My candle runneth over

If you have looked at my blog recently you have seen the pictures of my Christmas decorations. (Go ahead....look below....you know you want too.) As much as I love the flatscreen above the fireplace, it does create a challenge when it comes to holiday decor. Especially candles. I can't help but think that I may melt the speakers right off the wall if I put too many candles up there. Regardless, I am very happy with the way it turns out, not to mention how yummy the house smells mere minutes after lighting every stinkin' candle I have spread about.

I had to run out for a couple of hours the other night, confidently leaving my beautiful candles glowing. When I opened the front door upon returning home, I was immediately greeted with the same intoxicating scent that I had left behind. Everything was as I had left it until I glanced at the hearth and found this:

OMG!!!!! I had the Multnomah Falls of red wax in my living room. Eric had already gone to bed so poor Steve got the rath of Melanie. My first question was "What the $%^*@ happened?" My next comment was "I can't believe that neither of you noticed the waterfall of red wax splattering all over the floor?" BREATHE......the house didn't burn down and the tree didn't fall, everything will be clean once again.

Luckily, even after my rage, Steve was a super guy and helped scrap it off. (it may have been that he was just scared to death of me, but I am going to go with that he is just a nice guy) Along with the vaccuum, scraper, brown paper bags and an iron, I managed to get it off of the tile and the carpet. The candle holder is another story. It is still in the garage just waiting for me to clean it. I don't think that I will be using any expensive pillar candles this time. Thank god for HGTV and all of those home shows I insist on watching and recording. I may not have known how to get wax out of the carpet.

Even with the candle debockle, I will continue to enjoy the fabulous aroma of my holiday scents. Maybe just not in pillar form. :-)

(The void of red wax on the floor was where one of our wooden shoes sat. I forgot to take pictures of those but Eric's had about a 1/2 inch of wax over half of it. )

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

What can I say.....I love Christmas!! What's not to love? You have yummy food & drinks, delictable desserts, holiday parties, special time with family and friends and decorations.

For Eric and I it starts right after Thansgiving. We plan a day to put up the outdoor lights and can only hope that it doesn't rain. Inflatable Santa adorns the porch next to a tree, a BIG red bow sits at the top and Frosty gives cheer to all who pass.

Then we pick out the perfect tree at the farm just down the street.

The perfect Tree (a little blurry, but beautiful)

It takes me about a day and 1/2 to completely decorate the inside. This year I had 2 special helpers. Dexter decided that he was going to check out every container as I opened and emptied them. Sadie made sure not to leave my side. Heaven forbid she miss out on something. Eric, of course, was along for moral support. I guess I could give him the afternoon off, since he did climb on the roof to hang lights.

I love driving thru the neighborhoods and looking at the lights. We all do so much to make our homes sparkle for the holidays and I love being able to share my sparkle with all of you.

Happy Holidays and a joyous New Year.

10th Anniversary Weekend

Well all.....it has been a month since we actually went to Seattle for our anniversary, but I am just now getting to it. I guess my blogging priorities have been a little screwed up. :-)

As most of you know, our anniversary is on Halloween. We go through a dilemma every year on what to do. Do we stay home and hand out candy to the cute trick or treaters, throw a party or hope that someone else has a shin-dig that we can go to. However, every year, we seem to stay close to home and celebrate our anniversary in a small way.

Since this was a milestone anniversary, we decided to actually go out of town. We rented a very cute, quaint cottage in west Seattle. It was about 350 sq. ft., one bed/bath with a sitting area and full kitchen. The price was great and it was in a quiet neighborhood. The owners didn't have a ton of personality but it was much better than any hotel so I am going to give them a little promotion. http://www.seattlecottage.com/


I hadn't been to Seattle in years so we did all of the tourist things. We had a great dinner at the Melting Pot in Queen Anne on Halloween. That has got to be one of the best places to eat. We spent about 2.5 hours on all 4 courses and enjoyed every minute.

On Saturday, we went to Pike Place Market. It was not what I remembered. We missed all of the fish throwing and had coffee at the very first Starbucks. Hate to say it.... but we both agreed that the coffee closer to home was much better, plus, we didn't have to wait for 20 minutes to get the ole' cup of joe. There was nothing much at the market unless you wanted honey, jewlery or vegetables/seafood. You could get any of these about every 3rd table. We had a good time just people watching and going into all of the quaint shops under the market.

We walked down to the waterfront and walked all the way over to Pioneer Square. I have to say that it a bit scary and am glad that Eric carries a gun. Alot of homeless people hang out there. We did go on the underground tour. Seattle was built many years ago, but contined to be flooded as it was too close to sea level. When they rebuilt it, they raised the streets. We went under ground and ventured through original seattle. There is a lot of history in Seattle which was nice to hear about. After the tour we ventured back to the car and decided we had a long day and were actually going to take advantage of the kitchen we had.

