Congratulations Matt

On August 11th, Matt found out that he passed his PTR certification and I am so very proud of him. He worked hard studying for this test and then had 2-8 hour days of workshop and a 5 section test to pass. 

Many people are unsure what that is.  PTR stands for Professional Tennis Registry.  It is an International Organization that certifies tennis professionals.  With his certification he is now a licensed Tennis Pro and can work at many different tennis centers around the world.  This is a huge accomplishment, especially on one's first try. 

I have been inspired by a THS 99 alumni whom I have reconnected with via Blogging to start celebrating more of life's events.  Katie does a great job creatively honoring everyone in a way that makes them always feel special.  SO....I took this opportunity to play around in the kitchen and celebrate Matt's new certification.

Chocolate Chip Brownies with Hershey Bars as frosting

I used mini M&M's to make the outline of a tennis court

I found these little tennis players and net at the local bakery.

I had a great time making this and Matt and I have had a fun time enjoying the celebration!  ;)

Camping

August in  Oregon means Awesome Camping!  This past weekend we were able to make a quick get away to Champoeg Park with my family to celebrate mom and dad's birthday.  The weather was great and the park was beautiful.  We got lots of walking, eating, board games, ladder ball and relaxing in. 

I love summer!

Our view at Breakfast

Mom playing ladder ball

Dad playing ladder ball

Jer taking on Ladder Ball

My turn

I got stuck =/

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad

Jordan River Mud

Warm Gooey Goodness

Off we go again

Dad's trying another round

Even mom got into it

Jer givin' it a whirl

Wrigley checkin' things out

Dad and his doggy

Campfire

One of the many Historical Sites at Champoeg 

 I am excited to go camping again the end of this month with Matt's family.  One last get away to Detroit Lake before summer ends and school starts up again.  What is your favorite place to camp? 

Baking

I forgot how much fun it is to bake from scratch!  Not only is it fun, but when using home grown ingredients, it is DELICIOUS (and a bit healthy sometimes) too!  Here are some of the things I have had fun baking during these "dog days" of summer.

Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins with a Crunchy Walnut Topping

Chocolate Chip Zuchinni Muffins

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade (I love our juicier attachment...so yummy!)

Pretzels, Rolo's, Almonds...YUM! 

Roseburg Visit

Last weekend we visited Roseburg for Lindsay (Matt's Neices') Wedding.  It was a great and relaxing visit with family and a beautiful ceremony. 

Here are some pictures of the weekend.

Wild Turkeys

Only in Roseburg

Beautiful Bride

Matt and His Dad

Mother of the Bride and her dad

The Rubrecht's
What a lovely bunch!

The Traveler's Gift

I have been busying enjoying yet another great book for this summer, called The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews.  My brother recommended it and it wasn't what I was expecting, but it's a great read.  This book is very inspiring as I begin to think about heading back to work at the end of the month.  Here are a few snipets and lessons I enjoyed:

"Your future is what you decide it will be"

"In the future when I am tepted to ask the question "Why me?" I will immediately counter wiht the answer: "Why not me?"  Challenges are gifts, opportunities to learn.  Problems are the common thread running through the lives of great men and women.  In times of adversity, I will not have a problem to deal with; I will have a chance make.  My thoughts will be clear.  I will make the right choice....I accept responsibility for my past.  I control my thoughts.  I control my emotions.  I am responsible for my success."

"I will seek wisdom.  I will counsel with others.  When I counsel wih just myself, I can make decisions only according to what I already know.  By counseling with with a wise man [God], I add his knowledge and experience to my own and dramatically increase my success." 

"When faced with a decision, many people say they are waiting for God.  But, I understand, in most cases, God is waiting for me!  He has given me a healthy mind togather and sort information and the courage to come to a conclusion.....successful people make their decisions quickly and change their minds slowly.  Failures make their decisions slowly and change their minds quickly."

"Passion! Passion is a product of the heart.  Passion is what helps you when you have a great dream.  Passion breeds conviction nad turns mediocrity into excellence!  Your passion will motivate others to join you in pursuit of your dream.  With passion, you will overcome insurmountable obstacles.  You will become unstoppable!"

This is just from the first half of the book.  I am looking forward to finishing the last half.  If someone else is interested in reading this book; I would love to hear your thoughts when finished too.

Happy Reading!

Our 7 year Anniversary

     Sunday, July 31st, marked the 7 year anniversary for Matt and I.  We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Oswego Grill.  Matt enjoyed cheesy garlic bread and ceaser salad, flat iron steak with mashed potatos and cole slaw.  I enjoyed cheesy garlic bread with chicken strawberry spinach salad, ribs and asparagas.  Then, Oswego Grill surprised us with a lovely banana split, Farral style.  After dinner we went and had a great laugh at the movies.  If you are wanting to just sit back and laugh, go see Horrible Bosses!

      Whenever I reflect back on our Wedding or attend someone elses, I am reminded at how perfect ours was for us.  The cermony went great, our music was fabulous and the reception was fun with good food and a great chocolate cake.  I know I teased mom the entire time while we planned this wedding because of her purple folder.  Little did I know that the "purple folder" should now be bronzed or published for others to benefit from.  It contained all the 'secrets' to planning the perfect wedding relatively stress free.  Thanks Mom!

     The years have been filled with 3 moves, many new jobs, graduate school, 5 new cars, new furniture, concerts, tennis, camping, mini vacations, frustarations, celebrations, laughter and fun. 

We make each other smile, think, laugh and grow as a person every day!!

Here is a look back at the last 7 years; wow, how time flies!   

Wedding Day: July 31, 2004

Chili's--1 year anniversary; July 31st, 2005

Seattle: 3 year anniversary--2007

The Bay House in Lincoln City: 5 year anniversary--July 31st, 2009

 Las Vegas; 6th year anniversary July 31, 2010

Our House; 7 year anniversary--July 31, 2011

We are looking forward to many more years to come!