Tiny Heiny on the way

My high school besties and I showered our dearest Matea and her baby-on-the-way Sunday.

Matea and her hubby Josh live in San Fran, so the four of us friends were overjoyed the guest of honor was able to make the trek up north to celebrate.

If it weren't for Katie, the book-themed shower probably never would have happened. Behind her creative prowess, we rallied via email to plan and carry out her artistic vision. Katie's creativity continues to inspire and motivate me to break out the scissors and glue and get crafty. I mean, we all remember her wedding, right?

On to the photos...

Wish this wasn't so blurry. The pregnant lady arriving at her party.

Blank canvases.

Keeping with the book them, Katie crafted this garland from vintage book pages.

Look at this food spread! My favorite part! 

Cuuute invites!

All the moms with babes chatting it up.

I think this is such a cute pic of Matea and Mar. Wish we had a side-by-side of them from grade school.

Is it a boy or a girl? We don't know!

How great does this mom-to-be look? Due date is Nov. 8. And. Fun fact: Matea's sister is due with her second on the exact same day!

Matea (and her hilarious mama) gave each gift such special attention. She's the sweetest.

Lots to choose from!

Matea's last name is Heinemann, so her husband has been calling the baby "Tiny Heiny." 

Not only did Katie envision the shower, she also made Matea all of her gifts...several bibs, washcloths, this blanket, and the bunny below. Outrageously crafty. This gift deserved a round of applause.

Handmade bunny by Katie.

Matea's mom re-purposed her baby blanket into a new blankey for her babe.

Twinsies! My mom and Katie in All-American style.

Best friends forever!

For better or for worse

I swear, since Taylor popped the question, we've fallen apart. Our relationship is as strong as ever, but physically, we've been a bucket of bolts. The dynamic duo we are not at the moment.

I think it was the weekend after our engagement when we went mountain biking with our buddy Dan. I had quite the wipe-out at the very end of the ride, resulting in a bruised shoulder, bruised ribs, and a bruised ego, among other things.

Then, Taylor got the flu pretty bad, during the hottest week of the year. So random and sad.

I had a weird skin reaction, which sent me to urgent care and back to the doc. Many meds later, and I'm on the mend.

See what I mean? Just a series of unfortunate events, or something like that.

But. It didn't really end there. I just got laid off from my job Friday. Total heartbreak.

It's during these times, I'm so glad I've got strong faith and a seriously caring boyfriend. I mean fiancé...my future husband. Whatever we shall call him. He's the man. I'm so thankful. When people ask me how Taylor's doing, I always reply with something along the lines of, "Well. He's great. He's constant." Taylor's always Steady Eddie. Such a rock. His patience and resilience are remarkable and truly complementary to my lack of patience and moments of wimpy-ness.

Taylor, this post is for you. You're my best!

Bet you wonder where I found this lost photo?! Redneck Christmas party 2011, baby!

Holding on to summertime

I was so sad to see the calendar turn from August to September, as it sure seems like fall is in the air. We've had a couple of crisp mornings lately, and it just kills me to see headlights during the 7 o'clock hour. What happened to twilight post-9 p.m.? 

Ugh. I know I can't fight it, so I might as well embrace the pumpkin spice latte (personal fav) and leggings season. It's true, I like a good sweat pants and couch snuggling, but I LOVE tan lines and outdoor happy hours, among other summer sensations.  

I think we have a bit of an Indian summer on the horizon, which is superb, but I'd like to reflect on some sweet summertime moments of 2012 (in no particular order):

Tyrone Wells show at Alberta Rose Theater with some of our favorites, Monika & Grant and Erin & Rob.

Crab night feast from Taylor and Rob's crabbing extravaganza on the coast. 

Walla Walla Sweet Jesus from the Lake Oswego Farmers' Market. Did somebody say, "Onion rings?"

Avett Brothers with dear friend Whitney at Edgefield. 

Taylor's Special: Fish tacos with tuna Taylor's dad caught. Mmmakes my mouth water just looking at it!

Watching Mariel (and Mike in the car!) as grand marshal v2 in the Beaverton parade.

GORGEOUS congrats-on-the-engagement bouquet at work from Taylor's family--so pretty!

Twilight Crit with friends in downtown Portland. We'll definitely make this an annual thing. So neat watching the cyclists cruise around the Park Blocks at crazy speeds.

Quick trip to Pullman for Papa Ron's 75th birthday during my favorite time of year: harvest.

Cheering on Taylor at short track out at the raceway Monday nights. Such a sign of summertime.

Acting like paparazzi through the chain link. :)

Happy 100th JC!

“Remember, 'No one's more important than people'! In other words, friendship is the most important thing--not career or housework, or one's fatigue--and it needs to be tended and nurtured.” 

― Julia Child, My Life in France

August 15th would have been Julia Child's 100th birthday.

Naturally, my mom and I wanted to celebrate  in true JC fashion. We decided to prepare a total Julia meal, from appetizer to dessert. Because I was working all day, my mom got a serious jump-start on the meal. OK. That's an understatement. In all honesty, the only thing I was able to contribute was the marinating sauce for the chicken. I really wished my sisters were close as this was just the type of celebration they would have loved.

My mom spent the entire day cooking. Julia's meals aren't the easiest--Rachael Ray never would be able to fit one of Julia's dishes into her thirty-minute meals. I was over-the-top impressed with the spread. Though her meals are time-consuming, Julia's methods are practical, and most of her ingredients are of the everyday variety. One thing my mom noticed is how much alcohol she added to the food, whether a liqueur in the dessert or a vino in the main dish.

The meal was outrageously tasty. Taylor, my dad, and I were the only guests at this party. It was so nice to celebrate a simple summer evening like that. We cracked open a nice bottle of wine I snagged while in Hood River with my girlfriends back in July. It was the perfect occasion. Happy Birthday, Julia. Thanks for your continual kitchen wisdom and inspiration.

My mom even decorated like it was a birthday party and gave ME a gift! 

My dad got in on the action (I'm not going to say he had a choice in the matter).

BEST cake ever. 

French risotto and cheesy cauliflower. It's making my mouth water just reminiscing! 

I should also post the recipes...

Bride, groom, dog, wine, and the hottest day of the year

Our friends A.J. and Rachel tied the knot Saturday. They looked hot. Literally. It was hottt! I think the temperature reached 102 degrees. Woo-wee!

The wedding was at A.J.'s family's winery, and boy was it beautiful. The couple said their vows in the vineyard, and the reception was out on the patio and lawn off the tasting room. One of their dogs decided she wanted to be a part of the ceremony and made her way to the alter just before they said their vows. Adorable.

Rachel is very crafty and resourceful, and you could tell she put a lot of thought and effort into the wedding. One of her friends made the cupcakes, another did the flowers, and a neighbor catering friend provided the favors. The food was delicious, and hello--very good wine! :)

Cheers to the newlyweds!

Grant and his new camera. You're an animal.

It's been so long since we got the gang together. Monika and Erin looking cool despite the heat. 

My FIANCE (he he).

Here comes the bride! 

Mr. and Mrs. Kemp!

Good pic of you, Tay. Can't say the same for me. 

Not a bad view of Mt. Hood in the distance, eh?

Teeth clenched..."C'mon, Taylor, just endure the sunlight for ONE pic, please?!"

Take 2 wasn't much better than the first attempt. 

Sweat is a good look for you, G! 

The boys! Scott, Grant, Rob, and Big T! 

Taylor played cornhole while I tore it up on the dancefloor. Duh. 

Girls pic! 

One with Keely!