On Sunday, we went to the Museum of Flight on the way out of town. This was pretty amazing. They had everything!! The first plane, WWI/WWII planes, all things NASA, Original boeing shop, plus actual planes that you could tour. I am not a plane buff by any means but it was a pretty amazing place. If you ever have the chance to go, it is worth the price (having a coupon makes it even better) but don't eat there. The cafe is sub-par. Listen to me.....you would think that I am writing a piece for the travel channel. All-in-all, Eric and I had a great time just hanging out together. We look forward to many more years and hope that we can get out of town again, but just a little further away.

Overnight stay with Auntie and Uncle

Eric and I try to kidnap Oliver often. So last Saturday, we decided it was a great weekend to have the little man. We like to get our kid-fix in as much as we can. He is always a wonderful guest and makes us laugh and laugh. Sadie and Dexter think he is pretty cool too. Our current roomie Steve had his girls over for the night as well, so it was a super slumber party. We went to a quaint, local pizza parlor and had a great dinner. Oliver especially enjoyed the tiramisu for dessert.
Since our pooches like to be up at the crack of dawn, we were up making breakfast for the whole crew. We had french toast, bacon and OJ. The kids watched cartoons while they waited.


Jalin, Kiana & Oliver watching cartoons


Sadie & Dexter just wanting to be part of the gang

On Sunday we took the kids to the pumpkin patch. This was old news for Oliver since his mommy and daddy had taken him to Sauvie's Island the weekend before. We ventured over to Hoffman's Farm in Canby. Not the best patch I've been too but a short drive and the least expensive. They had alot to do, even for the little ones. Included was the ball pit, face painting, corn maze, train ride, petting zoo and the ever popular inflatables. Oliver liked to look at all of the animals in the petting zoo but didn't want to be too close. What's funny is that I think Oliver hated the bracelet he had to wear to get into all of the events more than the goats.

Slowly shrinking the house

I love to paint and decorate. Most of you know this as I have either helped you paint or said "That couch would look better here or there." Typical melanieism's, so long as it looked better and there was no more white walls in site. I promised Eric that I would wait an entire year before redecorating anything in our new house. Since I didn't mind the wall color that was here when we moved in, I really kept my promise. I started with the guest room since it was the least used (colors are: lime green, brown and turquoise). It is absolutely adorable! Very gender neutral plus I even made my own prints for the walls. I keep forgetting to take pictures of that room and now we have someone staying in there, so I promise to post before and after once it is vacant again.

Since I can't share that with you yet, I am going to share with you my other fave house project. I got a wild hair up my rump one week during the summer. My little tiny half bath was needing some pizazz. I love stripes and thought they were just what the bathroom needed. So I went to the paint store and asked to look through their OOPS paint. (this is paint that was made incorrectly at the store so they sell it for cheap) I found myself a nice quart of glossy brown for $5 then went to town measuring and leveling the paint area. The whole project took me about 4 days, not so much because of the painting but the maneuvering of the giant ladder I had to work with.

I so very happy with the results. It is just like I wanted. It's on to the next project. :-)

BEFORE

AFTER

Dogzilla and the Lil' Stinker

As previously mentioned, Eric and I will be gone for Halloween this year celebrating a very monumental occasion. That means no handing out candy to little monsters, princesses or pirates and no dressing the pups up. (Eric will be happy to hear that I take full responsibility for this guilty pleasure.) I started the costumes last year with Sadie. She was a wizard and a darn cute one at that. We put the child gate in the front doorway, which allowed us to still close it, and Sadie could greet all the kiddies when they came trick or treating without scaring the "beegeeous" out of anyone. To make her feel better, or maybe it was just me being a big kid, I dressed up as a jester. We were pretty darn cute. Despite her obvious hatred for the clothing, (look at that face) I am convinced that she really likes it. Hahahaha!!!!

Halloween 2007

For some reason, I felt compelled to have a plethora of dog costumes. At the end of the season last year, I caught the 1/2 off sales at the doggy boutiques; I couldn't run out, EVER!!! Never did I think that I would have 2 dogs to dress.... oh what fun for me. I couldn't bare to leave Dexter out of all the dress-up fun, even though they would clearly benefit from us being out of town, so I got out the costumes and camera, dressed the dogs and enticed my furry babies to sit and stay with yummy treats. I tell you.....I have the best darm pups. They don't look as excited in the pictures as I know they were in their hearts.

