Watch out Portland

(Not my bike. Just a flashy one I saw on a walk one day.)

Watch out Portland... I've ventured onto the roads as a biker. Literally, watch out. Whew! I had my first Portland bike ride this week (6.5 miles! Checked off another item from my summer to-do list) and it started off in a rather exciting way. 

My ride included being forced to stop by an old man pedestrian (as he walked right in front of my bike) and being the recipient of lots of angry yelling.

 "What on earth makes you believe that you can ride your bike on this side of the path??" 

I respond, "I'm just following that other biker; sorry I didn't know." 

He continues to yell... right in my face....

Thanks dude, I got it.... Sorry... 

There are serious rules to this whole biking thing. I need a manual or seminar or something. For reals!

Baby Isaac

 Meet Isaac! I'm absolutely in love with this little munchkin and am thrilled to call him family (little cousin). This cutie-pie is very loved already!

While he is spending some time in the hospital (he's well & doing great!), I helped my Aunt (proud new Mama!) and tried to capture some newborn photos. Lighting (no natural light) & space/props/time was very limited, but I believe we got a few great shots. This was also my first attempt at photographing newborns.

...Is this kid cute or what?

1, 2, 3

 1. A highlight from my weekend: The Waffle Window 2 grand opening on Alberta Street in NE Portland! Check it out... mmmmmmmmhhh so good. We enjoyed lunch AND dessert waffles. There's a little something for every hungry mood! (Thanks Kait for a great friend date!)

 2. If I could wear maxis every day... I'm pretty sure I would. So comfortable. They almost beat out sweatpants. Close call. I wear this maxi far too often in different ways & I'm not ashamed to say so.

 

3. It has been exactly 1 year since I graduated with my BS in Nursing. SO much has happened in a year, it's incredible. I'm thankful for how far I've come and grown in just 1 year. God's provision over mine & Andrew's life is simply astounding. We are grateful beyond measure and feel so blessed to be where we are. 

Congrats grads of 2012 & fellow Lutes! 

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

1 Chron. 29:13

Tranquil Urban Oasis

I had the pleasure of enjoying what I believe to be one of Portland's best kept secrets: Forest Park. This urban forest stretches for more than 8 miles and is literally in downtown Portland's backyard. We began our little hike at lower Macleay Park trail-head which neighbors one of my favorite Portland districts: 23rd street (Nob Hill).  I can't wait to go back and try different trails in this tranquil urban oasis.

Bonus: It was on my Portland summer to-do list! Check! 

Thanks Hillary for a great morning! 

Virus

Our home is full of viruses and bacteria.

On notecards that is... 

Andrew is in "isolation" as hundreds of viruses and bacterias are invading him and trying to incubate.  He has been contaminated. The communicable period has not yet ended; however, this host offers a less welcoming and nutrient-filled environment on which to thrive. Maybe I'm immune.

Translation: My hard-working-medical-student-hubby is studying diligently in his office to learn and retain information about bazillions of viruses and bacterial infections for an upcoming exam. He tries to tell me about some and quiz me about others, but my brain does not seem to retain much besides what I deem applicable to my personal health career.  

... Though I tidy up these note-cards and return them to his office nearly each day, they somehow re-invade our entire apartment. Nasty little buggers...

Tea Party

A few weeks ago, I attended and helped a wee-bit at a women's church Tea Party. Each table host was responsible for setting up their table with a certain theme. Yep, you guessed it, ours (my mom was the table host) was beach themed with shell dishes galore. We even wore sun hats. The women worked hard and the venue was gorgeously decorated. Truly a treat!

Our table wouldn't be complete without Beyond Jordan Studio's handcrafted artisan porcelain tableware. Our little seahorse napkin ring & table card holders were all the rave!

I loved this table as well! Bring on the circus!

Photo Hunting & Couscous

 One of the great parts about our neighborhood is the community garden down the street. I love taking detours to stroll through the beautiful gardens and see all of the flowers, plants & hard-working neighbors watering, planting, raking, and simply enjoying their plots.

Yesterday I "photo-hunted" for bees & flowers in the garden. I felt like I was a little girl again with my bug catcher (wooden carrier with wire mesh) except I was capturing images instead. I remember spending hours in our yard as a little girl searching for spiders, catching rollie pollies, and even sometimes capturing the jackpot: frogs!

Did anyone else spend time catching bugs as a child? What was your best catch? Maybe I was just an odd child....

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Garlic Kale Mushroom Couscous 

-Cook couscous as directed 

-Saute garlic, mushrooms, & kale in some olive oil

-Add garlic, kale, mushroom mixture to cooked couscous & enjoy! 

*next time I'll add some bacon to the mix* 

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Have a fabulous weekend!