Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Dodgeball!



Charlie and I signed up for another round of dodgeball this fall. Our team grew and so has our skill level. We won 2 games in a row last night and were indestructible! I have to say, I don't know a better dodgeball player than Charlie. I can't tell you how many times he alone has taken out all 6 players from the other team and won the game for us. I think he is part ninja.

Happy Thanksgiving!




It was our first Thanksgiving together as a married couple. We had dinner at the Klingner's on Wednesday night, and spent Thursday at my family's house. Saturday we decided to go up to Mt. Hood and snow tube. It was a blast. I was a tad scared, as my last sledding adventure ended in a broken ankle. Happy Holidays everyone!

Monday, September 21, 2009

How did 30 happen???





So, I turned 30 this month. I would probably be really depressed and spend the rest of the month sulking, but thanks to my wonderful husband and family, I had the best birthday ever. It lasted nearly a week. We started the Saturday before and had dinner with my family, Charlie's dad, and grandmother. It was great for my family to finally meet Charlie's wonderful grandmother-Lorraine. The following weekend my mom and I celebrated with the family at Skamania Lodge for dinner, then Charlie treated me to a night at the lodge and an amazing round of golf the next morning. After dinner we opened gifts, and I got more than I had ever hoped for. 1st- a snuggie from my dad, hands down the coziest thing I have ever owned. Next my mom got me the purse and sweater from Banana Republic that I had my eye on for the last few months. Finally there was one gift I had no idea....TORY BURCH FLATS! My brothers and sister got together and got me the TB flats I have been drooling over for about 2 years. They are finally mine, and I find it really hard to take them off at night. Lastly, my nephew Andrew made me some super cool earrings out of charms and paper clips, I promise to post pictures of them soon! They are fantastic!

After a wonderful round of golf, Charlie and I headed home to find about 15 people at our house for a SURPRISE party! Lisa Klingner and Lisa Harker, got there earlier in the day and decorated. It was a blast, and my first surprise party ever! Thanks to everyone for making my 30th so memorable (that means you too Tory Burch). xoxoxo

Friday, August 28, 2009

Great tofu recipe...



Ok, I know tofu isn't every one's first choice in protein, but this is a great recipe and super easy. Throw it over some brown rice or stir fry vegetables and you are ready to rock and roll. Don't expect too many meat filled recipes from me, but I promise to post great meatless options...Bon Appetit!

Ingredients
One 18-ounce package firm tofu
2 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon Korean chile powder
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Preparation
Remove the tofu from its package and let it drain in a colander or on its side in a bowl.

Combine the green onions and garlic in a small bowl. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and chile powder and mix.

Cut the tofu cube lengthwise in half, then cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Carefully place the tofu slices in the skillet. Cook until the tofu is slightly browned on the bottom and getting a bit crispy on the edges, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the slices over and brown the other side.

Reduce the heat and spoon the seasoning over the tofu, distributing it somewhat evenly. Cover and let steam for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and serve immediately.

Variation: If you like your food to have a bit of a kick, finely chop 1/2 jalapeño (remove the seeds, of course) and add it to the soy mixture.

Recipe from: www.thenest.com

Monday, August 24, 2009

Fishing pics!





It wasn't so bad...

Early Birthday gifts...


I came home from work last week to find a strangely wrapped gift and a card on my bed. Charlie and his kids went shopping for my Birthday!!! Naturally, if I get an early present, I OPEN IT! To my surprise, I opened the card to find my very own FISHING LICENSE! Mind you, the only thing I have ever fished for is a great deal on the sale rack at Nordstrom. :) I quickly figured out what the other gift was....A FISHING POLE! Believe it or not, we went fishing this weekend and I loved it. As long as it's kept to catch and release with no hooky things that hurt the fish. Hey, I'm up for trying new things...I did get pictures, I promise to post soon! NO LAUGHING!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Hello Klingners!



Meet my new in-law. Ellen, Dean and Lisa. This is a picture from the night or our rehearsal dinner. It was a blast and the first time the Klingners and ALL of the Harkers were able to get together. We had the dinner at Blackstone Grill in Vancouver. What a great night!

See you next fall kickball...


Kickball is officially over. We weren't exactly champions, but we did okay for our first season. I'm thinking dodgeball for the fall! I hope we will go another season of adult playground sports without any injuries! Charlie seemed to manage some sort of injury nearly every game this summer. We had a blast, and met some really cool people!

PS- If you don't recognize anyone in the picture, it's because we sported wigs for our last game :).

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Camping at Oxbow Park, Oregon





We spent last weekend camping at Oxbow Park with my family. We spent Saturday fishing, hiking and eating! We did catch a few small fish.

Blackberry picking







Charlie and I spent Sunday at my parents house, blackberry picking. I can't wait to try a cobbler tomorrow! If it turns out I will post the recipe.

Monday, July 13, 2009

What a weekend!


We had my family over for a BBQ and swimming Saturday afternoon, then headed to Canby for BBQ #2 with Charlie's Family. I found myself fishing and horseback riding, 2 things I don't particularly like, but I had a blast! I even caught 3 fish!!!

I love this picture! My 2 favorite ladies!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Summer Kickball 2009


I have formed an adult kickball team for the summer. What's better than a bunch of adults acting like children? I am so excited to get this started. Our first game will be June 8th. Charlie and I have been on a dodge ball team that was an absolute BLAST. I think kickball is a bit more appropriate for summer! Wish us luck...

GREAT WEBSITES!!


I have to give a quick shout out to a couple of websites that every bride should utilize. http://www.theknot.com/ is an amazing resource for brides with tons of amazing ideas. There is a great Do-it-yourself section with lots of money saving ideas for frugal brides, as well as well as a style guide to help you plan a wedding around your personal style. Check it out! On top of that, they have a website called thenest.com for newlywed couples! I was so excited!! I just took a bunch of recipe ideas from the sight that I am stoked to try out on Charlie. I also got some great DIY decorating ideas for our new place. I will be sure to post some of my projects soon!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Ahoy!


The honeymoon is over and the honey-do list begins. Actually our place is in terrific shape! Charlie worked for the last 2 weeks organizing our garage to make additional room. Not a moment to soon! We decided to adopt...no, not a kid, but a boat. Our first project as a married couple. The boat was given to my Dad about 15 years ago from his dad. It's been outside and uncovered for the past 5 years. It's going to be some work, but I have a feeling it's going to shine up real nice!

Wedding photos!











Here are a few pictures from the wedding. Charlie and I are still going through them trying do decide our favorites! Wendy did an amazing job (unfortunately she's moving so it would be pointless to recommend her). Lot's more to come!

Friday, May 22, 2009

HONEYMOON!











Here are a few pictures of our honeymoon in Mexico. It was amazing! 90 degrees everyday, tons of food, lots of sun and amazing beaches. We flew into Cancun and took a taxi about 20 miles south to a little fishing village called Puerto Morelos. We stayed in an amazing resort called El Cid. Thanks to the swine flu there was no one there! We had a blast. I will get more pictures from Charlies camera this week and be sure to post them!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Here's the groom!


I love this photo because I can just picture Charlie sitting in front of his laptop with the webcam on making faces. Notice the glasses? Those were his wedding gift from me. Want to know what I got? The amazing jewlery I wore for the wedding.
Isn't he cute?

Lets go back...

I'll start from the beginning so you can get an idea of Charlie and I pre-wedding. Here is one of our engagement pictures. Eric did every one of them and did an amazing job. We spent an afternoon in downtown Portland and shot pictures all over the Pearl District. He had a blast and got some great pictures out of it.