I know that the dogs look very much alike. I bought this Halloween collar last year for Sadie. I had to have the same picture of Dexter. If I didn't know, I would think that they were related. If anyone sees another collar like this, please let me know. I would hate for either of them to feel left out.

Which Ugly Betty character am I?

I'll take Christina over Wilhemina anyday

Where has the time gone?

Can you believe it is October already? Where has 2008 gone? Eric and I had a fun, eventful summer with family BBQ's, camping, shelter functions and new additions to our family, whether they be permanent or temporary. It's time to put away the patio furniture and yard ornaments to make room for pumpkins and jolly ole St. Nick.

October is a very special month for us. It starts our hectic, yet fun, holiday season. You all know I love to decorate for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I also have my annual candle party so I can stock up on those yummy candles; I love to burn them during our cold winter months, plus they help mask those stinky kids I have.

Eric and I are going to celebrate our 10th anniversary, yes....... I said 10th.. We are going to spend a romantic weekend in Seattle while our friend Jason takes care of the "kids". This is also the 2nd year that we have been in this house. Again..... CRAZY!!!!! As much as I love to paint and decorate, as you all know, I have not gone completely crazy the past two years. I have only redone the half bath, the guest room and the "man" room, which is now our gym. I would love to remake the whole house with fun colors and funky accessories but all in good time my friends. I am determined to shrink the house from the inside out and it is going to be so much fun doing it.

I raise my imaginary glass and say "Here's to the last 3 months of 2008". May they be calm and crazy, fun, mundane and surprising all rolled into one. We have wonderful family and awesome friends, both of which we don't see nearly enough of. I also have a wonderful husband who is more supportive then I could have ever asked for. I hope that 2009 makes all our hopes and dreams come true.

Eric, Dianna, Ian, Oliver & I: Christmas 2007

So Stinkin' Cute

According to the shelter, Dexter was approximately 8 weeks old on July 12. Of course, being a dog, he can't tell them if this true or not, so I have to assume their expertise has prevailed. So......those that aren't counting that puts mister Dexter at approximately 18 weeks.

For those of you that have not met him yet, he is the biggest cuddler EVER. He would lick the skin right off your face if you'd let him. He continues to be very mellow puppy, which is the biggest "THANK GOD" I can yell and he is excelling at his training. He has been attending puppy kindergarten for the past month and is throughly enjoying every minute. His best friend in the class is Berkley. She is a wire-haired terrier who just runs him ragged every week. This class will end soon and his new class, Dog Adolecence, starts right away. I have to give some free advertising to Cindy, our trainer. She is absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend her for any training needs that you have. She can be found at http://www.thepuppyplayhouse.com/

Dexter is completely potty trained and still non destructive. (well, except for a leash handle. It ended up digesting just fine in case you were wondering. TMI... I know. I am happy that at least it was not my shoes) Lately there have been a few nights, or should I say stinkin' early mornings that he has woke me up with the utmost urgency to GGGGOOOO!!! I guess I should be happy he hasn't left a nice big mess in his bed, but 4:00am, really? Do they make doggy sleeping pills? LOL

His very best friend, by far, is Sadie!!! He absolutely loves her, even though I really don't think the feeling is completely mutual. Let's just say that she is very good at tolerating him. We go to a really neat, local dog park where Sadie sliced her pad open chasing after a ball. She limped and laid around for about 4 days. which is completely abnormal for her. Dexter was very concerned and had to be right next to her (or sit on her head, whatever was convenient for him) every chance he got. What nice loving pups I have. :-)

So if you are lacking some serious dog kisses, feel free to come over and stock up. Dexter is always more than happy to give them away.

Pepper Spray, Tasers and Guns..... OH MY!!!!

Eric's new world of being a police officer includes some daredevil activities. Target shooting, defensive training and simulated high-speed chases are the "adrenaline pumping" drills they have to do. During the academy all recruits have to be pepper sprayed and complete a make shift obstacle course, however, being tased while all your comrads watch is voluntary. If you don't, well...... I guess your police buddies won't let you hear the end of it. I don't know about you, but no amount of money could make me want to have either of these things done.

Eric's Big Dream

For as long as I have known Eric, (which was 10 years last October) he has wanted to be a police officer. When we were first married he didn't think that he would pass all of the requirements for the job, so he started taking courses to be a dispatcher instead. I don't really remember what happened to that venture.... something about typing...... but anyhoo, it went by the wayside due to all of the other things that he had going on. Fast forward 7 years, and he brings up the police thing again. He is gung ho to get in shape for the testing for a couple of local departments. This time he just wants to start out as a reserve. In case you didn't know, that's when you get to be shot at for free. Yeeehaaaa, just what the wife wants.

