric. So the manager came over and we told her how it the fabric wasn't labeled very clearly and she told us that it wasn't on sale.

Well at this point, Adeline asked if I wanted the fabric. NO I DID NOT! If they are going to be that rude about it, I don't want their expensive fabric. So we left annoyed that they had such terrible customer service. I mean they could of at least told us that the sign was poorly place and would be confusing!

So Adeline said she was going to write the company and let them know because this wasn't her first negative experience at the store. The next day, she got on the company's website and tried to write an email using the customer service site, but it wasn't working so since she is smart she decided to try her luck at some spamming techniques. She got the names of the CEO, COO, CFO, the chairman, and the customer service manager and tried typical email addresses (firstname.lastname@company.com). Well 2 of the emails got failed delivery, but 3 got sent!

She wrote an email describing our experience and how she does lots of sewing and is the bread and butter of their company. From now on, she would go out of her way to avoid the store. Well, half an hour later she got an email from one of the executive secretaries asking to schedule a call and that action was being taken to review the store by the regional manager. The next day, Adeline talked to corporate and by the end of the call they arranged to send us the fabric for FREE!

I just love this story so much! 

Also, Adeline did all the sewing and pretty much everything, but she still let me have the blanket! She is awesome!