"Ranch dressing"

Ok y'all. New obsession.

Greek yogurt+ranch dressing powder+vinegar

I first tried this as a dressing for cucumber salad.  You know, that summertime joy of sliced cucumbers mixed with onions, peppers, and anything else you have on hand. Even Josh loved it!  That is high praise from this guy.

I even tried it on a romaine lettuce salad tonight. Delicious!  I can't really give a recipe, I just kind of play it by ear. You will not regret trying this, I promise.

Headed to NE this weekend to watch the bro play football.  Hopefully I don't melt...

Quick Sunday Project: Linen Closet

On Sunday, Josh was volunteering, so Avery and I were home alone for a few hours. A few weeks ago we picked up some bins on sale at Target. I knew I wanted them to do some reorganization, but I hadn't had any time yet.  Sunday was the perfect day.

I took everything out, got rid of old stuff, and sorted into more logical groupings. I used the new and existing bins to make everything neat and tidy.  I am still looking for a solution for the sheets and towels, so any suggestions are welcome.

It's nothing special, but hopefully it will work better.

Fall Bucket List

Don't get me wrong, I love summer. However, fall is my favorite season. Crisp days, apples, back to school... I could go on forever!

Since I am not going back to school this year for the first time in 19 years (wow!), I thought a little fall bucket list might be necessary to keep up the fall festivities.

I'm still waiting to set my actual list, but I will attach my inspiration.  I need to live up summer for at least another week or two.  Do you have anything on your fall bucket list?

Say What?!?

Two updates:

1. Avery chewed up our laptop charger and our desktop isn't set up, so we are currently without computer.  This would be the reason my posts are a little bit different formatting and not quite as steady.

2. A while back, there was a rather large spike in my page views.  Curious, I started to look into it.  I found that some random, what appeared to me as pornish website, from Russia was directing people here.  So I'm sorry about going private for a while, but I am hoping it solved that problem.  I will keep you updated :)

Have a great weekend. It is our first (and last) one in a while without plans!

Marital Bliss: Kindie and Ryan

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of helping one of my best friends, Kindie, by serving as a personal attendant in her wedding.  Kindie is one of the sweetest, most kind people I know, so I was so thrilled to participate in a day that was all about her (and Ryan). 

After flying overnight to get back on time, we hopped in the car to head down to Winona.  The wedding coordinator at the church was very intense, so we got a few personal attendant lessons from her during the rehearsal.  After the rehearsal, we went to the groom's dinner and to the reception site to help decorate.

The reception site was gorgeous with super tall ceilings and exposed brick.  The couple chose to use mason jars with twine and wine bottles with candles as centerpieces. It went perfectly with the look of the site!

It was a beautiful wedding and a great chance to have many friends together in one place.  Best of all, Kindie was radiating with happiness.  That is what is truly important.

p.s. If you can tell, I got Josh to wear a tie that matched my dress.  For the win...

Rewind: Cobber Corn Feed

Every year, the Concordia Alumni office hosts "Corn Feeds" throughout the country.  This is exactly what it sounds like.  Students, alumni, family, and friends gather to share time together and eat corn.

When I was on the Homecoming committee, I was able to be a part of the largest Corn Feed in Moorhead.  People came from all over the community to celebrate Concordia.  Even though it is closer to home, I had never been to the Twin Cities feed.

I wasn't sure that I even really wanted to go, because I was feeling tired and antisocial, knowing I was going to be leaving for Portland in the morning.  I am very glad I made the choice to go.

There is something about the Concordia spirit that is so uplifting.  I got to see people I hadn't seen in WAY too long.  We caught up and had some laughs.  I left the Corn Feed in a better mood than I had been in a while and with completely uplifted spirits.

Avery got enough attention to make the trip worthwhile for her :)

Fear the Ear!

Portland

I spent last week in Portland for work. It was fun to get out of the office, and Portland is a great city. It was way too long to be gone from home.

Even though we spent all day in a computer lab, we did get to see some of the city. It is very similar to Minneapolis with a bit more of a hippy feel.

I got to do some shopping, visit Oregon state university, and check out some sweet parks. I would definitely not mind going back.

Avery- 6 week update

We have had Avery for 6 weeks now!  That makes her 14 weeks old.  I can't believe how the time is flying.  It already seems like she has always been a part of our lives.  She is growing like a weed and already weighs twice what she did when we brought her home.  Here is a photo update of what we have been up to over the last few weeks.

We have been trying to take Avery for walks.  She made it for 4.54 miles!

Even though she is VERY wild, she still has her cuddly moments

Hanging with my girl

It is so hard to take a picture of this girl.  I always get a kick out of the out-takes.

Spending some time at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Hawaiian pup

Her first peanut butter Kong experience

Still LOVING hanging her head out the window.  She gets really into it and tries to jump out the window sometimes.

Avery likes to eat mom's flowers.  She also loves waiting by the fence for our neighbor Clara to show up and play.

Car ride.

She has started digging in the yard in places where this weird moss stuff grows, so baths have become more frequent.

Party time

It will be fun to continue to watch her grow.  She is a very good pup!

Harry Potter

Kindie's Harry Potter bachelorette party was a success! We had lots of fun.  Here are a few pics.

I didn't get to quite as many of the details as I would have liked to, but it still turned out great.  Best of all, Kindie had a great time!  Avery is sure getting used to being a part of parties.  Only 8 more days until Kindie's big day! I can't wait to celebrate with her and Ryan.