So last June, he started the process of testing. First there is the physical test. I guess it is was 5 minutes of hell, however Eric passed with flying colors. Then came the written test, which again was passed with no problem. He is one smart cookie. Next was the oral interview. Now.... this was the scariest for Eric. You sit in front of a panel of police officers and councilmen and talk about yourself like you were the best freakin' guy on earth. FUN!!!! with a capital "F". Most of us can toot our own horn once in a while, but it is not easy for Eric. Finally, once you have passed all of this, you are sent the background investigation packet to fill out. Talk about a nightmare..... 30+ pages of information. The best thing.... all departments need one if you make it through the first 3 tests. Thank God for friends that have been through this process as they passed on some helpful information to assist in the tediousness of these background forms. I do want to "halla" out to all those that sent glowing reviews of Eric last year. Thank you, thank you , thank you!!!

As anticipated, Eric passed the background check with flying colors,was sworn in at the department and started the reserve academy 3 days later.









From September to February, 3 times per week, Eric was shooting and studying, driving and cuffing, being maced and taised, having a blast and making new friends. He graduated from the academy February 9th, 2008 and has been consistently volunteering ever since.

In June, he decided that this was the career he wanted and began the process for a full time job with 2 nearby departments. I am happy to report that he did a phenomenal job and was all stressed for nothing. He was in the top 10 out of 67 applicants (they were only hiring 1 officer) for one dept. and he is currently ranked #1 for the other.

So here I am, the very proud wife, wanting to share this with you. He has worked so hard to achieve this dream and continues to surprise me everyday. Just as a word of caution.....you better watch out as Officer Graves might just be the one pulling you over.

Camping at Cove Palisades

We were so excited for our big trip of the summer. The meals were planned, all of the camping gear packed and of course my handy-dandy spreadsheet to make sure that I had not forgotten anything. (Remember - I am a little anal retentive.) We were going to spend an entire week in Eastern Oregon surrounded by sunny-warm weather, Lake Billie Chinook, great campfires with Smores and our friends.

What can I say..... it didn't quite turn out the way we had planned.
We shared our site with our great friends Lance, Michelle and their son Clayton.
Also there for the same week were Josie and Nate and their extended family.

We arrived on a Sunday, got camp set up, made dinner and took a walk around the loop. Immediately we were entertained by mother nature with an awesome lightning and thunder show. She unleashed the water works about 2am which continued throughout the morning. During the weather breaks we set up badmitton and croquet, rode bikes and played games. In general the weather was pretty crummy however we had one very warm afternoon so we hung out by the lake. Since Sadie was little we thought she hated the water but it turns out she LOVES it. Who knew???? Once the 40mph winds with rain came, we decided it was time to pack up and go home. Lance and Michelle were leaving on Wednesday and we didn't want to be without our security blanket known as their trailer. The time we spent with our friends was great and we hope that next year will be better for us in the weather department. The day after we got home we spent the better part of the afternoon looking for a new tent and checking out tent trailers. The old tent didn't make it past the garbage can so it will not make it to the next adventure.

Welcome!!!

To my first blog - EVER!!! I know, I know, I am way behind the times . With Myspace, Facebook and all the other web based "stay in touch" options, I thought I better start documenting my life and memories now. Most of you know that I don't remember squat, so what better way to capture all of these important moments than right here on my computer. Plus... it will make me start taking pictures of ANYTHING & EVERYTHING. Thanks to my wonderful friend Jodi and her very creative blog, I have decided to create my own.

Meet Dexter...

...Oh, what a cutie he is turning out to be. For those of you that haven't met the little man, he is a 3.5 month old American Pitbull Terrier. We began fostering him for the Multnomah County Animal Shelter. http://www.multcopets.org/ He was a mere 8 weeks at the time and was too little and too skittish to go onto the adoption floor. Mind you, we had just sent our former foster, Levi, off to his new home only 4 days prior. I will have to tell you about that wonderful boy too, but that will be later.

The first few weeks were tiresome. I did the puppy thing with Sadie, and boy, I didn't remember it being so hard. I was waking up at least once a night, sometimes twice. He was not enjoying the crate, so he would whine and cry for hours. Our trainer had great advice to help us out......they were called earplugs. hhhhhmmmmm...... not what I was looking for, but you do what you have to do.

Anyhow, sleeping has gotten much better. He is still very mellow, super cuddly and just loves to be with his Mom, Dad and big sis. From the look on Sadie's face most of the time, I doubt the feelings are mutual.
Except for a couple of casualties (a pair of flip-flops and shoelaces), he only chews on his toys and can't get enough of the barkdust. Thankfully all pillows and couches remain puppy-teeth free.

More to come on Dexter as he gets bigger. Check back soon