Dating

On Tuesday Cory and I celebrated our 2 year - dating anniversary! It is crazy to think that we have been married already for 9 months of those 2 years. This man stole my heart so quickly and I love him more everyday. 

The photo above was the first picture we took together. I love it so much. That day we had went on a hike to Multnomah Falls and later that evening I had met his entire family. Very big day. 

A little recap of how we became boyfriend & girlfriend. 

We had been hanging out for about one month, going on little dates, meeting for church on Sundays, and hanging out at various church events. I knew I wanted to make things official, but of course I didn't want to just ask straight up. After church one night we and a few of his friends were headed to a crepe place in downtown Portland. As we were walking there I asked him "do you think we hang out too much?". Of course that question prompted a long discussion. We slowed down from our pace and found a bench to sit on and talked for over an hour. We never made it to the crepe place. By the end of the conversation he asked me to be his girlfriend. My response: "let's do this". 

On our 1 year dating anniversary we went back to bench. To our surprise the bench was at a cross-street of Lovejoy. How fitting :)

 I like dating my husband. He is fun to get to know. Even after these 9 months of marriage we both have changed a little. Our interests are changing and hobbies are developing (ones we do together and apart) and honestly it is all so great and fun. I look forward to getting to know my husband until the day we die!

 Love you Cory. 

Oh sunshine, where did you go?

Well the last few weeks have been a tease. Beautiful sunshine. No rain.  A more-so-typical May in Oregon. However, I think April and May have switched on us. We are now stuck with rain and cooler days (we've been using the heat!).

Traveler Tip: If you are planning to visit Oregon in the Spring...to be safe don't visit until late May or June.

Unless you like the rain.

Summer did feel close. I hope it comes soon. I know I've grown up in Oregon, but I'm a little stumpted at what to do on these rainy - stuck - inside - days.

Suggestions please!

Double Date

A few weeks ago my sister and her boyfriend visited and we had a really good time! We started the night at Dig a Pony . I highly reccommend this place. Right on the East side of Portland. The atmosphere is just right, food = yum, and the drinks are just what you would want for a cocktail out.

 (I reccommend the mojitos! They are strong but taste like candy! yes I used multiple "!").

We had an earlier cocktail/appetizer date and then headed to Henry's Tavern for some dinner (off the happy hr menu). This place is one of our to-go places in Portland. The food is yummy, happy hour seems to be constant, and when you do go to happy hour there is no minimum drink purchase. Thank you!

The next day my sis and I went and explored some of the shops around this area:

Lots of neat places in this spot of downtown. Little shops I never knew exsisted but am now way happier that I found them. Like this place:

Afterwards we went to Bollywood Theater for some Indian food and then Salt and Straw for some dessert (I see a foodie theme here, oops!). After our tummy's were full we headed to enjoy the sun down at the waterfront. We did a total tourist-y thing. But it was so much fun!

The weekend was special and very filling.

This Week

1. A walk in the rain
2. Pretty roses I found right outside
3. Best Chinese in Portland
4. A Poster for work I made
5. Made some cookies

6. Quick trip to the store with my hot hubby

7. Focused on this

8.We had a sleepover with this one

9. My talented husband made these two

10. Sending letters to loved ones

It was a good week. But it's back to work for me. Next weekend we're going to the beach!

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

I actually baked something. And it wasn't terrible!! *gasp* Seriously people this is a great feat. Let's say I am a horrible baker. Something about a dessert recipe and I just don't mix well. I got this recipe from my Aunt and I had to at least attempt it. 

Ricotta Cookies from Sue DiForti

4 C. Flour (do not sift)

2 C. Sugar

1 t. Baking Soda

1/4 t. Salt

1 lb. Ricotta (well drained in colander lined with cheese cloth or paper towels)

2 Sticks of Butter or Margarine (at room temp)

3 Eggs

1 t. Vanilla

+++This recipe makes a ton of cookies! Like enough to make at 

Christmas time to give away to all your neighbors. So I suggest cutting the recipe in half. +++

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

2. Place ricotta in colander to drain

3. Mix all ingredients in large bowl (including ricotta once it is drained)

4. Drop by the teaspoon full on a greased cookie sheet/or parchement paper on an un-greased cookie sheet

5. Bake for ~15 mins*

* The recipe said 10-15 mins but my cookies needed around 20min. 

Icing

2 C. Powder Sugar

3 T. Lemon Juice

1 T. Milk

1 t. Vanilla

Lemon Zest from 1 whole lemon

1. Combine ingredients into bowl and stir with fork until completely mixed

2. Glaze on cookies when they are completely cooled

Enjoy!

Mothers Day Luncheon

This Mother's Day I had the weekend off, yay! So Cory and I decided to throw together a little luncheon for our mothers. It was very laid back and very sweet. I really enjoyed having both my mother and mother in law there. 

(I was happy that Cory wanted to be apart of it too). 

My Mother and I

My Mother-In-Law

The pink was not planned!

Happy Mother's Day to all! I hope everyone had a great weekend! 

Lessons in Marriage # 6: What I've learned from my dog

++ Okay, hear me out. I am somewhat comparing marriage to your relationship with your dog. BUT I know marriage is way harder, way more complicated, way more rewarding; people have more feelings, more wants, more needs; but just hear what I have to say. ++

This is my parents dog Allie. If I say my dog I'm referring to her. We don't have a pup of our own yet.

1. They are beyond excited to see you when you come home

One thing I am trying to do on my days off is greet Cory with joy. Even if I had a boring, bad, annoying day, he deserves to be met at the door with a smile and a kiss. We as wives should make our husbands feel that we are so happy they are back in our presence.

2. They forgive easy

Have you ever noticed dogs don't hold grudges? You can leave them home alone for hours and hours; forget to take them to the park; not throw them their ball (even though obviously that's the only thing on their minds) and they will still give you kisses, stand by your side, and let you pet them. They let things go right away.

3. They try and please us

 It seems as though a dogs sole purpose is to please their masters. They obey without abandon. They make us laugh and comfort us just by being present. How different would our marriages be if we strived to please our spouse everyday?

4. They stand by your side

No matter what they stand next to you. You could be disciplining them, doing something wrong (for all they know), being mean, but no matter what they are there. This comparison really comes out at the fact that we need to be our spouse's teammate. Stand by them, help them, let them lean on you. We took those vows "for better or for worse" and we need to live them out "till death do us part". (Yup I take that seriously)

5. They don't sweat the small stuff

Of course we as humans have way more on our plates than our dogs. But seeing how they choose to be happy and enjoy what they are doing to the fullest makes you think about how you are living your life. They don't get all bent out of shape when you don't roll the window down for them. They don't start whining when their food isn't as great as maybe the last bag of dog food. In other words, they don't sweat the small stuff. And neither should we. 

I know a relationship in a marriage takes more work than the relationship with your dog. But observing how my dog treats me gives me a little perspective to how I treat Cory. And I could do better.